The day's big stories
Time to sign off for today, but we’ll be back on the transfer beat tomorrow. Here are the headlines from day one of the window:
PSG have signed São Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo on five-year deal
Donny van de Beek has joined Frankfurt on loan with option to buy
Tomas Soucek has extended his West Ham contract until June 2027
Thilo Kehrer is set to join Monaco, Saïd Benrahma could also depart
Liverpool have recalled Fábio Carvalho and Owen Beck from loan
Brighton have ended Jeremy Sarmiento’s loan spell at West Brom
Ellie Roebuck could join Man Utd if Mary Earps leaves this month
And you can keep up with all the latest moves with our interactive trackers:
Fabrizio also reports that Fábio Carvalho has a first-team future at Liverpool, and will be loaned out again without a purchase option to ensure he gets more game time than he did at RB Leipzig. Carvalho is back at Melwood after he was recalled from his Bundesliga loan spell.
Canadian winger Tajon Buchanan has been linked with Premier League sides including Manchester City, but Fabrizio Romano reports that Inter are closing in on a deal with Club Brugge for a cool €10m.
⚫️🔵🇨🇦 Inter will pay around €7m fixed fee for Tajon Buchanan plus add-ons — up to package close to €10m potential, final fee.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2024
Inter and Club Brugge are locked in talks even today in order to get the deal done and 100% sealed this week, possibly within Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/buhPi4xrDP
We round off our look at Premier League fans’ winter wishlists with West Ham and Wolves.
West Ham
As ever, we could do with another striker to replace the ageing and currently injured Michail Antonio, and Mohammed Kudus while he’s at Afcon. We won’t get him but I like the look of Brighton’s Even Ferguson, while Ivan Toney might be worth a punt too. David Moyes also likes Armando Broja of Chelsea so a loan deal could be a possibility. A midfield enforcer to cover for Edson Álvarez would be handy as we really miss him when he’s out. Moyesy also loves a centre-back so might want a replacement for the veteran Angelo Ogbonna, and a new left-back to compete with Emerson would be good, too. Pete May Author, Massive: The Miracle of Prague
Wolves
Gary O’Neil says he wants a winger, but I think a centre-forward will also be on the list, with Fábio Silva on loan at Rangers and Sasa Kalajdzic possibly leaving too. The club upset the Salernitana chairman over their approach for his forward Boulaye Dia in the summer but that deal could still be resurrected. Broja is a possible alternative if Chelsea are prepared to let him go, either temporarily or permanently. I’d also like to see a more defensive-minded full-back added. Marcos Acuña from Sevilla has been mentioned a few times – he could be a shrewd short-term pickup. Thomas Baugh @wolvesblog
We have a last-gasp winner for Tim’s quiz question – bravo Neil Parkes.
“Steadfast: Late-Siralex era Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea. Flakers: Liverpool. Losers: Arsenal.”
Here’s the full list of league leaders on New Year’s Day since 2010, and their final finishing position:
2010 Chelsea (1st); 2011 Manchester United (1st); 2012 Manchester City (1st); 2013 Man Utd (1st); 2014 Arsenal (4th); 2015 Chelsea (1st); 2016 Arsenal (2nd); 2017 Chelsea (1st); 2018 Man City (1st); 2019 Liverpool (2nd); 2020 Liverpool (1st); 2021 Liverpool (3rd); 2022 Man City (1st); 2023 Arsenal (2nd); 2024 Liverpool (???)
Goals galore in the Football League this afternoon – get the latest with Tim de Lisle:
Another player extending his contract is Nottingham Forest’s Harry Toffolo. The left-back has made 13 Premier League appearances this season, scoring once and providing three assists.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to extend my stay here and keep wearing the Forest badge with pride,” said Toffolo, whose contract now runs until June 2025.
The 28-year-old was handed a suspended five-month ban in August for breaching betting regulations. The breaches occurred while he was at Norwich City.
Soucek extends West Ham contract
West Ham’s Tomas Soucek has signed a contract extension, with his new deal running until June 2027.
