Transfers

Harvey Elliott looks like he has already played his last Aston Villa game as manager Unai Emery revealed the decision over his future was made months ago. The playmaker swapped Liverpool for the Villans on a season-long loan move but he has barely featured for the West Midlands outfit this season. The 22-year-old is now stuck between a rock and a hard place amid his uncertain future.

Chelsea are reportedly 'intensifying' their efforts to recruit Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior following the sacking of Enzo Maresca. The Italian head coach was dismissed after 18 months in charge following a fraying of relations with the club's owners, BlueCo. Now, the Premier League outfit have set their sights on the 41-year-old Englishman, who may have opened the door to a mid-season switch.

The 24-year-old is a natural centre-back who is also comfortable at right-back, but that versatility has ironically not counted in his favour in his bid to become a regular at Masandawana. Despite limited opportunities, he continues to be linked with a move away from Chloorkop amid growing speculation about his future. However, his representative has stepped in to clear the air and set the record straight on where the defender stands.

Things have rapidly deteriorated for the 22-year-old who was only in November 2023 crowned African Football League Most Valuable Player and finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer. He was part of Bafana Bafana’s squad at the 2023 AFCON and even started the opening match against Mali, underlining how highly he was rated at the time. However, injury struck, triggering a painful downhill slide that has stalled what once looked like a soaring career.

Manchester United have reportedly explored the conditions of signing Brighton star Carlos Baleba in January. The Red Devils tried and failed to recruit the midfielder in the summer as they refused to pay upwards of £100 million ($135m) for the 22-year-old. Despite the Seagulls holding firm on their asking price, Ruben Amorim's team have not given up trying to secure his services.

After Napoli beat Bologna on December 22 to win the Supercoppa Italiana, Rasmus Hojlund posted a picture of him holding the trophy, accompanied by the words, "What a great decision looks like." Unsurprisingly, some Manchester United fans didn't react well to the perceived slight on their club. One comment on Hojlund's Instagram photo with more than 14,000 likes sarcastically congratulated the Dane for finding his 'level' before adding, "[The] Premier League is too difficult for amateurs."

D.C. United are nearing a club-record signing as the MLS side finalizes a deal worth around $7 million plus add-ons to acquire Romanian international forward Louis Munteanu from CFR Cluj, according to The Athletic. The move could reach $10 million and would mark a cornerstone addition as the club undergoes a major roster overhaul ahead of the new season.

Liverpool are reportedly close to finalising a £43m ($58m/€49.3m) transfer for Ecuador international Joel Ordonez, who has impressed at Club Brugge. The Reds defence has come under fire during their unsuccessful title defence and reinforcements are being sought after they missed out on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi in the summer.

GOAL U.S. writers take a look at some of the biggest storylines of the January transfer window.

The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.

Chelsea's plans for the 2026 January transfer window have been revealed following the dismissal of manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian boss was given the boot on the first day of the year after falling out with the Blues hierarchy, while he also oversaw a run of three games without a win during the festive period. The west London club had a busy summer window but may not be quite as occupied when it comes to incoming arrivals this month.

Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson has completed his £35m transfer to Crystal Palace, barely half a year after scoring the winning goal in the Europa League final. The Wales international was a key part of Ange Postecoglou's team but has fallen out of favour under new manager Thomas Frank. Johnson now gets the opportunity to revive his career at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles currently ahead of Spurs in the Premier League table in tenth position.

Charlotte FC are monitoring Harvey Elliott's situation at Aston Villa, GOAL can confirm, although any talk of a move would first depend on decisions made by both Villa and Liverpool. The England international is struggling for minutes with Villa, and Charlotte are one of the few clubs in the world that can offer a reprieve in January.

Reports in Spain suggest that Rodrygo is laying the groundwork for a potential move away from Real Madrid. The Brazil international forward faces fierce competition for places at the Bernabeu and is growing increasingly frustrated at having to fill a support role. Interest in his services is said to have been shown from the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City known to be admirers.

