We review winter market transfers from major European clubs

The coronavirus pandemic radically differentiated the summer transfer market from its predecessors; However, with the return of football to the sports calendar, the January window of the major leagues in Europe will open as usual.

Despite the fact that the clubs invested € 1.5 billion ($ 1.9 billion) less over the summer, they agreed last October on a series of deals that will close once the winter period opens. January is traditionally a quieter month; But will the events still happening around the world motivate the major football clubs to implement a number of different strategies?

Here are our reviews for all of the grand passes planned. The most recent reviews are at the top of this comment; while the capsules of each date are ordered with the largest transaction. If you cannot find a qualification for a newly completed pass, we ask you to check back in a few hours. All amounts are expressed in accordance with unofficial journalistic information; unless confirmed, a condition expressed by an asterisk

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JANUARY 4
Arsenal: C.

Schalke: B +

Currently, Schalke is in a mess and they need all the help they can get. The club adds a run of 13 games without claiming victory in the first half of its Bundesliga campaign. Bringing back an old player is a good start; However, if you give him the captain’s armband despite being loaned to the side for the rest of the season, it’s a clear sign that things are not going well. Kolasinac wants to make a good impression and is certainly able to make a good contribution to Schalke.

In a way, Arsenal is making a risky bet, hoping that Kieran Tierney is in good physical shape. The defender of the Scottish team has shown an excellent level this season; however, should he be injured, the Gunners will be in trouble in Kolasinac’s absence. His options in the left back position would include Bukayo Saka, who is better used in higher positions on the field; and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is more comfortable on the right wing or in midfield. Kolasinac was clearly frustrated by the lack of playing time (and probably also unhappy to see his friend Mesut Özil downgraded from DT Mikel Arteta’s calls); letting him go, however, in a season marked by a greater excess of injuries than previous tournaments can prove to be an extremely costly decision.

JANUARY 2
LOVE DIALLO

€ 21 million (£ 19 million, $ 25.5 million)
Atalanta: B

Manchester United: B

* Transaction must be made official, it depends on the announcement of obtaining a work visa

With only a handful of appearances to his credit in the Italian club’s jersey, Diallo’s announcement to Manchester United last October came as a surprise. Atalanta trained the 18-year-old in their quarry, and apparently he was acting at a much higher level; However, the Red Devils’ € 21 million offer, with the option to add € 20 million in additional compensation, was too good to decline. It was possible that Atalanta would keep Diallo in their ranks for a few years to watch him grow up on the field; but no one can complain that, given the current situation, Atalanta preferred to take the money.

United makes a bet; however, their transfer policy is aimed at young players and they have certainly caught one of the most exciting wingers today. It would be a surprise to see Diallo go straight to the first team; but they did well to outperform the competition by attracting a player who had been followed for a year and had made a good impression in the UEFA Youth League. It’s a lot of money; although at least half of the pecuniary obligation depends on his performance in court.
FC Salzburg: B

RB Leipzig: A.

The relationship between the two clubs owned by the energy drink manufacturer Red Bull has greatly facilitated negotiations between the two parties. Plus, this has been a journey of many players in the past. It is possible that Salzburg could have gotten a much larger amount in exchange for the Hungarian midfielder with another team; however, they have the option to deposit the check and turn the page, focusing on developing their next emerging young talent.

Szoboszlai caught the attention of a number of powerful clubs, including Arsenal, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. That’s why Leipzig did a fantastic job convincing the 20-year-old to continue his development in Germany. This is probably the perfect club for him as he has a similar playing style to Salzburg; the Bundesliga also has a reputation for strengthening the talents of its young players. You can expect a lot more about Szoboszlai in the coming years.
FILIP STEVANOVIC

€ 8 million (£ 6 million, $ 9.75 million)
Partizan Belgrade: C +

Manchester City: B-

Partizan took an unusual step by announcing this deal with Manchester City last October without confirmation from the English club; consequently, doubts remain about this operation. It is clear that the 18-year-old winger is highly regarded by the Serbian club, of which he has been a part since he was nine. Stevanovic managed to establish himself as the starting XI of the senior team this year, having progressed through the various youth categories. The Partizan will charge € 8 million plus additional fees; However, they will likely regret letting go of Stevanovic so early in his career.