Men’s January Transfer Review: Spurs Score an A with Johnson’s Move to Palace!

This summer, Premier League clubs set a new record by spending £3 billion in the transfer window, surpassing the previous high of £2.36 billion from two years ago.

Will January’s transfer activity see a similar trend? Below, you’ll find an overview of the key confirmed transfers in men’s football, organized by date and value.

All fees are reported unless marked with an asterisk.

January 5th

Lazio: A
West Ham: B-

Castellanos has a distinctive style when striking the ball, characterized by aggressive runs and pressing that often leads to fouls and yellow cards, along with a tendency to retreat to receive passes.

Since his move from New York City FC in MLS to Europe, he has shown potential but has frequently struggled to finish, particularly in Serie A (he fell 3.3 below his expected goals in both prior seasons). This might stem from his tendency to score spectacular goals while missing simpler chances. Lazio likely would have preferred to secure a good fee from the 27-year-old striker, who has yet to cement a starting position at the club — it’s a calculated risk for West Ham.

January 2nd

Tottenham Hotspur: A
Crystal Palace: B-

Johnson enjoyed two successful seasons at Tottenham, leveraging his speed and ability to score at the back post to thrive under manager Ange Postecoglou, culminating in a crucial goal during the Europa League final. However, after Thomas Frank took over in June, the Wales international has seen less action, starting just eight matches in the Premier League and Champions League.

Crystal Palace provides an excellent opportunity for him, as they urgently need players due to a current injury crisis and demanding schedule, making Johnson’s counter-attacking speed a great fit for the manager’s tactics.

Pablo
€21m (£18.3m, $25m)

Gil Vicente: A
West Ham: B-

West Ham is looking to capitalize on a current hot streak. Teetering on the brink of relegation, they urgently need goals, turning to players like Pablo, who has scored an impressive 10 goals from just 13 shots on target in Portugal’s Primeira Liga—an outstanding return, well above his expected goals since joining Gil Vicente in 2024. This season, his performance has really taken off.

The Brazilian will face a challenge maintaining this form at the Premier League level, but he also brings other skills. He’s a strong, hardworking forward who draws fouls and poses a threat during set pieces, with plenty of potential to grow at just 22 years old.

West Ham: D
AC Milan: A

Another striker for West Ham who hasn’t seen much game time over the past decade is Furkrug. His 2024-25 season was marred by injuries, and he has struggled to regain his form ever since. The Hammers might be relieved to offload his wages, but the deal lacks certainty. If Milan doesn’t activate the €5 million permanent option, they’ll find themselves back at square one.

Milan capitalized on this by signing a cost-effective, risk-free contract. The German international adds depth to their attacking options and fits manager Max Allegri’s style, willing to contribute off the bench if he remains fit enough to play.

January 1st

Alisson
£8.7 million ($11.7 million)

Gremio: C+
Aston Villa: B+

Alisson is an exciting attacking talent. As a left winger with solid one-on-one skills and a willingness to shift between offense and defense, he represents a smart acquisition amid Gremio’s financial struggles, making him an appealing target for Premier League teams.

Aston Villa’s need for players like him heading into 2026 is clear. The crucial question remains how soon he can adapt to contribute effectively, given his ongoing development.

Real Madrid: A
Lyon: A

The first standout deal of January aligns perfectly for all involved. Endrik has only played 99 minutes across all competitions for Real Madrid this season, placing him in the position of a fourth striker at best. At just 19, he needs more playing time to increase his chances of being selected for Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lyon is open to nurturing Endrik’s talent, reportedly agreeing to cover half of his salary with a guarantee to play him regularly. This is an exciting addition for a club whose current No. 9 has only scored twice in Ligue 1 this season.