European transfer window heats up with moves involving Schalke, Villa, PSG and Forest

The January transfer window has delivered a wave of significant moves and negotiations across Europe, with clubs strengthening key areas as they push toward their season objectives.

On 27 January, FC Schalke 04 officially confirmed the signing of Dejan Ljubičić from Dinamo Zagreb.

The 28-year-old midfielder has signed a contract until June 2028 and will wear the number 21 shirt.

Schalke’s director of professional football, Youri Mulder, praised Ljubičić’s tactical intelligence, versatility, and decision-making, highlighting his ability to operate in multiple midfield roles and bring structure to central areas.

Ljubičić expressed enthusiasm about the challenge at Schalke, stating that the club clearly outlined his role and how he can strengthen the team.

Ljubičić joined Dinamo Zagreb last summer, making 22 appearances across domestic competitions and the Europa League, scoring twice. Before that, he spent four years at 1.

FC Köln, playing a key role in their promotion to the Bundesliga in 2025.

A product of Rapid Wien’s academy, Ljubičić has also represented Austria at youth level and made his senior international debut in September 2021.

In England, Aston Villa are in talks to re-sign midfielder Douglas Luiz, just 18 months after selling him to Juventus for £43 million.

Villa are seeking midfield reinforcements following season-ending injuries to Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn.

Luiz, currently contracted to Juventus until 2029, is available to move on loan from Nottingham Forest, where he has struggled for minutes, making only five Premier League starts this season.

Any permanent deal would cost Villa far less than the original transfer fee. Villa have already agreed an £18 million deal for striker Tammy Abraham from Besiktas, further reshaping their squad.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain completed the signing of highly rated 18-year-old midfielder Dro Fernández from Barcelona.

The European champions secured the teenager on a four-and-a-half-year contract after he rejected a renewal offer from Barca. 

PSG reportedly paid €8 million for the academy graduate, who made his first-team debut for Barcelona in September.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta described the situation as “unpleasant,” expressing frustration that Fernández’s agent backed out of an agreement previously discussed.

One of the most closely watched sagas involves Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Forest have submitted a £35 million bid, though Palace are holding out for a package worth around £40 million and will only sell if they secure a replacement.

Mateta, 28, has started all 23 of Palace’s Premier League matches this season, scoring eight goals.

Despite recent interest from Aston Villa and Juventus, Palace have remained firm on their valuation.

Forest’s interest stems from their struggles in front of goal, having scored the second-fewest goals in the league, compounded by injuries to Chris Wood and the loan departure of Arnaud Kalimuendo.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Mateta has not handed in a transfer request, stressing that a sale depends on signing an immediate replacement.

Finally, Valencia CF announced on 26 January that they had reached an agreement with West Ham United to sign Guido Rodríguez.

The 31-year-old Argentine midfielder brings experience and leadership to Valencia’s midfield.

A World Cup winner in 2022 and two-time Copa América champion, Rodríguez has amassed over 400 top-level appearances with clubs including Real Betis, Club América, River Plate, and West Ham.

Valencia believe his presence will add balance and personality under head coach Carlos Corberán.

Overall, the January window highlights clubs across Europe making calculated moves—whether rebuilding, reinforcing for survival, or investing in long-term potential—as the second half of the season intensifies.