The winter transfer window for 2026 wrapped up on Monday, highlighted by Jorgen Strand Larsen’s $66 million switch from Wolves to Crystal Palace, the priciest acquisition of deadline day. Overall, it was a lackluster conclusion to what is typically an eventful transfer month. Most of Europe’s elite clubs, save for Manchester City, remained dormant in January, and leagues in France, Germany, and Spain saw no significant movements. This lack of transactions was somewhat expected, as January is often a tough month to secure high-quality signings at reasonable prices.
Despite the quiet window, numerous discussions emerged over the past few weeks. Many fans expressed disappointment about their clubs not bolstering their squads, particularly given some potential transfers fell through due to unforeseen issues.
With all this in mind, Goal outlines the standout winners and losers from the 2026 winter transfer window…
Xabi Alonso’s firing at Real Madrid stemmed from concerns over player performance, yet the exclusion of Brazilian talent Endrik is puzzling, especially in light of his stellar start at Lyon. The 19-year-old has scored four goals in his first four matches in Ligue 1, setting himself up as a strong contender for Brazil’s World Cup roster, particularly under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. Despite potential competition for minutes from Kylian Mbappé, Endrik has seized his chance to showcase his talent, indicating a bright future on the European stage.
Liverpool deserves accolades for securing Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for the upcoming summer, competing fiercely against Chelsea and Manchester United. However, fans were left wanting more as the Reds needed a center-back immediately, especially after failed attempts to acquire Marc Guehi, who opted for Manchester City instead. The absence of a new signing, combined with existing injuries, leaves Liverpool’s defense vulnerable and their ambitions for a top-five finish in the Premier League in jeopardy.
In a turn of events, Manchester City successfully navigated the transfer market, acquiring Guehi and Antoine Semenyo for a total of approximately £84 million. City had previously lagged in the transfer market, but these signings are expected to fortify their title defense and improve their chances of securing silverware this season.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace experienced disappointment when captain Guehi departed for Manchester City despite the manager’s insistence that he wouldn’t leave. Manager Oliver Glasner’s frustration was palpable, especially after missing out on Jean-Philippe Mateta to a failed transfer due to injury concerns. Crystal Palace’s effort to bolster its lineup suffered setbacks, leaving fans disconcerted.
Harvey Elliott, an up-and-coming talent, faced setbacks after Liverpool secured Florian Wirths, limiting his prospects for a consistent role at Anfield. His loan to Aston Villa has not unfolded as planned, leaving him on the fringes and in a precarious position with the club.
Ademola Lookman recently bid farewell to Atalanta, having remained with the club beyond his preferred time. Lookman’s move to Atletico Madrid materialized, but the past tension seems to overshadow his departure.
Meanwhile, Jean-Philippe Mateta faced an extremely unfortunate deadline day as a proposed transfer to AC Milan fell apart due to a knee injury discovered during medical checks. This left him in a difficult situation at Crystal Palace, where his aspirations for greater opportunities remain unclear.
Lazio experienced fan discontent as they struggled to balance sales and acquisitions during the window. Manager Maurizio Sarri expressed concern over players feeling unappreciated, as figures from key exits left supporters questioning the club’s direction.
Paris Saint-Germain again demonstrated their prowess in the market, luring Doro Fernandes from Barcelona, enhancing their attacking options while simultaneously destabilizing their rivals.
Lastly, Chelsea’s defense was further weakened as they failed to acquire Jeremy Jacquet, who opted for Liverpool instead. This continuing void in the backline further jeopardizes their push for a top-four finish this season.
In evaluating the overall landscape, while some clubs like Atletico Madrid managed to strengthen their squads while securing profitable exits, others, particularly in Spain and across Europe, find themselves left behind as talent increasingly gravitates toward the English Premier League. This situation reflects a growing disparity across leagues and has implications for the competitive balance of European football.
Fan Take: The transfer window’s events underscore the shifting landscape in football, where top talent appears increasingly consolidated in the Premier League. As a fan, the challenge lies in hoping for a competitive playing field across Europe, making every match more thrilling, but the concentration of talent may complicate that dream for years to come.
