Every Premier League club ranked by transfer window performance

Manchester United

There’s no question that Alexis Sanchez was a superb signing from Manchester United, and getting a straight swap for a player Jose Mourinho clearly didn’t value made it even better. The likes of Demi Mitchell, Axel Tuanzebe and James Wilson getting experience at decent loan clubs is also a positive from a club that didn’t need to rush into the market in January.

Overall grade: A-

Best signing: Alexis Sanchez

Tottenham

For a side that didn’t really need an upgrade on any position in their starting XI but instead some variety and strength in depth, Tottenham’s capture of Lucas Moura should prove astute. Elsewhere the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Marcus Edwards and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou will get experience on loan at decent levels.

Overall grade: B-

Best signing: Lucas Moura

Arsenal

The loss of Alexis was huge but Arsenal have at least splashed the cash in an attempt to compensate. Given time Henrikh Mkhitaryan should be well suited to Arsenal’s approach, with former club mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang there to link with up front. The sale of Giroud to rivals Chelsea could backfire.

Overall grade: B-

Best signing: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

West Brom

If he can stay fit, which is a massive if, then there is no question that Daniel Sturridge’s arrival, even just on loan, is a real coup for the Baggies. Keeping Jonny Evans, somewhat against the odds, could prove an even better bit of business, so it was far from a bad month for Alan Pardew despite no permanent additions.

Overall grade: B-

Best signing: Daniel Sturridge

Chelsea

Up until the final knockings of the window it was something of a nightmare month for Chelsea but the pick up of Olivier Giroud could be a shrewd one, Ross Barkley came cheap and Emerson is strong cover at left wing-back where the Blues were lacking.

Overall grade: B-

Best signing: Olivier Giroud

Stoke

It’s been apparent for some time that Stoke needed to strengthen at full-back, so Moritz Bauer and Kostas Stafylidis offer competition in those areas and the former has made a decent start. The arrival of Badou Ndiaye will offer more energy in midfield and ease some pressure on Joe Allen in that regard. Strong at winning, keeping and carrying the ball, the Senegal international should make an impact.

Overall grade: B-

Best signing: Badou Ndiaye

Leicester

Fousseni Diabate looked a real talent on his debut in the FA Cup, scoring twice, and could prove a great find, while the Foxes shed some dead weight up front and kept Riyad Mahrez. How that effects the Algerian’s attitude for the remainder of the season will be decisive.

Overall grade: C+

Best signing: Fousseni Diabate

Manchester City

While Aymeric Laporte could prove a very decent addition he may take time to adapt physically, with that the reason why the youngster is as yet uncapped for France. He’s a Guardiola-style defender though in most respects, so should be a success. The loss of Leroy Sane through injury is a big blow and does leave City a little short in terms of natural width but missing out on Mahrez, despite their panicked attempts, shouldn’t be a problem. Time for the youngsters to shine.

Overall grade: C+

Best signing: Aymeric Laporte

Everton

There were plenty of outgoings at Goodison, which was probably needed, but the decision to let Ademola Lookman go out on loan seems a little odd. Theo Walcott has already proven a match winner for the Toffees, and they’ll hope for the same from Cenk Tosun, who should also prove a decent addition.

Overall grade: C+

Best signing: Theo Walcott

West Ham

Joao Mario certainly could prove to be a noteworthy signing for West Ham, who could do with more quality on the ball in the middle, particularly with Manuel Lanzini now sidelined. Jordan Hugill, meanwhile, is a real handful and physical presence up front and tireless in his work but far from prolific. All in all once key players return the Hammers should be in decent shape.

Overall grade: C+

Best signing: Joao Mario 

Liverpool

After a dream debut, scoring the winner in a Merseyside derby, it appears Virgil van Dijk can’t solve all of Liverpool’s defensive issues. That’s no shock in reality, and the Reds could have done with a keeper and central midfielder following the sale of Philippe Coutinho. The money was there to act now after all, and the fight for a top four spot could go down to the wire.

Overall grade: C

Best signing: Virgil van Dijk

Newcastle

The club missed out on a number of targets but while Kenedy should excite the St. James’ Park crowd, Islam Slimani still has a point to prove. That may not be a bad thing though, and Matt Ritchie is a very capable crosser of the ball, so the Algerian may surprise a few and is a clear upgrade on Joselu.

Overall grade: C

Best signing: Kenedy

Southampton

The fee received for Virgil van Dijk was way too good to refuse and in Guido Carrillo Saints have signed a striker that will offer something different to what they have. The defence was strong enough not to need reinforcing, but a new keeper should be on the wish list and missing out on Quincy Promes is a big disappointment.

Overall grade: C

Best signing: Guido Carrillo

Watford

Gerard Deulofeu should be a very good signing for the Hornets and offer Javi Gracia a really lively attack on the opposing flank to Richarlison, but Didier Ndong’s arrival, albeit on loan, is less encouraging. Watford have so many injury problems so getting players back fit will be just as important as adding to an already competitive squad, but they do lack a goalscoring centre-forward.

Overall grade: C

Best signing: Gerard Deulofeu

Burnley

Sean Dyche was keen to strengthen out wide and both Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and Aaron Lennon offer pace to his ranks but a late injury to Steven Defour has left the Clarets short of his quality in the middle.

Overall grade: C

Best signing: Georges-Kevin Nkoudou

Crystal Palace

The Eagles had their fans trawling Wikipedia with their transfer strategy but the three new signings are all young and arrive with relatively little risk. 23-year-old defender Jach is a full Polish international and midfielder Erdal Rakip and former Alexander Sorloth both had decent scoring records, albeit in Scandinavia last season.

Overall grade: C

Best signing: Jaroslaw Jach

Brighton

The return of a 31-year-old Leonardo Ulloa doesn’t inspire great confidence that Brighton can arrest their woes in front of goal but Jurgen Locadia could prove a decent addition. He’ll need time to settle, however, which the Seagulls don’t really have.

Overall grade: C-

Best signing: Jurgen Locadia

Huddersfield

The Terriers’ signing of Alex Pritchard made sense given their lack of creativity this season but while the former Spurs youngster has had very few opportunities, he’s in danger of falling into the same category as Tom Ince of being too good for the Championship but failing to make that step up. Terence Kongolo has failed to live up to his potential and may struggle in unforgiving circumstances.

Overall grade: C-

Best signing: Alex Pritchard

Bournemouth

Nothing to report bar the departures of Benik Afobe and Lewis Grabban on loan, which puts pressure on the injury-prone Callum Wilson and ageing Jermain Defoe to stay fit.

Overall grade: D

Best signing: N/A

Swansea

The return of Andre Ayew is an unconvincing one, particularly given the fee for a player that has underwhelmed in the Premier League for some time now. Meanwhile Andy King doesn’t improve on what they already have, which pretty much sums up Swansea’s window.

Overall grade: D

Best signing: Andre Ayew