Transfers

The January transfer window is fast approaching, and clubs will once again be scrambling to strengthen for the second half of the season. In the 2025 winter market, £1.2 billion ($1.4bn) was spent across Europe's top leagues and the English Championship, the highest mark in seven years, with Manchester City accounting for £191 million ($256m) of that amount alone.

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has revealed what his relationship with Vinicius Junior was like on and off the pitch. Speculation is continuing to mount that the Brazil international will leave Los Blancos in 2026 after a difficult year or so at the Spanish giants. Amid such rumours, ex-midfielder Kroos has given a very strong character reference of the 25-year-old, while also giving his take on Endrick's Lyon loan.

Antoine Semenyo wants his Bournemouth future resolved by the opening day of the January transfer window as Cherries are bracing for a late twist in the transfer saga. The Ghanaian winger is in the midst of a transfer tug of war with a number of Premier League sides hoping to lure the Bournemouth ace away from the Vitality Stadium next month.

Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee is set to push for an exit from Old Trafford in the upcoming January transfer window despite Ruben Amorim's attempts to block his move to Serie A. The striker has found minutes hard to come by this season, sitting firmly down the Old Trafford pecking order as summer signings Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha have been preferred as the team's No.9 by Amorim.

Chelsea's two January transfer priorities have been revealed as the Blues look to strengthen their squad to bridge the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal. The Premier League started the season on a positive note, but their form took a dip towards the end of the year as they managed to win just one match out of their last five outings in the league, including a loss to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Antonio Rudiger could return to Chelsea as the Real Madrid star is weighing up a Premier League return. Rudiger's current Los Blancos contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign and he has yet to agree to sign on a new extension. The German defender has been tipped with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu next summer as he could also link up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

Wayne Rooney has expressed his concerns over former club Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window, as the Red Devils continue to pick up positive results in the Premier League without being fully convincing, according to their all-time top goalscorer Rooney. United returned to a top-six place after beating Newcastle United on Boxing Day but might need to add to their squad in January, claims the pundit.

Real Madrid have reportedly 'rejected' the signing of three big-name stars ahead of the January transfer window, as Los Blancos plan for their future amidst the intense recent pressure placed upon head coach Xabi Alonso. The three players in question all see their contracts expire on June 30, 2026, and so will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January 1. Real have often used this tactic to secure top signings, but have reportedly been offered and rejected the trio.

Manchester United have reportedly "not stopped discussing" the possibility of signing Brighton star Carlos Baleba despite failing to recruit him earlier this year. The Red Devils spent around £230 million ($310m) on players during the summer transfer window but they balked at the thought of forking out more than £100m ($135m) for Baleba. However, they have not given up on trying to secure his services heading into 2026.

Vinicius Junior’s Real Madrid future is under fresh scrutiny after stalled contract talks left the Brazilian weighing his options, with Saudi Arabia circling. Al-Ittihad sporting director Ramon Planes has now made a bold prediction, insisting it is realistic that elite players like Vinicius could move to the Middle East during their prime years.

Marcus Rashford has passed a Barcelona referendum as members voted in favour of signing the England forward permanently. Rashford move to the reigning La Liga champions on loan from Manchester United over the summer having been outcast by head coach Ruben Amorim. And the 28-year-old has made an impressive impact for the Blaugrana, who may be prepared to extend his stay in Spain.

Christian Eriksen has backed striker Harry Kane to one day return to Tottenham. Kane left Spurs for Bayern Munich in 2023 and has become a revelation with the Bundesliga giants, earning his first piece of silverware of his career last season. And the Danish creator, who spent six-and-a-half years in north London, is hoping to see the England captain back in a Spurs shirt.

Manchester City’s hopes of landing Antoine Semenyo in January may have taken a hit after Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola made his position crystal clear. With speculation intensifying around a release clause and elite interest growing, the Cherries head coach has stressed his desire to keep the in-form Ghanaian forward for as long as possible.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants to put aside his long-running rivalry with Lionel Messi and play out his career with him at Inter Miami. The two sporting icons are among the greatest footballers to ever play the game but they have often been pitted against one another this century. But as the 40-year-old contemplates life after Al-Nassr, speculation is mounting that he may want to be Messi's team-mate in Major League Soccer in one last hurrah.

Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on James McAtee ahead of the January transfer window, despite the midfielder having become an outcast at Nottingham Forest following his summer move from Manchester City. The former England Under-21 international is being monitored by Blues head coach Enzo Maresca, with the pair having worked together in the past.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank faces a dilemma over unwanted loan ace as the January transfer window approaches. Spurs signed Israel international Manor Solomon in 2023, who played at the north London club only for a season before heading out on loan to Leeds United last season. He was once again sent out on a second loan spell at Villarreal on deadline day of the last summer transfer window.

Manchester United are eyeing a surprise January swoop for an AFCON star who scored against INEOS-owned Nice earlier this season. Auxerre's 26-year-old Mali international forward Lassine Sinayoko has caught the eye of the Red Devils' recruitment team and the Premier League giants are now seriously considering placing a bid for the player in the January transfer window.