European Transfer Window Closes with Record-Breaking Deals Across Top Leagues

The European winter transfer window officially closed at midnight on Friday, marking the end of one of the most active January and February periods in recent memory. Premier League clubs led the spending spree with a combined £2.1 billion in transactions, while Serie A and La Liga followed suit with their own marquee signings.

The most shocking move of the window came when Manchester City secured the services of Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for a reported £85 million fee. The Argentine international, who has been instrumental in Brightons impressive campaign, will bolster Citys midfield depth as they pursue both domestic and European honors. Mac Allister expressed his excitement about joining the defending champions and working under Pep Guardiola.

Chelsea continued their recent trend of ambitious spending, bringing in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for a club-record £120 million. The Nigerian forward has been one of Serie As most prolific scorers and addresses Chelseas need for a consistent goal threat. The move represents Chelseas commitment to returning to Champions League football next season under their new ownership structure.

Real Madrid surprised many by activating the release clause for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, with the 22-year-old English star joining Los Blancos for €110 million. Bellingham had been courted by several Premier League giants but chose to fulfill his childhood dream of playing for the Spanish giants. His signing adds youth and dynamism to Madrids midfield as they look to reclaim domestic glory.

Milan made a statement signing by bringing in Bayern Munichs Leroy Sané on a permanent deal worth €70 million. The German winger provides pace and creativity on the flanks as the Rossoneri push for a Champions League qualification spot. Sané reunites with former Bayern teammate Kingsley Coman, who joined Milan earlier in the season.

The window also saw several surprising departures, with Liverpool allowing Sadio Mané to complete his move to Al-Nassr for €40 million. The Senegalese forwards departure marks the end of an era at Anfield, though Liverpool had already secured his replacement earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Juventus parted ways with several aging stars to reduce their wage bill and comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

As clubs prepare for the business end of the season, these new signings will be crucial in determining championship races across Europe. The Premier League title race remains tight between Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, while Serie A sees Inter Milan and Napoli battling for supremacy. These final additions could prove decisive in the coming months.