“I am very happy to have signed this new contract and very proud that I can continue my career here,” said Soucek, who scored in the Hammers’ win at Arsenal last Thursday.
“It has been four years since I joined West Ham and I have enjoyed every moment. We have won a trophy, had good results in the Premier League, and I am happy with myself, that I have played nearly every minute, and I feel that the fans appreciate me here.”
No28 has a message for you, Hammers 📲 pic.twitter.com/jLDz14obhT
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 1, 2024
Not much in the way of transfer news in the last hour or so – let’s take a look at a couple more fan previews.
Sheffield United
I’m expecting a pretty dull window, beyond – hopefully – tying down some of those who are out of contract in the summer but should form the core next season. Attempting to improve in the short term is probably futile but, prosaic as it is, we really could use a physical presence up top in the mould of Chris Wood or even Kieffer Moore, just to help us move up the pitch. At least the latter’s club will no longer see us as a possible threat, so no need for them to refuse to do business. Ben Meakin @BladesPod
Tottenham
I can’t list the players we’d like. There’s no point. Most Spurs fans hadn’t seen Micky van de Ven play and decided he wasn’t good enough, while Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur were scoffed at by some. For the first time in a long time, I just trust our player acquisition data and targeting. But what of our execution? To echo Ange’s sentiment – the deals need to get done early. We need to solidify our squad to protect the momentum, with consideration for injuries and loss to international duty. A centre-back (the priority), a No 6 (due to the Afcon losses of Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma) and a forward (with Son Heung-min at the Asia Cup for six weeks) would be ideal, but perhaps unlikely. The summer is the window where the real work gets done. Spooky @Spooky23
“Is there an obvious explanation why Afcon 2023 is taking place in Jan/Feb 2024?” asks Tom Stratford. “I’ll no doubt misdate a few documents with 2023 once back to work later this week, but still …”
I had thought it was some kind of rescheduling hangover from the Covid era, but no – like the 2021 tournament in Cameroon, it was put back by six months to avoid the heavy rain of summer in Ivory Coast.
A few more players recalled from their loan spells around Europe – Matteo Gabbia is back with Milan after ending his Villarreal stay, while Owen Beck has been recalled from Dundee by Liverpool.
Striker Dane Scarlett is back at Spurs after failing to score while on loan at Ipswich, and may be kept around as a first-team option by Ange Postecoglou.
Not transfer-related, but still interesting – particularly if you’re an Aston Villa fan …
How did your team do in 2023? 📊 pic.twitter.com/YzMlnUNwBL
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 1, 2024
Everton fans may have been hoping to see Dele Alli return soon, but the midfielder has suffered an injury setback. “I had been close to returning to full training but, frustratingly, I’ve had another setback with my injury,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I’ll be out again for a short while, but my outlook and mentality is nothing but positive. I’ll be attacking my physiotherapy and giving it everything to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
“This year has a been a little different for me,” he added. “I’ve learned and experienced a lot, had ups and downs, but throughout it all you’ve always shown me so much love.”
More Premier League wishlists; Forest need to strengthen at either end, while Newcastle should bolster their medical team …
Newcastle
Dr Leonard “Bones” McCoy would be a good addition to our backroom staff if the USS Enterprise will sell – the injury list is immense. Essential buys in January include a midfielder to fill the gap left by Sandro Tonali and at least one more striker: Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak are shouldering one hell of a burden up front (and are frequently injured). If it wasn’t for FFP perhaps we could have persuaded Toney to return, or have swooped for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, but a couple of loans seem more realistic. On a final note, Howe is gaining a reputation for nurturing talented young English players – so maybe Jobe Bellingham might fancy swapping Wearside for Tyneside? You never know … David and Richard Holmes
Nottingham Forest
Consensus from our podcast team is we need help in two areas. Tom says we “need a decent capable keeper and striker”, so that there can be a back-up plan when Taiwo Awoniyi is crocked – though Chris Wood’s Boxing Day hat-trick was encouraging, to say the least. Adam’s No 1 target is Jonas Wind of Wolfsburg who averages 2.4 shots per game, can score from nothing and gets teammates involved, which could help Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga find the net more often. Adam and Jamie also like Artem Dovbyk, who is doing just as well on goals and assists for Girona, and has solid passing ability as well as a killer finish. There’s also agreement here that we have two second-choice keepers in Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos, so a few supporters are hoping that the club will bring back Keylor Navas or even Brice Samba. Rich Ferraro 1865: The Nottingham Forest Podcast.
