Premier League transfer window summary: Semenyo and Jacquet raise the benchmark

As the winter transfer window for the 2025/26 season is now closed, it's time to recap what's happening in what could be called "one of the most fruitful winter transfer seasons" in the Premier League.

Huge investments do not only belong to mega clubs

Of course, there are some astounding signings from the top clubs, including Semenyo and Marc Guehi by Manchester City, Jeremy Jacquet by Liverpool, among others. However, the alleged underdogs, whether by the fierce competitiveness or concern about expanding the club's marketing reputation, are propelling themselves to sign higher-priced players. Crystal Palace is a notable uprising in this trend. FA Cup winners face a relatively huge challenge this season: they haven't tasted a single win since December 12th against Shelbourne in the UEFA Conference League, which means the Eagles are "unwinning" in a 12-game streak. Now, we witness their actions. Signing Brennan Johnson from Tottenham for 40 million euros and Larsen from Wolves for 49 million euros. 7m euros highlights their ambition: at the edge of the relegation "cliff," Crystal Palace really needs a powerful stimulant to save them from their endangered condition.

The same argument also applies to West Ham United and Bournemouth. The Hammers paid 29 million euros and 23 million euros to buy Lazio's absolute central forward starter, Castellanos and the young Brazilian striker Pablo, fueling their striker line.  West Ham's recent two wins in the league come right after their joining. They also loaned Adama Traore, the former Barca and Wolves winger, and Chelsea central defender Disasi. Considering they have only won 5 matches so far, and they released this many players like Paqueta, Ward-Prowse, Guido Rodriguez, and Fullkrug, the new players are becoming indispensable within the squad. Bournemouth, on the other hand, doesn't have a concern as serious as the Hammers had. Ranking 12th on the table, the Cherries' priority is principally on digging for the future. 19-year-old Rayan with 28.5 million euros and 20-year-old Alex Toth from Ferencvarosi. Bournemouth, strive for wider influence and a possibility to be among the upper half of the table.

Aston Villa's horn for title contention

Villa is never giving up on becoming a title chaser, but their recent endeavour is not competitive enough. Losing 8 points from the recent 4 matches is definitely disappointing for Villa fans and the management teams. Emery's coaching position is undoubtedly still stable, but obviously, it's time for some new blood for the club's second half of the season. Abraham's joining and Leon Bailey's return are great substitutions for the Villa's attackers, especially with Tielemans and McGinn's long-term injuries. Lending Douglas Luis from Juventus is a great addition to the midfield, especially since the team really needs to rely on his dribbling and passing capabilities. There's no need to wonder about this team's ambition to fulfill it step by step, but for the remaining season, Aston Villa is well-armed to reach the top spot with Arsenal and Manchester City.

Few signings, huge numbers

Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham have the most affordable expenses on particular players: 40 million for Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and 31.2 million for Oscar Bobb from Manchester City. The two players were the pivotal midfielders in their previous teams. Buying them gives all a signal: Tottenham and Fulham need them to put on their boots and socks and stand in the squad instantly. The teams need them to start, pass the ball, dribble across the defence, and shoot to score. Tottenham is 14th, and Fulham is 9th. Tottenham needs an urgent rebound from a recent downturn, while Fulham remains a resilient gladiator to fight for a place in the upper half. 

According to statistics, the 2025/26 season winter transfer window in the Premier League witnessed an approximate £400 m expenditure on transfer fees, the third most across Premier League history. Since then, the Premier League title is no longer a game between two contenders but more of a group game with multiple players to have a chance and compete with. Additionally, the class differences between teams are no longer evident: the gap in points is shrinking; the key players are not the only privileges for the elite clubs, and the cliffhangers are trying their best to sign more qualified players to polish their armour and prepare for the upcoming challenges. Time is tick-tocking; the curtain for the play is now raised. As long as you are patient enough, you won't miss an even more eye-catching season.