The winter transfer window begins on 1 January, with clubs across the continent eyeing deals as they look to strengthen in the hunt for titles, European football and survival.
As always, there’ll be plenty of eyes on the Premier League as the country’s top sides try and find value in an often difficult market, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all tipped to make signings.
There could be high-profile departures too, with Marcus Rashford reportedly looking for a way out of Manchester United while Trent Alexander-Arnold is free to negotiate with other clubs with just six months remaining on his current Liverpool deal.
And across the rest of the league, teams will juggle PSR regulations and tight budgets as they look to find cut-price deals to help their bids for a successful end to the 2024/25 season.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and deals below:
January transfer window - live updates
- The winter transfer window begins on 1 January and finishes at the end of the month
- Teams including Manchester City and Arsenal are being linked with big moves to bolster their squads
- Rashford, Zubimendi and six more players who could be on the move this January
- Juventus keen to bring Zirkzee on loan, say Italian reports
- Liverpool reject Real Madrid approach for Alexander-Arnold
- Madrid willing to offer £20m to sign right-back in January
- Chelsea receive offer for Cesare Casadei
City must go big or go home in January - Carragher
16:30
Mike Jones
Jamie Carragher says Man City will either go big or not bother in January, despite their terrible drop-off in results this season.
“Man City will try and get the real deal [in January], of course they will, but what you don’t want to do is to end up sort of buying someone for £30m-£40m and in six months he’s not going to play and he’s going to be sitting there on big wages,” he said on Sky Sports.
“If they feel they need to do that to help them get over the line to make the Champions League then they have to do it - but if it’s someone who they don’t really think will move the dial in the next six months or in the future then it’s probably best to leave it.”
City are sixth in the table at the halfway point after beating Leicester to end their winless run, but sit 14 points off leaders Liverpool who also have a game in hand.
Forest owner says club will do “whatever is needed” in pursuit of top four finish
16:15
Mike Jones
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was speaking at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards and underlined what the Premier League club will do - and don’t want to do - in January as they look to build on a great first half of the season.
Forest are second in the table, behind only Liverpool, after losing just four times this term so far.
“We will do whatever is needed to be stronger and of course our coach (Nuno Espirito Santo) will decide what he really needs,” said Marinakis. “We must keep the same spirit and same environment in the dressing room and all our players this year have the right spirit. This is a very good climate we should try our very best not to interrupt it.
“It is an important achievement because in all positions we have players who perform or even over-perform. For us this is our first priority – keep the momentum, keep winning and continue to enjoy the journey.”
Big obstacle in path of Saudi clubs wanting Rashford
16:00
Mike Jones
Marcus Rashford has been briefly and spuriously linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League in January after admitting he might have to move on, while Ruben Amorim doesn’t seem keen to play him either.
But all 18 SPL sides have to offload overseas players before they attempt to sign him, the league has confirmed. Every single side has maxed out their quota of foreign players registered and must sell or deregister those they own before moving for new faces.
Al-Qadsiah are one of the clubs mentioned as being keen on signing Rashford but there has been no indication from the forward that he might move to Saudi specifically.
Everton’s £16m defender could be heading out on loan
15:45
Mike Jones
Jake O’Brien only joined Everton in the summer but already he’s tipped with a move away from Goodison Park.
The Telegraph report that several clubs overseas are looking at him for a possible January loan switch, after he impressed in Ligue 1 with Lyon last term.
A £16.4m addition, Sean Dyche has only started him in the Carabao Cup so far, with a couple of sub appearances in the league to his name. Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga sides have registered early interest.
Man Utd exits looming
15:30
Mike Jones
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United could be set to offload a few players in the January transfer window with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof on the list of potential exitees.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Romano said: “Not only Eriksen and Lindelof. Casemiro could also leave Manchester United in January or summer window.
“The club must sell players in order to bring in new ones and the Brazilian midfielder remains available in case of good proposal.”
