The Most Shocking Moves of the Winter Transfer Window: Endrick, Semenyo, and More

The winter transfer window delivered big-money moves that shook Europe’s top leagues, featuring strategic signings, unexpected returns, and young prospects making their definitive leap. Lucas Paquetá’s transfer to Flamengo, Endrick’s loan move to Lyon, and major investments by clubs such as Manchester City, Tottenham, and PSG defined a window that was as short as it was intense.

Manchester City completed the most expensive signing of the winter transfer window, paying close to 85 million dollars for Antoine Semenyo. Pep Guardiola’s gamble is already paying off, as the Ghanaian forward has recorded four goals and one assist in five matches, delivering an immediate impact in the Premier League and Champions League race.

After a potential move to Liverpool collapsed last summer, Manchester City capitalized in January by signing the 25-year-old England international center-back for 27 million dollars. Guéhi has already featured across multiple competitions and is expected to play a key role in City’s defensive rotation.

One of the most shocking deals of the winter market. Flamengo paid 50 million dollars to bring Lucas Paquetá back to his boyhood club, seven years after his move to Europe. The Brazilian midfielder leaves West Ham amid their fight to avoid relegation in the Premier League, making his departure even more surprising.

With limited opportunities under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid during the first half of the season, Endrick found the perfect platform at Lyon. The Brazilian wonderkid has scored four goals in four matches, quickly becoming one of the breakout stars of the winter transfer window and pushing Lyon into the Champions League qualification battle.

The Spanish winger takes another major step in his career after playing 26 matches with Celta. Still owned by Bayern Munich, Zaragoza now joins Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, a team competing at the top of Serie A and chasing a return to the Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain secured one of Spanish football’s brightest young talents. Pedro Fernández, known as “Dro,” signed a contract through 2030 following a transfer worth approximately 9.5 million dollars. At just 18 years old, the attacking midfielder is yet to make his debut under Luis Enrique.

Brennan Johnson continues to generate eye-catching numbers in the transfer market. Between 2023 and 2026, the Welsh attacker has been involved in deals totaling more than 112 million dollars. Crystal Palace paid 47 million dollars to secure his services, though he is still searching for his first goal after six appearances.

At only 19 years old, Bournemouth made a bold investment by paying 33 million dollars for one of Brazil’s top young prospects. Rayan has already made his Premier League debut, registering an assist under manager Andoni Iraola, signaling a promising future in England.

After joining Atlético Madrid last summer for 26 million dollars, the Italian international returned to Serie A just six months later. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Atalanta backed his talent despite strong interest from Roma and Lazio.

Although he appeared in all 27 matches for Atlético Madrid before his exit, Conor Gallagher never fully cemented a starting role. Tottenham paid 47 million dollars to bring the England midfielder back to London, aiming to relaunch his career ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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