Transfermarkt experts pick their favorite January signings

Five players shortlisted as the best January transfers across Europe

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:31am

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The January transfer window has closed, and Transfermarkt's editorial team has selected five players they believe were the best signings of the window. The list includes Obed Vargas joining Atlético Madrid from the Seattle Sounders, Dro Fernández moving from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, Marc Guéhi's transfer from Crystal Palace to Manchester City, Conor Gallagher's switch from Atlético Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur, and Rodrigo Mendoza leaving Elche for Atlético Madrid.

Why it matters

The January transfer window is an important time for clubs to strengthen their squads mid-season. Identifying the best signings can provide insight into which teams have done the most effective business and which players could make the biggest impact for their new clubs.

The details

Obed Vargas, a 20-year-old Mexican national team player, joined Atlético Madrid from the Seattle Sounders for just €3 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause, despite the Sounders turning down offers around €10 million from Liga MX clubs. Dro Fernández, an 18-year-old Barcelona starlet, moved to Paris Saint-Germain for €8.2 million, which is slightly below his market value of €10 million. Marc Guéhi, considered one of England's best young center-backs, joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace for €23 million. Conor Gallagher left Atlético Madrid for Tottenham Hotspur in a €40 million deal, providing much-needed creativity and defensive cover in Spurs' midfield. Rodrigo Mendoza, a 20-year-old central midfielder, moved from Elche to Atlético Madrid for €16 million.

  • The January transfer window closed in 2026.

The players

Obed Vargas

A 20-year-old Mexican national team player who joined Atlético Madrid from the Seattle Sounders.

Dro Fernández

An 18-year-old Barcelona starlet who moved to Paris Saint-Germain.

Marc Guéhi

Considered one of England's best young center-backs, he joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace.

Conor Gallagher

Moved from Atlético Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur, providing much-needed creativity and defensive cover in Spurs' midfield.

Rodrigo Mendoza

A 20-year-old central midfielder who joined Atlético Madrid from Elche.

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What they’re saying

“Capable of playing as a no.6 and no.8, Vargas is one of the most talented midfielders in world football, who is a perfect fit for Diego Simeone's football.”

— Manu Veth, US Area Manager

“Fernandez featured for Barcelona's first-team this season, which is a sign of his ability and there's not many better coaches to work under than Enrique.”

— Euan Roberston, UK Content Manager

“When you see other unproven CBs going for north of €50m, it looks like a great piece of business.”

— Ben Littlemore, UK Content Manager

“In a squad full of one-dimensional midfielders, Gallagher is the full package.”

— Stefan Bienkowski, UK Area Manager

“Remarkably, Atleti managed get the paperwork over the line with three minutes to spare before the deadline, and I'm confident their efforts will be handsomely rewarded.”

— Joe Krishnan, UK Content Manager

The takeaway

The January transfer window saw several clubs make savvy signings that could pay dividends for their teams. From young talents like Vargas and Fernández to experienced players like Guéhi and Gallagher, these transfers demonstrate the importance of smart recruitment in the mid-season market.