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January is usually a tough month for clubs looking to buy players, as few sides are eager to sell their top talents in the middle of the season. Yet, there are always exceptions. Some teams are forced to offload players to balance their finances, while others must part ways with unsettled stars keen to move to bigger clubs.

Still, it’s rarely easy to find good value in January, as last year’s window showed. Manchester City, for instance, spent nearly £180 million on six players in 2025, and not one turned out to be an undeniable success.

That didn’t stop clubs from spending big again this time, with many either trying to keep their momentum going or attempting to rescue their seasons. GOAL once again reviewed and graded the most notable January transfers, evaluating them from the perspectives of the selling club, the buying club, and the player involved.

February 2: Jeremy Jacquet (Rennes to Liverpool, £60m)

For Rennes: Another big win for Rennes’ ever-productive academy. Jeremy Jacquet now joins the club’s list of homegrown stars turned international standouts, such as Raphinha, Eduardo Camavinga, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Jeremy Doku. Liverpool have beaten Chelsea and Manchester United to the 20-year-old’s signature, agreeing on a £60m summer transfer. That’s a huge return for a player with limited top-flight experience, and Rennes have smartly kept him until season’s end to strengthen their European push. Jacquet will leave as one of their greatest success stories. Grade: A

For Liverpool: Arne Slot urgently needed a centre-back, especially with Ibrahima Konate leaving in the summer and Giovanni Leoni recovering from an ACL injury. Jacquet fits the bill — young, athletic, and technically sound. Though £60m is a hefty price, his potential could make it worthwhile. With pace, strength, and ball-playing ability, he could quickly become a key figure at Anfield. Grade: B-

For Jacquet: A dream move but one that brings pressure. Having only recently cemented his place at Rennes, he might have benefited from another year in France, but opportunities like Liverpool don’t come often. Choosing Liverpool over Chelsea was wise — he’ll get playing time and development under Slot, which could even lead to a senior France call-up. Grade: B+

February 2: Jorgen Strand Larsen (Wolves to Crystal Palace, £48m)

For Wolves: Excellent business. Strand Larsen struggled badly this season, scoring just one goal in 19 Premier League matches. Considering that Newcastle’s £55m offer was turned down last summer, Wolves have done well to recoup £48m now. Provided they reinvest wisely, fans won’t miss him. Grade: A-

For Crystal Palace: A risky move. Needing a striker after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s uncertainty, Palace paid nearly £50m for Strand Larsen — a major outlay for a player whose form has dipped. Half of his six goals this season came against lower-league opposition. He could improve under Oliver Glasner, but the fee feels excessive. Grade: C

For Strand Larsen: A fresh start. After a poor spell and fan frustration at Wolves, the Norwegian forward gets a valuable reset ahead of the World Cup. Palace’s attacking setup might suit him better, giving him a chance to rediscover his touch. Grade: B+

February 2: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta to Atletico Madrid, €35m)

For Atalanta: A disappointing sale. After last year’s 20-goal season, they should have sold earlier when his value peaked. A €35m fee now reflects his recent struggles. Still, Lookman will remain a club legend for his part in their Europa League triumph. Grade: D-

For Atletico: A shrewd capture. Diego Simeone has landed a skilful winger at a reasonable price. Lookman’s pace and finishing can rejuvenate Atletico’s attack. His strong showings for Nigeria at AFCON suggest he’s still got plenty to offer. Grade: B+

For Lookman: A lucky break. Despite a slow start to the season, he gets a move to a Champions League contender. Simeone’s defensive system may test him, but if Lookman adapts, he could thrive in Madrid. Grade: A-

January 27: Douglas Luiz (Juventus to Aston Villa, loan)

For Juventus: A relief. Luiz was a major transfer flop and offloading him, even temporarily, is a blessing. If he impresses at Villa, they might take him permanently. Grade: C

For Aston Villa: A move born of necessity. Injuries to midfielders and financial restrictions forced Villa’s hand. Luiz’s return could help, though his recent form is worrying. Grade: D+

For Luiz: A lifeline. After failing at Juve and Forest, he now has a chance to revive his career at a familiar club under Unai Emery. Grade: A

