The January 2026 transfer window closed with major moves worldwide as clubs reshaped squads and deadline day delivered some of the season's most eye-catching signings.

Lookman headlines deadline-day business

Atletico Madrid moved decisively on deadline day, reaching an agreement with Atalanta for the signing of Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian forward has committed to the Rojiblancos until June 2030 in a deal worth an estimated €35 million plus a further €5 million in add-ons.

An iconic figure of African football, Lookman takes another major step in his career, this time in La Liga under the demanding guidance of Diego Simeone, where his pace and directness are expected to fit seamlessly into Atletico's attacking structure.

Atletico Madrid moved decisively on deadline day, reaching an agreement with Atalanta for the signing of Ademola Lookman

In another late move, Roma announced on Monday the signing of Bryan Zaragoza from Celta Vigo on loan for the remainder of the season. The Italian side have secured an optional purchase clause, which would become mandatory — reportedly around €13 million — should the club qualify for next season's Champions League.

The Malaga-born forward spent the past months on loan from Bayern Munich at Celta, and now hopes to make his mark in Serie A.

Just minutes after the Premier League window closed, Crystal Palace confirmed the signing of Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £45 million (around €52 million).

The Norwegian striker steps in as the replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose proposed move to AC Milan ultimately fell through, and will now lead Palace's attack for the remainder of the season.

Al-Hilal also announced through their official channels the signing of Karim Benzema, who has agreed to an 18-month contract. The French forward ends his two-and-a-half-year spell at Al-Ittihad after joining the Saudi club in the summer of 2023.

Not all of the window's big moves came on deadline day. Across January, clubs quietly completed several notable transfers that also left their mark on the global games, while top sides like Arsenal and Liverpool are still expected to announce major signings in the coming hours.

Premier League clubs dominate the headlines

Manchester City emerged as the most active Premier League force, officially signing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo for £65 million. The 26-year-old Ghana international arrived on a long-term contract after performances that cemented his reputation as one of the league's most explosive attacking talents.

City also acted swiftly to secure Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, avoiding the risk of a summer departure on a free transfer. The England international's defensive authority, composure in possession and tactical intelligence align perfectly with Pep Guardiola's vision, strengthening City's pursuit of domestic and European honours.

Tottenham won the race for Conor Gallagher, completing a £34.7 million deal with Atletico Madrid. The England midfielder signed a contract running until 2031, with Spurs beating off competition from Aston Villa for the former Chelsea player.

Elsewhere, Ethan Nwaneri joined Olympique Marseille on loan until the end of the season after struggling for minutes at Arsenal. The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign and now seeks regular football in Ligue 1.

Lucas Paqueta completed an emotional return to Flamengo, eight years after leaving for Europe. West Ham agreed a €42 million deal, payable until 2028, a fee that surpasses all previous transfers in Brazilian football history.

Manchester City emerge as the most active Premier League force, officially signing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo for £65 million

Major moves across elite leagues

One of the most talked-about transfers of the winter sees Dro Fernandez leave Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite limited first-team opportunities, the 18-year-old departed amid frustration among the Catalans, with PSG viewing him as one of La Masia's most exciting long-term prospects. The youngster will work under Luis Enrique, who plays a key role in the move.

Thiago Silva made a surprise return to European football at the age of 41, signing for Porto after rescinding his contract with Fluminense in December. Registered in January as a free agent, the veteran centre-back targets one final elite challenge with the next World Cup firmly in his sights.

Joao Cancelo returned to Barcelona on loan from Al Hilal until the end of the season. The Cules paid €4 million to complete the deal, driven largely by the player's strong desire to return after his previous spell during the 2023/24 campaign.

Endrick joined Olympique Lyon on loan from Real Madrid, with the French club paying around €1 million to retain him until June. With no option to buy included, the Brazilian already makes an immediate impact, recording four goals and one assist in just four matches.

One of the most talked-about transfers of the winter sees Dro Fernandez leave Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain

A window to remember

Beyond these headline deals, the international football world also took note of Raheem Sterling's release from Chelsea, Douglas Luiz's return to Aston Villa and Oscar Bobb's move to Fulham.

And while some moves, such as Jean-Philippe Mateta's proposed transfer to AC Milan from Crystal Palace, fell through, the January window once again delivered drama, ambition and surprise — and with the summer already on the horizon, fans can be sure that even bigger transfer stories are set to unfold.

Ethan Nwaneri

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