Not only Eriksen and Lindelof. Casemiro could also leave Manchester United in January or summer window.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2025
The club must sell players in order to bring in new ones and the Brazilian midfielder remains available in case of good proposal. pic.twitter.com/LIIIlcNmz3
From tactics and captaincy to Bellingham’s best role, the many problems facing Thomas Tuchel as England manager
15:15
Mike Jones
If 2024 took England to the brink of the trophy that has eluded them since 1966, 2025 brings the arrival of a manager with the track record of winning silverware that Gareth Southgate lacked. Southgate’s achievement in twice coming agonisingly close, denied by penalties in the Euro 2020 final and by an 86th-minute decider four years later, earned him a knighthood.
Thomas Tuchel is ineligible for such an honour. But he has medals from the Champions League, the Bundesliga and Ligue Un. A manager whose contract only lasts until 2026 will be charged with winning the World Cup. He has at least already won the Club World Cup.
Tuchel officially starts work on New Year’s Day, though he attended December’s draw in Zurich to determine England’s opponents in World Cup qualifying: Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra do not promise to form a pool of death.
“It’s a difficult group,” said Tuchel but qualifying has rarely presented a problem for England since Steve McClaren failed to reach Euro 2008 and the German is a manager with a proven expertise in knockout football. Besides his Champions League win with Chelsea, Tuchel steered Paris Saint-Germain to the final and Bayern Munich to within a few minutes of it.
Newcastle target Milan defender
15:00
Mike Jones
Newcastle could move for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori in January, according to Caught Offside.
The 27-year-old could return to the Premier League after a spell in Serie A since leaving Chelsea.
The Magpies pursued Marc Guehi last summer but Tomori could emerge as a more affordable option.
Kyle Walker considering Man City departure in January
14:45
Mike Jones
Slightly tenuous but the Mirror are running a story which credits a Mail Online wrap of Man City’s situation, which suggests Kyle Walker may depart the club in January.
Nothing concrete appears in either version of the assessment, but the right-back is “assessing his options moving forward” after falling from favour and form this term.
A return to Sheffield United and interest from AC Milan are the only clubs mentioned.
Aston Villa want Dortmund forward Malen
14:30
Mike Jones
A £25m bid for Donyell Malen could be in the offing from Aston Villa, with Unai Emery keen for attacking reinforcements.
Mail Online say Villa have “rekindled interest” in a player they previously targeted and like his versatility as much as his attacking prowess, while Malen is friends with left-back Ian Maatsen after they played together at Borussia Dortmund and the Dutch national team.
Malen might be up for grabs due to having 18 months left on his deal, with “up to three additions” possible in January, says the report.
Grealish being considered by Newcastle and Spurs
14:15
Mike Jones
The Daily Mail are claiming that at least two Premier League clubs are looking at Jack Grealish and weighing up whether there’d be a chance to prise him out of Manchester City.
Both Tottenham and Newcastle are “monitoring” the England winger, according to the report, with City likely to spend in January to arrest their slide and Grealish’s place in the team unsecure.
It’s worth noting that both those sides have Son Heung Min - the team captain - and Anthony Gordon - one of the Magpies’ highest-rated players - in that left-sided role which is Grealish’s usual spot at City.
Kerkez signs with new agency amid rumours
14:00
Mike Jones
Man United are “monitoring” Milos Kerkez, Bournemouth’s left-back, says football transfer tweeter Fabrizio Romano. The defender is joining a new agency as of the turn of the year.
“Milos Kerkez has signed with Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports as new agency from 2025. He’s definitely one to watch, with Man United among top clubs monitoring his progress as reported,” he wrote on X.
Wolves forward Cunha banned for two matches
13:45
Mike Jones
Not a transfer rumour, but this could have had a big impact on Wolves’ season and perhaps their January activity too - but Matheus Cunha has been handed just a two-match ban for elbowing a member of Ipswich’s staff, along with an £80,000 fine.
One of the matches will be an FA Cup tie, so Wolves’ league exposure to the ban is minimal.
Mark Robins appointed Stoke manager on three-and-a-half year deal
13:30
Mike Jones
Stoke have appointed Mark Robins as their new manager.
