The January transfer window is open and with the new year comes a chance for clubs to monitor the market after assessing their options to strengthen or trim their numbers to boost spending this month.
While the acquisition of elite players or long-term targets is less common in the mid-season window, it is not completely out of the question, with the saga surrounding Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo expected to reach its climax in the coming weeks or possibly days.
The 25-year-old has been linked with moves to every Premier League big hitter but Manchester City are now leading the race for the player, whose £65m release clause becomes active in January, and may have played his last game for the Cherries after playing the full match of Bournemouth’s 3-2 loss to Arsenal.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi remains of interest to Arne Slot after his deadline day move to Liverpool collapsed. The England international is about to enter the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park, giving Palace one last chance to cash in if they choose to, though the Reds may pursue a different defensive option after being linked with Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:
Transfer news live
- Transfer window is officially open as January begins
- Antoine Semenyo expected to face Tottenham despite £65m move to Man City
- Ruben Amorim hints at frustration at Man United's January transfer plans
- Liverpool linked with Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge
- Deadline day on Monday 2 February at 7pm GMT
Bizarre Ruben Amorim comments spark fresh doubt in Man United soap opera
16:19 , Chris McKennaNot even a boring and fairly eventless draw brings about a day of little drama for Manchester United, it seems.
It was a point gained for Leeds United in their quest to stay in the Premier League and two dropped for their rivals' pursuit of European football, but well after full-time, another story emerged in the Elland Road media room which could suggest all is not well behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
While the game lacked entertainment, the bizarre press conference afterwards by Ruben Amorim brought a plot twist.
Bizarre Ruben Amorim comments spark fresh doubt in Man United soap opera
A worry for Liverpool? Hugo Ekitike joins injury list
14:28 , Jamie BraidwoodHugo Ekitike missed Liverpool’s trip to Fulham due to a minor hamstring injury but could return in time for the clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday.
Head coach Arne Slot said the striker, who is Liverpool’s top scorer this season with 11 goals in all competitions, picked up the problem due to an increased workload over the festive period.
The Premier League champions have been without Mohamed Salah for the last three matches as he has been at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Alexander Isak is set for several weeks on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, which has left Ekitike playing a major role.
Arne Slot issues Hugo Ekitike injury update as Liverpool striker misses Fulham trip
Scott Parker felt Burnley ‘lacked belief’ in defeat to Brighton
12:30 , Jamie BraidwoodBurnley boss Scott Parker accused his players of lacking belief and rolling over following a “powderpuff” display in a limp 2-0 Premier League defeat at Brighton.
The second-bottom Clarets slipped to an 11th successive top-flight game without victory after Seagulls pair Georginio Rutter and Yasin Ayari struck either side of half-time.
Parker, who believes he retains the support of his club’s owners, admits his side are certain to suffer relegation if they do not improve.
Scott Parker felt Burnley ‘lacked belief’ in defeat to Brighton
Sean Dyche believes Forest are tracking upwards despite concerning run of form
11:30 , Jamie BraidwoodSean Dyche insists he is improving Nottingham Forest and is focusing on the “reality not the noise” despite overseeing a fourth successive Premier League defeat.
Forest were wretched in going down to a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa, who made it 11 home wins on the spin thanks to Ollie Watkins’ first-half fizzer and John McGinn’s second-half brace.
Forest briefly got back into the game through Morgan Gibbs-White’s goal but they were poor in slipping to another loss – their worst run in the Premier League since late 2023 amid a run of form which saw Steve Cooper sacked.
Sean Dyche says Forest are tracking upwards despite concerning run of form
Nuno says West Ham’s loss at Wolves was the worst of his career
10:30 , Jamie BraidwoodWest Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted he was embarrassed after his team crashed to a dismal 3-0 defeat at Premier League bottom side Wolves.
The Hammers’ relegation fears deepened as first-half goals from Jhon Arias, Hwang Hee-chan and Mateus Mane secured a deserved victory for previously winless Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.
Nuno described the result, which left West Ham four points adrift of safety in 18th place in the Premier League, as the worst of his career.
Nuno says West Ham’s loss at Wolves was the worst of his career
'Impossible' for Man Utd to let players leave this month, Amorim says
09:30 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim said it would be “impossible” for Manchester United to allow players to leave this month.
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are among those who have been linked away as they search for more game time.
But Amorim says he cannot allow players to leave given his list of absentees with the Africa Cup of Nations.
“If you look at our squad, I think it's impossible [for] someone to leave,” he said.
Liverpool linked with Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge
08:52 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool appear poised to bring in Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge to boost their defence, reports the Mirror.
The Reds have a clear path after Chelsea pulled out of the race to sign the Ecuadorian.
A deal for as much as £43m for the centre-back is in the works, with an initial fee of £35m, plus add-ons.
