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

Jean-Philippe Mateta has reportedly told Crystal Palace he wants to leave Selhurst Park as the France striker believes the club do not match his ambitions. He is angry that promises regarding player recruitment and terms in a potential new contract have not been kept. It is believed the 28-year-old wants regular European football, and that he was recently the subject of an offer from Juventus.

Manchester United reportedly want to open talks with Bruno Fernandes over a new contract, but will ultimately let the captain decide whether he stays or goes. Fernandes' current deal runs until 2027 and though the club have the option to extend it by a further 12 months, they would like to discuss fresh terms.

Chelsea backed away from a potential deal for Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, allowing Manchester City to swoop in for the Crystal Palace and England defender in a deal worth an initial £20 million. The Blues have been hunting for a new centre-back to bolster their backline but opted against re-signing the 25-year-old due to several concerns.

Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been tipped to seal a shock transfer to Wrexham before he hangs up his boots. The 32-year-old has returned to football at Ligue 1 side Monaco, after a spell out of the game due to a doping ban, but former France and Manchester United striker Louis Saha thinks he could be a good option for Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac's side.

Liverpool have reportedly identified Micky van de Ven as a potential target in their search to bring in a new centre-back. The Reds remain shorthanded in defence and though they may not enter the January market for immediate reinforcements, they are said to be keen on the Tottenham star in the long term following an impressive two-and-a-half years in the Premier League so far.

Cole Palmer's future at Chelsea is under scrutiny amid speculation he does not really enjoy life in London and could be tempted to head back to former club Manchester City in the summer transfer window. Pep Guardiola has been tipped to part company with the Cityzens at the end of the season, potentially paving way for Palmer to make a shock return to the Etihad.

Manchester United have reportedly been offered the opportunity to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan from Serie A giants AC Milan. The England international joined the Rossoneri in 2023 after struggling to nail down a regular place at boyhood side Chelsea and has largely managed to shake off his worrying past of injuries, making 90 appearances for the Italian side. However, they are apparently open to the 29-year-old departing on a temporary basis during the January transfer window and have offered his services to United.

Weston McKennie scored in his third consecutive Champions League game as the U.S. men's national team star helped lead Juventus to a crucial win over Benfica. The American scored Juventus's second goal in the 2-0 win, one that helped the Old Lady progress to the next stage of the competition. The club is also still in the running for a top 8 place.

Cole Palmer has been left out of the Chelsea squad to face Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with head coach Liam Rosenior explaining why the Blues will have to cope without their talisman at Stamford Bridge. The Blues come into the match in 14th place in the standings but know that a victory will see them firmly in the battle to finish in the top eight.

Manchester City's captains have agreed to cover the costs of the journeys made by supporters who travelled to their 3-1 defeat at Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday. City's miserable start to 2026 continued with a surprise loss in the Arctic Circle which dented their chances of securing automatic qualification to the knockout stages.

Jobe Bellingham endured a difficult night in north London on Tuesday as his Borussia Dortmund side were beaten 2-0 by Tottenham Hotspur. Cristian Romero's strike put Spurs ahead before Daniel Svensson was sent off for a challenge on Wilson Odobert after intervention from the video assistant referee, with Dominic Solanke's effort then putting the game beyond BVB. Bellingham, brother of Real Madrid and England star Jude, came in for brutal criticism on social media for a perceived below-par performance.

Gareth Bale has pinpointed exactly why Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid ended in failure, claiming the Spaniard fell short in one crucial area despite his tactical brilliance. The five-time Champions League winner believes the unique pressure of the Santiago Bernabeu requires a "manager" capable of handling fragile egos rather than a tactical "coach", a nuance he suggests proved fatal for his former colleague.

Franco Mastantuono has hit back at his critics after scoring in Real Madrid’s 6-1 Champions League demolition of Monaco, insisting he is neither the "new Lionel Messi" nor the "worst signing" in the club's history. The Argentine teenager opened up on his difficult start to life in Spain following the victory, revealing he has "not forgotten" the harsh words said about him while issuing a passionate defence of team-mate Jude Bellingham.

Liam Rosenior has offered a shock lifeline to Axel Disasi, welcoming the defender back into first-team training after a year in the wilderness. The move comes as Chelsea suffer a significant defensive blow with Tosin Adarabioyo ruled out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. However, there is no such reprieve for Raheem Sterling, who remains exiled from the main group as the club frantically seek a permanent exit before the January transfer window shuts.

Scott McTominay has branded Napoli's performance "unacceptable" after the Serie A champions failed to beat 10-man Copenhagen, leaving their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. The Scotland international scored but was left fuming as his side threw away the lead, with manager Antonio Conte warning that the team's level might not be high enough for Europe following a "huge" missed opportunity.