Top 10 Most Expensive January Transfers in Football (All-Time List)

The January transfer window is currently open, and clubs are busy bolstering their squads. But it is not always possible to make big marquee signings in this window, as most teams are not willing to let go of their players in the middle of the season. Despite that, there have been many marquee signings in the past, some of them even at record fees, which have ultimately led to the players becoming the most expensive January transfers of all time.

Teams like Manchester City have been splashing the cash in this season's winter window, while other clubs have followed a more careful approach. At times, January signings have provided a lot of impact for several clubs, even changing the course of their season to a significant extent. This article will explore the top 10 most expensive January transfers, analysing how they panned out.

List of Most Expensive January Transfers Ever

Below is the comprehensive list of players who are the top 10 most expensive transfers when it comes to January window in football history:

Who are the Most Expensive January Transfers in the History of Football?

A lot of movement happens in the January transfer window, with teams looking for reinforcements to strengthen their squad further, either due to injury issues or just to have options on the bench. However, a lot of star-studded signings have happened in this window over the years, too, which has left the footballing world awestruck. Check out the players labelled among the most expensive January transfers ever below.

10. Goncalo Ramos (£70M)

After impressing everyone while at Benfica, PSG took a punt on him in their huge revamp process. He also took some time to adjust and eventually went on a decent run, scoring 14 goals and providing 2 assists in his first season.

PSG managed his playtime well and eased him into the role and team. While Goncalo Ramos is not exactly lighting it up yet, considering how much they paid for him, he is contributing something of value. He is also very young and will develop if provided with the right atmosphere.

Ramos has already won 10 titles with the club, one being the prestigious UEFA Champions League. All the aforementioned stats and factors showcase that, to some extent, despite being in the list of the most expensive January transfers, he has justified his price tag.

9. Mykhailo Mudryk (£70M)

After beginning his career as a young sensation at Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, his performances kept on getting better. Due to the ongoing war, the club hierarchy ended up selling him. While it was almost decided that he was going to Arsenal, things took a turn at the last moment, and he ended up joining Chelsea.

During his debut, Mykhailo Mudryk showed everyone what he is made of as he began his Chelsea career decently. Unfortunately, things took a huge nosedive from there, as he struggled to nail a place in the starting XI. As of now, he's been cleared of his suspension, which he received from failing a doping test, but it remains to be seen how long the Blues keep him around.

8. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (£70M)

Once the dearest of Naples, the footballing world came to a standstill when it was announced that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would be making a big-money switch to PSG. He was one of the mainstays in Napoli's attack and helped them lift the Scudetto after a wait of 23 long years. PSG took no time to secure the signing of one of the hottest properties in Europe at that time, to replace one of the best players in the world currently, Kylian Mbappe.

The Georgian international has justified his price tag so far, winning the treble with Les Parisiens already. Kvaratskhelia is young and has a lot of room for improvement. But for now, he is one of the most expensive January transfers, and he is surely living up to it.

7. Antoine Semenyo (£72M)

The Ghana-born attacker attracted eyeballs this season while playing for AFC Bournemouth. In the first matchday of the Premier League, he went on to score two goals against the reigning champions Liverpool, although his team fell short by two goals ultimately. Antoine Semenyo has shown that he has a lot of quality, which he has often showcased on the flank for the Cherries. His quick feet, coupled with exceptional chance creation and an eye for goal, made Pep Guardiola bring him to the Blue side of Manchester. And just like that, he became one of the most expensive Premier League January transfers

The Spaniard decided to sign the winger to bolster his squad, and the Ghanaian international hasn't disappointed so far. With three goals and an assist already, Semenyo has announced his arrival to the Manchester City fans in style. His price tag seems justifiable as of now, which opens up a slot for him in the most expensive January transfers table.

6. Omar Marmoush (£75M)

Manchester City mean smart business, even if it means getting their desired players for an exorbitant price. One of the names that pops up in this category is Omar Marmoush. His exploits at Eintracht Frankfurt didn't go unnoticed, which made Manchester City secure his signing at the earliest.

The Egyptian was brought in as a cover for Erling Haaland, who's one of the best strikers in the world right now.

Marmoush impressed in his first season, during which he also scored a hat-trick against Newcastle United. Although he's mostly appeared as a substitute, he continues to impress the Cityzens with his little but impactful performances. The Egyptian star is surely destined for greater things in his career, apart from being one of the most expensive January transfers.

5. Jhon Duran (£77M)

The young striker was developing well at Aston Villa in England when a lucrative deal from Saudi Arabia changed his career path. Jhon Duran grabbed the opportunity and travelled to play alongside one of the greatest players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, at Al Nassr. Paying £77M for a striker that young was a huge amount, which obviously played a huge part in Duran's decision-making. He even performed quite well for the club, finding the net 12 times in 18 matches.

However, several off-the-field issues and being overshadowed by the presence of stars like Sadio Mane & Cristiano led him to get limited opportunities, which eventually made him switch to Turkish club Fenerbahce. Duran has earned the tag of one of the most expensive January transfers, but now he needs to develop his game further if he wants to join a top European club again.

4. Dušan Vlahović (£83.5M)

Dusan Vlahovic was the talk of the town when he was at Fiorentina. He was dubbed as the next big thing and was hounded by many major clubs, and Arsenal were the ones who were the most interested in him. But he moved to Juventus, staying in Italy.

He struggled initially to make an impact, which was a combination of his not being able to find his feet and also the lack of combinations and service he got from teammates. But his form has improved, and he will be aiming to help the Bianconeri return to their former glory.

3. Virgil van Dijk (£84.7M)

Liverpool has had some great defenders in their illustrious history, but Virgil van Dijk is most likely the one to make the greatest impact at the Merseyside club. The Dutch international, who is among the most expensive Premier League January transfers, is not just a Liverpool great, but also arguably one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history. Winning 9 major trophies so far, he completely transformed the Liverpool defence along with those around him. He gives defenders around him confidence to attack, which in turn gives midfielders the confidence to take a risk.

Jürgen Klopp assembled a team of warriors, among whom Van Dijk was assigned to be the leader of the pack, and he delivered effortlessly. The Reds look like a different team with him on the pitch and were the first to challenge the dominance of one of the best clubs in the world currently, Manchester City, in the Premier League.

2. Enzo Fernández (£121M)

Enzo Fernández was making waves when he was at Benfica and played a key role in Argentina winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in which he won the FIFA Young Player Award. This caught the attention of all the elite clubs, and 2025 Club World Cup winners Chelsea broke the bank to sign him, making him the most expensive Premier League January transfer ever.

But he was unable to replicate that success in the turbulent atmosphere of the club, often struggling to keep up in the matches. He was also caught in a racism scandal, which further put a dent in his reputation. But in a comparatively more stable atmosphere now, he is regaining form and wants to stay long and win more silverware.

1. Philippe Coutinho (£135M)

“The Little Magician,” as he was fondly called, Philippe Coutinho leads the list of the most expensive La Liga January transfers. He did justice to his nickname when he was playing for Liverpool. He pulled off incredible tricks to escape tricky situations, and his ability on the ball was exceptional. The Brazilian proved he was one of the best-attacking midfielders in the world, showing his great dribbling, vision, long shots, and genius plays every single game.

There is a reason why he was amongst the very few £100M transfers; he was that good. Unfortunately, he never replicated that form in FC Barcelona, primarily because he did not fit into the team tactically and ended up as one of the worst deals the club ever made in its history. Even though Coutinho tops the list of the most expensive January transfers, the player is now a shadow of his past and currently plies his trade in the Brazilian Serie A for Vasco da Gama.