The winter transfer window tends to be less exciting than the one in summer, with big clubs usually reluctant to splash millions on risky operations in the middle of the season. In Spain, no major operation involved La Liga’s top three. However, urgency and disputes often lead to unexpected transfers. Here’s our Top Five.
5. Jhon Duran
Jhon Duran became a hot prospect this season for Aston Villa, with the sharpshooter serving as a super sub for Unai Emery in the dying minutes of matches. His powerful goal strikes often left opponents speechless as he steadily made a name for himself in the Premier League. However, after less than a year, the Colombian is heading to Saudi Arabia, in a blockbuster €80 million move to Al-Nassr.
He will partner with CR7, as both spearheaded the attack against Al-Wasl in a traditional 4-4-2 setup. Duran played in MLS for Chicago Fire before joining Aston Villa, where he was already regarded as a great talent in the US.
Jhon Duran meets Cristiano Ronaldo 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y03BdxYHTO
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) February 2, 2025
The move was criticized by most fans on X, who’ve labeled it as merely a financial coup. Rumors suggest the Colombian will earn around $21 million per year. It is believed he’s making the move for his family, having been raised in humble circumstances. At just 21, fans maintain hope that this budding talent could return to English shores after a spell in Saudi Arabia.
4. Omar Marmoush
Manchester City’s struggles this season are no secret—it has been their worst campaign since Pep Guardiola took charge. City were expected to strengthen in the winter window, though none of their acquisitions addressed their most glaring issue: the engine room.
Omar Marmoush’s Premier League debut 🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/xHPcDZzFAf
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 28, 2025
Nonetheless, with most of their frontmen firing blanks, the club decided to snap up Germany’s hottest talent: Omar Marmoush. The clinical finisher has found the back of the net 37 times in 67 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt, establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most prolific goal-getters.
Marmoush came through Wolfsburg’s academy before spending time on loan at other Bundesliga clubs. It was only when donning Die Adler’s colors that Marmoush truly announced himself as a goal machine.
The hitman didn’t need a second invitation when the Citizens came calling. The striker is said to be a huge admirer of the tactical maestro Pep Guardiola.
3. Marcus Rashford
When Rúben Amorim took the reins at Manchester United, one of the burning questions concerned the future of Marcus Rashford.
Although undoubtedly a homegrown talent who came through the ranks at Carrington, Rashford has faced criticism as the press believed he was more focused on his off-field endeavors than his performances on the pitch.
The once-promising starlet had hit a plateau in recent years and didn’t feature for several matches under the Portuguese. It soon became clear that a parting of ways was inevitable.
Marcus Rashford — Villa’s new no.9 👊 pic.twitter.com/vSjLJUGiY4
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 3, 2025
Rashford was initially linked with Barcelona, but the Catalans’ Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints scuppered the move. This meant that Rashford had to explore other options. The Englishman caught the attention of Aston Villa, who needed to replace Jhon Duran.
The Villans secured a loan deal for the misfiring attacker until the season’s end. This could be Rashford’s chance to revive his career, with Aston Villa looking to cement their status as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
2. Randal Kolo Muani
Kolo Muani joined Paris Saint-Germain in September 2023, after a stellar season at Eintracht Frankfurt. Having arrived for a blockbuster 75M fee, great things were expected from the sharpshooter.
Although seen as a great profile, he fell out of favor with head coach Luis Enrique, and as a result, has been limited to just 14 appearances this term. The striker’s last run-out for PSG came on December 6th.
✨ The magic feet from Kenan Yildiz
🍀 The perfect deflection from Randal Kolo Muani#JuveEmpoli pic.twitter.com/DCEiIePVoR— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 3, 2025
Juventus seized the opportunity, with Kolo Muani desperate for a fresh start. He will be on loan with the North Italians until the season’s finale. Head coach Thiago Motta repeatedly complained he didn’t have enough attackers, especially with the injury of veteran Arkadiusz Milik, while Dušan Vlahović has struggled with consistency. Kolo Muani is a major addition for Juventus, who lack a reliable goalscorer.
1. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Kvaratskhelia took Europe by storm, emerging as Napoli’s star after joining from Russia’s Rubin Kazan in the summer of 2022. The Georgian winger showcased his technical brilliance, helping Napoli end their 33-year Serie A title drought. His performances earned him a place among football’s elite, ranking 17th in the Ballon D’Or standings.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s debut 🇬🇪 with Paris Saint-Germain. 🌪️❤️💙pic.twitter.com/lnhIjop7I0
— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) January 27, 2025
However, as Napoli switched coaches, he has been unable to maintain his sparkling form. The Napoli faithful still held him in high regard, but the Georgian sensation was already being linked with a move away, with whispers suggesting he had his heart set on Real Madrid.
PSG also reached out, which raised eyebrows given the emergence of Barcola in the same position.
Kvaratskhelia signed for PSG in a €72 million deal, becoming the first Georgian to don the colors of the French giants. Many supporters viewed the transfer as a luxury signing for Les Parisiens, while also expressing concerns it could hamper his development.
