January Premier League transfers have also been tricky, you can get some gems like Nemanja Vidic while also picking up some crocks like Andy Carroll.
Teams frantically try and get business sorted and sometimes due diligence goes out the window. For example, Kim Kallstrom signed for an Arsenal team in desperate need for cover in midfield, the only problem was Kallstrom was already injured.
Interestingly players may be the one frantically searching for a move away due to the impending European championships. International caps are at stake so we may see a few moves yet before the window closes.
1. Arsenal – Crystal Palace
Arsenal
Business so far :
The big news coming from the Emirates is the freeing up of wages on the books for Mikel Arteta. Mesut Ozil has finally left the club completely while William Saliba and Senad Kolasinic have gone on loan. Omar Rekik has been brought in this window with the 19-year-old has joined from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin. Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan has also joined on loan for the remainder of the season from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Martin Odegaard is the only player on the mind of Arsenal fans coming up to the end of the transfer window though. After a breakthrough season last year with Real Sociedad, the Norweigan playmaker was recalled to his parent club Real Madrid. Zinedine Zidane only managed to find room for the former wonderkid in his squad nine times in total which makes a loan move make sense. Highly regarded in 2015, once considered the new Messi, hopefully, he can fulfil some of that promise in the Premier League.
Suspected business :
Matteo Guendouzi has an interesting situation occurring at Hertha Berlin, who have recently sacked their head coach. Rumours are rife that the French international could possibly return to London in anticipation of a move to play his football in Paris; sans Germany. Speaking of PSG the yearly ritual of linking Julian Draxler to the London club are in full swing, expect more talk come July when the German international is out of contract.
Lucas Torreria could possibly also see his loan cut short at Athletico Madrid while Calum Chambers, Mustafi and Reiss Nelson could possibly be leaving on loan.
Aston Villa
Business so far :
Irish international Conor Hourihane has been loaned out to Swansea after seeing his playing time drastically reduced this season. The Welsh side are gunning for promotion this year, so from an Irish perspective that can only be a good thing. Evan Ferguson from has joined the Birmingham based club from Bohemians, so one Irish in and one Irish out! The Villian’s seem excited by their other new signing, Morgan Sanson, who has joined from Marseille. The transfer was for 14 million, which the French team reluctantly accepted due to the financial state of the club.
Suspected business :
Aston Villa are apparently interested in former Liverpool target Alex Teixeira after he left Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning in December. They may face competition from Benfica and Shakhtar Donetsk and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. Villa fans should feel at ease in regards to the future of Ross Barkley. Some have been wondering is a return to Chelsea on the cards for the Englishman since Thomas Tuchel is now in charge however Dean Smith has recently clarified the midfielder’s position. He said, “No. I’m led to believe it was a season-long loan with no pullback in the January window.”
Brighton & Hove Albion
Business so far :
Brighton, as of yet, have not conducted any incoming business so far. The departure lounge at the club has been quite full with Warren O’Hara to joining MK Dons permanently and Jason Molumby , Mat Ryan, Bernardo and Viktor Gyokeres have left on loan.
Suspected Business :
Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero is suspected to be brought in to help Brighton’s defensive woes. The Argentinian has 96 international caps but was completely shunned this season at Old Trafford in favour of Dean Henderson. Speaking of Manchester United One time United target Moisés Caicedo from Ecuador set to join Brighton with current midfielder Yves Bissouma possibly on the move away from the club.
Burnley
Business so far :
After American investors ALK Capital completed their takeover of Burnley mid-January, big things were expected. So far it has been quite tentative, with no incomings or outgoings. Sean Dyche has managed to turn fortunes around in recent times, and with the ship steadied, a busy end to the window may be on the cards.
Suspected business :
Preston North End defender Ben Davies was thought to be subject to a last gasp bid from Burnley, however, it’s been revealed he has agreed a pre-contract with Celtic. The Clarets are still looking to shore up their defence with the future departure of James Tarkowski on the cards in the Summer, so they have made a bid for Stokes youngest ever captain Nathan Collins. The Irish youngster will make the step up to the Premier League one day it seems but not for the £3.5 million Burnley offered. Johnjoe Kenny is also a possible target, but the Everton defender, with only 18 months left on his contract, is currently out of their price range.
Chelsea
Business so far :
The biggest news is obviously the changing of managers from Frank Lampard to Thomas Tuchel. We have taken an in-depth loan into what went wrong for Frank and perhaps the sale of Tomori to AC Milan may have played a small role in that decision. Tomori was with Lampard in his time at Derby and had a breakthrough season at Chelsea in the first year of Lampard’s tenure. However, his playing side was significantly reduced this season and has been sold to AC Milan for €30 million despite being regarded as a future prospect.
