Transfers

Jamie Carragher has sought to defend Raheem Sterling from any criticism, following his release by Chelsea, with the England international considered to be seriously “underrated”. The Premier League title-winning ex-Manchester City star is now looking for a new challenge at 31 years of age, with a former team-mate from his days at Anfield hoping that a “fitting finale” to a distinguished career can be found.

GOAL rounds up all the completed Real Madrid transfers of the 2025-26 season so far.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly withdrawn their interest in signing Raheem Sterling, dealing a blow to the England international’s hopes of a swift return to Premier League action in London. Despite being available as a free agent following his dramatic release by Chelsea, Spurs hierarchy have decided against pursuing the 31-year-old, citing concerns over his substantial wage demands which do not align with the club's current financial structure.

GOAL takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from around the world.

Lucas Paqueta has admitted that he "needed Flamengo" after completing his switch from West Ham. The Brazil international had expressed his desire to return to his native country ahead of this year's World Cup, and now he has sealed a £36 million ($50m) transfer to Flamengo. Now that this saga is over, the playmaker has made a candid admission about the switch.

Ahead of the transfer window closing, GOAL grades the USMNT-related deals completed during January.

Crystal Palace's proposed £50 million ($69m) move for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is in danger of collapse after the Eagles reportedly communicated their intent to walk away from the deal. The two clubs had agreed the framework of a deal but Palace now appear ready to pull the plug, per BBC Sport.

Tottenham are reportedly exploring a move to rival Inter Milan for Al-Ittihad star Moussa Diaby. The winger swapped Aston Villa for the Saudi Pro League team in a £50 million ($69m) deal in the summer of 2024, but he could be heading back to Europe in 2026. The winger is said to be open to returning to a Champions League club, which boosts Inter and Spurs' chances of signing him.

Timo Werner has signed for Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes, the club announced Thursday. The German international, who has 115 career goals, had fallen out of favor at RB Leipzig, but joins the Western Conference franchise on a multi-year deal. He will be a Designated Player for the rebuilding Quakes, who have had a busy offseason under Head Coach and Sporting Director Bruce Arena.

January is a notoriously bad time for buyers because nobody ever wants to sell top talent midway through the season. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. Some clubs need to raise funds to balance the books, while others can be left with not option but to unload an unhappy player who has made it clear that he wants to join a stronger side.

Brad Friedel has told GOAL why elite clubs in the Premier League should be doing all they can to acquire USMNT star Weston McKennie this summer. The versatile midfielder, who previously endured a troubled loan spell in England at Leeds, is running down his contract at Serie A giants Juventus. Free agency will soon be hit, meaning that new challenges can be sought.

Manchester United have decisively ended speculation linking them with a record-breaking swoop for Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer, with Old Trafford chiefs deeming the move financially unviable. Despite reports suggesting the England international is unsettled in the capital, the Red Devils have ruled out a summer approach, opting instead to prioritise a replacement for Casemiro over another marquee addition to their forward line.

Conor Coady has seen his spell at Wrexham cut short after just six months in North Wales. The former Everton and Wolves defender, who has plenty of Premier League experience to his name, joined the Red Dragons from Leicester for £2 million during the summer of 2025. He will now be spending the remainder of the current campaign with Charlton Athletic.

Chelsea have reached a full agreement to send teenage sensation Kendry Paez on loan to River Plate after cutting short his spell in Ligue 1. The 18-year-old has been recalled from Strasbourg to join the Argentine giants immediately, with the Blues sanctioning the move to ensure their prized asset secures regular first-team football under Marcelo Gallardo.

Crystal Palace are closing in on a blockbuster deal to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, a move that may trigger a major transfer merry-go-round in the Premier League. The Eagles have moved ahead of Leeds in the race for the Norwegian, paving the way for Jean-Philippe Mateta to leave Selhurst Park before the window shuts.

Raheem Sterling's hopes of a swift return to elite European football have hit an early stumbling block after Napoli's sporting director cast doubt on a potential move. The England international is searching for a new club after ending his three-year spell at Chelsea by mutual consent, but his "significant financial expectations" could prove a major hurdle for suitors in Serie A.

Neal Maupay has gotten involved with some social media shenanigans with new club Sevilla, as he was pictured putting a colleague in a headlock over historic tweets that mocked him. The ex-Brighton man has joined the Spanish club on loan from Marseille until the end of the season. Sevilla's official X account had posted a joke at Maupay's expense during a pre-season friendly in August.