How long has comrade Chris Hughton been Ghana manager, then?” asks James Humphries. “I have clearly completely missed that, but it’s very pleasing news. He’s always seemed like a really good guy, and for all that people grumbled about his Brighton team being defensive, If he didn’t keep them up then there may have never been Potterball and what followed.”
Agreed, and I also missed Hughton’s appointment with the Black Stars. He joined their setup as a technical advisor in February 2022, and took over as head coach in February of last year. Also at Afcon this month, as head coach of Zambia … Avram Grant!
As reported by the BBC, Mary Earps could leave Manchester United this January and is free to talk to other clubs about a summer move. Arsenal have been the expected destination, but PSG are emerging as an alternative option outside the WSL.
If the Sports Personality of the Year champ does leave United, they could move for City keeper Ellie Roebuck. A long-time understudy for Earps with England, Roebuck has fallen behind Khiara Keating at City and is eager to boost her playing time with a January move.
Psst! Have you heard about the 16-year-old Manchester United fan taking the world by storm? Luke Littler may be a darts player, but I reckon Erik ten Hag should still take a look …
Away from transfer news, and Chris Hughton has named his 27-man Ghana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Palace’s Jordan Ayew and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo are all in, but Thomas Partey has not been called up. The Arsenal midfielder will stay in London to recover from injury.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with Thomas and Arsenal staff,” Hughton said. “They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is the biggest injury that he’s had in his career.”
“Has anyone checked André’s Insta to see if he has booked a flight to Liverpool?” asks Ian Copestake.
You know what, Ian, I’m going to look for you now … Nope, he’s taken the dog for a walk, and enjoyed some quality family time over Christmas. You can read more about the Fluminense star here:
Tim de Lisle, who set that tricky question, is now up and running with his EFL clockwatch, if you fancy some actual football this afternoon.
Quiz question update (see 12.27) – David Horn has a go. “I’m going to go for the fab trio as being: Leicester, Chelsea and Manchester City, and the one that flip flops: Liverpool?” Three out of four ain’t bad, David. Chelsea, City and Liverpool are all correct, but Leicester went into 2016 second … to Arsenal.
Back to our fans’ preview and a look at the Manchester clubs. Both supporters are hoping for, rather than expecting, a big-name January arrival …
Manchester City
We won’t do any serious business in January – I’m pretty confident of that. Pep Guardiola’s opinion of Kalvin Phillips is clearly so low that we will let him go without signing a replacement. Which (on paper) is madness given how small our squad is, but that’s how Pep rolls! It sounds like we may sign Valentín Barco, a 19-year-old left-back from Boca Juniors, but aside from those types of South American deals, I can’t see us doing anything of note, despite the fact we need a right winger (to replace Riyad Mahrez/Cole Palmer) and a creative midfielder. West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá would be perfect for our left-sided No 8 role. I’ve been super-impressed with him this season. Lloyd Scragg ninetythreetwenty.com.
Manchester United
I can’t see us signing anyone. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s funds won’t be available for a good while, and it can’t be forgotten that we were scratching around for loan players in the last week of the summer transfer window, where we also added a 35-year-old former player. Obviously we have to stay within FFP rules, so unless we manage to get rid of the players who don’t want to be here, such as Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial, I doubt we will see anyone arriving. And players who the manager didn’t fancy have since proved their worth so I can’t see him selling Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay, as has been suggested. We could possibly sign Mauro Icardi from Galatasaray on a loan deal, though – he would ease the burden on Rasmus Højlund. Shaun O’Donnell
The first Football Weekly of 2024 is here – Max, Barry, Jonathan Wilson and Paul Watson look at the latest fixture and whether a new striker is really what Arsenal need.
