Top five signings of the January transfer window

As the winter transfer window draws to a close, clubs are racing to complete deals and secure priority targets. Given the scale of the expenditure, the teams hope their purchases justify their price tag and provide immediate returns.

Here are five transfers widely seen as the standout moves of the window.

Endrick to Lyon

Olympique Lyon may have emerged as the biggest winners after loaning Brazilian youngster Endrick from Real Madrid with an option to buy. The move strengthens Lyon’s attack as the club focuses on qualifying for the Champions League after missing out last season.

Endrick has made an immediate impact in France, assisting on his debut in a 2-1 win over Stade Brestois before scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 win against FC Metz. After struggling for minutes at Real Madrid, the attacker now seems ready to make good on his promise.

Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille

Olympique de Marseille have made two key additions in their bid to challenge Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens in the Ligue 1 title race. One of them is Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri, who had an excellent season in 2024-2025 with nine goals, including strikes against Manchester City, PSV and Girona.

Nwaneri was named Man of the Match against Leicester City and was among six nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He made an immediate impression in Marseille, scoring from the bench against RC Lens 13 minutes after his debut to seal a 3–1 win. Along with Mason Greenwood, he is part of a partnership to watch in Ligue 1.

Quinten Timber to Marseille

Marseille’s second signing, Quinten Timber, also seems to be a smart signing.

The Dutch midfielder joined from Feyenoord for €25 million and added depth to a squad that includes Benjamin Pavard, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmieri and Leonardo Balerdi.

The arrivals of Nwaneri and Timber have increased Marseille’s reputation as dark horses and boosted their chances of securing their first Ligue 1 title since 2010.

Marc Guehi to Manchester City

After a lengthy transfer saga, Marc Guéhi has moved from Crystal Palace to Manchester City for a reported €23 million.

Guéhi, formerly of Liverpool, strengthens City’s defensive depth and is expected to partner Abdukodir Khusanov at centre-back in the absence of Rúben Dias and John Stones.

Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City

In the most expensive deal of the moment, Antoine Semenyo comes from Bournemouth to Manchester City for 72 million euros. The Ghanaian forward scored 13 goals and seven assists in the 2024-2025 season and is seen as a key attacking asset, especially with Jeremy Doku sidelined through injury.

As the window draws to a close, these signings are seen as potential difference-makers and may have already confirmed their status as the best transfers of the winter window.

Published on February 2, 2026