Here's the rundown on the ten biggest deals and how they’ve panned out so far:
This one shocked everyone. Fernandez, after two years of inconsistent form at Stamford Bridge since his £106m move, needed a change. Tottenham, desperate for a midfield general after a string of injuries to Yves Bissouma, shelled out serious cash. So far, it’s been a mixed bag. He started strong, dictating play in a 3-1 win over Brighton on February 8th, picking up an assist for Son Heung-min. But then came the Manchester United game, a brutal 4-0 loss where he looked completely overwhelmed, logging only 68% passing accuracy. Grade: C+
Arsenal finally got their man, two years after initial links. Vlahović, with 12 Serie A goals in 19 appearances for Juventus this season, was brought in to solve their goal-scoring woes. Gabriel Jesus has been good, but not prolific enough. Vlahović hit the ground running, scoring a brace on his debut against Crystal Palace in a 4-2 victory on February 1st. He's since added three more goals in six Premier League appearances, including a big equalizer against Liverpool at Anfield. The Gunners look sharper, more direct. This feels like a major factor for Mikel Arteta. Grade: A
United's defense has been a sieve all season, conceding 38 goals by the end of January. Erik ten Hag clearly needed a shake-up. Kounde, often a rotation option at Barcelona, arrived with a point to prove. He’s certainly brought some much-needed composure. In his first four starts, United kept two clean sheets, a stark contrast to their earlier form. His recovery pace and ability to play out from the back are exactly what they needed. Still, the overall defensive issues persist. He can’t fix everything alone. Grade: B
Newcastle, sitting eighth and eyeing European football, decided to splash out on a proven Premier League winger. Raphinha, after a frustrating year and a half at Barcelona where he struggled for consistent starts, returned to England. He’s been electric. Two goals and three assists in five league games, including a stunning solo effort against West Ham in a 3-2 win on February 15th. His directness and work rate fit Eddie Howe’s system perfectly. This is smart business. Grade: A-
Remember when Tielemans was going to sign for Arsenal? Or United? He ended up at Villa on a free in 2023, and after a decent but unspectacular 18 months, Unai Emery cashed in, selling him to West Ham. The Hammers, fighting relegation, needed a leader in midfield. He’s provided stability, if not fireworks. West Ham has picked up 7 points from a possible 15 since his arrival, including a vital 1-0 win over Everton. His experience is invaluable in a dogfight. Grade: B-
Liverpool's midfield needed an injection of energy, and Barella, a warrior for Inter, seemed like the perfect fit. Jürgen Klopp spent big. Barella has been exactly what you'd expect: tenacious, relentless, and a good passer. He's started every game since his arrival, and Liverpool's pressing has looked more organized. He bossed the midfield in a 2-0 win against Chelsea, running a ridiculous 13.1km. No goals or assists yet, but his impact is undeniable. Grade: A-
After struggling with injuries and adapting to the Premier League, Nkunku was allowed to leave Chelsea on loan. A change of scenery was vital. He's found his feet quickly in Serie A, scoring 3 goals in 5 appearances for Milan, including a winner against Napoli. Chelsea fans might be wondering if they let him go too soon, but he simply wasn't getting the minutes. This loan looks like a win-win. Grade: B+
With Fernandez gone and Thiago Silva finally showing his age, Chelsea needed a top-tier center-back. Tapsoba arrived with a big reputation from the Bundesliga. He's tall, athletic, and comfortable on the ball. He's formed a solid partnership with Wesley Fofana, and Chelsea's defense has looked more secure, even if their overall form remains patchy. They've only conceded 4 goals in 5 games since his debut, a significant improvement. Grade: B
Brighton, always shrewd in the market, snapped up Johnson after Forest were forced to sell due to FFP concerns. He brings pace and directness to Roberto De Zerbi’s intricate system. He scored on his debut against Wolves in a 2-1 win. His blistering speed has added another dimension to Brighton's attack, which sometimes lacked a cutting edge. He's already a fan favorite. Grade: B+
After a disappointing stint at West Ham, Scamacca returned to Italy for a year, rebuilding his confidence. Fulham, after Aleksandar Mitrović's departure last summer, needed a focal point up front. Scamacca has delivered. Two goals and an assist in four games, including a superb header in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal. He provides the physical presence and aerial threat Fulham has been missing. He looks like a player reborn. Grade: B+
Overall, it was a more active January than usual, with some serious money changing hands. My hot take? Arsenal finally getting Vlahović is going to push them to a legitimate title challenge. They’ve got the defense and midfield; he’s the missing piece.
I'm telling you, mark it down: Manchester United will finish outside the top six this season, even with Kounde. Their problems run too deep for one transfer window to fix.
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