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Legends

Who are Ligue 1's best-ever winter signings?

After another goal in Lyon's vital win over Stade Rennais on Sunday, Endrick's continued good form has made him a great winter signing. But where does the teenage phenom rank in the league's best-ever winter signings?
E. DEVIN
Published on 05/04/2026 at 23:00
2-minute read
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made a massive contribution following his arrival last January

After another goal in Lyon's vital win over Stade Rennais on Sunday, Endrick's continued good form has made him a great winter signing. But where does the teenage phenom rank in the league's best-ever winter signings?

Endrick, Real Madrid to Lyon, 2026

While only on loan, the young Brazilian -- motivated by winning a spot on Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad this summer has been vital to Lyon's rise up the table since his arrival. Elimination from Europe at the hands of Celta Vigo will have stung, but with five goals and six assists in twelve starts, he has added a dynamism to his side's attack that's been lacking since the departures of Alexandre Lacazette and Georges Mikautadze last summer.

Memphis Depay, Manchester United to Lyon, 2017

While Depay was ineligible for his club's run to the Europa League semifinals on joining, and he would only net five times that season, his impact in subsequent seasons was simply massive. From almost singlehandedly helping Les Gones reach the Champions League semifinals to a last-day hat trick against Nice to secure a top three place, his achievements were myriad, and he remains a true club legend.   

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain, 2025

The hard-working Georgian international has been one of the capital side's most influential players since arriving last winter. Capable of sublime moments of skill, he's also been brilliant at leading the capital side's vaunted press, making his blend of talent and doggedness something special not only in Ligue 1 McDonald's but also in football worldwide.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, AC Milan to Saint-Étienne, 2011

Having spent previous spells at Monaco, Dijon and Lille, Aubameyang was no stranger to Ligue 1. After spending the first half of the season on loan with the Principality side, he moved to Sainté in December 2010. Boldly played by Christophe Galtier as a central striker, he responded with more than forty goals over the next two seasons, helping Les Verts reach the European places and starting what has been a legendary career.

While these four players have impressed, there are plenty of others who are deserving of a mention, including players who made an instant impact like Mika Biereth last season (13 goals in 16 matches to help Monaco finish in the Champions League places), and others like Rio Mavuba (Villarreal to Lille, 2008) who became club legends. Other big names to have moved in January include Didier Drogba (Le Mans to Guingamp, 2002), David Beckham (LA Galaxy to Paris Saint-Germain, 2013) and Bruno Guimarães (Athletico Paranaense to Lyon, 2020).

Read more:

>> The relegation battle heats up!

>> Success on a shoestring: How Lyon are beating the odds this season

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