City, PSG, Aston Villa go big in the winter window

AP:

MANCHESTER CITY and Aston Villa made big moves just before the midseason transfer window closed yesterday.

Four-time defending Premier League champions City secured a late deal for Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez for a reported US$60 million, while three-time Champions League winner Marco Asensio joined Villa on loan to the end of the season.

Uncertainty over Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel finally ended when he completed a loan move to Tottenham with the option of a permanent deal in the summer.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were one of the most active clubs during the window by signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, and releasing several players.

City usually make their moves in the off-season. But in a bid to rescue a campaign that unravelled at the end of last year and was derailed again in a 5-1 loss at Arsenal, City spent big in January on five new signings. Gonazalez took their outlay past US$200 million.

City signed Egypt forward Omar Marmoush for US$73 million and defenders Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens and Vitor Reis for a combined US$77 million. Christian McFarlane, an 18-year-old left back, joined from sister club New York City FC while captain Kyle Walker left for AC Milan.

Gonzalez’s arrival finally gives City a defensive midfielder in the mould of Rodri – the Ballon d’Or holder who was ruled out of the season in September by an ACL injury.

The Premier League title looks well beyond City, who are 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, and a Champions League bid has been made extra difficult after being drawn against holders Real Madrid in the play-offs. But City manager Pep Guardiola will hope the new additions can return the club to the Champions League next season.

Shift in strategy

PSG have lost much of their star appeal in recent years following the departures of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. A shift in strategy has seen the Qatar-backed club focus more on younger and French talents rather than superstar names.

But the Kvaratskhelia deal for a reported fee of around US$72 million represents another marquee signing.

The Georgia forward isn’t at the level of Messi and Neymar but he has long been among the most sought-after players in Europe with thrilling, match-winning qualities.

PSG offloaded striker Randal Kolo Muani – a US$101-million signing last season – to Juventus on loan, and central defender Milan Skriniar to Fenerbahce, and Asensio.

Through to the Champions League last 16, Aston Villa boosted their attacking options in the form of Marcus Rashford and Asensio.

Rashford was one of the big stories of the window after falling out of favour at Manchester United. Despite being linked with clubs across Europe, as well as Saudi Arabia, he secured a loan to Villa for the rest of the season.