The Best January Signings of 2026: Key Transfers and Impactful Deals
Manchester City boost their squad with the record-breaking signing of Semenyo for €72m and Guehi to strengthen their defense this January.
January offers clubs a chance to fix June’s squad mistakes. Those with deep pockets aim to strengthen their teams to secure the best possible finish in the league.
The Premier League’s financial muscle, fewer Financial Fair Play hurdles, and superior deal-making power continue to make it the busiest market for high-profile moves.
Manchester City, having stumbled early in the campaign and coping with injury setbacks to key players, have gone big in the transfer window. Their marquee signing is Antoine Semenyo, the most expensive acquisition this January. They also reinforced their backline by landing Marc Guehi, whose contract with Crystal Palace was nearing its end and was highly coveted.
City invested a hefty €72 million in Semenyo, who has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers so far this season. The 26-year-old Ghanaian winger, now playing for City, had a fascinating journey through the English lower leagues with spells at Bath, Bristol City, Newport County, and Sunderland before joining Bournemouth in 2023.
Tottenham welcomed back a familiar face in midfield to boost their options. The 25-year-old England international, a Chelsea academy product, had spells at Charlton, Swansea, and West Brom before breaking through at Crystal Palace. Atletico Madrid snapped him up in 2024 but eventually sold him for €40 million after a decline in form at the Spanish club.
Another notable move involved a 24-year-old Welsh winger switching London clubs. Previously with Tottenham, he joined Crystal Palace for €40 million, adding firepower to a side that has steadily grown stronger in recent years. Having come through Nottingham Forest’s academy and spent time on loan at Lincoln City, he made the move after two and a half years at Spurs.
West Ham sought to boost their attacking threat by bringing in an Argentine forward praised for his scoring prowess in Spain with Girona. At 27, he’s had an impressive career spanning U. de Chile, Uruguayan side Torque, MLS’s New York City, then Girona before making a 2023 switch to Lazio. The Hammers paid €29 million to land him as their new goal-getter.
A French midfielder, just 26, has already packed plenty of experience into his career. After youth stints at PSG and Lorient, he made a difficult jump to Arsenal and then spells at Hertha Berlin, Marseille, and Lazio. Now he’s moved to Fenerbahce for €28 million, making him the priciest signing outside of the Premier League this window.
The Brazilian domestic league is flexing its financial muscles by attracting top South American players, even pulling talent back from Europe. Gerson is the latest example, returning home for €27 million after rising through Fluminense and playing for Roma, Fiorentina, Flamengo, Marseille, and Zenit.
Crystal Palace made a smart business move by cashing in on their dependable England centre-back. At 25 and approaching the end of his contract, they accepted Manchester City’s €23 million bid. Developed at Chelsea and with a loan from Swansea in his past, the defender has been a consistent performer.
West Ham also added Brazilian striker Pablo from Portugal’s league. The Hammers shelled out €23 million for him, recognizing his rise as one of Portugal’s best forwards this season. Coming through Famalicao’s academy, he had a stint at Pacos Ferreira before joining Gil Vicente for a mere €250,000. His value has since skyrocketed nearly tenfold in under a year.
