EPL: January market – A transfer window of little activity, no real consequence
The 2025 January transfer window closed Monday this week.
The day saw Manchester City finalized a £50m deal for FC Porto’s Nico González, activating the player’s release clause.
Before González’s arrival, the Premier League champions brought in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush in a £59m transfer, followed by Palmeiras’ Vitor Reis for £29.6m and Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov for £33.6m.
Of the approximately £370 million ($459m) Premier League clubs spent in this past transfer window, City paid out £180m ($223m), nearly as much as the other 19-top flight teams.
Unlike the Premier League, it was a quiet window for LaLiga, with only €25.13m ($26m) spent, according to Transfermarkt.
Real Betis made the biggest signing on deadline day, bringing in Colombian striker “Cucho” Hernández from MLS side Columbus Crew in a €13m transfer.
“I think some clubs did enough to plug holes in their teams, so they can stay in the fight until May/June,” Nwosu Michael Izuchukwu, a podcaster and digital marketer, tells DAILY POST.
“Some were busy doing nothing, but ultimately there were some surprising moves (mostly loans).
“I just want to see how they play out and what it will mean for these players and their respective clubs in the summer.”
Pep Guardiola has gone big in January, following an average first half of the season.
According to Football Transfers, City’s spending became the second-highest in a winter window, with Chelsea’s record still standing at £275m ($341m) in 2023.
“It was needed and them choosing to do it during the winter window is smart business in my opinion,” Izuchukwu explains.
“Because it means less time spent on incomings during the summer and more time prepping the team to get back to their very best against the new season.
“I genuinely think they recruited well and I’m especially excited to see what Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez bring to the mix.”
Last season, City barely emerged champions, finishing two points ahead of Arsenal.
The Gunners were expected to finally overtake this City, but are now dealing with a different beast – Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
With Mikel Arteta’s team short of numbers in attack due to long term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal were expected to bring in new forwards.
They didn’t.
Even the Reds also did not see the need to add to their squad, as they fight in four competitions.
“Arsenal have needed a striker since forever and why they haven’t gone for one yet is beyond me,” Izuchukwu said.
“As for Liverpool, I think the squad is good as is at least for this season.
“Everyone is on the same wavelength and it can be tricky throwing someone new into the mix, especially with what they’re on course to achieve.”
But how will the market influence how the season unfolds?
Izuchukwu adds: “Honestly, that isn’t necessarily the case these days cause you can buy and buy amiss.
“Then there’s Liverpool who have been one of the best teams in the world this season and Chiesa is the only player they’ve signed across two windows.
“There are teams who are very much in the mix but will very likely not get over the finish line because they’re lacking in certain areas. E.g Arsenal and their aforementioned striker situation.”
EPL: January market – A transfer window of little activity, no real consequence
