Premier League clubs spent almost £2 billion during the summer transfer window, and there were some really interesting deals. But January 2024 marked the league's lowest total in winter spending in three years (£96.2m), so what does 2025 hold?
Here are grades for all the major confirmed transfers in the men's game, with each listed by date and then by highest fee.
All fees are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk.
Jan. 9
EMMANUEL AGBADOU
€18m (£14.9m; $18.8m)
Stade de Reims: B+
Wolves: B+
Centre backs come in vastly different forms, and it's safe to say Agbadou is of the more active type. He racks up tackles, interceptions, duels won and clearances willingly, showcasing good strength and an ability to do a bit of everything. Stylistically, think similar to Chelsea's Axel Disasi.
Wolves are badly in need of central defensive help, so Agbadou looks like a plug-and-play signing who immediately lifts them. The fact that he has spent 2½ years in Ligue 1 is a bonus there, as players tend to translate very effectively from France to England. Both teams should come away happy enough with the fee exchanged.
Jan. 7
JULIO SOLER
£6.6m ($8.2m)
Lanús: B+
Bournemouth: A
It should come as no surprise to see Bournemouth hit the market for a left back, given their current incumbent, Milos Kerkez, is so highly thought of by the world's top teams. This looks a lot like the Cherries are planning ahead, which is undoubtedly smart.
Lanús have a reputation for developing stellar fullback talent, and Soler will now be managed by a very good former fullback in Andoni Iraola. The 19-year-old's game is packed with energy and aggression, and he's already on the cusp of the Argentina national team. This feels like a match made in heaven. The initial fee looks a little low for such an established prospect, but the deal could rise to £11.5m if targets are hit -- that would be a Lanús club-record fee.