Giannis Papanikos
Omar Marmoush in action during a Europa Conference League match between Eintracht Frankfurt and PAOK.
Credit: Shutterstock, Giannis Papanikos
10. Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund to Aston Villa) – estimated €25 million fee.
Arsenal’s academy has become the home of Arsenal football club Bundesliga battlegroundDutch forward Donyell Malen Has had an emotional roller coaster. He’s now back in England with Aston Villa, the high-flying Aston VillaThis season, they are making serious efforts to qualify for the Champions League. Can the player that Dortmund fans dubbed the ‘Dutch R9′ make his presence felt at Villa? This is a player with a lot of potential.
9. Thiago Almada (Botafogo to Lyon) – Loan move
World Cup-winning midfielder Thiago Almada has made the switch from Brazil to France – but don’t expect Lyon fans to be celebrating just yet. The club is staring down the barrel of financial disaster, with authorities threatening automatic relegation unless they conjure up €100 million. Both clubs are owned by American tycoon John Textor, so the 23-year old is moving free of charge.
8. Luiz Henrique (Botafogo to Zenit St Petersburg) – €33 million
Luiz is moving to Russia, where Zenit are the top dog. He was crowned South America’s best player for 2024. The 24-year old had a mixed experience with Real Betis but has now got a new beginning and a lucrative four-year contract in Saint Petersburg with an optional fifth-season.
7. Abdukodir Khusanov (RC Lens to Manchester City) – around €40 million
Uzbekistan makes Premier League history. Khusanov was the most expensive Uzbek in history when City bought him. He is a 20-year old defensive sensation. Pep noticed him at Lens and he is now ready to make his Etihad debut. Let’s get it. Could this be a masterstroke by City’s scouting system?
6. Antony (Manchester United to Real Betis) – Loan move
Remember when Manchester United paid €100 million for Antony? The deal was a big one at the moment, but it’s not aged too well. The Brazilian, who has scored just one Premier League goals since April 2023 is now at Real Betis to try and regain his confidence. Will he regain his Ajax form or has the Old Trafford nightmare gone international? In the current situation, this is a sensible move for both parties. Watch this space to see what happens.
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5. Vitor Reis (Palmeiras to Manchester City) for an estimated €37 million
City weren’t done there – they’ve also grabbed Brazil’s latest defensive prodigy, Vitor Reis. Palmeiras wanted the 19 year old centre-back to stay with them until summer. But the Premier League champions wouldn’t accept no. Is this signing a gamble or a revelation, with only 22 senior appearances? He will need time to adjust, but could be a great signing.
4. Randal Kolo Muani (PSG to Juventus) – Loan move
PSG’s €95 million signing from 2023, Kolo Muani, has had a complete nightmare in Paris. He’s moved to Juve as a loanee, after his game time was dwindling. Will he be able to revive his career at La Serie A? vecchia signora?
3. Kyle Walker (Manchester City to AC Milan) – Loan move
Eight years, 17 trophies and enough female drama to fill a double-decker bus – but it’s time to move on. Kyle Walker’s City days are sadly over, and now he is packing his bags to spend a few months in Milan. Pep guardiola confirmed that Walker wanted to leave City after 18 months. Will Milan’s move be permanent? This could be an excellent move for all parties involved.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli to PSG) – €70 million
Step aside, Mbappé – ‘Kvaradona’ is here! Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the Georgian wizard who has finally left Napoli due to a breakdown in negotiations. PSG has pounced, like a hungry cheetah. After playing a crucial role in Napoli’s Serie A win for the first time in 33 years, will he be able to light up Parc des Princes now? Kvaratskhelia could make a good move for PSG. It will be easier for him to adjust to the Ligue 1 than if he had moved to La Liga or the Premier League. If he can get off to a good start, he could be a valuable asset for PSG in 2025.
1. Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City) – €75 million
This is a big deal. Manchester City pulled off a Bundesliga move, bringing goal machine Omar Marmoush. In some metrics, the 25-year old Egyptian forward outperforms Harry Kane. He has scored 27 goals and provided 15 assists in only 18 months. Marmoush could be the next Etihad star, with Haaland’s career in question. City fans can’t wait.
Lionel Messi announced recently that he would be returning to Barcelona with his family and close friends. Will we witness another major move? Stay tuned – because in football, anything can happen!
Note: The transfer fees shown are based upon the latest data available on January 29, 2025.