January 27: Dro Fernandez (Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, €8m)

For Barcelona: A frustrating loss. The highly-rated 18-year-old leaves for just €8m, disappointing Hansi Flick and the Barca hierarchy. Grade: F

For PSG: A clever swoop. PSG continue their trend of picking up Barca’s young stars cheaply. Even if Fernandez doesn’t break through, he could become a valuable asset. Grade: B+

For Fernandez: A bold but questionable decision. Leaving Barca for PSG may not guarantee more playing time, but he’s betting on himself. Grade: C-

January 21: Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal to Marseille, loan)

For Arsenal: A smart decision. With limited minutes available, sending Nwaneri on loan to work under Roberto De Zerbi makes sense. Grade: B+

For Marseille: An exciting addition. Nwaneri’s creativity could add spark to an already attack-minded side. Grade: B

For Nwaneri: A great opportunity for development. The experience in France should aid his growth and future at Arsenal. Grade: A

January 20: Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona to Girona, loan)

For Barcelona: A financial relief. The loan helps reduce their wage bill, even if they had preferred a sale. Grade: C-

For Girona: Smart timing. With defensive issues persisting, adding Ter Stegen’s experience could stabilise the backline. Grade: B

For Ter Stegen: A humbling but logical move. Aiming to regain form and Germany selection, Girona gives him a platform to prove himself again. Grade: B

January 19: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace to Manchester City, £20m)

For Crystal Palace: A painful but expected departure. With Guehi unwilling to renew his deal, Palace had to sell. His leadership will be missed. Grade: D

For Manchester City: Outstanding business. For a modest £20m, City have landed a Premier League-proven defender. Guehi strengthens a thin defence and adds leadership. Grade: A+

For Guehi: A long-awaited step up. He’ll slot straight into City’s lineup due to injuries and can cement himself as one of Europe’s best. Grade: A

January 14: Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid to Tottenham, £35m)

For Atletico: Good deal. Gallagher’s role had diminished, and recouping their investment makes sense. Grade: B

For Tottenham: A much-needed signing amid midfield injuries. Gallagher brings energy and Premier League experience. Grade: B

For Gallagher: A homecoming. Returning to London gives him a chance to play regularly and push for England selection. Grade: A-

January 13: Joao Cancelo (Al-Hilal to Barcelona, loan)

For Al-Hilal: Disappointing outcome. Cancelo struggled in Saudi Arabia, and moving him on was inevitable. Grade: D

For Barcelona: A practical fix. His versatility will help cover multiple defensive gaps. Grade: C

For Cancelo: A welcome return to top-level football. He’ll be eager to revive his career in familiar surroundings. Grade: A

January 9: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth to Manchester City, £65m)

For Bournemouth: A financial win but sporting setback. Losing their top scorer mid-season could derail their campaign. Grade: B

For City: A strong signing. Semenyo’s pace and power add a new dimension to Guardiola’s attack. Grade: A

For Semenyo: A deserved move, though not without risks given City’s uncertain future. Grade: B+

January 2: Brennan Johnson (Tottenham to Crystal Palace, £35m)

For Tottenham: A puzzling sale but financially sound. Still, they may regret losing a reliable scorer. Grade: B-

For Palace: Smart buy. Johnson’s pace and directness could revitalise their attack. Grade: B+

For Johnson: A logical move for more game time and World Cup preparation. Grade: A

January 2: Niclas Fullkrug (West Ham to AC Milan, loan)

For West Ham: A chance to recover funds from a failed signing. Grade: C

For AC Milan: A strange but understandable loan given their striker shortage. Grade: D+

For Fullkrug: A dream opportunity late in his career to prove himself again at a top club. Grade: A

January 1: Endrick (Real Madrid to Lyon, loan)

For Real Madrid: A sensible loan move giving the young Brazilian much-needed game time. Grade: B+

For Lyon: A huge boost. Endrick’s arrival could transform their attack. Grade: A

For Endrick: A brilliant chance to regain momentum and stake a claim for Brazil’s World Cup squad. Grade: A