Premier League clubs spent around £2 billion in the summer transfer window, with some very interesting deals being made. However, January 2024 marked the league’s lowest winter spending total (£96.2m) in the last three years. So what will happen in 2025?
Below are the performances of all the major transfers confirmed in the men’s game, each listed by date and then by highest value.
All charges are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk.
January 9th
Stade de Reims: B+
Wolf: B+
There are many different forms of centre-back, but it would be no exaggeration to say that Agbadu is the more active type. He racks up tackles, interceptions, duels won, and clearances with great gusto, showing great strength and an ability to do a little bit of everything. Stylistically, he resembles Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.
The Wolves are in dire need of central defensive help, so Agbadu looks like a plug-and-play deal that could lift them right up. The fact that he spent two-and-a-half years in Ligue 1 is a bonus, as players tend to make the transition from France to England very effectively. Both teams should come away quite satisfied with their exchange fees.
January 7th
Lanus: B+
Bournemouth: A
It is no surprise that Bournemouth would be in the market for a left-back, given that incumbent Milos Kerkes is highly regarded by the world’s top teams. This is a lot like how the Cherries are planning for the future, and it’s definitely smart.
Lanus have a reputation for developing quality full-back talent, and Soler will now be managed by a very talented former full-back in Andoni Iraola. The 19-year-old’s game is full of energy and aggression, and he is already at the top of the Argentina national team. This feels like a match made in heaven. The starting fee looks a little low for such an established prospect, but if he meets his targets the deal could rise to £11.5 million, which would make Lanus the club’s highest ever fee. .
January 5th
Slavia Prague: A
Spurs: B+
Guglielmo Vicario’s injury this season has made it clear how lacking Spurs are in the goalkeeping department. As a reserve, Fraser Foster ticks the veteran box, but doesn’t really fit into Ange Postecoglou’s ball-playing system.
So while the 21-year-old Kinski is a player of the future, he’s also a player of the moment. He is highly regarded for his long distance distribution and ability to use both feet, which should give him a chance to stake his claim early. His first match in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool went very well.
2:14
Transfer market report challenges
Speaking on The Football Reporters podcast, James Oley explained the challenges journalists face when reporting transfer news.
January 1st
Gangwon FC: B
Spurs: A
Tottenham beat out a lot of competition to sign Yang, who had just been named the Korean League’s Young Player of the Year. He joins the club made famous in his home country by his Korean compatriot and idol Son Heung-min. Therefore, Spurs were probably the most likely destination from the beginning.
From Tottenham’s point of view, this is a low-risk, high-reward business, as potential transfer fees are not that high for Premier League teams. His 12 goals and six assists last season suggest he has a big chance. This may seem like a small return to Gangwon Province, but in South Korea there is a perception that this is a big reward.
Inter Miami: C+
Brighton: B+
Gomez has moved from Paraguay to MLS to the Premier League in just 18 months, and Brighton are happy to make an early move in recognition of the potential he has shown so quickly. There has always been a rule of thumb in the world of football: players Lionel Messi clearly enjoys playing with are likely to be quality players. So Gomez’s on-pitch connection with the Argentine legend at Inter Miami speaks volumes.
Miami described the fee received as “one of the highest transfer fees in MLS history,” but it is difficult to shake off the impression that it is a little cheap compared to previous contracts.
