The winter transfer window for Europe's major leagues has concluded, bringing significant changes to the football landscape for the 2024-25 season. As the dust settles on deadline day, clear winners and losers have emerged from this period of intense negotiations and strategic moves.
Paris Saint-Germain emerged as the undisputed winner of this transfer window, securing Georgian sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a remarkably modest €60 million - a fraction of his previously estimated value. The French champions also demonstrated shrewd business acumen by generating a €46 million profit on Xavi Simons' permanent transfer to RB Leipzig for €50 million.
Aston Villa made impressive strides during this period, successfully addressing their profit and sustainability rules (PSR) concerns through several strategic moves. The club's €77 million transfer of Jhon Durán to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr stands out as a particularly significant deal. Villa further strengthened their squad by acquiring Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United and securing Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund for €25 million.
Manchester City's transfer activities present a more complex picture. Despite investing over €200 million in new talent, including Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens (€48m) and Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt (€60m plus add-ons), questions remain about the immediate impact of these signings. The club notably paid a premium for former Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez, meeting his €60 million release clause at FC Porto.
On the losing end, Manchester United's window appears particularly disappointing. While they secured promising full-back Patrick Dorgu for €30 million from Lecce, the club failed to address several key areas of concern. The loans of Antony to Real Betis and Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa, while clearing wage space, left gaps that weren't adequately filled.
Arsenal's transfer window also fell short of expectations. Despite being the second-highest scorers in the Premier League, their unsuccessful £40 million bid for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and failed pursuits of other attacking targets like Bayern's Tel and Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic have left them potentially vulnerable in their title chase.
Chelsea's usually active transfer policy was notably subdued this window, with only 19-year-old Mathis Amougou arriving for €15 million from Saint-Etienne. The situation of Christopher Nkunku, who has played just 419 minutes in the Premier League this season, remains unresolved despite reported interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
As the window closes, clubs must now work with their revised squads until summer. While some have strengthened significantly, others may find themselves regretting missed opportunities as they face the crucial second half of the season.