Brighton have recalled winger Jeremy Sarmiento from his loan spell at West Brom. The 21-year-old Ecuador international has made 21 appearances for the Baggies this season, scoring twice.
“Jeremy will come back to us and we will look at what is the next best step for his development, the Brighton technical director David Weir said in a statement. Sarmiento joined Brighton in 2021 and has made 14 Premier League appearances.
With Kaoru Mitoma injured and also included in Japan’s Asian Cup squad – and Simon Adingra set for Afcon duty with Ivory Coast – it may be that Sarmiento gets the chance for first-team action this month.
A little more on Lucas Beraldo: he’s 20 years old, and has cost PSG €20m in a deal struck without add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Despite his young age, Beraldo has been a first-team regular at São Paulo this season. Previously linked with Liverpool, he can play as a left-sided centre-back in a back three or four, and has caught the eye with his passing abilities from the back.
PSG sign São Paulo's Lucas Beraldo
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the arrival of Lucas Beraldo, who has signed a five-year deal. The left-sided centre-back has said “I’m really happy to be joining a club as ambitious as Paris Saint-Germain.”
“I can’t wait to get to know my new teammates and to take my first steps in this shirt,” added Beraldo, who will wear No 35 and appears set to join up with Luis Enrique’s first-team squad immediately.
Thanks Tim. Let’s kick off with a done deal for one of Europe’s biggest clubs …
Time for me to hand back to Niall McVeigh. In our world, you can get subbed on and subbed off again. I’ll be back later with Clockwatch, trying to keep track of the big goals from the Football League. Sunderland are still 1-0 up in the early game and could have had more from what I’ve seen. Thanks for your company and a very happy new year.
Updated
Back to those fans’ wishlists. We’ve reached two clubs with nothing in common bar an initial.
Liverpool
We’ve managed without Andy Robertson, but with Joël Matip out for the season we could be a bit light in defence – Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté have had their own injury problems. Jürgen Klopp obviously believes in Jarell Quansah and the other kids coming through, but an experienced reinforcement might be on the cards. We’re maybe still missing a world-class holding midfielder – Aurélien Tchouaméni would be ace, he isn’t a regular at Real Madrid right now, and selling him would help their FFP obligations, assuming they have them. Likewise, Konaté’s international teammate Youssouf Fofana from Monaco could fit right in. Klopp’s not afraid of a January signing, so if we go for one or two I’m confident they’ll work out. Steph Jones
Luton
Our main priority has to be convincing Andros Townsend to sign an extension. Because of his injury record he was given only a short-term deal, but has really proved himself so far: real experience, graft and quality. Otherwise, realistically, this month is just about trying to add some depth to the squad to give ourselves the best chance in the next few months. Another centre-back would be really welcome: someone like Paddy McNair from Middlesbrough or Japhet Tanganga from Spurs would be a shrewd signing for us. Dave Gregory Oh When The Town Podcast
In one of the most exciting developments of the day so far, we have an answer to the quiz question (12:27). It was about teams leading the league at new year and where they’ve ended up the past 14 full seasons. I asked for (a) the three clubs that have always gone on to win, (b) the one that has always stumbled, at least in this era, and (c) the one with a bit of both.
“Happy Hogmanay!” says James Humphries. “I reckon a) Man City, Liverpool, Leicester; b) Arsenal; c) Chelsea. How’d my hungover brain do?” Well, it did very nicely with the semi-colons. And it got one thing spot-on: the hopeless ones are indeed Arsenal, who were top of the league at three of the past 14 new years, only to finish fourth in 2014, second in 2016 and second again last May.
Updated
Man City 'sign Claudio Echeverri'
Just what the rest of the Premier League wants to hear: it looks as if Man City have bagged another gifted attacking midfielder. The one crumb of comfort for everyone else is that he won’t arrive till December.
🚨🔵 Claudio Echeverri to Manchester City, here we go! Documents are being exchanged between City and River Plate to seal the agreement.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 31, 2023
2006 born Argentinian talent will stay at River Plate until December 2024 then he will travel to Europe.
