The Athletic reveals the top 10 best deals in the Premier League winter transfer window of 2026.

On 4 Feb 2026 GMT+7, The Athletic ranked the January to early February 2026 transfer market, excluding youth team promotions. The major transfer of Jérémy Chaget from Rennes to Liverpool was omitted as it occurred in summer. Rankings were based on the value players brought to their new clubs.

Top 10 best deals in the Premier League winter transfer market 2026.

1. Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace to Manchester City.

Transfer fee reported by The Athletic: £20 million. Contract length: 5 years 6 months.

An excellent talent at an ideal age (25), a good value signing, local player with great character and potential to develop further. Clearly a future England captain, Guehi has performed impressively for Palace and England. If Pep Guardiola doesn’t overcomplicate things for him, he could become one of the best central defenders England has seen in decades.

2. Douglas Luiz from Juventus to Aston Villa.

Loan deal. Contract length: Until end of season.

This deal is nearly flawless. Villa faced midfield injury problems, and their former player perfectly filled the gap left by Youri Tielemans. The Brazilian struggled at Forest, but Villa regained a player they sold for over £40 million 18 months ago. A great return.

3. Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth to Manchester City.

Transfer fee reported by The Athletic: £62.5 million. Contract length: 5 years 6 months.

Yes, the fee is very high, but perhaps not enough to measure his ability and the fact he is at his career peak at 26. Starting strong with 4 goals and 1 assist in his first 5 games, he is a rising star ready to make an immediate impact.

4. Oscar Bobb from Manchester City to Fulham.

Transfer fee reported by The Athletic: £27 million. Contract length: 5 years 6 months.

A leg injury stalled his progress at Etihad Stadium, although he seemed ready early in the 2024-25 season. While still regaining form, this reasonably priced signing is excellent. The 22-year-old Norwegian forward appears to fit well at the West London club, and his name evokes a silent film star from the 1920s.

5. Alex Toth from Ferencváros to Bournemouth.

Transfer fee: £10.4 million. Contract length: 5 years 6 months.

Highly rated, nominated for the Golden Boy award last year, he is a tall, agile midfielder who covers the pitch extensively. A "gem Bournemouth discovered," his departure from Ferencváros moved manager Robbie Keane to tears.

6. Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur.

Transfer fee reported by The Athletic: £34.7 million. Contract length: 5 years 6 months.

Another former Chelsea player joins Spurs. Gallagher is a nimble number 6 ready for long-term play, exactly what Spurs have sought for years. With his personality and leadership skills at 25, it's hard to imagine him not succeeding. He just needs to avoid "catching" Spurs’ typical struggles.

7. Rayan from Vasco da Gama to Bournemouth.

Transfer fee: £24.7 million (plus add-ons). Contract length: 5 years 6 months.

Bournemouth have high hopes for the 19-year-old striker who scored 20 goals in 57 games during Brazil’s 2025 season. The left-footed right winger made history as Vasco da Gama’s youngest player at 16 in 2023. Committed and prolific, he has great potential but may need time to adapt. His physical presence helped him assist in his debut against Wolverhampton as a substitute.

8. Ángel Gomes from Marseille to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Loan deal. Contract length: Until end of season.

Signing for one of the worst teams in Premier League history, nearly certain to be relegated. Still, this deal is sensible for Wolves and all parties. Gomes was not playing at Marseille, and at least this move puts him back in the club’s sight. Low risk, low cost, and fitting.

9. Pablo Felipe from Gil Vicente to West Ham United.

Transfer fee reported by The Athletic: £17.4 million. Contract length: 4 years 6 months.

The 22-year-old, born in Portugal and raised in Brazil, is among the best strikers in the Primeira Liga, scoring 10 goals in 13 matches for the impressive Gil Vicente side. He scored an 11-minute hat-trick against Boavista last season. West Ham signed a dogged striker with a terrier’s determination but also need goals from this Brazilian forward.

10. Valentín Castejanos from Lazio to West Ham United.

Transfer fee: £26 million. Contract length: 4 years 6 months.

Known as 'Tati,' he is an energetic, hardworking forward in the mold of Nuno Espírito Santo. Along with new teammate Pablo, he has transformed West Ham’s attack. However, given West Ham’s struggles, it’s hard not to see the 27-year-old Argentine striker going on loan to Espanyol in the summer (with a £28 million buy option). For now, this signing is a positive reinforcement.

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