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What do the big European clubs want to do this summer?
What a difference a year makes!
At the end of January 2023, there was a lot of action in the transfer window: Chelsea won with 10.6 billion pounds (1.)$3.4 billion) signed Enzo, Gordon came to Newcastle for £45 million, Jorginho went to Arsenal and Joao Cancelo moved on loan from Manchester City to Bayern Munich.
Bottom-of-the-table Premier League clubs are equally busy, with Nottingham Forest signing on deadline day; Southampton brought in two, including the club-record, £22 million signing of Kamalden Suleimana; Bournemouth bought two for a total of £45 million.
However, things have been very low-key this year as the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR, we've all learned this catchy new phrase this transfer window) are starting to take hold, the kind of buy-buy-buy that Saudi Arabia did to the summer has been suspended, the 'Chelsea loophole' has been banned, and clubs have turned to the market for loans or small deals.
But for those who are hungry for the transfer window to be as crazy as it used to be, fear not.
Things should look better again this summer as clubs start thinking about two deadlines: June 30 (the last day of the financial year as they want to comply with PSR rules and are now penalised for violating them) and the regular transfer window deadline for new signings.
So, what are Europe's top clubs planning to turn a sleepy January into a much busier summer?
TA dedicated reporters will analyze it for you.
Arsenal (James McNicholas).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
Arsenal still have a few priorities to give up as they enter the transfer window, but they are realistic about the prospect of adding signings. New introductions are likely to depend on the growth of sales revenue. With several players out of the squad, Arsenal opted to hold on rather than change the situation right away. By the summer, a striker is likely to be their first choice.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
Ramsdale has been made clear that he will not be allowed to go, but there is still hope that he will leave in the summer. The likes of Nketiah and Nelson could be candidates to leave the team - as the team's academy academy, how much money is recovered from them will significantly increase Arsenal's PSR quota.
Aston Villa (Jacob Tanswell).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
Vera's need to alleviate PSR concerns is becoming increasingly urgent. As TA reported last month, it feels inevitable that Villa may need a first-team player to make a decent profit if they want to continue spending big ahead of the current financial year on June 30 while meeting the rules. Head coach Unai Emery has been damaging expectations throughout the month and he is pleased with his squad even though he has led his team to what they want.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
The only player they left was on loan at Napoli. Chambers has already held talks with domestic and international teams and is open to going to the Championship. Bertrand Traoré's situation is even more complicated as his contract expires in the summer and he is now playing for the Africa Cup of Nations with Burkina Faso. As mentioned above, Villa may need to sell a first-team mainstay in the summer, with Ramsey being one of the options.
Liam Twomey
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
A striker. Chelsea have been considering bolstering their firepower in the final third for some time, but PSR considerations and a lack of clear options for promotion targets have prevented them from making in-depth moves in the winter window. One thing to note here is that the attackers in the squad are now likely to change their plans as they perform for the remainder of the season, especially Nkunku. He was bought in the hope that he would become a star at Stamford Bridge, but he barely featured due to injury.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
As long as Conor Gallagher's contract issues are not resolved, his future at Chelsea will not be certain – and he will enter a contract year this summer. Boehly and Clearlake Capital will have high asking prices for him, but their debt leverage will also need to be reduced, so Gallagher's buyer is more likely to show up at the end of the season. Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah are other attractive candidates who could receive pure profits, with Maatsen (on loan at Borussia Dortmund) having a £35million buy-out clause in his contract, which will come into effect in the next window.
James Perce
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
Joel Matip has been reimbursed for the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee, but Liverpool have decided not to bring in a replacement for Matip in January due to the development of future young defender Anza Cuanza. With Joel Matip's contract set to expire in the summer, Jurgen Klopp's successor will need to decide whether the centre-back needs to be strengthened. Thiago will become a free agent at the end of the season, so there is still a gap in midfield depth to fill. If the new boss decides that Trent Alexander-Arnold's future will be in midfield, then a right-back could also be on the agenda.
Klopp's replacement, whoever it is, will be busy this summer (Getty Images).