Six year deal for Echeverri. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/hnh43h9oub
GOAL! Sunderland 1-0 Preston (Pritchard 10)
The first goal of 2024 is in the back of the net. It’s a screamer from Alex Pritchard, who found himself in a pocket of space 25 yards out and thought he might as well have a go.
Not a bad way to start 2024 from Sunderland’s Alex Pritchard. pic.twitter.com/iJf6hGdCiX
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) January 1, 2024
Wolves go shopping in Eastbourne
We have an actual Premier League signing for you, and it’s not even a loan. Rob Kelly emails to say that Wolves have snapped up a promising teenage striker, who, as Rob points out, spent last season with Eastbourne Town in the Southern Combination League before joining Eastbourne Borough.
Fletcher Holman even sounds like a goalscorer. He will be long remembered on the south coast for putting five past the mighty Billingshurst. As he joins the select club of players to leap from non-league football to the Prem, there will be at least one person at Molineux who knows how that feels – the captain, Max Kilman, who moved to Wolves from Maidenhead United.
🚨 #EBFC are delighted to announce that the club have reached an agreement with Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers for the transfer of Fletcher Holman. Full story ⬇️https://t.co/POt6jI2C5x
— Eastbourne Borough FC (@ebfc_official) January 1, 2024
There’s still not a lot happening, so let’s have a quiz question. Over the past 14 full seasons, from 2009-10 to 2022-23, only five clubs have been the league leaders at the turn of the year. Three of them have always gone on to win the league. One has always fallen short, and one has done a bit of both. Can you name (a) the flawless trio, (b) the hopeless one, and (c) the one that can go either way?
Back to the fans’ wishlists from the Observer. Here are some hopes, and the odd fear, from Goodison Park and Craven Cottage.
Everton
Who will we sign? It’s impossible to predict until we know the status of the questionable 777 takeover. It’s likely to be a question of who we sell as we look to reduce costs further and raise cash, especially if, as expected, the takeover fails. It would be devastating to lose Jarrad Branthwaite – Manchester United and Tottenham have been linked – but Amadou Onana would be acceptable in the circumstances. At a push, a central midfielder and a right-back are priorities, though clearly the whole squad is wafer-thin. The Esk TheEsk.org; @TheEsk
Fulham
Some media outlets seem to have a vested interest in João Palhinha leaving, such is their eagerness to link our under-contract midfielder with all and sundry. As for incoming deals, another combative midfielder – André of Fluminense – is reported to be on our radar. The former fan favourite Fábio Carvalho, currently on loan with Red Bull Leipzig from Liverpool, has been linked with a return. Like several other youngsters before him, Carvalho has found that the grass isn’t always greener. But it’s strikers that we need most – preferably of the “proven” variety. Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis of Alkmaar is apparently a target (oo-er, shades of Mitroglou?). One other telling signature would be that of Tosin Adarabioyo. Our centre-back will be out of contract next summer and has starred recently. David Lloyd @DMLTOOFIF
Benrahma and Kehrer on the way out of West Ham?
A bit of news just in from my colleague Jacob Steinberg. Not hard to think of a few PL teams that would be the better for signing Benrahma.
A couple of potential outgoings at West Ham. Thilo Kehrer, the Germany defender, is expected to go on loan to Monaco. An obligation or option to buy could be included in the deal for Kehrer, who hasn’t settled since joining from PSG last season. Another out the door could be Said Benrahma. West Ham are willing to listen to offers for the winger, who’s not part of Algeria’s AFCON squad, and there’s the usual interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Match alert!
The first game of the calendar year in England will be Sunderland v Preston in the Championship. These two grand old clubs meet at 12.30pm with four places separating them, but only two points (Sunderland seventh with 37, Preston 11th with 35). Here are the teams, hot off the Press Association.
Sunderland Patterson, Alese, O’Nien, Ballard, Hume, Ekwah,
Neil, Pritchard, Bellingham, Clarke, Rusyn.