The former Coventry boss will take over following Wednesday’s Championship trip to Burnley, where interim manager Ryan Shawcross remains in charge.
Robins has signed a three-and-a-half year contract at the bet365 Stadium and becomes the Potters’ third manager of the season following the dismissals of Steven Schumacher and Narcis Pelach.
Former Premier League star Willian leaving Olympiacos
13:15
Mike Jones
A quick note that a familiar Premier League face is off: Willian, formerly of Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham, is leaving his club in Greece.
“Olympiacos FC wishes all the best to Willian in the next steps of his massive career. He will always have a family in Piraeus,” a statement read.
The 36-year-old hadn’t been there long but is now off for a new venture. A fourth team in England?
Man Utd compete for former Chelsea star ahead of Barcelona exit?
13:00
Mike Jones
Manchester United and Juventus are looking into a move for Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen.
Mundo Deportivo report the Dane could exit the Camp Nou in January, with 18 months left on his deal.
The 28-year-old has missed much of the current campaign due to fitness issues, but negotiations could pick up in the coming weeks to agree a fee substantially below his buyout clause worth €500m.
Bournemouth set to sign defender from DC United
12:45
Mike Jones
Bournemouth could have a youthful new face in the squad shortly, with the Telegraph reporting that a fee has been agreed with DC United to bring in teenager Matai Akinmboni.
A medical is still pending before the 18-year-old defender arrives. He previously had a trial with Bayern Munich and is the nephew of Sammy Kuffour, former Ghana international defender who played for that same German club - including in the ‘99 Champions League final - and Roma during his career.
Amorim on January transfers
12:30
Mike Jones
“We don’t have that possibility [to buy] in January if we don’t take some players [out of the squad],” said Ruben Amorim this week ahead of the January transfer window opening.
“You know the situation better than me. It is not that I am arriving here and can spend money changing the team.”
Rebecca Knaak signs for WSL side Man City
12:23
Mike Jones
Defender Rebecca Knaak has signed for Manchester City from Swedish champions FC Rosengard on a one-and-a-half-year deal.
The 28-year-old becomes City’s first signing of the January transfer window.
Knaak said: “It feels exciting to be here. I think the WSL is the best league in the world right now. When I heard about the interest, I didn’t have to think about it because it’s such a big, big opportunity which I wanted to take.
“It was helpful for me that I already know Therese. I really trust her and her abilities, so it gives me a good feeling. The Club has the highest ambitions and goals, and this also matches my own ambitions.
“I’m very proud and I feel honoured to be part of this big Club. I can’t wait to get started.”
West Ham target Shea Charles
12:15
Mike Jones
West Ham have reportedly identified Southampton midfielder Shea Charles as a potential transfer target.
The 21-year-old joined Southampton from Manchester City last year in a deal worth £12m and is currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
Charles has been capped 23 times by Northern Ireland and the Daily Mail report he has also attracted interest from Leicester and Atalanta.
Marmoush not thinking about move
12:00
Mike Jones
Omar Marmoush has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City but the Eintracht Frankfurt forward says he is not currently thinking about moving away from the club.
The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 15 matches in the Bundesliga this season making him a hot prospect.
“What I can promise the fans is that I will give my all for Eintracht in every game”, Marmoush told TZ. “I am not thinking about a transfer.
“I am living in the here and now and enjoying my time in Frankfurt.”
United unable to afford reinforcements in January
11:45
Mike Jones
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim will be unable to bring in reinforcements during the January transfer window unless the club offload some of their first-team squad reports The Times.
The Red Devils are close to the limit of the Profit & Sustainability rules after years of overspending on transfers that did not work out and a high wage bill.
Part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s United revamp is to bring the financial expenditure under control and the hierarchy will be looking to sell players during January in order to give Amorim the resources he wants to build his own team.
Antony to leave on loan?
11:30
Mike Jones
Manchester United’s Antony could leave the club on loan in January with Real Betis reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian on a short term deal.
