The Premier League's January transfer window slammed shut on Monday evening, leaving all twenty top-flight clubs with their squads effectively locked in until the season concludes. While some teams engaged in significant spending to bolster their ranks, others opted for a more conservative approach, preferring to preserve their financial resources for the summer market. Analysing the business conducted by each club in the current league standings, Daily Mail Sport has delivered a comprehensive report card with a grade for every team.
Top of the Table Tactics
Arsenal: D
While Arsenal's squad required minimal reinforcement, their overall window was notably less impressive than that of their title rivals, Manchester City. This comparative shortfall could potentially prove costly in the final months of the campaign. A shrewd piece of business involved securing a developmental loan for young talent Ethan Nwaneri, who has already made a positive impact at Marseille.
Manchester City: A
Securing the signatures of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi for a combined £82.5 million, outmanoeuvring direct competitors, was a strategic masterstroke. The club also generated £27 million from the sale of Oscar Bobb to Fulham and arranged a loan move for Kalvin Phillips to Sheffield United, demonstrating efficient squad management.
Aston Villa: B+
Aston Villa successfully strengthened their squad for both the immediate challenge and the future. The acquisitions of Tammy Abraham and Alysson, coupled with the loan signing of Douglas Luiz, provide crucial depth for Unai Emery's side, which has been contending with a significant injury list during the critical run-in.
Mid-Table Moves and Missed Opportunities
Manchester United: D-
Ideally, Manchester United would have added midfield reinforcements to support their Champions League ambitions. However, with plans for a major squad overhaul in the summer, the club chose to preserve its transfer funds, resulting in a quiet and arguably underwhelming window.
Chelsea: E
Chelsea failed to make a single addition during the January window. Missing out on target Jeremy Jacquet, who is now set to join Liverpool, could be a significant blow if the player fulfills his potential. The departures of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi were at least handled with a degree of professionalism.
Liverpool: C-
Liverpool's failure to secure Marc Guehi, despite being in a strong position to do so, was a notable setback. The club has lined up several prospective signings for the summer, most prominently Jeremy Jacquet for £60 million from Rennes, but the quality of these future arrivals remains uncertain.
Brentford: D+
Brentford's business was minimal, highlighted by the signing of highly-rated 18-year-old forward Kaye Furo from Club Brugge. The window was otherwise characterised by moving on squad players deemed surplus to requirements.
Sunderland: C
Following a turbulent summer, Sunderland experienced a calmer January window. A deadline day move brought winger Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht. Given the team's excellent form this season, a philosophy of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' seems to have prevailed.
Fulham: B
Fulham secured the highly-rated Oscar Bobb, a player expected to thrive in west London, and retained the in-form Harry Wilson. However, the failure to land striker Ricardo Pepi was a disappointment, a deal the club is likely to revisit in the summer.
Everton: C+
Everton bolstered their attacking options on deadline day with the addition of Tyrique George. Overall, it was a quiet window for the Toffees, which was largely anticipated given the club's circumstances.
Lower League and Relegation Battles
Newcastle United: D
Newcastle failed to add any new faces to their squad, much to the frustration of their supporters. This lack of depth could prove detrimental in the second half of the season as the club balances Champions League commitments with the fight for a top-four finish.
Bournemouth: C+
Bournemouth lost top scorer Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City but reinvested the funds wisely. New signing Rayan marked his debut with an assist, and the arrival of promising player Alex Toth represents sensible business for the Cherries.
Brighton & Hove Albion: B
Brighton brought back fan favourite Pascal Gross to add valuable experience to a youthful squad. The club typically conducts its major business during the summer window, making this a solid, if unspectacular, January.
Tottenham Hotspur: D-
Spurs strengthened their midfield with the signing of Conor Gallagher, but their attacking options look thinner. Missing out on Semenyo and selling Brennan Johnson, while coping with injuries in the forward line, leaves questions. Interest in Andy Robertson may be renewed in the summer.
Crystal Palace: B-
This grade may seem generous for a club that endured a disastrous week, losing both its captain and coach, with Jean-Philippe Mateta also seeking an exit. However, the attacking resources have been significantly bolstered by the combined £78 million signings of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brennan Johnson, alongside Evann Guessand.
Leeds United: D
Very little notable activity occurred for Daniel Farke's side. Facundo Buonanotte arrived on loan, and Jack Harrison departed for a short-term stint at Fiorentina. The lack of major moves is unlikely to be regretted, as the squad should possess enough quality to secure survival.
Nottingham Forest: C
Manager Sean Dyche will be hoping that the 6ft 7in striker Lorenzo Lucca, on loan from Napoli, can provide the goals to steer Forest clear of relegation trouble. Late pick-ups Stefan Ortega and Luca Netz appear to be low-risk acquisitions, while the loan deals for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz were terminated.
West Ham United: B-
It is difficult to fully assess the club's £47 million investment in Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe. While neither has scored yet, their contributions have coincided with an upturn in form. The £36 million sale of Lucas Paqueta boosts the coffers, but his mercurial talent may be missed in crucial moments.
Burnley: D
A very quiet month at Turf Moor suggests Scott Parker's side are drifting towards probable relegation. The signing of James Ward-Prowse could be significant; his set-piece expertise may prove a major asset, if not this season, then certainly in the Championship.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: C-
The bottom-placed club recouped a respectable £47 million from the sale of Jorgen Strand Larsen. With Adam Armstrong arriving, preparations for life in the Championship seem underway. It will be interesting to monitor whether Angel Gomes secures meaningful game time during his loan spell from Marseille.
