While the January transfer window may not have brought the kind of explosive transfer activity fans had hoped for, there were more than a few significant moves involving Premier League clubs. Soccernet assesses some of the best.

Robinho rejoined his hometown club © Getty Images

Robinho (Manchester City to Santos): Having endured a troubled five years since leaving Santos for Real Madrid in 2005, a return to Brazil seems an ideal move for Robinho after failing to cope with the physicality and mentality of the Premier League. City are facing a big loss if his loan is made permanent.

Robbie Keane (Tottenham to Celtic): Keane has never quite recovered his form since leaving Spurs for Liverpool in 2008, but his hero’s reception on arriving at Celtic will be a major boost to his confidence. His position should be under little threat at Parkhead and, with the side currently struggling for form, this could turn into a dream move for a player who likes to be at the heart of his side.

Patrick Vieira (Inter Milan to Manchester City): A surprise move, particularly as his persistent injury woes show no sign of abating. His ability and experience are not in doubt, but he may struggle to readapt to the Premier League given the number of players in his position.

Maxi Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid to Liverpool): Liverpool fans would have hoped for more than just a free transfer in January, but Rodriguez could prove a fine acquisition. He had been struggling for form at Atletico but showed signs of recovery against Bolton and, as a winger who can also play as a second striker, he could become hugely valuable.

Chris Smalling (Fulham to Manchester United): From Maidstone United to Manchester United in two years, 20-year-old Smalling was the subject of interest from Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger after just a handful of first-team appearances with Fulham. As a tall, pacy, ball-playing centre-back, he looks like a future star for club and country.

Sol Campbell (free transfer to Arsenal): The jury is still out on his top-flight capabilities, but the decision was low-risk: Campbell was effectively on trial for several months while training with the club and adds experience and cover.

Amr Zaki (El Zamalek to Hull): A controversial figure whose starring role on loan at Wigan last season ended in disgrace as Steve Bruce labelled the striker “the most unprofessional player” he had ever worked with. After returning to Egypt, he has struggled for form and fitness, but desperate times call for desperate measures and misfiring Hull clearly feel his potential for goals justifies a loan deal.

Benni McCarthy (Blackburn to West Ham): A Champions League winner with Porto, 32-year-old McCarthy remains a capable striker but he failed to find a place in Sam Allardyce’s ‘plan A’. His signing - along with Mido - should give West Ham enough firepower to avoid the drop.

Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy to Everton): There were doubts after his disappointing spells in Germany, but Donovan already looks to be an excellent acquisition and there is talk of him extending his spell at Goodison Park.

Eidur Gudjohnsen (Monaco to Tottenham): Now 31 and having had disappointing spells with Barcelona and Monaco, Gudjohnsen decided against guaranteed first-team football at West Ham to compete for the top four at Spurs and try to recreate the form that made him so highly valued at Bolton and Chelsea.

Younes Kaboul (Portsmouth to Tottenham): Kaboul was disappointing in his first spell at Spurs but, having recovered his form after Harry Redknapp signed him for Portsmouth, he has seen his value skyrocket. Spurs need defenders and he should succeed this time around.

Victor Moses (Crystal Palace to Wigan): With Hugo Rodallega carrying too strong a goal-scoring burden, Roberto Martinez brought in Moses and Marcelo Moreno on deadline day. Moses looks the most exciting prospect and, whether up front or on the wing, he should inject some verve into their attack.

Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough to Manchester City): Johnson has talent in abundance but, at 22, the winger needs first-team football to ensure he fulfils his potential. It’s a risk for club and player alike, but it could be the making of him if he can cement his place.