Mohamed Salah is reportedly being targeted for a dramatic return to Serie A. The Egyptian superstar bid farewell to Italy in 2017 when making his way to Liverpool. Record-setting exploits have been delivered at Anfield, while winning two Premier League titles, but an exit early in 2026 is being mooted. It is claimed that Roma would like to be reunited with a familiar face.

Ruben Amorim has declared that no Manchester United player will be allowed to leave the club in the January transfer window, handing blows to wantaway duo Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee. United are still at the gates of the Champions League qualifying spots but there appears to be no chance of the club strengthening in the winter market to boost their chances of finishing in the top four.

Manchester City have reportedly taken another huge stride towards completing a big-money transfer for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international is expected to be on the move in the January window as there is a £65 million ($87m) clause in his contract with the Cherries that can be triggered by any of his many suitors. He could soon be heading to the Etihad Stadium.

West Ham are interested in signing Raheem Sterling from Chelsea in the January transfer window as they aim to climb clear of Premier League relegation trouble in the remainder of the campaign. The Hammers are currently 18th, four points from safety, and are looking to reshape their squad as they look to retain their top-flight status.

Manchester United are interested in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta if he becomes available, with the Crystal Palace striker's contract set to expire at the end of next season. The France striker's future remains uncertain, with contract negotiations stalling as his deal runs down.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson is undergoing a medical at Crystal Palace as his £33.5 million ($45m) transfer edges closer. Johnson has failed to nail down a starting place at Spurs this season under new head coach Thomas Frank and he is set to leave the club after two-and-a-half seasons in north London.

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has told Endrick to never wear green after the striker joined Lyon on loan. The France international sent a pointed text message to the loanee, who is now aiming to make a serious impact in Ligue 1 after failing to establish himself in Spain.

Chelsea met with Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi in the summer, prior to the sacking of Enzo Maresca, but the Blues are playing down the prospect of appointing the former Brighton head coach. Maresca was axed on New Year's Day and the club are now searching for replacements, with Strasbourg's Liam Rosenior a current frontrunner.

Manchester United have been told that Antoine Semenyo could become another Cristiano Ronaldo or David Beckham for them, with the Ghana international poised to leave Bournemouth in the January transfer window. The Red Devils form part of that £65 million ($87m) race, and Dwight Yorke has urged them to pip Premier League rivals to a much sought-after signature.

AC Milan have reportedly set a date for further contract talks with USMNT star Christian Pulisic. The American forward, who has become a talismanic figure at San Siro, has delayed committing his future to the Serie A giants. They are, however, in title contention this season and remain confident that the 27-year-old can be persuaded to extend his association with the club.

Roma reportedly have two Premier League defenders on their recruitment radar for the January transfer window, with raids on Chelsea and Tottenham being planned. The Serie A giants are eager to reinforce at the back and believe that Axel Disasi and Radu Dragusin, who have been enduring tough times in London, could be shrewd additions at Stadio Olimpico.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could be sacked within the first two days of 2026, according to Sky Sports. The Italian is under pressure after overseeing a dismal run of form which has seen the Blues win just one of their last seven Premier League games - a victory over Everton in which he described the build up to the match as his “worst 48 hours” at the club.

Neymar has reportedly ended the speculation linking him with a move to Inter Miami or a return to Europe by agreeing a new contract with Santos. The veteran Brazilian superstar, who retraced steps to his roots in January 2025, is poised to sign fresh terms that will take him through the 2026 World Cup finals and to the end of another calendar year.

The January transfer window is notoriously tricky for buying clubs to manoeuvre in. Sure, willing teams may have the money to spend and financial wiggle room to squeeze some deals in, but their rivals may be less inclined to do business midway through the season with trophies and other honours still up for grabs.

Brighton and Hove Albion have agreed a deal to re-sign midfielder Pascal Gross from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Germany international is reportedly close to sealing a surprise return to the Premier League - just a year after he decided to end his seven-year stay with the Seagulls by returning to his homeland.