There are plenty of reasons why a football club might find itself scrambling for a last-minute signing, even after having the entire transfer window to get things done. Sometimes, they hold out for the best possible deal, while prolonged contract negotiations cause delays in other cases. Unexpected injury or departure can also force clubs into making a late dash for reinforcements. Whatever the case, transfer deadline day never fails to bring drama and surprises, and that’s exactly why fans love it.
The most recent EPL January 2025 window was no exception. The window delivered its fair share of last-minute deals, surprises, and high-stakes negotiations as clubs rushed to strengthen their squads before the deadline. Some teams pulled off bargain signings, while others made bold, big-money moves to secure key players for the rest of the season.
In this article, we look closely at some of the top signings made on the final day of the recently concluded EPL winter transfer window. But before we dive in, you can read more here about where to bet on upcoming EPL games and other sports events.
Nico Gonzalez (Porto to Manchester City)
Manchester City have faced a tough season so far, and many football pundits believe the absence of Rodri is a key reason behind their struggles. Last season, the Spanish midfielder was instrumental in City’s success, helping them secure their fifth consecutive Premier League title. His dominance in the defensive midfield role and his standout performances at the Euros even earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
However, this season has been a different story. Rodri has been sidelined for over six months due to an ACL injury, leaving a massive void in City’s midfield. The team’s performances have dipped without him, and it’s become clear just how crucial he was to their system.
In response, Manchester City made a move on the deadline of the winter transfer window to reinforce their midfield. Their search led them to Porto, where they signed Nico González for around £50 million. The 23-year-old La Masia graduate now faces the challenge of stepping into Rodri’s shoes and helping City regain dominance.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United to Aston Villa)
Earlier in the transfer window, top European clubs like Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan had shown interest in signing Marcus Rashord on loan. However, those deals fell through, reportedly due to Rashford’s hefty wages, which those clubs were unwilling to cover.
Even with his move to Villa, Manchester United still has to pay 25% of his wages, though that figure could decrease based on the players’ and the team’s performances. The deal also includes an option to buy, meaning Aston Villa could make the move permanent if Rashford impresses.
Once a key player for United, Rashford has struggled to find form this season, particularly under new head coach Rúben Amorim. With just four goals in 15 Premier League appearances, he hasn’t been the attacking force fans are used to seeing. A fresh start at Villa could be just what he needs to rediscover his best form.
Marco Asensio (Paris Saint-Germain to Aston Villa)
Marco Asensio’s deadline-day loan move to Aston Villa was already speculated at the beginning of the transfer window. According to Monchi, Villa’s president of football operations, the club had identified both Asensio and João Félix as potential signings to bolster their attack, as both players were quite unsettled at their respective clubs at the time.
Asensio, who joined PSG in 2023 after eight successful years at Real Madrid, has struggled to make an impact in the French capital. Over the past 18 months, he has made just 47 appearances and scored only seven goals.
For both Asensio and Villa, this move seems like a win-win. Unai Emery gets a quality addition to his squad, while Asensio gets the chance to revive his form with more regular playing time. The loan deal does not include an option to buy, meaning the 28-year-old will return to PSG at the end of the season, hoping to re-establish himself as a key player in Luis Enrique’s squad.
Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich to Tottenham)
According to reports, 19-year-old French forward Mathys Tel had rejected Tottenham earlier in the transfer window when they came for his signature. He eventually accepted the Spurs loan deal on the transfer deadline day. Pundits say he changed his mind after speaking to Spurs coach Ange Postecoglu. The club initially wanted to sign him on a permanent deal, but he rejected it. However, they have included a €55m buyout clause in the loan deal, allowing them to acquire the player permanently eventually if they want to.
Hopefully, Tel’s addition to Ange’s team will provide the needed support. The team’s performance is below par, especially in the EPL, where they currently languish at 14th on the table.
Axel Disasi (Chelsea to Aston Villa)
Aston Villa was one of the busiest Premier League clubs on deadline day, making several key moves. In addition to securing loan deals for Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, they also brought in young center-back Axel Disasi on loan, though without a buyout option.
Disasi originally joined Chelsea from Monaco on a six-year deal for €45 million as part of the club’s long-term project to build a squad of young talent. However, the French defender has struggled to make an impact, managing just six Premier League appearances this season.
Hopefully, moving to Villa could help Disasi rediscover his form under Unai Emery. Tottenham fans are eyeing him to step up and strengthen Villa’s defense in the second half of the season.
Conclusion
The 2025 January transfer deadline day saw some major moves that could significantly impact the remainder of the EPL season. Manchester City made a strategic midfield reinforcement with Nico González, Aston Villa was active, securing three key signings, and Tottenham made an exciting addition in Mathys Tel, hoping his arrival will help turn their fortunes around.
Other deadline-day transfer moves we couldn’t discuss include Ben Chilwell from Chelsea to Crystal Palace on loan and Evan Ferguson’s loan from Brighton to West Ham, among others. All eyes will now be on how these players perform for their new clubs. Who knows, they could end up being the difference-makers their respective new teams need.
