The best Premier League January transfer window deals in 2026

January always brings a sense of excitement, with clubs using the transfer window to react to form, injuries and opportunity. This year was no exception. The Premier League saw several genuine headline signings, from title contenders strengthening for the run-in to sides addressing long-standing gaps in their squads. Here are the biggest moves in the January window and why they matter.

Antoine Semenyo 

City splashed out around £64 million on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo – their headline attacking signing of the window.

Semenyo’s a powerful, dynamic forward with a proven scoring record in the Premier League. His ability to play across the front line gives City more flexibility: pressing high, linking play and finishing chances. With Erling Haaland carrying much of the goalscoring burden, Semenyo takes pressure off and adds unpredictability to Guardiola’s attack.

He made an immediate statement, scoring twice on his debut in City’s emphatic 10-1 FA Cup third-round win over Exeter. He followed that up with another goal in his second appearance against Newcastle in the EFL Cup semi-final. His league impact’s been just as strong, with goals against Wolves and Tottenham.

City have often relied heavily on Haaland for goals, and Semenyo’s early scoring run suggests he can share that burden. His fast start has already filled a key gap – that of a consistent secondary scorer – and gives City greater attacking depth as they push through the business end of the season.

Marc Guehi

City didn’t stop at the attack. They also strengthened defensively with the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for £20 million.

Guehi brings Premier League experience, leadership qualities and comfort on the ball that suits City’s style. He can play centrally or on the right of defence, offering cover across the back four.

Injuries and rotation headaches have troubled City’s defence, and Guehi’s presence adds depth. Fans and pundits have described the double swoop for Semenyo and Guehi as giving City a “complete package” in the window. His inclusion provides reassurance in a defence that’ll be tested over the run-in.

Conor Gallagher

Tottenham’s standout January addition was England midfielder Conor Gallagher, who arrived from Atletico Madrid for around £35 million.

Gallagher’s a high-intensity, box-to-box midfielder who thrives on pressing, ball recovery and driving the team forward. Spurs were hit hard by midfield injuries in the first half of the season, leaving them short on legs, structure and reliability in the centre of the pitch. Gallagher’s work rate and discipline have helped restore stability.

In limited appearances, he’s shown reliability and composure, helping Spurs grind out results – including a key 2-2 draw with Manchester City. While goals haven’t yet come, his influence in breaking up play and recycling possession has been noticeable.

Oscar Bobb

Fulham made a statement with the signing of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for around £27 million.

Bobb arrived as a winger with technical ability and creative promise. At City, he showed flashes of potential but struggled for consistent minutes in a star-studded squad.

Fulham have previously lacked cutting edge in wide areas, and Bobb’s pace and ability to unlock defences offer them a fresh attacking dimension. His long-term contract suggests the club see him as part of their core going forward. While he’s still settling in, early signs point to him becoming an outlet for Marco Silva’s side.

Taty Castellanos

West Ham took a gamble on Valentin “Taty” Castellanos, bringing the Argentine striker in to boost a goal-scarce attack.

Castellanos is a forward with a well-rounded goalscoring pedigree from his time in Italy. West Ham have long struggled for a consistent No.9, and adding someone with finishing ability was a clear priority.

He marked one of his first starts with a goal against Burnley. While some analysts initially questioned whether he’d be a guaranteed success, his early contributions hint he’ll be central to the Hammers’ fight to retain Premier League status as the season reaches its climax.