There were some statement signings, including the likes of Kieran Offord and Callumn Morrison to Linfield while Tiarnan O’Connor (Larne), Joe Thomson (Glentoran), Declan McManus and Levi Ives (both Coleraine) were also on the move.
Those players stole most of the headlines, but we asked analyst Sam Hutchinson to find 10 transfers which he feels went under the radar and could make a big impact throughout the rest of this season and beyond.
Here’s what he said:
5. Baris Altintop (Larne to Portadown, joined permanently after loan spell)
Sam: "Baris Altintop has signed on a permanent deal now for Portadown and has played really well. He has established himself after the disappointment of going to Larne and it not working out. He has won over 61% of his aerial duels and to get him signed up for the rest of this season is a fantastic piece of business. It's another reason why Portadown have been one of the big winners of the transfer window." Photo: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
6. James Carroll (Glenavon to Loughgall)
Sam: "This is a superb piece of business from Loughgall. He started nearly all of Glenavon's games and was one of the top performers for defensive duels won in the league. He's probably flown under the radar because Barney McKeown has got a lot of credit for playing immensely this year, but James Carroll had just as much contribution to the solidity that Glenavon had to get them through a tricky period. This is a great signing." Photo: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
7. Harry Murphy (Glentoran to Glenavon, loan)
Sam: "Harry hasn't really got many minutes this season and he's not had a consistent period in a top-flight team so you're hoping this chance will allow him to do that. I think there's a real chance he could go back to Glentoran and push for a starting spot or get a good move and establish himself in the league. He's still very young for a centre-back." Photo: Richard Trainor Photography
8. Josh Kee (H&W Welders to Larne, returned to Welders on loan for rest of the season)
Sam: "There has rightly been a lot of talk about Tiarnan O'Connor, but Kee is one who has bags of potential and when you're looking at Larne building a team for the future, he's someone who will come in and be fantastic for them. He has nine goal contributions this season, is fourth for assists in the Championship and I really enjoy watching him. I was at the game they played against Dundela in December and he was running the show, playing class passes, taking the ball in tight spots and creating chances for himself. That's one for the future...Kee will develop into a player that will get more plaudits as the years go on." Photo: Inpho/Stephen Hamilton