Last-minute Transfer Window Shocker Across European Leagues

The 2026 winter transfer window reached a fever pitch on February 2nd as several high-profile deals shook the foundations of European football.

In a move that caught the Premier League by surprise, Liverpool successfully hijacked Chelsea’s long-standing pursuit of Jérémy Jacquet, securing a €70 million agreement with Stade Rennais. Although the 20-year-old French defender is set to join the Reds officially in the summer, the deadline-day victory represents a massive statement of intent from Arne Slot’s side.

Not to be outdone in the final hours, Manchester City continued their aggressive recruitment by facilitating a shock loan move for Kalvin Phillips to Sheffield United, marking his third temporary stint away from the Etihad in as many seasons. The Manchester giants had already dominated the window's headlines by splashing a combined $115 million on Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi, the latter of whom returned to the elite level after a standout period at Crystal Palace.

Across the continent, the drama was equally palpable as historic returns and veteran relocations defined the day. In one of the most sentimental moves of the window, Lucas Paquetá departed West Ham to rejoin Flamengo in a deal worth approximately £36.5 million, becoming the most expensive signing in Brazilian league history.

Meanwhile, French forward Niclas Füllkrug made a late leap to AC Milan on loan, providing the Italian giants with much-needed veteran depth. In a truly "out of left field" signing, 35-year-old Italian icon Ciro Immobile joined Paris FC on a free transfer from Bologna, choosing the French capital for the thirteenth club of his storied career.

Even as some deals collapsed—most notably Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move to AC Milan after a failed medical—the sheer volume of movement solidified 2026 as one of the most volatile winter windows in recent memory.