Subs: Pembele, Burstow, Mayenda, Ba, Aouchiche, Seelt, Triantis, Bishop, Rigg.
Preston North End Woodman, Potts, Storey, Lindsay, Hughes,
Whiteman, Frokjaer-Jensen, Browne, McCann, Millar, Evans.
Subs: Cunningham, Keane, Ledson, Jakobsen, Woodburn, Cornell, Holmes, Osmajic, Best.
Referee Oliver Langford.
Back to Donny van de Beek. Here’s how our Manchester expert, Jamie Jackson, sees the story.
Donny van de Beek has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season with the German club paying a minimal fee, and having an option to buy for €11m + 3m add-ons.
While the Bundesliga club will also pay the majority of the midfielder’s circa-£120k-a-week salary, this is the second loan of Van de Beek’s disappointing United career, having joined in September 2020.
The Dutchman has never established himself at the club, making only two appearances this season in a overall total of 62, which has featured two goals and two assists. Two years ago he signed for Everton for the second part of the 2021-22 season and played seven times, scoring once.
Wishlish latest: we’re into the Cs. The choppy Cs. The Chelsea paragraph – which could well have been a book – comes with a very elegant sign-off.
Chelsea
Christopher Nkunku and Roméo Lavia still feel like new signings, but we do need another striker. Toney would be ideal as he knows the league and could hit the ground running – we don’t have time to bed in another newcomer to Premier League football. Goalkeeper is another position in focus: Robert Sánchez isn’t at the level for a top club. Aaron Ramsdale would be ideal, though it’s hard to imagine Arsenal nodding that through – but a wildcard option could be the vastly experienced David de Gea. Elsewhere, Reece James and Ben Chilwell’s persistent injuries are a concern, and I’m not convinced Marc Cucurella is a full-back, so cover remains an issue. Paul Baker in memory of Trizia Fiorellino
Crystal Palace
A solid central midfielder has become essential given Cheick Doucouré’s long-term injury, and a striker of quality would make a difference – but it’s unclear if PSG’s Hugo Ekitike would solve that problem area. A right-back is also needed, but realistically I’d expect nothing more than a couple of incoming loans to fill the gaps. Kalvin Phillips would be ideal for us – but he will surely seek brighter lights than those in SE25. Chris Waters @Clapham_Grand
And here are the details. The option to buy puts a price on van de Beek: before add-ons, he is valued at just £9.5m, down from about £33m when United bought him from Ajax. A January bargain?
🚨🔴 Official. Donny van de Beek has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan deal from Man United.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2024
As revealed weeks ago, Eintracht will pay small loan fee and cover majority of Donny’s wages.
Buy option not mandatory: €11m plus €3m add-ons.
Exclusive story, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/SPCFNPU8EH
An actual signing!
It’s only a loan, but … the words “breaking news” have at last been heard on Sky Sports News. As expected, Donny van de Beek is joining Eintracht Frankfurt on loan after enduring another few months of nothing at all at Man United. He’s such a clever player on his day, it’s a mystery why Erik ten Hag hasn’t used him more while struggling to break down stubborn defences. Let’s hope this move goes better for him than his last spell on loan, which was at Everton in their late, unlamented Lampard period.
Time for some more of those Premier League fans’ wishlists. Here are the rest of the Bs. For the full set, click here.
Brighton
Tony Bloom never likes to spend in January so it will be interesting to see what happens as Roberto De Zerbi is reported to want a full-back and a winger. We are missing so many players through injury that even before Kaoru Mitoma, Joël Veltman and Simon Adingra were injured recently, De Zerbi wondered if Jason Steele could play full-back. Valentín Barco of Boca Juniors is said to be a target, but expect other clubs to jump in because we’re after him. Ansu Fati and Julio Enciso are likely to be fit well before our next Europa adventure, and it was great to see Pervis Estupiñán return for the second half and score a wonder goal against Spurs. Steph Fincham
Burnley
We need a left-back, a strong midfielder and a striker, but no more wingers. I think we’d need to find a way to improve in all three of those positions in January to give us any sort of hope of avoiding the drop. I’d like a tenacious Joey Barton-type for the centre of midfield, with strength, organisation and desire. Up front we’ve still not replaced Ashley Barnes; we’ve been linked with Southampton’s Ché Adams, though I’m not sure there’s much in that – I’d rather see a stronger player. And I’m certain we’ll make another attempt to bring Ian Maatsen back in from Chelsea to fill the gap at left-back. Tony Scholes UptheClarets.com; @utcdotcom
When the window opens, our thoughts naturally turn to Chelsea. They’ve spent the last few windows carefully compiling a billion poundsworth of mediocrity. What do they have in mind next? Maybe this classy centre-back, but he’s highly sought-after.