Chelsea have let talent go before their time on many occasions, most notably Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah, Romelu Lukaku and Declan Rice. I’d imagine not much was said about Danny Drinkwater and Lucas Piazon leaving this window though.
Suspected business :
Chelsea have spent £220 in the Summer so Thomas Tuchel will be expected to get the best out of the players purchased then. He also has the like of Antonio Rudiger and Marcus Alonso who have been frozen out in recent time to possibly re-establish themselves. Rumours of a move for former academy prospect Declan Rice may be put to bed with keen admirer Lampard out the door.
Another big Summer may be on the cards but January should be quite. More departures may occur with Billy Gilmour touted for a loan move.
2. Crystal Palace – Leicester
Crystal Palace
Business so far :
Jean-Philippe Mateta has joined on loan from Mainz with Roy Hodgson looking to add goals to his team. Mateta has scored seven goals in 15 appearances for the German side and will be at the London club for at least 18 months. A bigger piece of business would be midfielder Max Meyer having his £170,000-a-week contract at Selhurst Park terminated. The former player 25-year-old has now joined FC Köln in his homeland.
Suspected business :
Roy Hodgson has previously stated that he would be interested in Leicester player Demari Gray. The winger is running out of contract and with Jeffrey Schlupp injured for another two months, a cut-price deal for Gray may be made. Elsewhere rumours are that an £8 million bid has been made for Turkish midfielder Ozan Tufan, who previously had plane tickets booked for a transfer to the club in 2018, however that obviously did not end up materializing. Christian Benteke and James McCarthy have been touted as possible departures, both to West Brom.
Everton
Business so far :
It has been a quiet transfer window for the Toffees. It is to be expected I suppose with all the business they managed to sort in the Summer. Yannick Bolasie has managed to get himself a transfer to Neil Warnocks Middlesborough with his contract running out at the end of the season. A few other youth players have left on loan also.
Suspected business :
More departures are expected with Cenk Tosun rumoured to be re-joining Besiktas after his failed 27 million pounds move in 2018. The 29-year-old has appeared only five times in Premier League this season, while Russian club CSKA Moscow are also interested in the Turkey international. Brazilian international Bernard is also thought to be leaving, yet Everton has been unable to secure a move for him since the summer.
Fulham
Business so far :
Fulham brought in twelve players over the Summer transfer window. One of those players has since moved, Anthony Knockeart who was signed in the summer after his loan with Fulham, was then loaned out to Nottingham Forest, where he is playing well. Calls have been made for him to return from loan, but nothing has been confirmed at the club. A few youth players have left on loan, but overall a quiet window.
Suspected business :
Fulham fans hope for a signing to bolster their attacking options, but one does not seem to be on the horizon. Director of Football Operations Tony Khan and the Kahn family have invested a lot of money into the club in recent times and will be hoping Scott Parker can work with what he has. Club record signing Jean Micheal Seri is expected to leave on loan with Bordeaux his most likely destination.
Leeds United
Business so far :
“We need to be smart, consistent, current and rational in our decisions. ” Those were the words of Chairman Andrea Radrizzani when explaining the clubs quite window. The Whites have spent over £100 Million in the Summer, which of course would have a knock-on effect for January. No big-name departures either, only loans for the likes of Jordan Stevens, Ryan Edmondson and Robbie Gotts.
Suspected business :
Former Aston Villa player Jordan Amavi has been linked in recent times. Considering his contract with French side Marseille coming to an end and not being a regular starter for Andre Villa Boas this season, reports link him with a move away. Leeds, Crystal Palace and Arsenal have all been named as realistic clubs for the Frenchman. As for departures, an Ezgjan Alioski move to Galatasaray was supposedly personally blocked by Marcelo Bielsa.
Leicester City
Business so far :
It is just now when I write this I realise how quite a window this has been! Premier League title contenders have not added to their squad, however, they have been quite busy with departures. Numerous loan deals away for the club have been agreed for players like Filip Benkovic and Admiral Muskwe while club-record signing Islam Slimani has left on a free. The striker was impressive on loan last season with Monaco and has returned to Ligue 1, this time with Lyon.
Suspected business :
We know Demari Gray looks set to leave this window with his contract expiring as we already covered ( See the Crystal Palace section). An injury to Dennis Praet in their FA Cup tie with Stoke has seen some fans want for another attacking midfielder option to be added. Christian Erikson was touted, with the former Spurs man not having the greatest year at Inter Milan. However, wage demands would be quite above what the Foxes could afford.
