Premier League Transfer Window Verdict: How Every Club Fared in January
The January transfer window has slammed shut, leaving Premier League clubs with their squads finalised for the remainder of the season. From record-breaking deals to quiet windows, each team's business reflects their ambitions, challenges, and strategic planning. Here, we run the rule over every Premier League club's activity, assessing the ins, outs, and overall impact on their campaigns.
Arsenal: A Quiet Window with Lingering Questions
Arsenal supporters experienced a tense final few days after Mikel Merino's foot injury, but no major signing materialised. Deadline-day links to Sandro Tonali and Leon Goretzka came to nothing, and the Gunners missed out on young striker James Wilson to rivals Tottenham. The sole incoming was England Under-19 defender Jaden Dixon from Stoke, while Ethan Nwaneri departed on loan to Marseille. With Merino sidelined for at least two months, Mikel Arteta may rue allowing Nwaneri to leave, leaving midfield depth a potential concern.
Aston Villa: Strategic Additions Without Fanfare
Unlike last year's high-profile captures, Aston Villa opted for strategic reinforcements. The permanent return of Tammy Abraham provides a proven striker, while Douglas Luiz's loan eases midfield injury woes. Scout Alberto Benito secured Alysson from Grêmio for £10.5m, and the £10m signing of Brian Madjo, a highly-rated 17-year-old, signals long-term planning. The sale of Finley Munroe to Middlesbrough surprised some, but Villa's business appears calculated rather than flashy.
Bournemouth: Record Sale and Smart Replacements
Bournemouth handled Antoine Semenyo's £62.5m sale to Manchester City smoothly, with the forward scoring a farewell winner. In response, they invested £30m in Rayan from Vasco da Gama, inserting a €100m release clause that hints at high expectations. Alex Toth's arrival from Ferencvaros adds midfield promise, while goalkeepers Christos Mandas and Fraser Forster provide depth. This window balanced profit with proactive recruitment.
Brentford: Streamlining for the Second Half
Brentford focused on trimming their squad, feeling they carried excess players earlier in the season. Frank Onyeka's loan to Coventry was notable among outgoings, while the key incoming was 18-year-old Kaye Furo from Club Brugge for cover up front. With good player availability, this streamlined approach aims to optimise performance without major disruption.
Brighton: Legend Returns as Squad Tweaked
Brighton welcomed back Pascal Gross, who immediately scored in his second spell, while Matt O'Riley's loan recall adds midfield depth. Brajan Gruda's loan to RB Leipzig was a surprise, but the club resisted interest in Lewis Dunk and Yasin Ayari. Expect summer interest in Carlos Baleba, but for now, Fabian Hürzeler's squad looks well-balanced.
Burnley: Addressing Midfield After Injury Blow
Burnley's plans shifted after captain Josh Cullen's season-ending injury, leading to the loan signing of James Ward-Prowse from West Ham. His experience and set-piece prowess bring maturity to a squad lacking leaders. Outgoings included Hannes Delcroix and Manuel Benson, but this window was about pragmatic reinforcement.
Chelsea: Uncharacteristically Quiet Under Rosenior
Liam Rosenior's arrival as head coach preceded a subdued window. Chelsea sought defensive midfield cover but cooled on Douglas Luiz, instead recalling Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg for central defence. Raheem Sterling's release and loan exits like Tyrique George's to Everton trimmed the squad, suggesting a summer rebuild is on the horizon.
Crystal Palace: Record Signing Amid Late Drama
Crystal Palace broke their transfer record again with Jørgen Strand Larsen's £43m signing from Wolves, after Jean-Philippe Mateta's move to Milan collapsed. Brennan Johnson and Evann Guessand bolster attacking options, but failure to replace Marc Guéhi, sold to Manchester City, leaves a defensive gap to address later.
Everton: Limited Business Despite European Hopes
David Moyes wanted reinforcements for a European push, but Everton's hierarchy prioritised summer funds. The loan of Tyrique George from Chelsea after Jack Grealish's injury was the sole incoming, with striker and right-back targets like Youssef En-Nesyri and Harry Wilson proving elusive.
Fulham: Bobb Signing Fails to Fully Satisfy Silva
Fulham's £27m capture of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City excites, but Marco Silva may feel short-changed after missing out on a striker like Ricardo Pepi. Holding onto Harry Wilson was a positive, but midfield cover concerns persist, potentially impacting Silva's contract decision.
Leeds: Farke Left Wanting More
Daniel Farke's sole addition was Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton, leaving Leeds potentially light in their relegation battle. Interest in Jørgen Strand Larsen came to nothing, placing pressure on Dominic Calvert-Lewin's fitness to sustain their survival hopes.
Liverpool: Strategic Signing for Defensive Future
Liverpool's £60m deal for Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes showcases long-term planning, securing a key defender for next summer. Failed loan bids for defensive cover highlight current shortages, but resisting Tottenham's interest in Andy Robertson maintains squad stability.
Manchester City: Big Spending to Boost Quadruple Bid
Pep Guardiola splurged £82.5m on Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi, adding top-tier talent for their title, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup pursuits. Semenyo has already impressed, while Guéhi strengthens the backline. Outgoings like Kalvin Phillips' loan continue his City exile.
Manchester United: Carrick's Zero Reinforcements
Michael Carrick's impressive start as interim manager yielded no signings, with targets like Conor Gallagher moving elsewhere. Tyrell Malacia stayed due to injury, leaving United reliant on existing squad depth for a Champions League push.
Newcastle: Howe Left Empty-Handed
Eddie Howe desired reinforcements across multiple positions but received none, forcing reliance on last summer's £220m investments. Sandro Tonali speculation proved unfounded, but Jamaal Lascelles' impending exit to Leicester adds to defensive concerns.
Nottingham Forest: Focused Forward Line Additions
With Chris Wood injured, Forest signed Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli and Stefan Ortega from Manchester City for goalkeeping depth. Luca Netz's arrival at left-back was frugal, while ending loans for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz clears deadwood.
Sunderland: Trading Brilliantly Again?
Sunderland's £17.5m signing of Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht headlines their business, alongside goalkeeper Melker Ellborg. Loans for Anthony Patterson and Dan Neil manage squad dynamics, but replicating last summer's success remains to be seen.
Tottenham: Gallagher In, Johnson Out Amid Injuries
Thomas Frank acknowledged squad weakening due to injuries, with Conor Gallagher's signing offset by Brennan Johnson's sale. Failed bids for Antoine Semenyo and Andy Robertson left gaps, but Souza's arrival adds defensive prospect depth.
West Ham: Attack Boosted, Defence Neglected
Nuno Espírito Santo spent £47m on Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos to enhance attack, but only Axel Disasi's loan arrived for a leaky defence. Lucas Paquetá's exit to Flamengo was a saga, leaving defensive issues unresolved.
Wolves: Preparing for the Championship?
Wolves' deadline-day signings of Adam Armstrong and Angel Gomes on loan suggest Championship planning, after Jørgen Strand Larsen's £43m sale. Failed bids for Ché Adams and loan exits of expensive mistakes like Fer López highlight recruitment woes.
Overall, this transfer window saw varied approaches: Manchester City and Crystal Palace splashed cash, while clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle stayed quiet. The business conducted will shape the Premier League's thrilling run-in, with every decision scrutinised in the quest for glory, survival, or rebuilding.
