7 January Transfers You Might Have Missed

Hidden Gems of the January Transfer Window

The January transfer window was filled with blockbuster moves, but not all deals grabbed the headlines. While fans were focused on high-profile transfers, several under-the-radar moves could have a significant impact on their respective teams.

Here are seven notable transfers from across Europe that you might have overlooked.

1. Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord → AC Milan)

Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez was on the radar of multiple Premier League clubs but ultimately made a move to AC Milan for €32 million. Despite missing part of the season due to injury, he has maintained an impressive scoring rate with 16 goals in 19 games. Milan sees Gimenez as their long-term No. 9, and he could play a key role in their attacking setup under Sergio Conceicao.

2. Alvaro Morata (AC Milan → Galatasaray)

After just a few months back in Serie A, Alvaro Morata left Milan to join Galatasaray on an 18-month loan deal. While he wasn’t forced out by new manager Conceicao, Milan wanted to reshape their attacking options. Morata will compete with Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi for minutes, though Osimhen is widely expected to leave in the summer.

3. Florian Grillitsch (Hoffenheim → Real Valladolid)

A veteran of the Bundesliga, Florian Grillitsch has long been a dependable presence in midfield. The 29-year-old Austrian, who has been capped 50 times for his national team, joined La Liga’s bottom club, Real Valladolid, on loan. With Valladolid fighting relegation, Grillitsch’s experience could be crucial in their survival bid.

4. Arthur Vermeeren (Atletico Madrid → RB Leipzig)

Once seen as a major coup for Atletico Madrid, Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren struggled for game time under Diego Simeone, playing just 160 minutes before being sent on loan to RB Leipzig. Leipzig triggered the purchase clause in January, securing the highly rated 19-year-old on a permanent deal.

5. Ismael Bennacer (AC Milan → Marseille)

Once a key figure in Milan’s 2021/22 Serie A-winning squad, Ismael Bennacer has struggled for consistency due to injuries and the club’s evolving midfield. With Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders, and Yunus Musah pushing him down the pecking order, Milan allowed Bennacer to join Marseille on loan for the rest of the season.

6. Milan Skriniar (PSG → Fenerbahce)

Milan Skriniar, once a defensive leader at Inter, failed to establish himself at PSG under Luis Enrique. After recording just 471 minutes in Ligue 1 and missing out on Champions League action, he opted to join Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce instead of moving to Al Nassr. Skriniar’s experience will be a major boost for Fenerbahce’s title challenge.

7. Marcus Edwards (Sporting CP → Burnley)

One of the most unexpected moves in the Championship saw Marcus Edwards leave Sporting CP to join Burnley. Once considered a key player under Ruben Amorim, Edwards had fallen out of favor and needed a fresh start. Now, the skillful winger will look to help Burnley in their push for Premier League promotion.

Which Transfer Surprised You the Most?

Did any of these transfers catch you off guard? Which move do you think will have the biggest impact? Drop your thoughts in the comments!