Here are five shocking player transfers completed by different clubs in Europe in the January 2025 window.
Following the close of the January 2025 transfer window in Europe there have been some player signings as well as loan deals the entire football world did not see coming as different clubs made what people would categorise as key and strategic moves to fill in positions they believed they were lacking in.
The January transfer window saw clubs move to balance their books with players also in search of play time ahead of the upcoming international games and competitions and most especially the World Cup 2026.
The transfer market is always busy and we saw over 50 deals being completed in January alone but here are the five transfer moves that stood out and were unexpected in the football world:
Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa transfer
Arguably the most talked about transfer move of the January 2025 window was the shocking departure of Marcus Rashford from Man United. Following his interview one many would categorise as the final straw that broke the camel’s back and further strained the relationship between Rashford and Man United, it was confirmed that there was a possibility of the England international leaving the club in the Summer.
It however came as a shock to many in January 2025, when it was revealed that Rashford will be open to a move in the winter window with the full backing and support of Man United. Several clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan and many more had shown interest in signing Marcus but his agreement with a Premier League rival, Aston Villa in the final days of the transfer window stunned many fans worldwide.
Jhon Duran to Al Nassr Transfer
Following interests from rivals such as Chelsea and other clubs in signing forward Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, the youngster completed an unexpected move to the Saudi Pro-League with Al Nassr. This has been categorised as a shocking move as Aston Villa had consistently insisted that Duran was in no way up for sale.
It was revealed that the deal was estimated to have cost Al Nassr 70 million euros thereby giving Villa an alternative to balance their books and beat the FFP trap.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG Transfer
PSG successfully secured Kvaratskhelia for approximately €70 million a significantly lower fee compared to their earlier €200 million bid. This acquisition was regarded as a major triumph for the French club. Kvaratskhelia had been a pivotal figure in Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign, and his exit leaves a considerable gap in their squad.
PSG has been eager to strengthen their squad following Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid. The transfer, which took place during the January window, came as a shock to many. Initially, Napoli was reluctant to part ways with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but the player pushed for the move, eventually convincing the club to let him go.
Marco Asensio to Aston Villa Transfer
Former Real Madrid and PSG star Marco Asensio made an unexpected move to Aston Villa during the January 2025 transfer window. Aston Villa secured Asensio on loan, with the club expected to cover his entire salary. A three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Asensio has a strong reputation in European football.
His transfer to Villa provides him with an opportunity to reignite his career in the Premier League. Aston Villa’s decision to sign Asensio highlights their ambition to strengthen their squad and compete for a Champions League spot. This move, coupled with the signing of Marcus Rashford, demonstrates Villa’s intent to make a strong push in the Premier League.
Joao Felix to AC Milan Transfer
In an unexpected development, Joao Felix has joined AC Milan on loan from Chelsea just six months after returning to the club. The Portuguese forward, who signed a seven-year contract with the Blues last summer, will now spend the remainder of the season with the Rossoneri.
The decision stems from Felix’s desire for more playing time, which he felt was unattainable at Chelsea. AC Milan, having pursued the forward throughout the transfer window, secured the deal by agreeing to cover his wages and pay a £5 million loan fee.
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