Players who switched clubs in the January transfer window

This year’s January transfer window has been far less busy. It is nothing compared to the hive of activities witnessed during the summer transfer windows and the reason is not far-fetched.

Most clubs prefer to maintain the balance they have established throughout the campaign because sometimes, the addition of new players during the January transfer causes an imbalance in team dynamics.

Also, Clubs try to hold onto their star players, fearing that it would be difficult to find suitable replacements if they depart. Adding new players during the mid-season transfer windows makes sense only on a few occasions.

For instance, clubs are left with no option but to recruit new players when a number of key players suffer devastating injuries, these clubs often utilize the mid-season transfer window to bolster the depth of the squad so they can keep competing for trophies or avoid relegation in other instances.

Too, some players seize the opportunity to seek greener pastures elsewhere when big clubs come calling for their signature with lucrative deals. Also, players who fall out with their managers utilize the January transfer window to seek new beginnings at another club.

2025 January Transfer Window Completed Deals

Despite the low number of transfers in this year’s mid-season window, several players still switched and some high-profile moves are discussed below

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli – PSG)

The Georgian winger moved to Seri A in 2022 to ply his trade with Napoli. In his first season at the Italian club, the Georgian produced several outstanding performances that endeared him to the hearts of the fans.

He was even nicknamed Kvaradona in honour of club legend Maradona. Kvaratskhelia teamed up with Victor Osimhen and Politano to form a leather attack that helped Napoli win the league title in the 2022/2023 season.

He was voted the most valuable player in that campaign. He scored important goals and contributed valuable assists to teammates to help Napoli finish top of the league despite a hot chase by Inter Milan.

However, the following season Napoli struggled to replicate their winning campaign after Spaletti stepped down as team coach.

The team has since experienced internal wrangling and players who played important roles in their league-winning campaign are departing.

Kvaratskhelia is the latest star to depart Napoli after falling down the pecking order in Antonio Conte’s team. PSG imagined the winger would be an important addition to its attack and deemed it worthy to part with €70 million for his signature.

There is no doubt about Kvaratskhelia’s talent or what he would offer to the French team. However, a few fans have criticized the move, arguing that a move to the Premier League or La Liga would have been more suited for the 23-year-old.

Kvaradona, as he was once referred to in Napoli has taken up the iconic jersey number seven and he would be hoping to form a prolific partnership with Ousmane Dembele even as PSG continue to search for the elusive first Uefa Champions League trophy.

Anthony dos Santos (Manchester United – Real Betis)

Many fans consider the Brazilian’s spell in England a huge disappointment and a poor investment choice for Manchester United. Anthony worked with Erik Ten hag at Ajax where produced several top performances that made him a household name in the Netherlands.

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His performances endeared him to Ten Hag so much that when the Dutch coach was employed by United, he told his employers to get him the Brazilian winger. Many pundits questioned the possibility of Anthony succeeding in the Premier League.

The English Premier League is arguably the most physically demanding football league in the world and to stand a chance to excel in such a league, one is expected to be in great physical shape.

But sadly, Anthony lacked such physical quality and pundits who expressed their reservations about his quality were later proven to be right. Manchester United paid a mouth-watering €95 million for a winger who ultimately failed to live up to the bill.

He managed to register only 5 goals and a few assists during his two and a half years in England. His poor returns make him unreliable and when the new coach, Ruben Amorim came in, he never thought Anthony was good enough to make his first team.

Real Betis who are known to have an affinity for Brazil players came offering a lifeline for the United flop and he jumped at the offer. The 24-year-old player would be hoping to use the opportunity offered by this January transfer window to see if he can rejuvenate his career.

Kolo Muani (PSG – Juventus)

Kolo Muani has found it difficult to establish himself as a fan favourite in the French capital. PSG bought the striker in 2023 after a brilliant performance at the World Cup. Muani is most famous for his miss in the World Cup final against eventual winners Argentina.

See also: The Back and Forth Between Victor Osimhen and Napoli

Aside from the miss, Muani had a brilliant outing at the world cup and PSG thought he would be a good addition to the team. Unfortunately, the striker was unable to perform as expected during his short spell at PSG.

Luis Enrique imagined he could do without the striker and he was sold to Juventus who were willing to improve their struggling squad. All eyes would be on the striker to see if he would repay the faith reposed on him by the Old ladies.

Dele Ali

Ali’s move to Como is another eye-catching deal that took place this January transfer window. The Englishman has been out of action for several months. The former Tottenham striker revealed he was having challenges with his mental health.

Thus, he thought it would be ideal to stay away from football for some time. He is been out of action for a while but recently announced that he is ready to take the field once again.

Cesc Fabregas who is the coach of Como, an Italian club went all out for Ali’s signature. The 28-year-old has resumed training with the team and the world is looking out for a comeback after a longtime of no football action.

Chalobah (Crystal Palace – Chelsea)

Enzo Maresca sold Chalobah in the summer after taking over as Chelsea’s manager saying he doesn’t believe in the ability of the young defender. The defender showed class by performing excellently at Crystal Palace.

Five months later, Chelsea and Maresca recalled the defender citing injuries to several defenders in the squad. Chalobah made his second debut for his club and put in a man-of-the-match performance.

The defender has proven he is top quality and could be relied upon.