The £86m winger has made just two Premier League appearances from the bench since Ruben Amorim was appointed as head coach and according to a report in Spain, La Liga club Real Betis are prepared to offer Antony a way out of Old Trafford.
Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini is said to consider Antony “ideal” for his brand of football, but any proposed move is considered “very difficult” because of his wages.
Interest growing in Chelsea’s Nkunku
11:15
Mike Jones
Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku is receiving growing interest from clubs around Europe but the Blues are keen to keep his services.
The £52m signing has been linked with a January move with Barcelona and Manchester United among the clubs said to be interested with him.
Enzo Maresca has insisted Nkunku is happy at Chelsea saying: “Not at all [is Nkunku unhappy?]. I spoke with Christo days ago - he did not say he is not happy.”
Chelsea do not want to lose the France international mid-season, with lots to play for in the second half of the season.
Liverpool reject Trent Alexander-Arnold approach from Real Madrid
11:00
Mike Jones
Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold and have maintained their vice-captain is not for sale in January.
Alexander-Arnold’s deal at Anfield expires in the summer and the defender is a target for Real, whose quest to sign the right back became more urgent after Dani Carvajal was ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
Real’s approach was rebuffed before an offer could be made or a fee discussed.
Defender top target for Wolves in January
10:45
Mike Jones
Some paper talk now involving Wolves.
The club have made Kevin Danso their top priority, talkSport report. Vito Pereira is an admirer and the Austrian might initially be available on loan with a view to buy, with the latter an obligation if Wolves survive the drop.
The former Augsburg defender previously had a loan spell in England with Southampton. He has 24 caps for his national team and now plays in France for Lens.
Real Madrid willing to offer £20m for Alexander-Arnold
10:43
Mike Jones
After having their initial approach rejected from Liverpool, Real Madrid are said to be willing to pay £20m for right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to join them in January.
Liverpool have been adamant that their vice-captain won’t leave the club this month though the prospect of letting him go on a free transfer in the summer could affect their thinking.
The Telegraph reports that whatever the fee for Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s priority is to win the Premier League and they see Alexander-Arnold as a valuable asset to allow them to do so.
Leverkusen lead race to sign Manchester City starlet
10:30
Mike Jones
Bayer Leverkusen could capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City starlet James McAtee’s future with a move next month.
According to the Mail, the English midfielder could represent an enticing option to eventually replace Florian Wirtz, who has been linked with a host of clubs in recent months, including Real Madrid.
And Leverkusen have been linked with the 22-year-old, alongside Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Bologna and Fiorentina, while Premier League sides Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Brentford and Crystal Palace could also join the race should City decide to make the £25m-rated England U21 international available.
Ruben Amorim gives defiant new year message after Man Utd end 2024 on a low note
10:15
Mike Jones
Ruben Amorim delivered a defiant New Year’s Eve message as Manchester United prepared to bid farewell to 2024 on a low note following their loss to Newcastle.
United’s 2-0 home defeat saw them suffer five league losses in the same calendar month for the first time since September 1962, and a fourth straight reverse in all competitions means the Red Devils have lost six of their last eight.
But in a message posted on his club’s official X account on New Year’s Eve, Amorim wrote: “I know it will take a lot of hard work from everyone to get there, but I am very excited about where we can go together in 2025.”
West Ham ‘discuss January transfer targets’ with under-pressure boss Julen Lopetegui
10:00
Mike Jones
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui will be given more time to turn the club’s fortunes around.
The Telegraph reports the Hammers will persist with the Spanish coach, despite the club’s poor form this season and that could mean new signings at the London Stadium in January.
The club needs to sell to buy, but talks have already taken place with co-owner David Sullivan about possible targets.
Cristiano Ronaldo open to leaving Al-Nassr but one factor points to Saudi stay
09:45
Mike Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo is open to leaving Al-Nassr this summer and the 39-year-old Portugal forward is now free to negotiate with other clubs from 1 January.
Marca report the former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United superstar, stating: “Nobody knows what can happen in the future.”
One factor which could see Ronaldo stay is the report stating that he does not want to leave Saudi Arabia without winning the league, something he has achieved in every country since departing Sporting for Old Trafford in 2003.
