Michy Batshuayi and Peter Crouch made headline-grabbing returns to the Premier League while Newcastle broke their transfer record on deadline day.
Chelsea striker Batshuayi, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Valencia, returned to England on a temporary deal with Crystal Palace having earlier been linked with a host of other clubs.
Veteran former England striker Crouch, who turned 38 this week, swapped Championship Stoke for Burnley while Newcastle spent around £20million on Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron.
Batshuayi, 25, was touted as a possible signing for Everton, West Ham, Tottenham and Real Betis at various points during the day but Palace won the race.
Batsman Returns to London!
Welcome to the Palace, @mbatshuayi #CPFC
https://t.co/GXoBd1Ujhn pic.twitter.com/eVQgrN8uD5— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 1, 2019
Wage demands may have been a stumbling block for a number of clubs while, in Spurs’ case, Chelsea were reportedly not willing to strengthen a direct rival.
The Belgium international has struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge since his £33million arrival from Marseille in 2016 but remains a highly-regarded player.
Crouch was released by Stoke to join the Clarets on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The deal saw Wales international forward Sam Vokes move in the opposite direction.
INTERVIEW | New signing @petercrouch sits down for his first interview with the club…
WATCH MORE https://t.co/9sRPphdO2O pic.twitter.com/nc46BOnRsa
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) January 31, 2019
Crouch, whose previous clubs include Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa, will be hoping to add to the 108 goals he has scored in the top flight throughout his career.
“I feel like the older I get, the more hungry I get,” said Crouch.