The January 2026 transfer window has officially closed, marking a pivotal moment for clubs looking to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the season. While some teams made strategic moves to enhance their lineups, others faced challenges, including the loss of key players. This article examines the clubs that emerged as winners and those that struggled during this notoriously challenging period.
Success Stories in the Transfer Market
Manchester City demonstrated their prowess in the transfer market once again. The club secured a significant signing in winger Antoine Semenyo, who arrived from AFC Bournemouth for an initial fee of £62.5 million. Semenyo, who netted 20 league goals in the past 18 months, has already made an impact at City, scoring four goals since his arrival. With injuries to key defenders Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias, City swiftly added defender Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace for £20 million. This move is seen as a bargain given Guéhi’s status as a starting England international.
Bournemouth, facing the departure of Semenyo, managed to navigate the situation adeptly. They signed Brazilian prospect Rayan as a replacement, alongside midfielder Alex Tóth from Ferencvaros for £10.4 million. Bournemouth’s proactive approach, coupled with a €100 million release clause for Rayan, positions them well for future competitions.
Aston Villa also made headlines with their calculated moves. They replaced Donyell Malen, who transferred to Roma for a potential €27 million, with Tammy Abraham for €21 million. Abraham’s return to the Premier League, along with a loan for Douglas Luiz, has been a necessary response to injuries within the squad. With significant injuries affecting three midfielders, Villa’s ability to act swiftly has been commendable.
Challenges and Missed Opportunities
While some clubs thrived, others faced setbacks. Liverpool made a splash by signing center-back Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes for £55 million, a deal that could rise to £60 million. Unfortunately for the Reds, Jacquet will not join until July, leaving Liverpool with a depleted defensive lineup until the end of the season. The team struggled to secure additional defensive cover, failing to finalize deals for right-back options after injuries struck key players.
Chelsea’s quiet window raised eyebrows, particularly after losing out on Jacquet to Liverpool. The club attempted to terminate Raheem Sterling‘s contract, which stood at a staggering £325,000 per week, but could not find a suitable buyer. Chelsea’s efforts to loan out Axel Disasi were also met with limited success, further complicating their situation.
Crystal Palace faced a tumultuous transfer period, highlighted by the departure of captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City for only £20 million. The club’s struggles have been exacerbated by manager Oliver Glasner‘s announcement that he will leave at the end of the season, leading to discontent among players, including star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is now sidelined due to injury.
Tottenham Hotspur’s January window yielded limited results, despite some promising signings. While they welcomed full-back Souza for £13 million and added Conor Gallagher for €40 million from Atletico Madrid, the moves did not address the immediate issues in their squad. Fans were left wanting more, particularly in the winger position, as the club failed to secure necessary cover for injured players.
The 2026 January transfer window has underscored the complexities of player movements in football, with some clubs emerging stronger and others left to reassess their strategies. As teams prepare for the second half of the season, the impact of these decisions will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