What’s going on with Marcus Rashford?
09:30
Mike Jones
With Marcus Rashford repeatedly being omitted from Manchester United’s matchday squads and given the fact he has admitted he is ‘ready for a new challenge’ it seems highly likely that the forward will exit Old Trafford soon.
Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016, having come through the United youth ranks. The 2022-23 campaign was his most prolific when he scored 30 in all competitions.
However, should the club want to move him on in January Rashford is one of United’s highest earners and it will be difficult to find a club that can afford his fee plus match the wages he is currently on at Old Trafford.
He also has another three years left to run on his contract which could mean a prolonged stand-off with the United hierarchy if a move is not forthcoming.
There has previously been interest from Paris Saint-Germain and some clubs in the Saudi Pro League but any move will come down to Rashford’s willingness to depart United.
Lazio intersted in Empoli star Fazzini
09:15
Mike Jones
Sky Sports say that Lazio are interested in signing Empoli midfielder Jacopa Fazzini.
Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani admitted the club holds an interest in Fazzini but there is still some way to go before a transfer is forthcoming.
“Fazzini is an excellent player, our scouts have monitored him but we have also met him,” Fabiani said to Lazio’s website about the 21 year-old.
“I want to say one thing, the market is not made by social media and not even Fabiani does it alone. A series of convergences are needed.”
Chelsea receive offer for midfielder
09:14
Mike Jones
Cesare Casadei is one of the players who could leave Chelsea in January and the 21-year-old midfielder is the subject of plenty of interest from Serie A clubs.
According to transfer expect Gianluca Di Marzio, Torino have made an opening offer to sign Casadei on a permanent basis. The deal is said to include a buyback clause for Chelsea, who are not actively looking to sell the Italy Under-21 international.
When does the January transfer window close?
09:00
Mike Jones
The January transfer window opened on Wednesday 1 January, 2025 for English clubs and will run for just over a month with Deadline Day being Monday 3 February, 2025. The window officially closes at 11pm GMT for English clubs.
Throughout Europe the timings for the January transfer window are similar but different to the English clubs. Most major European leagues also close on February 3 with Germany, Scotland and Spain all having the same time slot as England though France’s window closes at 1pm GMT.
Italian clubs, meanwhile, only have until 7pm on Saturday 1 February 1 to do their business and the transfer window in Turkey closes a full week later on Tuesday 11 February, 2025.
Another window to be aware of due to its potentially high spending is the Saudi Arabian one which has until January 30 to get deals over the line.
Man Utd and Man City to battle for Dani Olmo after Barcelona lose appeal
08:45
Mike Jones
Barcelona could lose Spain international Dani Olmo for free after failing to register the player once more for the second half of the La Liga campaign.
That has opened the door to a possible move to Man Utd or Man City, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 26-year-old joined Barca from RB Leipzig in August for a reported 60m euros (£51m), but the Catalan club could only register him for the first half of the season as they struggled to meet LaLiga’s wage restrictions.
With a number of players hit by long-term injuries in the summer, Barcelona were eventually able to reallocate some of their wages in order to get Olmo into the squad, but that registration expires next week.
On Friday, a Spanish court rejected an appeal to extend the arrangement for the rest of the campaign.
Enzo Maresca on rumoured Chelsea target Liam Delap
08:30
Mike Jones
Enzo Maresca got a closer look at the quality of Liam Delap after Ipswich stunned Chelsea on Monday night.
The Town forward was a nuisance throughout the contest at Portman Road, earning and scoring a penalty before setting up Omari Hutchinson in the 2-0 win, with the Italian coach praising the former Man City starlet beforehand after speculation linking the Blues with a move to bolster their options in attack behind Nicolas Jackson.
“Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age,” said Maresca. “I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.
“England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England.”
Arsenal lead Liverpool in race for Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush?
08:15
Mike Jones
Arsenal and Liverpool could go head-to-head in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush.
The Gunners may boost their attacking options next month with Bukayo Saka sidelined until March months.
