LaLiga Transfer Deadline: One Week to Go and the Madness Has Only Just Begun
With seven days left in the January transfer window, Spanish clubs are scrambling to finalize deals. Here's how all 20 LaLiga sides are approaching the final stretch.
The January transfer window is entering its final stretch with clubs across Spain frantically working the phones to strengthen their squads or offload deadwood before the February 2nd deadline.
The Big Boys
Barcelona are keeping things relatively calm after securing Cancelo on loan. Ter Stegen has headed to Girona until season’s end, while young Dro is on the verge of joining PSG as the Catalans and Parisians finalize terms. No further movement expected at Camp Nou.
Real Madrid closed their business almost as soon as the window opened. Arbeloa will look to the academy if reinforcements are needed.
Atlético Madrid are entering a decisive week following several departures including Gallagher and Raspadori. Simeone’s crew are targeting two signings - a midfielder (with Joao Gomes the favorite) and an attacking player, having already ruled out a move for Kang-in Lee.
Mid-table Manoeuvres
Sevilla are close to securing Neal Maupay from Marseille on loan with a €5m purchase option. They’re also negotiating for Ecuadorian Patrick Mercado for midfield reinforcement. Joan Jordán has been shown the exit door again.
Valencia have been one of the busiest clubs, bringing in Sadiq, Unai Núñez and Guido Rodríguez - essentially a new spine for the team. They’re not finished yet either, with another midfielder and possibly a winger targeted.
Villarreal, having exited most competitions, are focused on trimming their bloated squad. Solomon, Altimira and Ilias have already departed, though Foyth’s injury might force them into the market for defensive cover.
Betis need to create salary space before making any additions. Bakambu, Chimy Ávila and Ricardo Rodríguez have been identified as potential departures to free up funds for a striker to compete with Cucho Hernández.
Relegation Battlers
Mallorca’s transfer activity has been worryingly quiet for a team in relegation trouble. They’ve only signed Justin Kalumba from Angers, described as a “long-term signing”. With defensive issues and a lack of firepower up front, their inactivity is raising eyebrows. They missed out on Ilias Akomach, who joined Rayo instead.
Alavés haven’t made any moves yet, but a center-back is considered essential by Sergio Fernández. They’re also monitoring attacking options and potentially a winger. Birmingham and Ajax have shown interest in Carlos Vicente.
Espanyol have seen two departures (Koleosho to Paris FC and Javi Hernández to Mirandés) but no arrivals. Manager Manolo González insists he’s happy with his squad, though attacking reinforcements would be welcome following Puado’s injury.
The Basque Clubs
Athletic Club look set to let the window pass without additions despite being short of center-backs and midfielders. The sporting directors prefer to trust the current squad, allowing Canales to continue his loan at Racing where he’s performing well.
Real Sociedad have completed their business with Sadiq Umar’s transfer to Valencia and Mikel Goti’s loan to Córdoba. They’re not planning further additions unless a high-quality forward becomes available on loan.
Osasuna have significantly improved their squad with two quality additions: Javi Galán from Atlético Madrid and Raúl Moro from Ajax. Sheraldo Becker could still leave after failing to make an impact.
As the clock ticks down to deadline day, expect plenty more wheeler-dealing across LaLiga as clubs make their final pushes to set themselves up for the season’s run-in.