The winter transfer window is always a frenetic affair, as clubs across Europe scramble to bolster their squads for the second half of the season. With the January deadline now passed, it’s time to assess the movers and shakers who made the biggest splash – and those left high and dry by failed moves and missed opportunities.
The Big Winners
PSG Pull Off Kvaratskhelia Coup
There’s no doubt about the headline move of the window: PSG landing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a bargain €60 million fee. The Georgian winger had been valued at twice that just months ago, so the French champions scored an absolute steal. His dribbling wizardry and eye for goal should strike fear in Ligue 1 and Champions League defenses alike.
Kvaradona is a transformative signing for PSG. At that price, he could go down as one of the great transfer coups in history.
Transfermarkt Spokesperson
Villa’s Shrewd Business and Star Loan
Aston Villa also emerge as clear winners after a busy window addressing needs on multiple fronts. Offloading prized young striker Jhon Durán to Al Nassr for €77 million will keep their books balanced for years, while the loan addition of Marcus Rashford from Man United adds genuine star power in attack. Low-risk, high-upside moves for Donyell Malen and Marco Asensio could also prove astute.
- €77M Durán Sale to Al Nassr
- Rashford Arrives On Loan
- Depth Added in Malen, Asensio
Olmo Finally Registered for Barca
After a prolonged registration saga, Dani Olmo can finally take the pitch for Barcelona after his €60M summer move. While the club’s financial woes mean his status is still not fully guaranteed, getting the gifted Spain international available is a major win for Xavi’s men in the crowded LaLiga race.
The Disappointed
Man United’s Singular Focus
For a club of Manchester United’s stature and resources, securing just a single signing in 20-year-old fullback Patrick Dorgu felt underwhelming. While the youngster looks a prospect, United failed to land a much-needed goal scorer and saw depth eroded with loan exits for Rashford, Antony and Malacia. An injury crisis in defense could also leave them shorthanded for a top-four push.
Arsenal Come Up Short In Attack
League-leaders Arsenal remain light in attacking areas after failing to reinforce beyond the summer addition of Kai Havertz. A £40 million bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was knocked back, while links to other forwards like Nico Williams and Dusan Vlahovic never advanced. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus injured, the Gunners’ title charge is now worryingly dependent on Havertz staying fit.
You look at that Arsenal squad and think they’re still a top striker short of having the depth to get over the line. It’s Havertz or bust now.
Gab Marcotti, ESPN
Chelsea Surprisingly Quiet
For a club that’s made a habit of splashing the cash, Chelsea’s window ended with a whimper rather than a bang. Aside from 19-year-old midfielder Mathis Amougou, their only other incoming was a recall for Trevoh Chalobah. No attacking reinforcements arrived despite links to Alejandro Garnacho and a host of strikers. Have the Blues done enough to revive their sputtering season?
Nkunku Denied Chelsea Exit
Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku was desperate to leave after playing less than 500 league minutes, but saw a move blocked as the Blues held out for €60M+. Despite rumored interest from Bayern Munich and former club Manchester United, the French international remains in limbo at Stamford Bridge. A summer departure now looks inevitable.
The Questionable
Man City’s Short-Term Thinking
On paper, a €200M spree adding exciting young talent like Khusanov, Reis, Marmoush and Gonzalez looks impressive for Manchester City. Yet the fit is questionable for a squad needing immediate impact to reignite a title push. The new boys will need time to adapt to the Premier League, while Marmoush is being miscast as a #10. Have City bought for the future when the present was the priority?
| Player | Fee | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Abdukodir Khusanov | €48M | CB |
| Vitor Reis | €35M | RB |
| Omar Marmoush | €60M (+€10M) | FW |
| Nico Gonzalez | €60M | DM |
Spurs Address Defense But Not Attack
Faced with an injury crisis in defense, Tottenham made a couple solid additions in Kevin Danso and youngster Antonin Kinsky. But outside of a dramatic deadline day U-turn from Bayern’s Mathys Tel, their attack looks thin beyond Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min. Will Tel’s loan arrival be enough to propel them back up the table? The jury’s still out.
Cherries Keep Stars… For Now
In the plus column, Bournemouth managed to stave off interest and keep impressive youngsters like Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen for their shock European push. Yet the sense remains that this may just be delaying the inevitable. Bigger clubs will surely circle back for the Cherries’ starlets come summer – can they keep the band together?
Final Thoughts
The January window has slammed shut, the dust is settling, and clubs must now make do with what they have. Some will be brimming with optimism, confident their new recruits can make an instant impact. Others are left rueing what might have been, knowing reinforcements failed to arrive. The effects of this window are sure to be felt in the months ahead, with races for titles, trophies and survival on a knife edge. It promises to be a fascinating end to the season – and the transfer moves made, or not made, in January could prove decisive.
