Transfers: The Most Striking Moves of the Winter Market 2024-25

The European winter transfer market 2024-25 has come to an end. Interestingly, although history suggests that it is not usually a window where major movements or big spending occur, we had a quite lively transaction period in which several interesting players now wear the colors of other teams.

Next, at FCBN we present a 'top 6' with the most striking moves of this winter market 2024-25:

1. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain)

One of the standout transfers in this winter market 2024-25 was undoubtedly the signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia by Paris Saint-Germain. The Georgian, considered one of the best left wingers in the world, attracted the interest of FC Barcelona and other 'top' clubs, including PSG, the team that ultimately benefited from 'Kvaradona's' situation at Napoli.

Le Paris Saint-Germain est heureux d’annoncer la signature de Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. L’ailier de 23 ans, qui portera le numéro 7, devient ainsi le premier joueur géorgien de l’histoire du club.#WelcomeKvara ❤️💙

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) January 17, 2025

With his desire for a change of scenery and his reluctance to renew with the 'partenopeos', the French team signed him with a juicy offer of around €70M. A significant proposal for Napoli, which at the time only invested around €11.5M in him. Kvaratskhelia signed a contract with PSG until June 30, 2029.

At this point, Khvicha has already had the opportunity to debut with PSG. He even contributed in his first match with the Parisian team, providing an assist in the match against Stade Reims, which ended in a 1-1 draw on January 25. In that match, Kvaratskhelia played approximately 80 minutes.

• Kvaratskhelia's statistics for the 2024-25 season: 21 matches played, five goals scored, and four assists made.

2. Jhon Jader Durán (from Aston Villa to Al-Nassr) 

Another of the signings that shook up the winter market 2024-25 was that of the 21-year-old Colombian forward, Jhon Jader Durán. The striker from Medellín stood out this season as a crucial impact player for Unai Emery's Aston Villa, scoring 12 goals in 29 matches, thus establishing himself as a forward who caught the attention of several major clubs in Europe.

From England to Saudi Arabia: Welcome to AlNassr, John Durán! 🏟️🔥 pic.twitter.com/V1ltVU6sdk

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 31, 2025

However, in a completely unexpected turn of events, Jhon Durán ended up heading to Saudi Arabian football, specifically to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, a team that shelled out €77M for his transfer, thus setting a new record in this winter window for any player in the European context. The Colombian signed a contract linking him to the Middle Eastern club until June 30, 2030.

• Jhon Durán's statistics for the 2024-25 season: 30 matches played and 12 goals scored.

3. Omar Marmoush (from Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City)

Another of the most striking additions of this winter market 2024-25 was the signing of Omar Marmoush by Manchester City, a team that, by the way, did not hesitate to spend over €200M on reinforcements to strengthen its squad. One of them was the Egyptian forward, who had been one of the standout players in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.

We're delighted to announce the signing of @OmarMarmoush ✍️🩵 pic.twitter.com/ryY2jA1mdE

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 23, 2025

This season, he has accumulated 20 goals and 14 assists in 26 matches, becoming one of the strongest contenders in the race for the Golden Boot. These achievements seemingly justified the €78M investment that Manchester City made to acquire his services. Marmoush signed a contract linking him to the club until June 30, 2029.

The 'Pharaoh' has already debuted under Pep Guardiola's orders, having participated for 74 minutes in Manchester City's 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the last round of the Premier League. A match that took place on January 25.

• Omar Marmoush's statistics for the 2024-25 season: 28 matches played, 20 goals, and 14 assists.

4. Nico González (from Porto to Manchester City)

As mentioned earlier, Manchester City not only surprised by signing Omar Marmoush, but also, due to the absence of Rodri Hernández due to injury, sought to reinforce the pivot area and set its sights on Porto, 'fishing' the Galician midfielder: Nico González. The former player of FC Barcelona, the team that has received a significant sum of the €60M invested by the 'citizens' in the transfer of the youth academy player, positioned himself as one of the most attractive options in terms of pivots, as he finally found the desired regularity in his game. He signed a contract linking him to the club until June 30, 2029.

We're delighted to confirm the signing of Nico Gonzalez from Porto 👇https://t.co/9McYaH2de4

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 3, 2025

• Nico González's statistics for the 2024-25 season: 29 matches played, seven goals scored, and six assists.

5. Xavi Simons (from PSG to RB Leipzig)

And one day the 'soap opera' of the former youth player of FC Barcelona, Xavi Simons, was resolved. Finally, the talented Dutch player will stay at RB Leipzig, a team that has made a significant financial effort by investing €50M to secure the services of the Amsterdam native definitively.

It should be noted that Xavi Simons belonged to Paris Saint-Germain, a team that never gave him a starring role in its sports project, loaning him both last season and this one to the German team, where he has become one of the undisputed references in Marco Rose's starting lineup and one of the most beloved players by the fans. Therefore, it is not surprising that they opted to sign him, especially considering that they can resell him, given that he is a young element (21 years old), with a high market value (€80M) that is constantly growing. The Dutchman signed a contract until June 30, 2027 with the Germans.

• Xavi Simons' statistics for the 2024-25 season: 18 matches played, five goals scored, and four assists made.

6. Santiago Giménez (from PSV Eindhoven to AC Milan) 

Now, closing this 'top 6' of transfers that significantly moved the market, we find the case of the 23-year-old Mexican center forward, Santiago Giménez. The 'Bebote', who was already standing out in Dutch football with PSV Eindhoven, will reinforce the Milanese team, which only paid around €32M for his services. He signed a contract linking him to the club until June 30, 2029.

¡Órale, wey! AC Milan just got a bit more Mexican 🇲🇽 @Santigim11 #DNACMilan #SempreMilan

— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 3, 2025

• Santiago Giménez's statistics for the 2024-25 season: He has played 19 matches, scored 16 goals, and provided three assists. 

Bonus: Neymar Jr. from Al-Hilal to Santos

Without a doubt, one of the most high-profile signings of this winter market of the 2024-25 season has been Neymar Jr.'s return to Santos in Brazil. Although this transaction is not directly related to European football, it is impossible not to mention it.

#THEPRINCEISBACK! 🔟🤍🖤

Ele foi e voltou. Cumpriu sua promessa. Neymar Jr. está de volta ao Peixão! Ídolo de uma geração, responsável por seguir com o legado de Rei Pelé, o craque retorna à sua casa para tirar a sagrada camisa 10 do armário e encantar o planeta novamente.… pic.twitter.com/zCfQJyVoTn

— Santos FC (@SantosFC) January 31, 2025

Finally, despite all the rumors surrounding his future, the now '10' of the 'Peixe' terminated his contract with Al-Hilal to embark on a new professional adventure in his home country, Brazil, with the aim of regaining his footballing level.

This exciting adventure, from a contractual perspective, is initially scheduled to last until June 30, 2025. However, the option for an extension is not ruled out, especially considering the rumors about the ambitious project they wish to develop around his figure.

Other signings to consider in this winter market 2024-25: