
2025 Winter Transfer Window Highlights
The January transfer window always brings a total host of excitement and anticipation for football fans across the world, and 2025’s winter window was no different. With Premier League clubs looking to bolster up their squads and secure key signings, this year’s window has been packed with high-profile moves and major deals.
Some clubs have been real big spenders this window, with Manchester City topping the list as usual. But which deals were the biggest? Come with us as we explore the five biggest transfers that rocked the English Premier League in January 2025.
Donyell Malen – Borussia Dortmund to Aston Villa, £22 million
Aston Villa made a bold move in mid-January, securing the services of Dutch forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund. While Marcus Rashford’s loan deal stole the headlines for Unai Emery’s Villa, it was Malen’s permanent signing that made the biggest financial splash. Villa reportedly paid an initial £22 million, with a further £2 million in performance-related add-ons.
Malen, 25, had been showing consistent form in the Bundesliga, scoring three goals before his move to the Premier League. With Villa aiming for a top-half finish and beyond, Malen’s pace and finishing ability will add an extra attacking threat alongside the likes of Ollie Watkins and the newly-arrived Rashford.
Malen wasted no time in making his debut, featuring in Villa’s 1-1 draw against West Ham. His versatility across the forward line and strong dribbling skills should give Villa an edge in their push for European football next season.
Patrick Dorgu – Lecce to Manchester United, £29 million
Manchester United were quick to respond to their defensive issues with the signing of Denmark international Patrick Dorgu from Serie A side Lecce. The £29 million deal is the first transfer of the Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford, and Dorgu’s arrival was much-needed after United’s shaky defensive form.
Dorgu, just 20 years old, is expected to be a long-term solution for United’s left-back position, which has been problematic due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. The young defender made 57 appearances for Lecce since his senior debut and impressed with his solid tackling, intelligent positioning, and ball distribution.
The £25 million base fee, plus £4 million in potential add-ons, reflects United’s belief in Dorgu’s potential to evolve into one of Europe’s top full-backs. His debut came in United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, a match that highlighted the need for more reinforcements in defense. Dorgu will need to hit the ground running if United hopes to close the gap in the top four.
Vitor Reis – Palmeiras to Manchester City, £29.6 million
Manchester City’s ambition to maintain their dominance in English football continues with the addition of 19-year-old Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis. City beat out a host of competitors, including Brighton, Wolves, and Arsenal, to secure the young defender from Palmeiras.
Reis’s move, valued at £29.6 million, was somewhat of a gamble for City, but it was clear that Pep Guardiola needed to strengthen his defensive ranks. Initially, Palmeiras had wanted to keep Reis until the end of the season, but City’s defensive struggles forced their hand, and Reis joined immediately in January.
Though he has yet to feature in a Premier League match, Reis’s potential to develop into a top-tier defender makes this a deal to keep an eye on. Guardiola is known for his ability to nurture young talent, and Reis could be a key part of City’s future at the back.
Abdukodir Khusanov – Lens to Manchester City, £33.5 million
While Vitor Reis was a relatively low-key signing, the arrival of 20-year-old Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov from Ligue 1 club Lens was a far more high-profile affair. City splashed £33.5 million on the highly-rated defender, hoping to bolster their defensive depth following a series of injuries to key players.
Khusanov’s debut couldn’t have been more eventful, as he was thrown into the starting XI against Chelsea just five days after completing his transfer. The young defender had a rough start, conceding an early goal and receiving a yellow card shortly after the second half began. However, City showed their strength and recovered to win 3-1, despite Khusanov’s difficult debut.
Khusanov’s future looks promising, and this rough start should not overshadow his potential. City fans will hope that he can adapt quickly to the Premier League and become a key figure in their defense for years to come.
Omar Marmoush – Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City, £59 million
The most expensive signing of the 2025 January transfer window was undoubtedly Omar Marmoush, who made the leap from Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City in a £59 million deal. The 25-year-old Egyptian forward was a standout performer in the Bundesliga, scoring 19 goals and contributing 11 assists in just 25 appearances for Frankfurt.
Marmoush’s arrival was part of Guardiola’s efforts to add more firepower to his squad, as City had been overly reliant on Erling Haaland after Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid. In his debut against Chelsea, Marmoush showcased his skill and movement, nearly scoring a goal, only to have it ruled offside.
His pace, technical ability, and finishing make him an ideal fit for City’s attacking system, and fans will be excited to see what he can achieve in the Premier League. Marmoush’s arrival strengthens City’s already formidable attack, and his versatility in the forward line could be a game-changer for Guardiola.
The 2025 EPL Transfer Market Is Now Closed
The January 2025 transfer window has been a thrilling one for Premier League clubs. As the deadline day loomed, big-money signings like Donyell Malen, Patrick Dorgu, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush have shaken up the transfer market, and fans are eager to see how these players will adapt to life in the EPL.
With a combination of exciting new arrivals and high-profile deals, the Premier League transfer news has been buzzing, and these completed football transfers are sure to make waves in the second half of the season. Whether it’s strengthening defensive lines, boosting attacking options, or securing young talent for the future, the January transfer window has delivered some thrilling moves.
For all the latest EPL transfer news and the confirmed Premier League transfers 2025, make sure to keep an eye on the transfer window deadline day action. As always, the football transfer window never disappoints, and we can’t wait to see how these new signings will impact the Premier League landscape in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates on every Premier League transfer, from January 2025 transfer window rumors to done deals!