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
The chances of Liverpool wanting to sell money in January are slim to none. The only income will come from marginal players on loan.
As far as the summer window is concerned, there is still a lot of work up in the air, considering the club is in the process of hiring a new sporting director and manager. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all in the final 18 months of their contracts, so there is a lot to work out.
Manchester City (Sam Lee).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
The simple answer is a replacement for Calvin Phillips, even if that is Pep Guardiola's real choice. Manchester City are considering bringing in Bayern's Kimmich but they know it won't be easy. The introduction of a winger is already on the agenda, with Wolves' Neto and CFG's Girona's Savio on their radar.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
They really don't need anyone, but if a club triggers the buyout clause in his contract last summer, he could end up leaving. After a loan spell at West Ham United, Kalvin Phillips is likely to find an official next home.
Manchester United (Dan Sheldon).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
United were supposed to add a striker this month, but they didn't because the money simply wasn't forthcoming. Anthony Martial's contract after nine years at Old Trafford expires this summer, meaning it remains a priority position.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
Jadon Sancho was the most high-profile departure in January, albeit only on loan at Dortmund until the end of the season. Given the impact of his public involvement with Ten Hag, if the Dutchman stays after the summer, then you think Sancho is going to be sold.
Newcastle United (Chris Waugh).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
Eddie Howe's desperately hungry midfield signings have not arrived, and although Tonali is set to return from suspension in August, the long-term uncertainty about the future of Guimaraes and Joelinton means that adding to that position remains crucial.
Forward signings are also necessary, with ongoing injury issues with Isak and Wilson often leaving Eddie Howe without a full-time forward option. Essentially, the entire Newcastle squad needs to be completely renewed, with centre-backs, midfielders and forwards in need.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
Bayern's move on Trippier was met with resistance, and despite speculation, Wilson did not leave, and the Riyadh youngsters never made a formal request to Almiron. Wilson and Almiron are particularly likely to remain on the list as Newcastle look to lower the average age of the squad.
1-2 first-team players could be sent to help the team qualify for PSR, such as Guimaraes or Joelinton, while a local academy could be sent away. Expect them to have a busy summer.
Tottenham Hotspur (Charlie Eccleshare).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
A top-class striker who can ease the burden of Son Heung-min's goals. Timo Werner is on loan, but he's more of a stopgap measure, and even if he is officially bought out, Tottenham still need another striker. Postecoglou also spoke about his less successful attacking season and is definitely an area to watch.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
Hojbjerg is the main candidate. In January and the summer, both the player and the club were open to his transfer, but neither materialized. With just one year left on his contract at the end of the season, it's clear that he's not in the manager's long-term plans.
Barcelona (Laia Cervello Herrero).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
A pure defensive fulcrum. Busquets' vacancy is Barca's most obvious loss this season. Without a "compass", their midfield will be disoriented almost every game.
Romeu didn't perform as expected, he has lost confidence now, and he is a player who is almost eliminated. As the season progressed, he moved further and further down the ranks in the starting lineup. Xavi is very important to have a secure fulcrum, and after half a season, he still needs such a person.
Due to Gavi's long-term injury, the club opted not to use the La Liga option to sign another midfielder, saving the money for the summer.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
Given the dire economic situation at the club, if there is a good **, almost all but three or four players – Pedri, Gavi, Ter Stegen and Araujo – could be sold. In this matter, three people are particularly interesting: Lewandowski, Kounde and Raphinha.
Jules Kounde struggled at centre-back and full-back, Raphinha struggled and Robert Lewandowski – who is considered the leader of the team this season – also scored a lot of goals, but neither of them did us a favor. All three have a high value in the market, and selling them can help the club financially.
Real Madrid (Mario Cortegana).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
Alaba suffered a serious knee injury in December last year (as Militão did last August) and the initial idea was to sign a centre-back. It is widely felt that until Militão returns when and how he returns, which he could do in March, the crucial stages of the season cannot be sustained by just two first-team centre-backs – Toni Rudiger and Nacho.
