The winter transfer window for the 2024-25 season has officially closed, leaving clubs, players, managers, and agents to reflect on their moves. Some emerged as clear winners, securing major deals and strengthening their squads, while others found themselves on the losing end, missing out on key opportunities. Let’s delve into the winners, losers, and those who fall somewhere in between.
Winners
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
PSG undoubtedly emerged as the standout winners of this transfer window, making a significant impact with their acquisitions. They secured the services of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of the world’s best wingers, for a bargain fee of €60 million. The Georgia international’s value had soared in recent months, making this transfer a major coup for PSG. Additionally, the French champions made a handsome profit of €46 million on midfielder Xavi Simons’ move to RB Leipzig for €50 million. PSG’s strategic moves also included finding new homes for players like Cher Ndour and Randal Kolo Muani, further solidifying their squad for the remainder of the season.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa emerged as another winner in this transfer window, addressing multiple areas of need with shrewd moves. The club resolved their profit and sustainability rules (PSR) issues by offloading 21-year-old striker Jhon Durán to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr for €77 million. Villa also secured loan deals and permanent transfers for several players, including Marcus Rashford from Manchester United and Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund. The addition of Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi on loan tipped the scales in Villa’s favor, bolstering their defense for the challenges ahead.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa marked a turning point in his career. Amid concerns about his application in training, Rashford had not featured for United since December. Villa’s offer, which included covering a substantial portion of his wages, convinced Rashford to make the move. The forward now faces the challenge of proving himself and reigniting his career, with the potential to reshape his future in the sport.
Dani Olmo
For Dani Olmo, the ability to play for Barcelona was a significant win amidst uncertainty. Initially facing the prospect of being sidelined due to the club’s financial issues, Olmo’s eligibility to play was secured after a series of legal battles. Despite ongoing challenges, Olmo’s inclusion in Barcelona’s squad offers a ray of hope in an otherwise turbulent season for the club.
Neutral
Manchester City
Manchester City’s transfer activities in this window have placed them in a neutral position, with mixed outcomes. While the club made substantial investments in signing new players, including defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, the immediate impact of these acquisitions remains uncertain. The challenge lies in integrating these players effectively into the squad to address pressing issues and strengthen the team for upcoming competitions.
Tottenham
Tottenham navigated the transfer window amidst an injury crisis, particularly in defense, prompting manager Ange Postecoglou to seek reinforcements. The loan signing of Kevin Danso and a late move for Bayern forward Mathys Tel provided some relief, but the club’s failed bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi highlighted their need for additional cover. Tottenham’s ability to secure key signings may influence their performance in the second half of the season.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s success in retaining key players outweighed their lack of significant signings in this transfer window. While teenage prospects joined the club for the future, Bournemouth’s focus on retaining star players like Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi reflects their ambition to compete at a high level. The club’s strategic decisions in holding onto valuable assets could pay dividends as they pursue European qualification.
Losers
Manchester United
Manchester United’s transfer activities left them in a challenging position, with limited solutions to pressing issues. While the acquisition of Patrick Dorgu addressed some needs, the club’s failure to secure impactful signings in key areas may hinder their performance. The departure of Marcus Rashford on loan further underscored United’s struggles to strengthen their squad effectively, raising questions about their competitiveness in the current season.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s quest for a forward player to bolster their attack fell short in this transfer window, highlighting gaps in their squad composition. Despite notable performances from Kai Havertz, injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus exposed the team’s lack of depth in crucial positions. Failed bids for top strikers and the departure of young talent to rival clubs added to Arsenal’s challenges, signaling a need for strategic reinforcements to maintain their title aspirations.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s transfer window was marked by missed opportunities and limited impact, contrasting with their usual ambitious approach. The club’s modest signings and loan deals failed to address key areas of concern, particularly in the attacking department. Rumored pursuits of top talents like Alejandro Garnacho did not materialize, leaving Chelsea with unresolved issues in their squad composition. The uncertainty surrounding forward Christopher Nkunku’s future further complicates Chelsea’s prospects for the remainder of the season.
As clubs reflect on their transfer dealings, the impact of these moves will unfold in the coming months, shaping their performances and aspirations in domestic and international competitions. The winners, losers, and those in between will navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, seeking to strengthen their squads and achieve success on the pitch.