The Egypt international has thrived in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 18 goals and providing 12 assists in just 24 appearances.
The Reds could add to their attacking options by pairing Marmoush with his compatriot Mohamed Salah, but Caught Offside report Mikel Arteta’s side currently lead the race.
Man Utd pushing for PSG star Nuno Mendes?
08:00
Mike Jones
Man Utd could move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes in the winter transfer window.
Amorim has so far been unable to inspire an uptick in form from the Red Devils, but one position could be immediately upgraded to boost the Portuguese’s system. Left-back appears to be a priority for United, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia often injured and Diogo Dalot often utilised at right-back.
Speculation has already begun with one report claiming the club has ‘made an offer’ for PSG left-back after ongoing contract talks between the Ligue 1 club and Mendes, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano detailing a deal is in the works.
“PSG had a verbal agreement to extend the contract of Mendes and they are insisting on keeping him at the Ligue 1 club, so it’s not going to be an easy deal for them to do,” Fabrizio Romano shared via his Give Me Sport column. “Mendes is one of the most exciting young full-backs in world football, and he could be ideal for Amorim’s system.
“Mendes is a more than capable defender, but he also offers a threat in the final third, making him a perfect fit for the wing-back role under Amorim. Securing his signature certainly won’t be easy, but with his contract expiring in 2026, PSG could be forced into a sale if they are unable to tie him down to a new contract.”
Man United have no funds for January
07:00
Karl Matchett
Manchester United do not have the funds to buy players to strengthen their struggling team in the January transfer window.
Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle was their fourth consecutive loss and left United marooned in 14th place in the Premier League, with new head coach Ruben Amorim warning a first relegation in 51 years could be a possibility.
But after spending more than £200m on summer signings and with very little leeway within Profitability & Sustainability Rules, United are unable to spend unless they sell.
United expect to have a turnover of between £650m and £670m for the financial year but have not managed to break even in recent seasons, making a £113m loss in the 2023-24 season.
Clubs are limited to losses of £105m over a three-year period to comply with PSR – though some spending on infrastructure, women’s football and other allowable costs are excluded from the calculations – and United are very close to their limit.
More here:
Transfer news live
06:00
Karl Matchett
Good morning and welcome to 2025! The Premier League transfer window is officially open as we start the new year and two deals are already confirmed.
Tottenham Hotspur have already agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old winger Yang Min Hyeok, a South Korea youth international and arrives from Gangwon. Brighton and Hove Albion have announced midfielder Diego Gomez will sign from Inter Miami.
More on the way no doubt!
Jadon Sancho, Nikola Milenkovic and the best and worst Premier League 24-25 transfers so far
Tuesday 31 December 2024 22:00
Karl Matchett
We’re nearly halfway through the 2024-25 Premier League season and the storylines are developing nicely at the top and bottom of the table. Although, depending on your perspective, or your team, they may not all be positive ones.
What is certain is that a handful of clubs will be hoping to improve their fortunes and their squads in January by delving into the market – and some might need to fare rather better in winter than they appear to have done in the summer with regards to transfers.
Here are the best and worst signings of the season so far, as picked by The Independent’s sports desk.
Barcelona keen on Thomas Partey - but only on a free
Tuesday 31 December 2024 21:30
Karl Matchett
Thomas Partey is one of the Arsenal players currently set to see their contracts expire at the end of the season and despite being a regular starter, he has so far not been offered a new deal.
Mundo Deportivo say Barcelona are keen to sign the former Atletico Madrid midfielder, but they will only move for him on a free transfer rather than pay in January.
Partey would be a replacement for Frenkie de Jong if they can offload him, and the Ghana international is free to talk to overseas clubs in January.
Marcus Rashford, Martin Zubimendi and six more players who could be on the move this January
Tuesday 31 December 2024 21:00
Karl Matchett
The winter transfer window begins on 1 January, with clubs across Europe looking for value in a difficult market this month.
Injury crises, title challenges and relegation battles will force plenty of clubs into the market in early 2025, with plenty of eyes on the Premier League as clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City look primed to make signings.