Amorim's frustration at Man United's transfer plans?
08:46 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim hinted at frustration behind the scenes as the Manchester United head coach refused to clarify his recent comments about the club's transfer plans.
United spent big in the summer bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens and had looked at a January swoop for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
But the winger's decision to join Manchester City has altered plans, with Amorim saying on Friday there had been no transfer conversations just a fortnight on from revealing activity was possible.
Some potentially illuminating Christmas Eve comments came in between those statements when the United head coach said: "I have the feeling that if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3, we need to spend a lot of money and we need time.
"So, I'm starting to understand that that is not going to happen. So, maybe I have to adapt."
Ruben Amorim hints at frustration as he avoids Man Utd transfer talk
Andoni Iraola expects Semenyo to play against Tottenham
08:43 , Jamie BraidwoodBournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said he expects Antoine Semenyo to feature against Tottenham on Wednesday, in what would be his third game for the Cherries since the January window opened.
Speaking after the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, in which Semenyo played the full match despite his much-mooted move to Manchester City, Iraola said: “I expect that. The situation hasn’t changed. I expect him to play against Spurs. There is a lot of noise around him but this is the situation."
‘Just a rumour’: Why Enzo Maresca to Man City never made any sense
08:00 , Will CastleIf Enzo Maresca’s last contribution as a Manchester City employee was to help them secure the treble in 2023, his most recent input to the discourse around the Etihad Stadium feels more unwelcome. The apparent indications that City’s former assistant manager had spoken to his old club about the possibility of replacing Pep Guardiola raised the issue of the Spaniard’s future.
Which has lingered in the background; as, indeed, it has for much of a reign that has extended for far longer than he originally envisaged. The Catalan shrugged off the idea his old assistant had talked to City. “Why would I give you an update about an opinion that I don't know is about this opinion?” he said. “It's just a rumour.”
Guardiola adopted a trademark blend of playfulness and faux arrogance. “You want to fire me?” he asked “My salary is so high, so I have one more year... I know you are bored of me, ten years here. I will leave one day, I promise. But I have a contract, I'm happy, I want to fight with my team. I like to be here.”
‘Just a rumour’: Why Enzo Maresca to Man City never made any sense
Liam Rosenior 'calm' over Chelsea links
07:00 , Will CastleStrasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has not ruled out the possibility of replacing Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, with the 41-year-old saying on Friday that he could not guarantee he would remain at the French club until the end of the season.
Rosenior is the leading candidate to replace Maresca, who parted ways with Chelsea on Thursday following a poor run of results and a fallout with club owners, despite having won the Club World Cup in July.
At Friday’s press conference, speculation over Rosenior’s potential move to Chelsea dominated proceedings ahead of the trip to Nice, which Strasbourg drew 1-1.
“I’m calm. There is a lot of noise and speculation,” Rosenior told reporters.
“If you pay attention to it as a coach, you go crazy. We are working on the preparation for the Nice match. I’m the coach of Strasbourg and I hope we get a good result.”
Inside the January transfer window where wealth fuels ambition – and relegation threat drives desperation
06:00 , Miguel DelaneyOver the last few weeks, at least five of Europe’s wealthiest clubs have been testing the waters on Bournemouth’s Semenyo. His £65m release clause came into effect on January 1, and it could well set the market in motion.
Semenyo already looks set to be the major story of this window, but he is unlikely to be the only one. Many industry figures expect January to be busy.
While the summer window always ends up frenetic – clubs know what they need and can act without disrupting the season – January is far less predictable. One year it’s chaotic, the next unusually quiet.
Liverpool transfer news round-up: Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and more after Alexander Isak injury blow
04:00 , Will CastleLiverpool could become major players in the January transfer market after Alexander Isak’s serious injury ruled him out for several months.
Arne Slot can at least lean on Hugo Ekitike, with the French forward settling quickly to life in the Premier League.
“It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months,” Slot said of Isak, who joined the Reds from Newcastle for £125m in the summer and has scored just three goals in 16 appearances in all competitions. “It’s a big disappointment for him and, as a result, for us.”
But reinforcements could come to boost the Reds after a testing first half of the season.
Here are the latest stories surrounding the transfer market at Anfield:
Liverpool transfer news round-up: Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and more
Arsenal transfer news round-up: Kenan Yildiz, Davide Bartesaghi and more as Mikel Arteta braces for busy January
02:00 , Will CastleMounting injuries may force Arsenal to dip into the January transfer market as they look to keep up the pace in their Premier League title charge.
The Gunners go into the new year at the top of the pile but will know all too well that such a position does not guarantee success come May, with Pep Guardiola’s revitalised Manchester City breathing down their necks.
After a busy summer that saw the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze arrive for big fees, Mikel Arteta will be confident his Arsenal squad is capable of winning a first league title since the ‘Invincibles’ of 2003/04.
