One of the most underwhelming transfer windows in recent memory has finally drawn to a close, and there wasn't too many deals for fans to get excited about. With this in mind we have cast our attentions towards some of the stranger transfers struck during the window.
Some of these may have slipped by you, but they are all downright strange. Take a look:
John Obi Mikel to Middlesbrough
When Middlesbrough fans heard their team was about to sign a Champions League winner, it is something that would have excited them greatly. Little did they know that they signed one of the worst ones ever.
John Obi Mikel somehow lasted for 11 years (?!) at Stamford Bridge, winning every honour in the game. In another marvel of time and space, he is still only 31-years old. We already look forward to seeing him breaking up a bit of play in the Championship.
Here's a video of every one of the Nigerian's touches during his debut, if you're into that sort of thing.
A #Boro debut and an hour under the belt for new arrival @mikel_john_obi at the weekend 💪 #UTB pic.twitter.com/U1tc2xeurw
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 29, 2019
Liam Ridgewell to Hull
We forgot he existed. Former Birmingham City player Ridgewell has returned to English football, joining Hull City on a free transfer until the end of the season. Ridgewell has been playing in the MLS since 2014 (although he did have two short loan spells at Wigan and Brighton), spending his entire tenure in the US with the Portland Timbers, winning an MLS Cup in 2015.
He left Portland in December after the expiry of his contract. At 34-years old this could be his last hurrah in football, and what a way to spend it, slumming it in Hull. More power to him.
New signing Liam Ridgewell arrives at Hull City with a wealth of experience gained from more than 17 years in the game.
Find out more about our new signing ➡️ https://t.co/U9uTTZAwiy #WelcomeLiam | #hcafc | #theTigers pic.twitter.com/iT4ZLxJjUg— Hull City (@HullCity) January 31, 2019
Peter Crouch to Burnley
In one of the surprise moves of the window, Peter Crouch has returned to the Premier League with Burnley. At 38-years old, we all assumed his time in the English top flight was behind him, but Sean Dyche clearly feels there is a trick or two left in the old dog yet.
By a trick we of course mean throwing him on for the last five minutes and lumping the ball to him from their own half. Total football.
Ashley Cole to Derby
Looking forward to the new challenge ahead with @dcfcofficial pic.twitter.com/XFjcFWE8Yw
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) January 21, 2019
When you look at Derby's signing of Ashely Cole, you can't help but feel that he was somehow tricked into it. Anyway, here we are, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard back together at last. The reunion absolutely nobody asked for.
After spending his entire career in metropolises such as London, Rome and Los Angeles, we're sure that Ashley is looking forward to living the high life in Derbyshire.
Yannick Bolasie to Anderlecht
Bolasie cancelled his season long loan at Aston Villa without the consent of Everton at the start of the month, and he clearly had the bright lights of Brussels on his mind.
He heads to Anderlecht on loan, and continues the recent trends of British-born (although he represents Congo at international level) players moving to the continent. He is about 10 years older than most though.
Kiko Casilla to Leeds
The third Champions League winner to move to the Championship in January (yeah, I don't get it either), Casilla is filling a major need in the Leeds team. Likely attracted to the club by well-respected coach Marcelo Bielsa, he will be hoping to play Premier League football next season.
Thanks to all of you for the welcome@LUFC pic.twitter.com/SNFgHOmqwE
— Kiko Casilla 13 (@KikoCasilla13) January 17, 2019
Josh Maja to Bordeaux
One of the stars of the infamous Sunderland 'Til I Die documentary, Josh Maja has managed to escape the north-east of England well before death. After refusing to sign a new contract at the club, he has joined Ligue 1 side Bordeaux in a £3.5million deal.
He had been tearing it up in League One this season, and will hope to carry that form with him to France.
Victor Moses to Fenerbahce
Amazing win last night and an incredible feeling making my debut for @Fenerbahce 💯 thanks to the fans for the reception 🙌🏿 I really appreciate your support 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/5zvQCf5c8b
— Victor Moses (@VictorMoses) January 29, 2019
Victor Moses can only be described as a loan move connoisseur, securing his fourth temporary switch from Chelsea this month. This time he has ventured a bit further, moving to Turkey to try and save Fenerbahce from relegation. Glamorous.
Reece Oxford to Augsburg
For a player who was touted as one of the top up and coming talents in the English game, Reece Oxford has made a habit of moving to shite German clubs on loan. His move to Augsburg was met with a feeling of indifference from West Ham fans, who are starting to doubt that he is the second coming of Bobby Moore.
