The January transfer window is just around the corner, and it could make the difference between the Premier League title race and the relegation battle. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your team for the title or panic buying to avoid a drop in the standings, mid-season offers plenty of opportunities.
This year’s January transfer window runs from January 1st to February 2nd at 7pm, giving you plenty of time to do your business. Some deals have already been in the works for some time, while others are expected to be announced later on deadline day. There is precedent for big spending after Premier League teams spent a total of £370m in January 2025, with Manchester City accounting for more than half of that amount, signing Omar Marmouche, Vitor Reis, Abdukkodir Kusanov and Nico Gonzalez for £190m.
However, this fell short of January 2023, when a record £815m was spent. Here are some potential trades to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Antoine Semenyo joins Manchester City
This is pretty nail-biting. Semenyo’s £65m release clause is now common knowledge, with Bournemouth ready to sell and the Ghanaian international making it clear he wants to join City after his form.
Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea were reportedly interested in Semenyo, but City withdrew as negotiations progressed. These negotiations were successful and the 25-year-old, who has scored eight goals in 16 league games, is expected to join the Premier League title contenders in early January.
Marc Gehi to Liverpool
Last summer, the move seemed certain. Guehi underwent a medical to finalize his £35m move from Crystal Palace to Liverpool, but Palace chairman Steve Parish called off the process at the 11th hour.
However, with the Palace captain’s contract expiring in June, the club accepted his inevitable departure.
The remaining question is when and where. Manager Arne Slott previously said Liverpool would not reconsider signing Guehi in January, but Giovanni Leoni’s anterior cruciate ligament injury, Ibrahima Konate’s inconsistent form and the expiration of his own contract, as well as interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, could force a change in plans.
The England defender is keen on a move to Merseyside, but Palace hope to keep him until the end of the season.
Joshua Zirkzee goes to Rome
Zirksee has had a difficult time since joining Manchester United from Bologna for £36.5m in the summer of 2024 and could now be ripe for a departure. Roma sporting director Ricky Massara met in London in early December and United are open to a sale if conditions are right, given Ruben Amorim’s depleted squad.
United would be willing to sell the 24-year-old for a transfer fee of around £30-35m, given that his contract runs until June 2029. However, Roma are interested in a loan deal worth an initial £4.3m-5.2m, with the promise of a buyout if they qualify for the Champions League.
This is worth paying attention to.
Brennan Johnson joins Crystal Palace
Johnson scored 18 goals in all competitions for Spurs last season, including the winning goal in the Europa League final, but was hardly used by Thomas Frank and is being considered for a move. A £35m deal has reportedly been agreed between the two clubs, with Palace now left to finalize his personal terms.
Johnson joined Spurs from Nottingham Forest in September 2023 for £47.5 million, but has now embarked on a new journey.
Savinho to Tottenham
Mohamed Kudus has effectively replaced Johnson in the Spurs line-up, but the winger’s departure could herald a new arrival in north London. Tottenham made an offer of £60m for Sabinho in the summer, which was rejected by Man City, but the arrival of Semenho could increase the likelihood of a sale, further intensifying competition for positions in manager Josep Guardiola’s squad.
Sabinho has been on the bench for City this season and could seize the opportunity to play more regularly. Similarly, his record of five goals and 16 assists in 70 appearances could also convince City to sell him.
Koby Mainu goes to Napoli
Mainu has been relegated to the bench under Amorim this season and has openly expressed his dissatisfaction. The fact that Bruno Fernandes’ injury coincided with Mainu’s own setbacks has added to his dissatisfaction, and he is keen to move on.
Napoli benefitted greatly from signing Scott McTominay from United and are interested in repeating that feat with Minenou. Amorim insists Mainu is not for sale and is part of the club’s future plans, but it remains unclear whether United will change their tune, especially given their current injury problems and absence from the AFCON.
Ivan Toney joins Everton
Everton are reportedly eyeing Brentford striker Ivan Toney (three goals in 40 games this season) as they struggle to get goals from Beto and Tierno Barry. Toney is keen to break into England’s squad in the summer and could return from a lucrative stay in Saudi Arabia.
Toney, who has scored 43 goals and provided 10 assists in 63 games for Al Ahly, will undoubtedly be a valuable addition. However, Al Ahly were reluctant to sell and Tony would face a hefty tax bill upon his return to the UK.
Adama Traore joins West Ham
West Ham are in urgent need of reinforcements as they currently battle relegation. Nuno Espirito Santo will receive support in the transfer market, with the former Wolves manager looking to reunite with Adama Traore.
Fulham are willing to let go of the muscular winger, whose minutes have been limited under manager Marco Silva.
Axel DiSasi to Crystal Palace
Chelsea want to find new homes for DiSasi and Raheem Sterling, who were part of their feared ‘bomb squad’ over the summer. Despite being reinstated into the first team by Enzo Maresca, DiSasi remains low in the pecking order.
Sunderland, Bournemouth and West Ham were all interested in DiSasi over the summer, but a move to Palace now looks more likely as he prepares for life without Guehi.
