Premier League clubs spent approximately £370 million in the January 2025 transfer window, a significant increase from the £100 million spent in 2024. However, the figure still falls well short of the record £815 million outlay in 2023.
Manchester City emerged as the biggest spenders in the January 2025 transfer, accounting for nearly half of the total spending. Their spending spree, culminating in the £50 million signing of Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez just before the deadline, took their total outlay to around £180 million, according to Football Transfers.
City’s spending ranks as the second-highest ever in a winter window, trailing only Chelsea’s £275 million outlay in 2023.
Premier League Spending Trends
Despite a surge in spending this year, the influence of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) has been evident. In 2024, clubs spent only £116.2 million due to financial constraints.
In the latest window, clubs recouped £130.7 million through player sales, resulting in a net spend of £242.1 million—the second-highest winter total on record.
Manchester City’s Transfer Business
City topped the list of January 2025’s biggest spenders, with their five new signings strengthening their squad: Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt, £59m), Nico Gonzalez (Porto, £50m), Abdukodir Khusanov (Lens, £33.5m), Vitor Reis (Palmeiras, £29.6m), Juma Bah (loaned to Lens after signing)
Other major signings came from Manchester United, who added Patrick Dorgu from Lecce for £29 million.
Here are the top five biggest Premier League January 2025 transfers:
Omar Marmoush – Eintracht Frankfurt to Man City (£59m)
The Egyptian forward arrived for £59 million, plus a further £4 million in add-ons, following an impressive Bundesliga campaign with 19 goals and 11 assists in 25 games. He almost marked his City debut with a goal, but it was ruled out for offside. Marmoush made an immediate impact, starting against Chelsea in his Premier League debut. With Julian Alvarez departing for Atletico Madrid, Pep Guardiola sought reinforcements, and Marmoush fit the bill perfectly.
Nico Gonzalez – Porto to Man City (£50m)
Man City strengthened their midfield with the arrival of 23-year-old Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, who started his senior career at Barcelona before moving to Porto in 2023, has contributed nine goals and nine assists in 68 appearances. He won the Portuguese Cup last season and signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with City.
Abdukodir Khusanov – Lens to Man City (£33.5m)
The Uzbekistan international endured a rough start following his switch from Ligue 1, debuting just five days after sealing his move. Thrown into the starting XI against Chelsea, he had a nightmare debut, conceding a goal within three minutes and receiving a yellow card before being substituted just after halftime.
Vitor Reis – Palmeiras to Man City (£29.6m)
At just 19, Vitor Reis was one of City’s youngest winter signings. The centre-back was highly sought after, with Brighton, Wolves, and Arsenal also in the race for his signature.
Palmeiras initially wanted him to stay for their Club World Cup campaign but ultimately agreed to the deal.
Patrick Dorgu – Lecce to Man United (£29m)
Manchester United strengthened their defence by signing 20-year-old Danish left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
The deal is worth £25 million (€30m), with potential add-ons of £4.1 million (€5m). Dorgu, who made 57 appearances for Lecce since his senior debut, was unveiled ahead of United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
His arrival provides much-needed depth at left-back following injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Arsenal and Liverpool showed restraint, while Manchester United made late moves to strengthen their squad.
With the title race heating up, these new signings could prove pivotal in shaping the remainder of the season.
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