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The European transfer window is open again and you can find out when it shuts here. Here we are grading the most notable signings from the top teams during January — and you can see the summer window’s grades here.
The most recent grades and write-ups are at the top; each day is in order of highest price.
If you don’t see a grade for a deal that has been completed, check back later. All fees are reported unless confirmed with *.
Jan. 1
ERLING HAALAND, £18m (€20m, $23.5m)
FC Salzburg grade: C
Dortmund grade: A
Arguably the most exciting teenage striker in Europe, Haaland’s move to Dortmund caught everyone off guard as the German club sneaked in to snap him up for a meagre fee.
It’s been reported that Haaland had a release clause in his contract and Dortmund were the first to take advantage as Man United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester City and Chelsea could only watch as he sealed a transfer to the Bundesliga a few days before the window opened.
Salzburg will be frustrated that their key man (who netted 28 goals in just 22 games this season) has moved on but there was nothing they could do. If only they had hindsight, they would have made the release clause a lot higher as €80m was being talked about for the 19-year-old.
TAKUMI MINAMINO, £7.25m (€8.4m, $9.3m)
FC Salzburg grade: C
Liverpool grade: B
Technically Salzburg got what they wanted for the Japan international but his release clause seems awfully low. Sources told ESPN how Liverpool beat rivals Manchester United to the forward’s signature following their Champions League victory against Salzburg and the club did very well to move so quickly to tie up a deal.
A real team player, Minamino has time to develop and as long he doesn’t crave immediate first-team action he should be fine. His signing will also boost Liverpool’s fanbase in Asia, where he will become a superstar after the move.
WAYNE ROONEY, Free
DC United grade: B
Derby grade: A-
If Rooney works out half as well as Frank Lampard’s time at Derby, the club will be very happy. The 34-year-old former Manchester United striker signed an initial 18-month deal at the Championship side and will also take on a coaching role under Phillip Cocu in order to gain experience for his own journey into becoming a manager.
England’s most prolific scorer probably won’t be banging in the goals as regularly as he has in the past, but Rooney’s experience should help the club in their bid to gain promotion to the Premier League.
D.C. United were powerless to stop Rooney leaving but the MLS club’s standing was changed completely by his arrival in June 2018. How they build on the momentum of having him will shape their future.