Real Madrid don't like to do business in January, but there are different voices in the board and, above all, Carlo Ancelotti is backing signings. In the end, the views of President Florentino, CEO Sanchez and scout Calafate prevailed.
This summer, it will be determined whether Nacho will be looking to sign a centre-back depending on whether he renews his contract and the return of Militão and Alaba (although he has been reimbursed for the season).
They will try to sign an attacker and Mbappe is once again a big target. They will also be in the market for a full-back, with Davies on their radar.
The futures of both Luka Modric and Kroos are yet to be determined (Matthias Hangst Getty Images).
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
Due to a large number of injuries and the overall good performance of the team, Real Madrid have no intention of listening to any of their players. In addition, no player asked to leave. This summer, the future of players whose contracts expire will have to be decided, including loan signings Joselu and Kepa Arrizabalaga, followed by Vazquez, Nacho, Kroos and Modric.
As in previous windows, Edouard Mendy (on contract until 2025) will be put on the market, mainly due to his injury problems.
Bayern Munich (Raphael Honistein).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
Tuchel's enduring obsession with the 'No.6' defensive midfield will continue into next season as Bayern focus on bolstering their defence by trading Eric Dier and Boe in this window. If Dier can't impress, another top-class centre-back will be a priority.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
Kimmich, Sane and Davies are set to expire in 2025. Bayern couldn't have let any of them go in the winter. But unless they renew their contracts in the coming months, the trio is likely to be sold. Goretzka's future is in doubt as Tuchel is not a big fan of the German international.
Inter (James Horncastle).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
The squad is the most complete it has since the 2009-10 season, with the only complaints being substitute strikers Arnautovic and Alexis Sanchez. They have already signed Zielinski from Napoli to make their midfield more fluid.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
The signing of full-back Tajon Buchanan from Club Brugge has raised doubts about whether they plan to sell Dumfries to the Premier League in the summer. The visa-free Marcus Thuram is a signing for the season and can be used to balance the books with pure profit** after a year.
James Horncastle
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
There was no follow-up on Juventus' concerns about the 'Icelandic Dybala' Albert Gudmundsson and Bonaventura. As for the summer, the midfield plan will depend on the results of Pogba's doping tests. It remains to be seen whether Juventus will opt to officially buy Alcaraz from Southampton. Juventus want to renew Rabiot's contract, as they did last summer, or risk losing him for nothing.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
Keane Jr. was returned by Atletico in January. If Juventus want to make a quick move, they can make a profit by a talented academy – Ildiz, Waison, Ealing, Sule and others. However, if I had a personal opinion, I would build around them.
AC Milan (James Horncastle).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
Another centre-forward, such as Stuttgart's Gilassie. Giroud and Jovic, whose deal has already been finalised, will need to make the position younger regardless of whether Milan renew Giroud's contract or not. Lorenzo Colombo, who is on loan at Monza, is not a leading man.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
In order to meet the requirements for non-European places, Milan sent Krunic and others away this winter. Fikayo Tomori is interested in returning to the Premier League, while Barcelona remain admirers of Reynders.
Paris Saint-Germain (Peter Rutzler).
What did they not buy in January and need to do in the summer?
Paris spent a lot of money on the summer and made one of the biggest roster changes in Europe, so they don't need to have major surgery on the lineup. Following Kimpembe's injury, they are looking to bring in reinforcements in the defence while adding midfielders. They have already signed two youngsters from Brazil. Lucas Berardo joined from Sao Paulo, Gabriel Moscardo joined late and has been loaned back to Corinthians until this summer.
Mbappe's contract expires at the end of the season and his future will have a huge impact on the club's work. Grand Paris considers itself ready both financially and athletically. But Mbappe's decision will be shocking.
Who they didn't sell in January and might sell in the summer?
Paris are still seeking, including Ekitike, who could leave before the January deadline. Leasing seems to be the most likely outcome. Kurzawa is another player with limited playing time and the arrival of Berardo will see him slip further down the rankings. And his contract expires in the summer.