Bundesliga Transfer Window: The winners and losers

by Kevin Hatchard

As the transfer window in Germany closed shut nice and early at 18:00 CET on deadline day, some Bundesliga clubs had their ideal signings neatly tied up way beforehand. For a few though, their transfer business were a reflection of their doldrums state in the league.

The transfer window has slammed shut – for some reason nobody ever closes it gently – and clubs in Germany now know exactly what resources they have at their disposal for the rest of the campaign. As always, some clubs appear to have done great business, while others fell short.

Embed from Getty Images
Winners

1 – Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg are on a high after handing champions Bayern Munich their first league defeat of the season, and they may have found the missing piece of their jigsaw with the signing of Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle.

The 24-year-old set up Mario Gotze’s World Cup-winning goal for Germany against Argentina, but was deemed a surplus to requirements by Jose Mourinho. The impish Kevin De Bruyne has thrived at Wolfsburg since being shown the door at Stamford Bridge, and I suspect Schurrle will make a similar impact.

Wolfsburg have built an impressive squad over the past couple of seasons, but it has lacked a marquee forward. Despite being linked with Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku in the summer, Wolfsburg ended up with Arsenal misfit Nicklas Bendtner. Schurrle’s signing has atoned for that failure, and his clever movement and powerful running should help the Wolves book a place in the Champions League.

2 – Borussia Dortmund

Although BVB are embroiled in a relegation battle, they have managed to hold onto their star players Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, at least for now. Fleet-footed forward Reus is expected to decide on his future in March, while centre-back and captain Hummels could be persuaded to stay if Jurgen Klopp’s side finish the season strongly. Hummels became irritated by an incessant torrent of stories linking him with Manchester United, and he wasn’t the only one.

As well as retaining their best players, Dortmund made a shrewd signing. Midfield livewire Kevin Kampl was snapped up for just 12 million euros from Red Bull Salzburg, and he is ready-made for Klopp’s system of relentless pressing and high-speed counter-attacking.

3 – FC Cologne

The Billy Goats have done superbly to stay out of the dropzone so far in their first season back in the top flight. Coach Peter Stoger has built the team’s success on rock-solid defence, so keeping rising goalkeeping star Timo Horn – who was strongly linked with Liverpool – was a big plus.

At the other end of the pitch Effzeh often lack creativity and unpredictability, but the deadline day signing of Belenenses striker Deyverson could make all the difference. The 23-year-old Brazilian has scored eight goals in 16 league games this term in a limited team, and he should thrive with better service.

Losers

Embed from Getty Images

1 – Hamburg

The northern giants are in crisis after an awful first half of the season with saw them score just nine goals in 17 games. They tried but failed to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Josip Drmic, and had to settle for bringing back ancient warhorse Ivica Olic. The 35-year-old may well score a goal or two, but it’s not a forward-thinking move, and it stinks of desperation.

The acquisition of playmaker Marcelo Diaz from Basle fills the gap left by Besiktas-bound Tolgay Arslan, but with a clutch of players either injured or off-form, more wheeling and dealing needed to be done.

2 – Hertha Berlin

The capital club have been dragged into the relegation mix, and their problems were showcased by a 5-0 home defeat to Hoffenheim just before Christmas. Hertha have defended dreadfully throughout the campaign, and they are consistently gutless away from home.

Hertha fans were doubtless hoping for at least one new signing to boost morale, but no-one arrived at the Olympiastadion, and a nerve-jangling few months lie ahead.

Follow @kevinhatchard

Read more from Kevin Hatchard here!