There’s no value in the January transfer window, we’re often told, but that’s not particularly true.
Several sides made additions in the winter window and have reaped the rewards since. We’ve picked out five January signings who have made an instant impact.
Five January 2025 transfers who’ve made a big impact
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain) – £59.1m
Paris Saint-Germain have shunned the superstar signings of past regimes, but the French champions are still prepared to splash the cash when required. Luis Enrique parted with €70m (£59m) to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January as the Parisians finally landed their man.
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The Georgian had earned the nickname Kvaradona at Napoli, after the Italian side’s most beloved player, Diego Maradona. It was a fitting moniker for Kvaratskhelia, who inspired Napoli to their first Serie A title since Maradona’s pomp three decades earlier, in 2022/23.
Kvaratskhelia has been an instant hit at PSG, adding to a forward line that might just be the most exciting in Europe. He’s been a joy to watch at the Parc des Princes.
Marco Asensio (Paris Saint-Germain to Aston Villa) – Loan
Marco Asensio was one of the casualties of Kvaratskhelia’s arrival in Paris, with the out-of-favour Spaniard shipped out on loan. He’s found himself a home in the Premier League, scoring eight times in 18 appearances for Aston Villa.
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Alongside the equally impressive Marcus Rashford, the loanees have reinforced an Aston Villa attack that needed a spark over the opening months of the campaign. He helped Unai Emery’s side to the Champions League quarter-finals and will be key to their hopes of returning to the competition next season.
Emmanuel Agbadou (Reims to Wolves) – £16.76m
Wolves badly needed a central defender in January and, after missing out on Kevin Danso to Tottenham, signed Emmanuel Agbadou from Reims.
It’s proven to be a shrewd snap-up, with Agbadou emerging as a gem. He’s shored up a previously leaky rearguard, helping Wolves climb from the relegation scrap to the comforts of mid-table. Powerful in the air and good on the ball, he’s been a key part of one of the Premier League’s most improved teams.
Antony (Manchester United to Real Betis) – Loan
Antony is enjoying a Remontada in La Liga.
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The Brazil international’s high-profile move to the Premier League failed to work out, with Antony mocked and scapegoated during a tough time at Manchester United. An exit felt inevitable in January, and Real Betis have provided a platform to thrive.
He’s scored seven times and created four more goals since his mid-season move, as Betis chase Champions League qualification and Europa Conference League success. Antony could become the first player in history to win two major UEFA competitions in the same season if United and Betis win the Europa League and Conference League, respectively.
Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City) – £59.1m
Manchester City invested in January as the Citizens sought to solve a stuttering season.
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Omar Marmoush’s explosive start to the season at Eintracht Frankfurt led to a £59.1m move to the Premier League, where he has helped turn the tide. The Egyptian has scored six times in 13 league appearances, helping ease the loss of Erling Haaland to injury.
His performances have helped City into the Champions League places and to the FA Cup final, providing a chance to end a challenging campaign on a high.
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