🚨EXCL: 🔴⚫️🦅 #Ligue1 |
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) January 1, 2024
◉ Chelsea have opened talks to sign Jean-Clair Todibo in January. He’s high on Blues list ‼️
◉ Tottenham made a very concrete approach and Todibo is keen on Spurs' project. But for now Nice don't want to sell him
◉ Still on MU's list
W @sebnonda… pic.twitter.com/vBs4OFD8Fw
Updated
Are you old enough to remember when Manchester United were pinning their hopes on Frenkie de Jong? According to this transfer guru, they still hold a candle.
🔵🔴 Frenkie de Jong: “I’m at the club of my dreams, Barcelona”, told @NOS.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2024
Manchester United is still there, always interested. A new league could bring you new impulses?
“Possibly. But I’m very satisfied at Barça. It's always difficult to say. For now I feel good here!”. pic.twitter.com/3WNZm0hNRj
All is quiet on New Year's Day
In journalism, the most important question is always the one asked by Marvin Gaye. So far today, the answer comes from U2.
Happy new year everyone and thanks Niall. Esteemed colleague? I’m new to this transfer-window game, and could well turn out to be the worst signing since Antony.
Time for me to hand over to my esteemed colleague, Tim de Lisle, for the next couple of hours.
Fábio Carvalho is back at Liverpool after his loan move to RB Leipzig fizzled out; he made only three starts in Germany and is expected to head elsewhere for the second half of the season. One reported option is Leicester, where I imagine he’d have a lovely time in Enzo Maresca’s slick attacking side.
Let’s continue our look at fans’ January wishlists with two teams moving in different directions – Bournemouth and Brentford.
Bournemouth
Defensive cover at left-back and centre-half is still a must, especially if Lloyd Kelly departs. Patrick Dorgu is very highly rated at Lecce, or Bonke Innocent from Lorient could be an option. With Alex Scott and Tyler Adams on the way back the midfield depth is looking healthy, and out wide we have plenty of options. We might renew interest in Patson Daka at Leicester as potential cover for Dominic Solanke, or Morgan Gibbs-White from Forest, who may feel his face doesn’t fit in the post-Cooper era. Jeff Hayward @afcbpodcast
Brentford
With Bryan Mbeumo out till April and no date put on Kevin Schade’s return, I’m not expecting us to sell Toney this window unless a team (did someone say Chelsea?) pops up with a wheelbarrow filled with £100m in cash. But I do expect us to line up a striker to replace him in the summer. Meanwhile, Rico Henry’s injury has highlighted our longstanding lack of alternative left-back options. I wouldn’t be surprised if we delved into the loan market for some experience if our injury list doesn’t improve soon. We’re also chasing the winger Assane Diao from Real Betis, among others. Billy Grant Beesotted podcast and blog
Hugo Lloris said goodbye to Tottenham fans at half-time during the 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday. He hasn’t featured for Spurs this season and is now off to the MLS after signing for LAFC. Here’s a nice video of the France keeper on his 11-year stay at the club:
🎙️ “From the first moment I felt proud and privileged to represent the Club”
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 30, 2023
Hugo reflects on his 11 years at Spurs 🤍 pic.twitter.com/TWAEa7HqXr
The Observer asked fans of all 20 Premier League clubs for their January wish-lists. Let’s take a look, starting (predictably enough) with Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Arsenal
FFP is a factor here. If we can’t count on the fitness of Thomas Partey, perhaps the Saudis can tempt him. I’m hoping we’re not forced to flog the homegrown likes of Emile Smith Rowe, but frankly, with everyone chasing a proven goalscorer, selling Fábio Vieira etc won’t make much of a dent in the fee demanded for Ivan Toney or Dominic Solanke. Elsewhere, Douglas Luiz won’t be the only Villa player coveted by plenty of clubs, but I just can’t see how we stump up £100m for him. Based on his impressive pre-season form, I’d settle for Jurriën Timber’s early recovery from the ACL injury he suffered in the opening game; he’ll feel like a new signing and might well energise our squad in the finishing straight. Bernard Azulay onlinegooner.com
