Man City, PSG and Aston Villa go big this winter window

Associated Press

London: Manchester City and Aston Villa made big moves just before the midseason transfer window closed. Four-time defending Premier League champion City secured a late deal for Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez on Monday for a reported $61.8 million, while three-time Champions League winner Marco Asensio joined Villa on loan to the end of the season.

Uncertainty over Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel finally ended when he completed a loan move to Tottenham with the option of a permanent deal in the summer. Paris Saint-Germain was one of the most active clubs during the window by signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, and releasing several players. The Columbus Crew completed the permanent transfer of MLS All-Star forward Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernández to Real Betis for an undisclosed fee.

Man City goes big to salvage season: City usually makes its moves in the offseason. But in a bid to rescue a campaign that unraveled at the end of last year and was derailed again in a 5-1 loss at Arsenal, City spent big in January on five new signings. Gonazalez took its outlay past $200 million. City signed Egypt forward Omar Marmoush for $73 million and defenders Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens and Vitor Reis for a combined $77 million.

Christian McFarlane, an 18-year-old left back, joined from sister club New York City FC while captain Kyle Walker left for AC Milan. Gonzalez's arrival finally gives City a defensive midfielder in the mold of Rodri the Ballon d'Or holder who was ruled out for the season in September because of an ACL injury.

PSG re-enters the galactico' market: Paris Saint-Germain has lost much of its star appeal in recent years following the departures of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. A shift in strategy has seen the Qatar-backed club focus more on younger and French talents rather than superstar names. But the Kvaratskhelia deal for a reported fee of around $72 million represents another marquee signing.

The Georgia forward isn't at the level of Messi and Neymar but he has long been among the most sought-after players in Europe with thrilling, match-winning qualities. PSG offloaded striker Randal Kolo Muani a $101 million signing last season to Juventus on loan, and central defender Milan Skriniar to Fenerbahce, and Asensio.