A Celtic swoop is another possibility with Jamie Vardy out for a few games, Brenden Rodgers may be looking to reunite with his former player and current want-away Glasgow Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard. Waiting until the Summer to conclude deals seems most likely option though, with Leicester planing a third move for James Tarkowski who will only have a year to run on his contract by then.
3. Liverpool – Sheffield Utd.
Liverpool
Business so far :
Much to the dismay of Liverpool fans everywhere, no signings have been made. Considering the poor run of form as of late due to a defensive crisis wreaking havoc on their whole team many expected someone to be brought in. Having to play midfielders in defence, which in turn affects their attacking output is not ideal, and has many fans worried. Klopp has continually said he needs to purchase the right player and not any player. No big departures only a few loans in their youth ranks.
Suspected business :
It’s hard to see Liverpool continuing as is, at least without making an effort to bring some type of defender in. Liverpool has a certain style of play that it is thought not many players can abide by. However, we have seen the lack of quality the club has in back up options this season quite a bit. Brazilian defender Eder Militao is an option after seeing his game-time drastically cut by Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane. Ben White and former Liverpool academy player Conor Coady have both also been favoured by the bookies as possible targets for The Reds.
Manchester City
Business so far :
City have snatched Serbian teenager Filip Stevanovic from the clutches of their arch-rivals Manchester United. The wonderkid who plays on the wing was reported by his club Partizan Belgrade to have agreed a deal with The Red Devils before it was announced he joined City. Stevanovic made his senior debut at just 16, and has made 53 appearances for the Serbian club.
Suspected business :
18-year-old Palmeiras forward, Gabriel Veron is apparently a transfer target for all the major clubs in Europe. The player has been described as the next Neymar and clubs are apparently scrambling to finalize a deal.
A reunion for Edin Dzecko and Man City was rumoured but it most likely will remain that, just rumours. The summer seems the most likely time for transfers to be concluded as Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi will have their future sorted, with Man City having a vested interest in both. Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku and Dortmund’s Erling Haaland are all reportedly possible summer targets. Eric Garcia may be leaving in the Summer, but his future seems guaranteed as he looks to sign a pre-contract with former club Barcelona.
Manchester United
Business so far :
Amad Diallo has been confirmed this window after an agreement for £37 million was reached in the previous window. The 18-year-old is apparently making a splash all ready with Solskjaer thinking he is not far from the matchday squad. Odeon Igalho’s time at the club has come to an end. The former Watford man returns to China after a year spell. Initially impressing in his cameo appearances, Igalho has seen his opportunities to impress significantly reduced in the last few months.
Timothy Fosu Mensah has been sold with a few months remaining on his contract, the former youth academy prospect joins Bayer Leverkusen for a paltry sum of £1.8 Million. From one former youth academy prospect to another, Jesse Lingard has agreed terms with West Ham.
Suspected business :
Its all about outgoings at Old Trafford. Facundo Pellistri, Sergio Romero, Marcus Rojo and Brandon Williams have all been odds on to leave in some capacity. No talk of any incomings however United have notoriously left it late in their last two windows to bring in a player, so that may happen again.
Newcastle United
Business so far :
As much as fans want to be excited by transfer business, the best news they could hope for is Steve Bruce to be pushed out and a possible reuniting with Rafa Benitez. The club have been linked with 29 players so far this window and have yet to bring in anyone with their season crumbling. It must be said though, that The Magpie’s will need to shift players out of their bloated squad to have space to register new players
Suspected business :
Hamza Choudhury and Jetro Williams are the two names widely being reported on Tyneside as possible additions. Bournemouth’s Josh King may be an option to link back up with former team-mate Callum Wilson while Matt Ritchie is having discussions to go the other way. American international Deandre Yedlin and Dwight Gayle are also likely to depart to make room for incoming players.
Sheffield United
Business so far :
As Sheffield fight for the Premier League survival, Chris Wilder has been adamant that absolutely no one will be leaving the club amid interest in Billy Sharp from Wayne Rooney’s Derby. He has stuck to his guns so far, with no senior departures made from the club this window. No in-comings either though which may be a worry for some fans.
Suspected business :
Sheffield United has missed out on quite a few targets such as Jesse Lingard and Ben Davies and looks set to end up empty-handed this window. Blades fans have called for Arsenal prodigy Reiss Nelson to be considered with Mikel Arteta admitting he could leave on loan.
