2026 January Transfer Window: Biggest Winners and Losers Revealed

Manchester City, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Liverpool headline the transfer drama that unfolded as the 2026 January transfer window closed, shaping the European football landscape in dramatic fashion.

Manchester City Strike Smart in Quiet Transfer Window

Manchester City emerged as the clear winners of the 2026 January transfer window. While most top European clubs were cautious, City capitalized by securing key signings in Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for a combined £84m. The addition of Guehi, an England international, instantly addressed the club’s defensive vulnerabilities, while Semenyo’s proven Premier League prowess added depth to City’s attack. In contrast to their lavish but less effective spending in the previous window, City’s strategic acquisitions this year significantly strengthen their squad for the run-in.

Winners: Endrick and Ademola Lookman Make Their Mark

Endrick’s explosive start at Lyon underlines the young Brazilian’s elite potential. After limited opportunities at Real Madrid, Endrick has netted four times in as many Ligue 1 appearances, boosting his chances for a Brazil World Cup call-up. Similarly, Ademola Lookman’s long-desired move to Atletico Madrid signals a fresh chapter after his European heroics with Atalanta. Despite some controversy over his departure, Lookman joins a club eager for his dynamic attacking talents.

Losers: Liverpool’s Defensive Woes Deepen

Liverpool’s approach to the window has left fans frustrated. Despite securing young talent Jeremy Jacquet for a summer arrival, the Reds failed to reinforce their defense immediately, even after losing Marc Guehi to Manchester City. With injuries to Giovanni Leoni and persistent fitness issues for Joe Gomez, Liverpool enter the critical phase of the season uncomfortably thin at center-back. The missed opportunity to bring in Lutsharel Geertruida and ongoing defensive shortages cast doubt over their top-five ambitions.

Crystal Palace and Jean-Philippe Mateta Feel the Sting

Crystal Palace supporters are reeling after the departure of captain Guehi. The club’s move for Jorgen Strand Larsen broke their transfer record, but the collapse of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s transfer to AC Milan due to medical issues adds further turmoil. Mateta, eager to leave a struggling Palace side, now faces an uncertain future and possible knee surgery, jeopardizing his World Cup hopes with France.

Harvey Elliott and Lazio: Stuck in Limbo

Harvey Elliott’s loan to Aston Villa has stalled, with his permanent transfer in doubt as Villa hesitate due to financial constraints and managerial uncertainty. Unable to move elsewhere, Elliott faces an uncertain second half of the season. Lazio, meanwhile, are mired in supporter unrest, limited investment, and frustrating sales, with coach Maurizio Sarri openly lamenting the club’s lack of ambition.

Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid Strengthen for the Future

Paris Saint-Germain once again flexed their muscles in the market, signing top Barcelona prospect Dro Fernandez. The move, while contentious, highlights PSG’s ongoing ability to attract elite young talent. Atletico Madrid, through shrewd sales and the acquisition of Lookman, Rodrigo Mendoza, and Obed Vargas, have emerged with a potentially stronger squad and financial profit.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s Frustration—A Transfer Window Lowlight

Jean-Philippe Mateta experienced one of the most disappointing deadline days. Not only did his transfer to AC Milan collapse after medical tests, but reports suggest he could be sidelined for months, a devastating blow as he eyes a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad.

The Rest of Europe: Struggling to Keep Pace

The concentration of Premier League spending once again left continental giants lagging. La Liga and Bundesliga clubs, aside from the likes of PSG and Bayern Munich, struggled to compete, fueling concerns about competitive balance in European football. Villarreal’s Champions League woes and widespread frustration among other top-flight clubs underline growing disparities.

Opinion: Manchester City’s Smart Deals, Liverpool’s Missed Chances

The 2026 January transfer window may not have featured blockbuster moves, but it proved decisive for several clubs. Manchester City’s calculated investments set them up for silverware, while Liverpool’s hesitation could haunt them in the season’s crucial months. Crystal Palace and Mateta’s misfortunes highlight the unpredictable nature of football deals, and as talent continues to migrate toward England, the rest of Europe must find creative ways to stay competitive. For more news, visit for more news and stay updated on every twist in the football transfer market.