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Sam Tighe
This summer, Premier League clubs shattered the previous transfer record, spending a staggering £3 billion ($4 billion), surpassing the previous £2.36 billion ($3.2 billion) set two summers ago.
Will the trend continue in January? Below are the grades for the significant confirmed transfers in men’s football, organized by date and by the highest fee.
All fees are reported unless marked with an asterisk.
Jan. 2
BRENNAN JOHNSON
£35m ($47m)
Tottenham Hotspur: A
Crystal Palace: B-
After two noteworthy seasons at Tottenham, showcasing his speed and goal-scoring ability, Johnson found it hard to secure a place in the lineup under Thomas Frank, making only eight starts this season. Nevertheless, his transfer to Crystal Palace provides a much-needed boost for the Eagles, who require reinforcements as injuries have taken a toll on their squad.
NICLAS FÜLLKRUG
Loan with a €5m ($5.87m) option
West Ham: D
AC Milan: A
This transfer adds Füllkrug to the extensive list of West Ham strikers who have underperformed in the last decade. After an injury-disrupted season, West Ham will be relieved to offload his salary, but the temporary nature of the deal leaves them vulnerable. If AC Milan opts not to buy, they’ll be back at square one.
For AC Milan, it’s a low-risk, cost-effective arrangement that reinforces their attack. Füllkrug could prove valuable off the bench for manager Max Allegri, with a potential permanent transfer available if he impresses.
Jan. 1
ENDRICK
Loan
Real Madrid: A
Lyon: A
The first significant transfer of January is a win-win deal. After limited playing time at Real Madrid, Endrick, now 19, needs more game experience to boost his chances for Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. Lyon benefits from his loan, reportedly covering half his wages and ensuring he plays regularly, which is crucial for a club struggling for goals.
ALYSSON
£8.7m ($11.7m)
Grêmio: C+
Aston Villa: B+
Alysson is a promising talent; a right-footed left winger with impressive one-on-one skills and a solid work ethic. His transfer, prompted by Grêmio’s financial issues, allows Aston Villa to enhance their squad significantly ahead of 2026. The main concern is how quickly he can adapt to the higher level of competition.