4. Nemanja Matic (Benfica to Chelsea)
Chelsea completed the signing of Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic midway through the January window on a five-and-a-half-year deal. The 25-year-old Serbian left Stamford Bridge for Portugal three years ago as a part of the deal to bring defender David Luiz to Stamford Bridge, and this return marks his second spell at the club.
“I am very happy for this opportunity. I just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy,” said Matic.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said: “He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder.”
Mourinho quickly identified the defensive midfielder as a key target on his return to Stamford Bridge and the club had no issue with re-signing a player they previously let go. He adds depth and quality to Chelsea’s midfield, and with Frank Lampard’s future being uncertain, Matic could become his successor.