The January transfer window closed across Europe on Monday with a flurry of activity.
Manchester City were the biggest spenders, shelling out £180 million on new signings Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis.
Al Nassr completed the signing of Jhon Duran from Aston Villa for €77 million, making him the second-most expensive signing in Saudi Pro League history after Neymar.
Marcus Rashford got the hint after Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim said there was more chance of his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach making the first team. The 27-year-old forward moved to Premier League rivals Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season.
Below is a list of 10 transfers that caught the eye this winter transfer window.
Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt to Man City, €70 million-plus)
Dubbed 'the next Mohamed Salah', the Egyptian forward is second only to his compatriot for goal involvements this season. An encouraging debut against Chelsea was tempered by an underwhelming display in the drubbing against Arsenal. No doubt City have signed a player of real potential though.
Jhon Duran (Aston Villa to Al Nassr, €77 million)
Duran's nine goals in 29 games have mainly come from the subs bench. The Colombian found dislodging Ollie Watkins a tall order – and may face an even more daunting task at Nassr where Cristiano Ronaldo reigns supreme. “I'm really happy to play with and learn from the best player in the world," Duran said of his illustrious new teammate. "He's the best sportsperson in the world. I think he's the best footballer."
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain, €70 million)
The Georgia winger has become one of Europe's hottest properties after an impressive two-and-a-half years in Naples. He was instrumental in ending Napoli's 33-year wait for a Serie A title in 2022/23, and was generally regarded as the most preternaturally gifted Napoli player since Diego Maradona plied his tried in southern Italy in the 1980s. Possesses searing pace and elasticity.
Galeno (Porto to Al Ahli, €50 million)
The Brazilian won all there was to win during a second spell at Porto, helping the club to a domestic treble in 2021/22. Capped once by the Selecao, Galeno will link up with compatriot Roberto Firmino at Al Ahli as the Jeddah club look to climb the Saudi Pro League table.
Ismael Bennacer (AC Milan to Marseille, loan)
Milan were reported furious with the timing of Marseille's approach for their Algerian midfielder, coming only hours before the transfer deadline, leaving the Rossoneri scrambling to find a replacement. The 27-year-old apparently made clear his intention to join the Ligue 1 club, where he will be joined by compatriot Amine Gouiri, who has signed from Rennes.
Xavi Simons (PSG to RB Leipzig, €50 million-plus)
Has found a happy home in Germany after failing to find his feet in Paris. The creative Dutch midfielder flourished while on loan in East Germany last season and appears to relish the trust placed in him by the Bundesliga club as seen in his standout performances.
Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich to Tottenham Hotspur, loan)
The France Under-21 forward was the subject of a seesaw transfer deadline day. Bayern went from initially not wanting to entertain any offers only to change their mind and encourage a posse of clubs to in fact make bids. Tel is something of a cult hero in Bavaria, scoring 16 goals since joining from Rennes in 2022. Spurs beat off interest from rivals Manchester United and Juventus and have an option to buy him in the summer for £45 million.
Alvaro Morata (AC Milan to Galatasaray, loan)
The much-travelled 32-year-old Spain striker found first-team opportunities hard to come by in Milan, returning only six goals in 25 matches for the Rossoneri. Galatasaray are flying in the Turkish league, sitting top of the table, enjoying a three-point cushion over rivals Fenerbahce with a game in hand.
Said Benrahma (Lyon to Neom SC, loan)
The Algeria winger signed on with the Saudi First Division club for the rest of the season. Benrahma, 29, has underwhelmed on his return to France, recording only one goal in 13 Ligue 1 appearances this campaign. Lyon said Benrahma’s loan move will be made permanent – triggering a €12m purchase option – should Neom SC gain promotion to the Saudi Pro League.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United to Aston Villa, loan)
It was made abundantly clear to Rashford that his first-team chances at Old Trafford were non-existent under Ruben Amorim. On his day, Rashford is capable of contributing plenty, as seen during his 2022/23 campaign when he finished with 30 goals - the best return of his career. It's hoped new surroundings can conjure the Rashford of old.