Some high-profile players could be leaving England too this winter, with Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold being tipped to negotiate moves away from their clubs.
And across the continent, plenty of Europe’s in-form players are also being linked with moves, from Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.
But who are the major players being tipped for moves, and where could they end up?
Liverpool tipped to ‘hold nerve’ and not spend in January
Tuesday 31 December 2024 20:30
Karl Matchett
Liverpool are clear at the top of both Premier League and Champions League, with no immediate urgency to do any transfer business in January - despite only adding Federico Chiesa to the squad in summer.
Mail Online report it’s “unlikely” they’ll move for rumoured targets including Jeremie Frimpong and Omar Marmoush, instead opting to “hold their nerve this window” and spend January lining up targets for summer deals instead.
One or two loan exits are the only moves the club might make, the report claims.
January transfers need a spark - not unsellable players, risk-off clubs and one big Man City question mark
Tuesday 31 December 2024 20:00
Karl Matchett
As a sign of how constrained this January window might be, one mid-level Champions League club briefly considered whether a move for Marcus Rashford might be possible. There was a feeling his comments about leaving Manchester United could lead to a knock-down price… only for their interest to almost immediately be knocked down. The plan to try and enquire about a £30m deal didn’t even get off the ground.
The gap to what United would actually want, which is understood to be beyond £60m, shows how it might take an awful lot to get this market going. One circular problem sums up everything. Most Premier League clubs want to do significant business but PSR has left highly-paid squads with little headroom, and those in Europe just don’t have the money to spend. Many of the latter are still struggling after Covid, especially when the English competition so inflates the wage race. As a consequence, almost everyone needs to sell first, but there are few buyers to make that happen. That is the set-up for stagnation, and a market that simply won’t move.
Manchester United are a grand illustration of this, as virtually every player has to prove themselves to Ruben Amorim. The club leadership would like to immediately start a huge overhaul of their squad, but it is going to be more difficult than ever to move high-paid players on in a constricted market. United may have to take a wage hit on some loan deals, but the problem is that the club are at a point now where they want a properly clean slate. Temporary deals don’t quite cut it to do what they want to do.
Miguel Delaney’s deep dive on the January market:
‘Even the players’ know Man City need new signings, admits Guardiola
Tuesday 31 December 2024 19:30
Karl Matchett
All has not been well at Man City over winter and Pep Guardiola has acknowledged they must do some business if they can, saying even the current squad accept that new faces are one possible route to returning to winning ways.
“The transfer window in the winter is not easy but even the players know that we have to add some new players,” Guardiola said.
“After, when these players come and play in their positions, they are unhappy but we have a lot (of injuries) and this is a problem. But it’s about bringing a player for the next four or five years and we’ll have to see. Sometimes it is not easy but we have to try because this is sustained for a long time.”
Chelsea midfielder wanted by Torino
Tuesday 31 December 2024 19:00
Karl Matchett
Cesare Casadei is on the wishlist of Torino in Serie A, TalkSport report, and Chelsea are willing sellers.
They paid £16m for him 18 months ago but he has not been able to break into Enzo Maresca’s squad with any regularity.
Additionally, the same report says the Blues would allow Carney Chukwuemeka to leave if anyone is prepared to pay £40m for him. Given he has barely featured for them either this term - just five minutes - that seems a stretch.
Ansu Fati linked with loan but agent says Barcelona ‘will need him’
Tuesday 31 December 2024 18:30
Karl Matchett
Jorge Mendes has asked whether Ansu Fati would be leaving Barcelona on loan again but it seems the agent’s priority is for him to stay at the club right now.
“[That’s a] question for Barca but he has the level to play for them. He needs is confidence and to resolve his physical issues. Once he’s at 100%, Barca will need him. He’s a unique player,” he said, per Goal.com.
In Spanish media there have been varying suggestions he may leave, without any firm destinations named.
Liverpool reject Trent Alexander-Arnold approach from Real Madrid
Tuesday 31 December 2024 18:05
Karl Matchett
Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold and have maintained their vice-captain is not for sale in January.