Aston Villa
Do we stick or twist? Does swinging the bat now risk overpaying and disrupting a harmonious dressing room, or is it irresponsible not to have a proper go when this might be our best chance of the Champions League – or even the title – for years? We have good cover in most positions apart from the hardest two to fill: reserve keeper and back-up centre-forward. Solanke is a great age, it would mean we could slightly adapt styles and he seems like a nice boy. But he’s not cheap and would he come to initially play second fiddle? Personally I’d play 13th fiddle for anyone if they doubled my wages, but anyway. Unai Emery will have lined up two or three fine Europeans I’ve never heard of, and of course the really good teams strengthen in areas where they’re already strong, so I won’t be overanalysing his logic, such is my unconditional faith in the man. I’ll be happy whatever he does. Jonathan Pritchard
Let’s catch up with the latest news on the first morning of the transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano.
• Thilo Kehrer is expected to leave West Ham and move to Ligue 1 side Monaco this week.
• Lyon are interested in signing Everton winger Arnaut Danjuma, but talks are in very early stages.
• Pape Matar Sarr is set to sign a new long-term Spurs contract, tying him to the club until June 2030.
• Claudio Echeverri’s move to Manchester City is almost done; he will stay at River Plate for 2024.
• PSG are still planning to sign Gabriel Moscardo despite the Brazilian talent requiring surgery.
The Women’s Super League transfer window also opens today, and it could be a busy month. Those Mary Earps to Arsenal rumours are back in the headlines, while West Ham and Leicester have already made eye-catching moves. Catch up with our guide …
“I might be late to the party on this one but I’ve just spotted Sean Dyche and the tough-tackling Vinny Samways breakfasting together in a trendy Liverpool cafe,” writes Darrien Bold. “Rumours of a cool £2m swoop doing the rounds in these parts...”
Which strikers are on Arsenal’s shortlist, and who might leave in order to fund a move? Up the road at Tottenham, defensive recruits could arrive shortly. It’s all in 2024’s first Rumour Mill, by John Brewin.
The biggest deal completed so far is Barcelona’s capture of Vitor Roque. The 18-year-old striker was expected to join up with Xavi’s squad in the summer, but the move was brought forward with Gavi’s injury freeing up a place in the squad.
“I want to win as much as possible at Barça,” he said at his unveiling. “I will do everything to help my teammates … and to help the team climb the table. My biggest dream is to win the Champions League.”
You can read more about Barça’s new recruit here.
Even though the transfer window is officially just a few hours old, there have been a fair few deals done in advance. Catch up with our interactive guide …
Happy new year!
The decorations are still up, the leftovers are still in the fridge and someone, somewhere is still letting off fireworks – but January 2024 is here, and with it, the transfer window swings open once again.
Clubs in Spain and Italy won’t officially start doing business until Tuesday, but Premier League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 teams are already on the clock. Most English top-flight sides are recovering from a busy run of festive fixtures, but plenty will have wish-lists drawn up in advance.
Will Tottenham or Newcastle move to strengthen their injury-hit squads? Can any of the promoted trio in the bottom three find a key recruit who can lead a great escape? Just how much money will Chelsea spend? And who wants to rescue Kalvin Phillips from the Manchester City bench?
All questions to be answered in time, so stick around – and let me know who your club needs to sign, or sell, via the usual channels.
