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The January 2026 transfer window has officially closed, marking one of the most aggressive winter periods in recent history.
From Manchester City smashing their winter records to a shocking "civil war" transfer in the Saudi Pro League, the landscape of European football has been reshaped overnight.
Here is the definitive breakdown of the biggest deals from across the Top 5 Leagues.
1. Antoine Semenyo: Bournemouth ➡️ Manchester City (£64m)
The biggest move of the window saw Manchester City trigger the release clause for Bournemouth’s Ghanaian star. Semenyo has signed a long-term deal until 2031.
Pep Guardiola’s side moved decisively to secure the winger’s pace and clinical finishing as they look todefend their crown.
The Impact: He has already hit the ground running, scoring on his debut just days after the announcement.
2. Jérémy Jacquet: Rennes ➡️ Liverpool (£60m)
In a move for the future, Liverpool secured the signature of 20-year-old French defender Jérémy Jacquet. While the fee reached a staggering £60m (including add-ons), the player will remain at Rennes on loan until the end of the season.
The Strategy: Arne Slot continues to bolster the Reds' defensive pipeline, viewing Jacquet as a cornerstone for the post-Van Dijk era.
3. Jørgen Strand Larsen: Wolves ➡️ Crystal Palace (£48m)
Selhurst Park witnessed history this winter as Crystal Palace broke their transfer record twice. After signing Brennan Johnson for £35m earlier in the month, they finalized a £43m + £5m deal for Norwegian striker Strand Larsen on deadline day.
The Drama: The deal was finalized just as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move to AC Milan collapsed due to a failed medical, meaning Palace now boast one of the most physical strike forces in the league.
4. Conor Gallagher: Atlético Madrid ➡️ Tottenham (£40m)
In a sensational return to London, Conor Gallagher swapped Madrid for Tottenham just six months after moving to Spain. Spurs paid £40m to bring the energetic midfielder back to the Premier League, adding much-needed engine-room grit to Ange Postecoglou’s side.
5. Ademola Lookman: Atalanta ➡️ Atlético Madrid (€40m)
Atlético Madrid didn't just sell; they reinvested heavily. The "Naija" star and Europa League legend Ademola Lookman joined the Spanish giants for a fixed fee of €35m plus €5m in bonuses. He joins as a direct replacement for the struggling Julián Álvarez and is contracted until 2030.
The "Saudi Shockwave": Karim Benzema’s Riyadh Switch
While not a European league move, the biggest story of the deadline involved Karim Benzema. After a public fallout and contract termination at Al-Ittihad, the 38-year-old Ballon d'Or winner signed for league leaders Al Hilal on a free transfer for 1.5 years. He becomes the most expensive transfer ever (in terms of wages and prestige) for a player of his age.
Other Notable Moves
Oscar Bobb: Manchester City ➡️ Fulham (£31.2m)
Lucas Paquetá: West Ham ➡️ Flamengo (£36m) — A massive return to Brazil.
Allan Saint-Maximin: Club América ➡️ RC Lens (Free) — Returns to France on a 6-month deal following personal issues in Mexico.
Adam Armstrong: Southampton ➡️ Wolves (£7m + £2m) — Tasked with replacing the goals lost by Strand Larsen.
The Verdict: The Premier League remains the world's financial powerhouse, spending approximately £397 million this January alone. However, with clubs like Atlético Madrid and RC Lens making statement signings, the gap at the top of the European pyramid is tighter than ever.