Danny Ings joining Aston Villa for £30million appeared to come out of nowhere, as Dean Smith is moving fast to use the £100million that the club are set to receive for Jack Grealish.
The former Liverpool striker had been tipped to exit Southampton but Villa wasn't rumoured to be one of his likely destinations, with Ings expressing his desire to play in the Champions League.
However, Villa have their sights set high, and are very much a club on the up, and Ings could be a key factor in their success.
The deal may have come out of nowhere, but it isn't the only example in recent times.
Here, Mirror Sport looks back on 5 transfers made by Premier League clubs that surprised everyone...
1. Mat Ryan - Arsenal
After Robert Sanchez replaced Mat Ryan as no.1 at Brighton, the Australian's Premier League career looked in jeopardy.
However, out of nowhere Arsenal signed the then 28-year-old on loan halfway through the 2020/21 season from the Sussex club, and made three appearances for the Gunners.
This tremendous jump shocked many but following the expiry of Ryan's loan spell, Brighton have sold the goalkeeper to Real Sociedad, ending his four-year stint on the south coast.
2. Odion Ighalo - Manchester United
When Odion Ighalo left the Premier League for China in 2017, few expected his return.
The Nigerian forward arrived on loan at Old Trafford in 2020 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer completed a unique piece of transfer business.
In Ighalo’s defence, the then 31-year-old exceeded expectations by contributing 5 goals in 19 appearances for the team that he had "dreamed to play for."
Due to Covid-19, United extended the loan of the former Watford striker until January 30, 2021.
3. Esteban Cambiasso - Leicester City
A stalwart of a great Inter Milan side, Esteban Cambiasso’s decision to join Leicester CIty was a mystery for many.
The Argentinian midfielder had enjoyed great success in Serie A, yet was signing for the Foxes- newly-promoted to the Premier League.
Cambiasso spent one season at the King Power Stadium, helping the team avoid relegation.
Leicester famously won the top flight title the following campaign.
4. Andy Lonergan - Liverpool
After a career spent in the EFL, Andy Lonergan struck gold with an unlikely transfer to Liverpool.
The Reds were forced into the transfer market in 2019 after an injury to Alisson and the departure of Simon Mignolet, led to them recruiting free agent Lonergan to tackle their goalkeeping crisis.
Also added to the ranks was Adrian, who deputised in the absence of the Reds’ number one.
Lonergan did not play a single match for the club, but received medals for Liverpool successes in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
5. Bojan - Stoke City
Likened to Lionel Messi during his Barcelona days, a transfer to Stoke City was surely one Bojan did not expect to take place.
The 30-year-old failed to truly establish himself with the Spanish giants and left La Liga for the Premier League in 2014.
Bojan enjoyed five years with the Potters before leaving by mutual consent in 2019, and headed to the MLS.
Get your hands on your club's special edition 2021/22 annual. Find out more here.
