Barcelona and Real Madrid inactive, Atletico most active in transfer market

The 2025/26 La Liga winter transfer window officially closed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at WIB afternoon. Attention focused on La Liga's three giants: Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid. These three clubs chose different paths in addressing their squad needs for the second half of the season.

Barcelona and Real Madrid remained relatively quiet, while Atletico Madrid became active and ambitious approaching the deadline.

At Camp Nou, Barcelona opted for minimal moves. Blaugrana only signed one new player, Portuguese wing-back Joao Cancelo on loan from Al-Hilal.

This recruitment addressed flank depth needs without burdening the club's financial structure.

Barcelona also transferred young talent Dro Fernandez to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), reflecting the club's long-term strategy balancing regeneration and economic stability.

Additionally, loaning Marc-Andre ter Stegen to Girona stood out as a notable move. The German Goalkeeper sought opportunities after being displaced by Joan Garcia.

Unlike Barcelona's single signing, Real Madrid exercised complete restraint. Los Blancos made zero new signings during this winter transfer window.

This policy demonstrated full confidence in the existing squad composition and management's belief in long-term planning.

Their only activity was loaning Brazilian Wonderkid Endrick to Olympique Lyon, providing the young striker regular playing time for development without Santiago Bernabeu pressure.

While Barcelona and Real Madrid chose conservative approaches, Atletico Madrid acted aggressively. Los Rojiblancos secured Rodrigo Mendoza from Elche and Obed Vargas from Seattle Sounders.

These transfers bolstered midfield options and squad depth for the remainder of the season.

Beyond these, Atletico reportedly neared completion of Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman's transfer. Diego Simeone clearly signaled intentions to strengthen attacking options across competitions.

Outgoing activities balanced these arrivals: Conor Gallagher transferred to Tottenham Hotspur, Giacomo Raspadori returned to Atalanta, while Javi Galan joined Osasuna and Carlos Martin moved to Rayo Vallecano. This marked significant mid-season squad restructuring.

Winter Transfer List per Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Barcelona
In: Joao Cancelo (Al-Hilal)
Out: Dro Fernandez (PSG), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Girona)

Atletico Madrid
In: Rodrigo Mendoza (Elche), Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders)
Out: Conor Gallagher (Tottenham), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Javi Galan (Osasuna), Carlos Martin (Rayo Vallecano)

Real Madrid
In: –
Out: Endrick (Lyon)