The Asian Football Confederation's Top 20 Biggest Signings in the January Transfer Window of 2025
- Chester Khangelani Mbekela
- Mar 3, 2025
- 4 min read
Article By: Zila Mbekela
The January 2025 transfer window in Asian football was nothing short of electrifying, with clubs across the continent making strategic moves to bolster their squads. From record-breaking signings to emerging talents, the landscape of Asian football is set for an exhilarating season ahead. Here, we delve into the top 20 biggest professional football transfers in Asia during this transformative period. Once again, the teams from the Middle East didn't hold back when it came to opening up their cheque books. Saudi football clubs continue to show their intent when it comes to attracting and enticing elite talent to join their league structures.
1. Jhon Durán – Aston Villa to Al-Nassr (€77 million)
Al-Nassr made headlines by securing Colombian forward Jhon Durán from Aston Villa for a staggering €77 million. At just 21, Durán's impressive performances in the Premier League caught the eye of the Saudi club, marking a significant shift in the league's recruitment strategy towards younger talents.
2. Omar Marmoush – Eintracht Frankfurt to Al-Ahli (€50 million)
Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush's move to Al-Ahli for €50 million underscores the Saudi Pro League's commitment to attracting top talent. Marmoush's agility and goal-scoring prowess are expected to elevate Al-Ahli's attacking options.
3. Galeno – Porto to Al-Ahli (€50 million)
Al-Ahli continued their spending spree by acquiring Brazilian winger Galeno from Porto for €50 million. Known for his speed and dribbling skills, Galeno's addition is anticipated to add flair to the Saudi league.
4. Abdukodir Khusanov – RC Lens to Al-Ittihad (€40 million)
Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov's €40 million transfer to Al-Ittihad signifies the club's ambition to strengthen their midfield with youthful energy and creativity.
5. Vitor Reis – Palmeiras to Al-Hilal (€37 million)
Al-Hilal's acquisition of Brazilian defender Vitor Reis for €37 million highlights their intent to solidify their defense with a player renowned for his tactical awareness and aerial prowess.
6. Luiz Henrique – Botafogo to Al-Shabab (€33 million)
Al-Shabab's €33 million signing of Brazilian forward Luiz Henrique from Botafogo adds a dynamic edge to their attack, with expectations of increased goal contributions.
7. Santiago Giménez – Feyenoord to Al-Nassr (€32 million)
Mexican striker Santiago Giménez's €32 million move to Al-Nassr is set to bolster their frontline, bringing Eredivisie experience and a keen eye for goal.
8. Kaio César – Santos to Al-Fateh (€30 million)
Al-Fateh's €30 million investment in Brazilian midfielder Kaio César reflects their strategy to infuse young talent into their squad, aiming for a creative spark in the midfield.
9. Matteo Dams – Ajax to Al-Ettifaq (€28 million)
Dutch defender Matteo Dams' €28 million transfer to Al-Ettifaq indicates the club's focus on reinforcing their defense with European experience and leadership qualities.
10. Hiroshi Tanaka – Yokohama F. Marinos to Al-Ittihad (€25 million)
Japanese midfielder Hiroshi Tanaka's €25 million move to Al-Ittihad showcases the club's interest in Asian talent, bringing versatility and technical skill to their midfield.
11. Kim Min-Jae – Napoli to Al-Hilal (€23 million)
South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae's €23 million switch from Napoli to Al-Hilal strengthens their defensive line with Serie A experience and robust defending.
12. Mehdi Taremi – FC Porto to Al-Ahli (€22 million)
Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi's €22 million transfer to Al-Ahli adds a proven goal scorer to their ranks, enhancing their attacking options.
13. Wu Lei – Espanyol to Shanghai Port (€20 million)
Chinese forward Wu Lei's €20 million return to Shanghai Port from Espanyol is expected to boost the Chinese Super League's profile and competitiveness.
14. Eldor Shomurodov – AS Roma to Al-Nassr (€18 million)
Uzbek striker Eldor Shomurodov's €18 million move to Al-Nassr adds depth to their attacking lineup, bringing Serie A experience to the Saudi league.
15. Ali Mabkhout – Al Jazira to Al-Ahli (€16 million)
Emirati forward Ali Mabkhout's €16 million transfer to Al-Ahli introduces a prolific goal scorer to the team, aiming to enhance their offensive capabilities.
16. Takefusa Kubo – Real Sociedad to Al-Shabab (€15 million)
Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo's €15 million move to Al-Shabab brings creativity and flair to their attack, with fans eager to see his impact.
17. Sardar Azmoun – Bayer Leverkusen to Al-Fateh (€14 million)
Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun's €14 million transfer to Al-Fateh is expected to elevate their goal-scoring potential, adding Bundesliga experience to the squad.
18. Hwang Hee-Chan – Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al-Ittihad (€13 million)
South Korean forward Hwang Hee-Chan's €13 million move to Al-Ittihad introduces Premier League experience and versatility to their attacking options.
19. Chanathip Songkrasin – Kawasaki Frontale to Al-Hilal (€12 million)
Thai midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin's €12 million transfer to Al-Hilal adds agility and playmaking skills to their midfield, enhancing their creative play.
20. Safawi Rasid – Johor Darul Ta'zim to Al-Shabab (€10 million)
Malaysian winger Safawi Rasid's €10 million move to Al-Shabab reflects the club's strategy to incorporate Southeast Asian talent, aiming to diversify their attacking strategies.
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