The Premier League may have outspent the rest of Europe, but clubs outside of England's top flight still conducted some fine January business.
It was baffling how much money English clubs shelled out in January. Whether it was Todd Boehly and his extravagant spending or Nottingham Forest adding yet more new players to their collection, clubs at both ends of the Premier League table spent big ready for the second half of the season.
The rest of Europe didn't exactly sit back, and although La Liga clubs mostly kept their powder dry due to financial restrictions or lofty goals for the summer, other sides quietly went about their business to bring in some big names or potential future stars.
Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo, who Bayern Munich brought in on loan with a buy option of €70 million (£62m/$76m), was one to make headlines, but there were plenty of other interesting moves made away from the glitz and glamour of England's top-flight league.
GOAL takes a look at 10 of the best deals done by European clubs in the January market.
Getty Images10Daley Blind – Ajax to Bayern Munich (Free)
He's not a marquee signing, but Blind could prove a very smart piece of business for the Bundesliga leaders.
The Dutch international is the epitome of versatility, capable of playing at full-back, centre-back, or even in central midfield. Furthermore, he has the kind of experience required to settle an unsteady squad that has suddenly looked vulnerable in the title race.
It also appears to be good news for the inconsistent Matthijs de Ligt. The former Juventus and Ajax centre-back had a terrific understanding with Blind when the duo played at the back together in Ajax's famous run to the Champions League semi-final in 2019.
Blind has only penned a six-month deal but his contributions might be vital as Bayern fight on three fronts.
AdvertisementGetty9Terem Moffi – Lorient to Nice (€25m)
Moffi isn't necessarily the biggest name, but he is an immensely efficient goalscorer who developed quite a bit of buzz in January. Quick, strong and direct, the Nigeria international has 12 goals to his name in Ligue 1 this season, accounting for a third of Lorient's total output.
There was reportedly interest in acquiring him from around Europe, and he notably turned down West Ham, who offered €20m (£18m/$22m) to sign him. Nice paid more, though, agreeing a fee of an initial €25m(£23m/$27m) for the forward.
It's odd that seventh-placed Lorient sold to a league rival in eighth-placed Nice, but the offer was too good to refuse, with Regis Le Bris' side making a tidy profit having bought him for just €8m two years ago.
Getty Images8Josip Juranovic – Celtic to Union Berlin (€8m)
Juranovic wasn't necessarily supposed to go to Union Berlin. The Croatian right-back was coveted by Manchester United for some time, but the Red Devils opted against signing him when Aaron Wan-Bissaka started to find form under Erik ten Hag.
The player was reportedly keen to make a move to the Premier League but eventually opted to head to Union Berlin – a coup for the unlikely Bundesliga title challengers. Juranovic is an experienced full-back, and title winner with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. He also started every game for Croatia at the World Cup, and provided one assist for the semi-finalists.
Juranovic, while not a particularly ground-breaking signing, will offer solidity in the defensive third and that could be vital as Union berlin look to secure European football for 2023-24.
Getty7Memphis Depay – Barcelona to Atletico Madrid (€3m)
The Depay deal is one that seemed to work for both parties. Barcelona head coach Xavi had made it clear to Memphis that he didn't have a future at the club, while Atleti badly needed additional attacking support following the departure of Joao Felix to Chelsea.
And although Memphis had fallen out of favour under Xavi, he can still be a real threat in the final third for the Rojiblancos. The Netherlands international scored 12 La Liga goals last season, despite only making 20 full appearances.
Whether he fits into Diego Simeone's side remains to be seen. Memphis isn't known for his high work-rate or glowing defensive skills, but his goalscoring alone should give Atleti enough as they look to push for a Champions League spot.
Meanwhile, for the financially-crippled Barca, any fee received is something to be happy about.