January Transfer Window Wrap: The Big Hitters Who Nailed It

The January 2026 transfer window has slammed shut, leaving clubs either punching the air or nursing bruised egos. Some sides turned desperation into dominance, snapping up gems while flogging squad fillers. Others? Well, let's just say they wished they'd stayed in bed. Drawing from sharp analysis by Sam Tighe at ESPN Italy, here's who came out smelling of roses – served pub-style, pint in hand.

Premier League's Sharp Operators

Manchester City did what they do best: throw money at problems until they vanish. With their attack leaning harder on Erling Haaland than a dodgy ladder, they raided AFC Bournemouth for Antoine Semenyo in a £62.5m early swoop. The Ghanaian speed demon, who'd notched 20 league goals in 18 months prior, has already bagged four for the Citizens. Then defence woes hit – Joško Gvardiol out long-term, Rúben Dias sidelined weeks – so they pounced for Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace at a snippy £20m. Steep wages aside, it's a steal for an England regular. Balancing the books? Oscar Bobb's £27m exit to Fulham – potential unpacked, but bench-warming.

Over in Brum, Aston Villa played financial Tetris under their UEFA spending pact. They cashed in on Donyell Malen heading to Roma for up to €27m, flipping it straight into Tammy Abraham for €21m. The ex-Chelsea lad slots perfectly into Unai Emery's press-and-pounce setup, even taking a pay cut to return. Midfield carnage forced urgency: Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans all crocked. Enter Douglas Luiz on loan with a €25m buy option – the Brazilian legend (200+ Villa apps) debuted twice before ink dried. Bonus: Leon Bailey recalled from Roma, teens Alysson and Brian Madjo for the future.

Don't sleep on the Cherries. Bournemouth knew Semenyo's release clause would draw sharks, so they waved him off early, netting time to snag Brazilian whiz Rayan. He's already assisted, all power and directness – with a whopping €100m clause as insurance. Midfield insurance via Alex Tóth (£10.4m from Ferencvaros), a Alex Scott clone amid big-club whispers. And in goals, loan ace Christos Mandas challenges dire Djordje Petrovic (-3.93 goals prevented, crosses dropping like flies).

Continental Coup Merchants

Paris ain't just a city of lights; PSG lit up the window with sly scouting. For peanuts (€8m), they lured Dro Fernández, Barcelona's academy crown jewel who'd tasted LaLiga and Champs League. Beyond his €6m clause, it's a relational masterstroke – nicking elite youth on the cheap.

Atlético Madrid turned LaLiga into Deadline Day central. Conor Gallagher shipped to Tottenham for €40m after fading, Giacomo Raspadori flipped to Atalanta for €25m (buy-back price matched – no loss). Funds fuelled firepower: Ademola Lookman headlines midfield/attack revamp, shaking Diego Simeone's squad like a maraca.

These lot didn't just shop; they strategised. City bolstered title bids, Villa dodged PSR bullets, Bournemouth future-proofed. PSG and Atleti? Pure opportunism. Meanwhile, the also-rans lick wounds – but that's transfer poker for ya. Who's your winner, lads?