The Hidden & Recovered Gems of January

The Premier League led the way in the January transfer window as usual. There weren't as many big splashes at usual but the league subtly coasted to its third-highest spending January ever. Manchester City grabbed the headlines, bringing in Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo to help fuel a title challenge. You won't find many players better than those two across the league. Not all gems are obvious to the eye though, some need to be discovered or dusted off to reveal their brilliance. Here are three such transfers that you need to watch closely:

1. Conor Gallagher to Spurs ($47 million)

This transfer is flying under the radar way more than I expected. Gallagher has a knack for being undervalued. In two of his three seasons in the Premier League, he had double digit goal contributions. I argue that he was one of Chelsea's best performers in the 23/24 season. Despite that, he was forced out of the club and had a very average stint at Atletico Madrid. His chance of redemption at Tottenham is tantalizing. He's been put into a team that is starved of attacking talent due to injuries. On top of that, his work rate is perfect for a fanbase that needs something to cheer. He didn't sulk in a rough situation at Chelsea nor did he when the boos rained down at halftime against Man City. He's already helped create a memorable moment, assisting Solanke's wonder goal. If he can find his goal-scoring boots again, he'll become a focal point of this team.

2. Tammy Abraham to Aston Villa ($25 million)

In the 2018/19 season, Abraham terrorized the Championship for Villa as they gained promotion. He scored 26 league goals before returning to Chelsea at the end of his loan. He's been a successful since then but has become a bit of a journeyman of late. His return to Villa is perfect for all parties. Tammy will benefit greatly from Unai Emery's tutelage and Villa's quality. He's exactly the type of striker they need. They've had plenty of creative, powerful forwards in the team, but have lacked a target man. Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers don't fit that mold despite their quality. Abraham gives the team a different dimension with his ability to hold the ball up and attack crosses with his 6' 4'' frame. Villa will look to him in tight games as they seek Champions League qualification.

3. Rayan to Bournemouth ($33 million)

Bournemouth have become masters of selling and reinvesting smartly. They don't get many transfers wrong. A big money transfer from Brazil always raises excitement and red flags. It's hard to predict what a teenager from another continent will become in Europe. Rayan isn't built like a teenager though. He is strong and a powerful runner. He reminds me a lot of a young Malcom. His production off the wing for Vasco de Gama was outstanding last season, bagging 14 league goals. Bournemouth's back and forth style is going to give him lots of opportunities to run into space and take players on. He notched an assist already in his debut against Wolves. Do not be surprised if he leaves for double the price in a couple years.