Man City, Endrick Shine as 2026 January Transfer Window Closes

Man City set the pace in the 2026 January transfer window, making significant moves while many European giants opted for caution. The transfer market wrapped up with some clubs reinforcing for the run-in, others left frustrated, and a handful of dramatic twists affecting players and managers alike.

Man City’s Savvy Business Leads Transfer Headlines

Manchester City emerged as the biggest winners, addressing key squad needs. Their £84 million investment brought proven Premier League talents Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo to the Etihad. Despite the unusual nature of paying £20 million for Guehi with only six months left on his contract, the England international’s arrival immediately solved City’s defensive woes. Semenyo, fresh from a hot streak at Bournemouth, hit the ground running for City, giving Pep Guardiola’s side a timely boost ahead of the season’s climax.

Endrick’s Breakthrough After Real Madrid Exit

Elsewhere, Endrick made headlines by revitalizing his career at Lyon after a lack of opportunities under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. The 19-year-old Brazilian’s explosive start—scoring four goals in as many Ligue 1 appearances—has silenced doubters and put him on track for Brazil’s World Cup squad. His rapid ascent showcases how a change of environment can unlock a player’s potential, even if doubts linger about the overall quality of Ligue 1 compared to La Liga.

Liverpool’s Defensive Gamble Backfires

Liverpool, meanwhile, faced disappointment. Although securing Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for next summer, the Reds failed to strengthen a depleted defense when it mattered most. The departure of Guehi to Man City and injuries to key defenders left manager Arne Slot with limited options. Fans’ frustrations are understandable, as the Reds’ defensive frailties could hinder their ambitions to finish in the Premier League’s top five or compete for silverware.

Crystal Palace and Mateta: A Turbulent Window

For Crystal Palace, the window brought turmoil. The sale of captain Marc Guehi for a modest fee sparked outrage from manager Oliver Glasner, who swiftly announced his intention to leave the club at season’s end. Compounding Palace’s woes, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move to AC Milan collapsed due to a knee injury discovered late in the process, leaving both player and club in limbo. While they broke their transfer record for Jorgen Strand Larsen, the inability to offload Mateta and unrest within the squad have cast a shadow over Selhurst Park.

Atletico Madrid and PSG Find Value

Atletico Madrid navigated the market astutely, selling squad players for €63 million and acquiring Ademola Lookman from Atalanta for €35 million. Lookman’s move, after months of speculation, gives Diego Simeone’s side extra firepower as they chase Champions League success. Paris Saint-Germain also made headlines, poaching rising star Dro Fernandez from Barcelona, a move reminiscent of their high-profile captures in past years. The transfer underscored PSG’s growing pull and Barcelona’s struggle to retain emerging talents.

Lazio’s Supporters Protest Lack of Ambition

In Italy, Lazio’s limited spending and the sale of key players sparked a supporter strike, leaving the Stadio Olimpico almost empty for a recent Serie A clash. Coach Maurizio Sarri shared fans’ concerns over the club’s lack of ambition. Although Lazio resisted late offers for defender Alessio Romagnoli, tensions between management and fans are likely to continue amid ongoing dissatisfaction.

Other Notable Transfers and Missed Opportunities

Away from the main headlines, Ademola Lookman finally secured his dream move to Atletico Madrid, writing an emotional farewell to Atalanta. Harvey Elliott, once tipped for stardom at Liverpool, endured a frustrating spell at Aston Villa after failing to convince Unai Emery and being unable to secure another move due to FIFA’s club eligibility rules.

Premier League’s Growing Power Over Europe

The 2026 winter window reinforced the Premier League’s dominance in the transfer market. English clubs’ spending dwarfed that of their European counterparts, further concentrating talent within the league. As highlighted by Villarreal’s coach Marcelino, this imbalance continues to challenge the competitiveness of continental leagues, with only Bayern Munich and PSG able to rival even mid-table English sides for top talent.

Opinion: Winners and Losers Reflect a Changing Market

This January, the transfer window reflected both the financial muscle and strategic clarity of clubs like Man City, as well as the struggles of traditional powers to adapt. While some teams like Lyon and Atletico Madrid seized opportunities to strengthen, others, notably Liverpool and Crystal Palace, were left counting the cost of missed deals and internal turmoil. For more news and in-depth coverage on global football, visit for more news.

Ultimately, the winners of this window will be judged by their end-of-season silverware. However, one thing is clear: the Premier League’s grip on top talent shows no signs of loosening, and clubs unable to keep pace risk falling even further behind.