The winter transfer window in Europe’s top leagues was largely subdued, with only a handful of significant moves made across Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. While most clubs opted for caution, a few high-profile transfers stood out, particularly in Italy and France.
Spanish clubs are typically conservative in the winter transfer market, and this year was no exception. Real Betis secured a loan deal for Manchester United winger Antony, giving the Brazilian a chance to revitalise his career after a difficult spell at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Girona bolstered their squad by taking former Barcelona midfielder Arthur on loan from Juventus, hoping he can rediscover his best form in Catalonia. Meanwhile, young Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic also made a temporary switch, joining Las Palmas for the remainder of the season.
The Bundesliga saw little movement in January, with RB Leipzig making the biggest splash by converting Xavi Simons’ loan from Paris Saint-Germain into a permanent transfer for a club-record €50 million (£43 million). Meanwhile, Bayern Munich focused more on securing existing talent, extending veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s contract by another year. Their reported pursuit of Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku ultimately fell through, while highly rated forward Mathys Tel was sent on loan to Tottenham Hotspur for six months.

Eintracht Frankfurt made a notable signing by acquiring Elye Wahi from Marseille for €25 million to replace Omar Marmoush, who moved to Manchester City. Bayer Leverkusen, dealing with injuries, secured loan deals for Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia and Roma’s Mario Hermoso. Struggling Borussia Dortmund, languishing in 11th place, brought in Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan and signed Swedish left-back Daniel Svensson. However, their deadline-day attempt to land Lyon’s Rayan Cherki collapsed.
In Serie A, both AC Milan and Juventus took action to strengthen their squads after disappointing starts to the season. Milan, struggling to keep up in the title race, allowed Spain’s Euro 2024-winning captain Alvaro Morata to leave on loan to Galatasaray. They then splashed out on Mexican forward Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord as his replacement, while also securing Manchester City’s Kyle Walker on a loan deal.
Juventus, seeking more firepower, brought in French striker Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG. The move has already paid dividends, with Kolo Muani scoring three goals in his first two appearances for the Turin club. Meanwhile, struggling Serie B side Como made headlines by signing former England international Dele Alli, who had been without a club since leaving Everton last summer.
PSG Make the Biggest Transfer Window Move in France
Paris Saint-Germain made the most high-profile signing of the window, securing Napoli’s star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a reported €70 million (£60 million). The Georgian international is expected to provide a significant boost as PSG prepare for the Champions League knockout stages.
Elsewhere in Ligue 1, Rennes were the busiest club in the market, desperately trying to escape relegation trouble. They signed six players on deadline day, including Jordanian forward Musa al-Tamari from Montpellier, Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana from Saudi club Al Nassr, and French goalkeeper Brice Samba from Lens.
Marseille, under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, also strengthened their squad, bringing in Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer on loan from AC Milan with an option to buy. Additionally, Algerian forward Amine Gouiri left Rennes to join Marseille as a replacement for Elye Wahi.
Meanwhile, Lyon faced transfer restrictions due to financial difficulties but were allowed to bring in Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada on loan from Brazilian side Botafogo, both clubs being owned by John Textor.