Sometimes, excellent business gets done that transforms a club in one fell swoop, with a big-name player either saving a team from relegation, or catapaulting them to glory.
But for clubs that are struggling, whether that’s due to poor performances or an injury crisis, the January transfer window can spark some panic buying. These players are either bought out of desperation to fill a gap in the starting XI, or to try and steady a sinking ship in a relegation battle.
Here are 10 of the worst January transfer moves in Premier League history - including a player who ‘gave up’ on his first day at his new club, and another who practically went from the plane to a hospital bed.

1. Kim Kallstrom (2014)
Spartak Moscow to Arsenal - Loan | Arsenal FC via Getty Images

2. Christopher Samba (2014)
Anzhi Makhachkala to QPR - £12.5m | Getty Images

3. Andy Carroll (2011)
Newcastle to Liverpool - £35m | Getty Images

4. Benni McCarthy (2010)
Blackburn to West Ham - £2.25m | Manchester United via Getty Images


