Matheus Fernandes, Former Barcelona player
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Barcelona’s January transfer window has often been a mix of urgency, risk and opportunity.
Unlike summer signings, winter arrivals are usually expected to deliver instantly, with little time to adapt.
Over the years, this approach has produced very different outcomes at Camp Nou.
Some January signings have changed seasons and lifted the mood around the club, while others have quietly faded away, leaving fans wondering what the plan really was.
Looking back, four names stand out when discussing Barcelona’s January business.
Two represent smart, timely decisions that paid off on the pitch. The other two underline how rushed planning and unclear roles can hurt even a club of Barcelona’s stature.
Matheus Fernandes
When Barcelona signed Matheus Fernandes in January 2020, the move raised eyebrows from the start.
The Brazilian midfielder, signed for €7 million plus €3 million on add-ons, arrived with little top-level experience and was immediately loaned out, which already hinted at a lack of short-term planning.
By the time he was integrated into the first team, opportunities were scarce and trust even scarcer.
Fernandes struggled to find a clear role. He was neither a deep controller nor a box-to-box presence who could raise the tempo.
Barcelona’s midfield has always demanded strong positional awareness and quick decision-making, and Fernandes looked lost in that system.
In his short spell with Barcelona, he made a solitary appearance. He went on to win the Copa del Rey in 2021 despite playing a single minute, and at the end of the 2020/21 season, his contract was terminated.
Jeison Murillo
Jeison Murillo, Former Barcelona player
Jeison Murillo made no notable impact at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The loan signing of Jeison Murillo in January 2019 was another decision driven by panic rather than planning.
Barcelona needed defensive cover, but Murillo arrived without matching the club’s playing identity. Comfortable in deeper defensive blocks, he struggled with a high line and ball-playing responsibilities.
Murillo barely featured, and when he did, he looked out of sync with the rest of the back line.
His time at the club passed quietly, without memorable performances or lasting influence.
He went on to make just four appearances during the second half of the 2018/19 season and understandably so, Barcelona did not opt to keep him beyond his loan tenure.
Ferran Torres
Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona
Ferran Torres has replaced Lewandowski now. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s decision to bring in Ferran Torres in January 2022 proved to be a forward-looking move.
Unlike many winter signings, Torres arrived with a clear role and profile. His pace, off-the-ball movement and willingness to press made him an immediate asset in attack.
Torres offers flexibility across the front line. He can operate on either wing or through the middle, something that modern managers value highly.
Under Flick, this versatility has been crucial. Flick’s system relies on wide players who press aggressively, attack spaces and contribute defensively.
While consistency had sometimes been questioned, Torres’ overall contribution has justified his signing.
His influence has been quite particular under Flick’s command as he finished the 2024/25 season with his career best tally of 19 goals in all competitions.
This season, he has effectively replaced Robert Lewandowski and is going strong with 13 goals in 22 matches already.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang played an important role in La Liga title win. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Few January signings have had an impact as immediate as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Signed in January 2022, Aubameyang arrived with a point to prove and delivered goals straight away.
His movement in the box, ability to attack space and calm finishing brought much-needed clarity to Barcelona’s attack.
Aubameyang’s style suited a team in transition. He did not need many touches to influence games, and his experience helped settle a young squad.
During his time under Xavi Hernandez, he played 23 matches in all competitions and scored an impressive 13 goals, playing an important role in winning the 2022/23 La Liga title.