Alexander-Arnold’s deal at Anfield expires in the summer and the defender is a target for Real, whose quest to sign the right back became more urgent after Dani Carvajal was ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
Real’s approach was rebuffed before an offer could be made or a fee discussed.
Full details here:
‘No market’ for Rashford transfer despite Man United willing to sell
Tuesday 31 December 2024 18:00
Karl Matchett
Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy has been speaking about Marcus Rashford’s situation at Old Trafford and suggests Man United will struggle to offload him:
“Selling Marcus Rashford would help Man Utd financially as it would be banked in the books as pure profit as he’s an academy graduate. He says he wants a fresh challenge and the club are open to letting him leave.
“But there is no market for Rashford because of his salary, valuation, form and all the off the field problems that have been reported.
“In the current landscape where domestic clubs are trying to meet their PSR aims and clubs in Europe can’t match the fees of the Premier League, you can’t see where Rashford would begin this new adventure and where Man Utd get the money they need for him. Some clubs like PSG who have had an interest in Rashford have made it clear there is no active interest in him at the moment.”
Burnley sign Oliver Sonne from Silkeborg
Tuesday 31 December 2024 17:30
PA Sport staff
Burnley have signed Peru defender Oliver Sonne from Danish club Silkeborg for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old full-back, who has made over 100 appearances in the Danish top flight, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Turf Moor.
Sonne said: “I’m super excited. To be here and experience the club and the facilities - it’s mind-blowing.
“There’s a lot of reasons I joined this football club. The big one is that it’s a massive club with great ambitions.
“The manager is amazing. He has this aura around him and it’s easy to tell he’s a really nice guy and made a really good first impression.”
Sonne made his senior debut for Peru in March as a substitute against Nicaragua and scored Silkeborg’s winner in the Danish Cup final against Aarhus in May.
Jarrod Bowen set for spell out after West Ham captain suffers foot fracture
Tuesday 31 December 2024 17:00
Karl Matchett
West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen will be sidelined indefinitely with a fractured left foot, the club said on Tuesday.
Bowen suffered the injury during Sunday’s 5-0 loss to Premier League leaders Liverpool and was substituted in the second half.
Transfer window key dates and times
Tuesday 31 December 2024 16:30
Karl Matchett
In England, the January transfer window opens on Wednesday January 1, 2025.
Transfer deadline day is on Monday 3 February 2025 with the English window closing at 11pm that day.
Most of the top divisions around Europe also close their transfer window on 3 February but times are different for several.
Italian clubs only have until 7pm on Saturday 1 February and the transfer window in Turkey remains open until Tuesday 11 February - so yes, you can again expect the usual late rumours of players being wanted by Jose Mourinho.
Tuesday 31 December 2024 15:40
Karl Matchett
Christian Fassnacht will leave Norwich City and make a permanent move to BSC Young Boys in Switzerland when their transfer window opens on 15 January.
The winger signed for the Canaries in 2023 and played 50 times.
Norwich are 12th in the table after winning just one of their last six.
‘No budget' for Man United to sign players in January
Tuesday 31 December 2024 15:20
Karl Matchett
Manchester United must offload players before bringing any in, according to local reports, despite the poor performance of the team.
The Manchester Evening News say there’s zero budget for Ruben Amorim to improve his team due to PSR rules, with United splashing out over £200m in summer for Erik ten Hag, only to then sack him as results deteriorated.
One source is quoted saying Man United “can’t do anything” unless players leave first.
Real Madrid to tempt Liverpool with Trent Alexander-Arnold in January?
Tuesday 31 December 2024 09:10
Jack Rathborn
Real Madrid appear ready to push ahead with plans to sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, and while the appeal initially was to bring the England international to the Bernabeu on a free transfer next summer, could they accelerate plans to do a deal in January?
Marca claim that while Los Blancos are willing to wait until the summer when Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires, there is an appetite to acquire the player in January too.
That would add immediate cover and a replacement for the injured Dani Carvajal, with Lucas Vazquez the current cover in the role. Yet Liverpool’