But with injuries not letting up, with Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori the latest to be sidelined, new recruits could come to boost the league leaders ahead of a crucial second half of the season.
When asked if Arteta has space in his squad for new signings, he said: "Depending, as I said, on the availability of certain players. The window is there. We're Arsenal. Now, we have to be looking at it.”
Here are the latest stories surrounding the transfer market at the Emirates:
Brighton chief confirms Carlos Baleba stance
00:00 , Will CastleBrighton chairman Paul Barber says there are no plans to sell midfielder Carlos Baleba during the January transfer window amid reports of Manchester United reigniting their interest.
"No call from Old Trafford, no call from anyone connected to Manchester United," Barber told talkSPORT.
"We have no plans or desire to sell Carlos in this window or any future window. We know that he's a talented player and he's got a lot of options ahead of him in the future.
"But for us right now he's an important player in the second half of the season and we're looking forward to getting him back from Afcon."
Sean Dyche remains tight-lipped over potential Arnaud Kalimuendo exit
Saturday 3 January 2026 23:00 , Will CastleSean Dyche refused to comment over the potential exit of Arnaud Kalimuendo from Nottingham Forest, who is reported to be nearing a loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt.
"He is a Forest footballer, he plays for us," Dyche said.
"There are always rumours. Any decisions will be from the club and not the players."
Paris FC interested in Issa Diop
Saturday 3 January 2026 22:00 , Will CastleParis FC are interested in Fulham defender Issa Diop, according to L’Equipe.
The club are looking for an experienced centre-back and have targeted Frenchman Diop, who is under contract with Fulham until 2027.
The former West Ham man started his senior career in Ligue 1 with Toulouse.
Potential Chelsea managerial target rules out move
Saturday 3 January 2026 21:30 , Will CastlePorto manager Francesco Farioli has put a stop to any speculation surrounding his future amid links to the vacant Chelsea position.
In his press conference ahead of Porto’s league trip to Santa Clara on Sunday, head coach Farioli said: "There is no doubt [I am staying], never been a doubt in fact.
"If I go back to my previous experiences, at Nice and last season in Ajax, for me it has never been a topic to leave in the middle of the season. It is not something that stays in my mind.
"And, here in Porto, I do believe that there is also, in terms of connection and relationship with the president, with the club, something more and something deeper.
“So, from my side, I am totally committed to the club, totally connected to the reality we are in."
Manchester United's transfer shortlist
Saturday 3 January 2026 21:00 , Will CastleSky Sports have detailed a variety of names that are on Manchester United’s shortlist for 2026, with the club set to prioritise the signing of one or maybe two top central midfielders.
Those names are:
- Carlos Baleba, Brighton
- Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest
- Adam Wharton, Crystal Palace
- Joao Gomes, Wolves
- Jean-Philippe Mateta, Crystal Palace
- Yan Diomade, RB Leipzig
- Jeremy Jacquet, Rennes
- Ayyoub Bouaddi, Lille
- Christos Mouzakitis, Olympiakos
Unai Emery ready to be 'competitive' in the transfer window
Saturday 3 January 2026 20:30 , Will CastleUnai Emery revealed that he wants to make Aston Villa ‘competitive’ in the transfer market after getting his side back to winning ways against Nottingham Forest.
"We signed Alysson. I try to always be alert in case we can sign someone to help us," Emery told Sky Sports.
"Of course I am so happy at how the players are responding, we'll see how we are going to respond to the transfer window in January.
"But for the players we have, they are the most important. We are always competitive in the transfer window."
Is this it for Antoine Semenyo at Bournemouth?
Saturday 3 January 2026 20:08 , Will CastleAntoine Semenyo may have played his last game for Bournemouth, with the winger seemingly Man City-bound.
He was seen applauding the crowd after his side came out on the losing end of a five-goal thriller with league leaders Arsenal.
On his future, Cherries midfielder Lewis Cook said: "It's part of football. Players come and go, whatever happens with Semenyo.
“He's a top professional and gives everything for the team. We'll see what happens but we can reflect on today and take it into next week."
However, Andoni Iraola wasn’t so vague - he still believes Semenyo has more games to play in black and red.
"The situation hasn't changed. I expect him to play the next one,” he said. “There is a lot of noise, I can't control that. Antoine is our player and until I am told he is not he will continue playing."
Bristol City set for cash windfall from Antoine Semenyo deal
Saturday 3 January 2026 20:00 , Will CastleBristol City are set to earn £11m should Antoine Semenyo complete his move to Manchester City, according to The Times.
Semenyo signed for Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023 and his former club included a 20 percent sell-on clause in the £10.5m deal, meaning they will be entitled to a good portion of the £65m that the Cherries are expected to secure.
