The 2025 January transfer window will be remembered less for the deals that went through and more for the moves that didn’t materialize. From rejected offers to late changes of heart, this was a month that left fans and analysts questioning the decisions of top clubs and their long-term strategies.
Mbeumo and Guehi Stay Put
Bryan Mbeumo was a name on many clubs’ radar, but the versatile forward remains at Brentford alongside teammate Yoanne Wissa. Both players were linked with potential moves, but the Bees held firm, ensuring their attacking options stay intact. Similarly, Crystal Palace turned down a staggering £70m offer from Spurs for Marc Guehi, emphasizing their intent to retain their defensive anchor.
Arsenal’s Missed Opportunities
Arsenal, dealing with injuries to key attackers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, were rumored to be eyeing Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. While the Gunners made an unsuccessful bid, the deal never gained momentum, especially with Villa offloading Jhon Duran to Al Nassr for £64m. Arsenal’s decision not to reinforce their attack could come back to haunt them as they head into the business end of the season with limited firepower.
Ethan Nwaneri’s emergence as a promising young talent offers hope, but relying on a teenager to carry the offensive load is a gamble. Arsenal may regret not acting more decisively in January, particularly with their Premier League title ambitions in play.
Manchester United’s Struggles Continue
Over at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s January was equally frustrating. Ruben Amorim’s side lacked attacking reinforcements, a glaring issue highlighted during their 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, where Kobbie Mainoo was deployed as a striker. With Marcus Rashford and Antony departing on loan, the Red Devils are now short of attacking options.
The club opted for a cautious approach, leaving fans questioning their ambition. While new signing Omar Marmoush has shown flashes of brilliance, Manchester United’s overall lack of activity in January feels like a missed opportunity to salvage their season.
Manchester City’s Spending Spree
In contrast, Manchester City broke their usual January spending habits, making them the Premier League’s biggest spenders this window. With five new additions, including the £59m Omar Marmoush and £33.5m Abdukodir Khusanov, City have taken drastic measures to arrest their poor form. Their uncharacteristic splurge reflects the urgency to regain momentum, especially after a humbling defeat to Arsenal.
Tottenham’s Deadline-Day Drama
Tottenham’s Deadline Day was headlined by Mathys Tel’s dramatic move from Bayern Munich. The 19-year-old forward initially turned down Spurs before being convinced by Ange Postecoglou’s personal pitch. Tel’s arrival, along with signings like Antonin Kinsky and Kevin Danso, adds depth to a squad dealing with injuries to key players like Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson.
A Window of Missed Opportunities
This January window highlighted a recurring theme among Premier League clubs: hesitation. While some teams like Manchester City chose to act decisively, others—most notably Arsenal and Manchester United—opted to delay their plans until the summer.
The second half of the season will reveal whether these cautious approaches pay off or prove costly. One thing is clear: this transfer window will be remembered not for the moves that happened but for the ones that didn’t.
My Goat Sports 