Winter bonanza: Barcelona’s January signings’ impact in numbers

Heading into the January transfer window, there was a lot of scepticism within Barcelona fans given how things had panned out in the summer. With finances being tight and not much room on the wage bill, the expectations heading into the mid-season trading period weren’t all too high.

However, the board, led by director Mateu Alemany, did a brilliant job during the winter window to register Dani Alves officially while bringing in three new players in the form of Ferran Torres, Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Torres arrived from Manchester City in a deal worth an initial €55 million fee, while Adama was re-signed on loan from Wolves, with an option for the club to make his signing permanent in the summer.

Aubameyang’s signing proved to be tricky business due to some late issues, but the Blaugrana managed to get it over the line, signing him on a free transfer after Arsenal terminated his contract.

And, safe to say that all the four players have made a telling impact upon their arrival and have played a hand in Barcelona enjoying a turnaround of fortunes of late. While the Catalans are still a tad inconsistent, things are looking bright for Xavi Hernandez & co.

Some of the credit for it must go to the new arrivals considering the valuable contributions they have made in a short period of time.

Dani Alves, despite being 38 years old, continues to shine. He has already contributed with one goal and three assists from five games in all competitions for the Blaugrana.

Ferran Torres, meanwhile, has contributed to five goals directly – two goals and three assists from eight matches. The tally could have been higher had he taken his chances in the first leg Europa League playoff tie against Napoli.

Adama Traore is yet to score a goal, but the Spanish winger is proving his worth and answering the doubters who posed questions over his end product. The 26-year-old has notched up four assists in five matches already and has won a penalty as well.

As for Aubameyang, the Gabonese hitman has netted four goals in five appearances, all of which have come in the last two matches.

Barça are fourth in the La Liga standings, just four points below third-placed Real Betis with a game in hand, while they have also qualified for the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, where they will face Galatasaray.

All four January signings have contributed to that progress and have certainly helped change the mood around Camp Nou.