4. Southampton – Wolves
Southampton
Business so far :
Like most clubs, a few loan deals away from St. Marys is all that happened. All though it has been reported that highly-rated youth prospect Alexandre Jankewitz has handed in a transfer request. The 19-year-old is highly regarded around the club since joining in 2018 and is Swiss under-21 international.
Suspected business :
Southampton may not agree to let Jankewitz go, but they will be hoping to bring some players in. The most common name linked with a move is Brandon Williams. After a breakthrough year at Manchester United last year, Williams has not found much game time this season.
All though with departures of fellow defenders Mensah and Ethan Laird at the Manchester club this agreement with Southampton could be tricky. We mention the possibility of Danny Ings leaving the south-coast club in favour of the London club below. If it happens, it would be a big blow to Ralph Hassenhutel’s European ambitions. All other possible moves for transfer targets have gone cold.
Tottenham Hotspur
Business so far :
Only confirmed transfers so far have been players loaned to various clubs. Mourinho is notoriously coy about any potential deals but may be forced into action with the injury to Harry Kane in their losing effort against Liverpool.
Suspected business :
Delli Alli has been discussed to be in line for a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino at PSG. Jose Mourinho does not seem to favour the 24-year-old England international and it is said that a loan move may be on the cards, however, Jose expects no business to be completed. Still, rumours of current Benfica loanee Gedson could see his deal cut short and return to Portugal. Danny Ings possibly joining after refusing to sign a deal with Southampton is still being discussed with many thinking his next club will be Spurs and with the recent injury to Harry Kane, this transfer may be on the horizon very soon. From one Danny to another, Danny Rose may leave with Gametime sparse at Spurs and his contract running out.
West Bromwich Albion
Business so far :
Sam Allardyce was very vocal about Brexit however apparently that has come back to bite him in the ass when it comes to signing players this transfer window. Robert Snodgrass once again linked up with his former West Ham boss while Andy Lonergan who received a Premier League medal last year joins the backup ranks in goal. A deal has been agreed to sign Mbaye Diagne from Galatasaray on an initial loan with an option to buy; the 29-year-old Senegal striker has played 18 times for the Turkish side this season and scored 11 goals. Charlie Austin has gone back to QPR on loan for the remainder of the season.
Suspected business :
There has been much talk about a potential Christian Benteke deal. Twenty games in and only 15 goals scored has seen that the Baggies are in a relegation dogfight. However, Benteke has only managed 9 goals in four seasons in the Premier League encompassing 84 games in total. His Crystal Palace team-mate and Irish international James McCarthy may be joining him.
Former Leicester City player Ahmed Musa is apparently been sought, the speed merchant has been without a club with since leaving Arabian outfit Al Nassr in October.
West Ham United
Business so far :
Said Benrahma has been signed on a permanent basis from Brentford after joining the club on loan in October. While certainly considered to have a bright future, it is thought the purchase is to free up a loan space as clubs are only allowed two domestic loans at any time.
Craig Dawson from Watford and Benrahma where both brought in on a loan basis, but with the outright purchase of Benrahma, a loan space has become available. Jesse Lingard has agreed to fulfil that loan space up The Manchester United player is keen for minutes and with David Moyes looking for quality to add to his squad to aide his march to Europe. Frederik Alves has also joined for an undisclosed amount from Silkeborg.
Suspected business :
Hammer fans will be keen for a striker after Sebastian Haller left for Ajax. Apparently, 30 million was made available with the bulk going on Benrahma but West Ham have done some shrewd business low budget transfers before with the like of Coufal and Soucek. South Korean Hwang Hee-chan who plays for RB Leipzig has been discussed.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Business so far :
Brazilian forward Willian Jose has been brought in on loan from Real Sociedad. With Wolves being a shadow of their former self since Raul Jimenez being ruled out the move for the 29-year-old striker makes sense. Described as a tenacious attacker in a similar vein to Diego Costa, if he impresses he Wolves may pick up the option to buy him for £22 Million in the Summer. Patrick Cutrone has returned from Fiorentina after his loan deal was cut short by the parent club.
Suspected business :
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was a reported target for Wolves with a fee apparently been rejected in the Summer by Arsenal. Latest talk says the full-back reportedly wants to secure a move this month. Highly-rated goalkeeper Andreas Sondergaard is reportedly likely to leave on-loan this month with it being unlikely he can displace John Ruddy or Rui Patrico. Nuno Santo has been very quiet in regards to any dealings in or out of the club, simply stating “As long as the transfer window is open, anything can happen,”.
Check back here every day for an updated run down before the window closes.
