The January transfer window is just around the corner and it could shape the Premier League title race and relegation battle. Whether bolstering the squad for the title run-in or panic-buying to try and avoid the drop, the mid-season window offers ample opportunities.
This year, the January transfer window runs from January 1 until 7pm on February 2, providing plenty of time to do business. Some deals have already been in the pipeline for some time, while others will emerge late on deadline day. There is precedent for big-spending after Premier League sides splashed a combined £370million in January 2025, with Manchester City accounting for over half of that by buying Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez for £190m.
That didn't come close to January 2023, though, when a record £815m was spent. Here are some potential deals to look out for in the coming weeks.
Antoine Semenyo to Man City
This one is pretty much nailed on. Bournemouth are ready to sell, with Semenyo's £65m release clause now common knowledge, and the Ghana international has made it plain that he wants to join City following a run of strong form.
Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea were all reportedly interested in Semenyo, but have since withdrawn as City advanced in their discussions. These talks have been successful, and the 25-year-old, who has scored eight goals in 16 league matches, is expected to join the Premier League title contenders in early January.
Marc Guehi to Liverpool
This transfer seemed a certainty last summer. Guehi underwent a medical to finalise a £35m move from Crystal Palace to Liverpool, only for Palace chairman Steve Parish to halt proceedings at the eleventh hour.
However, with the Palace captain's contract expiring in June, the club has accepted his inevitable departure.
The remaining questions are when and where. Arne Slot previously stated that Liverpool wouldn't revisit a deal for Guehi in January, but an ACL injury to Giovanni Leoni, Ibrahima Konate's inconsistent form – and his own looming contract expiry – along with interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich could force a change of plan.
The England defender is eager to move to Merseyside, although Palace would prefer to retain him until the season's end.
Joshua Zirkzee to Roma
Zirkzee has had a tough time since his £36.5m move from Bologna to Manchester United in the summer of 2024 and could now be on his way out. Roma's sporting director, Ricky Massara, held talks in London earlier in December, and United are open to a sale, provided the terms are right, given Ruben Amorim's depleted squad.
United are willing to sell for a fee of around £30-35m, considering the 24-year-old is contracted until June 2029. However, Roma are interested in a loan deal worth an initial £4.3-5.2m with a commitment to buy if they secure a Champions League spot.
This is one to watch.
Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace
Johnson netted 18 goals in all competitions for Spurs last season, including the decisive goal in the Europa League final, but has been seldom used by Thomas Frank and a transfer is on the cards. A £35m deal has reportedly been agreed between the two clubs and Palace now just need to finalise personal terms.
Johnson moved to Spurs from Nottingham Forest in September 2023 for £47.5m, but is now set to embark on a new journey.
Savinho to Tottenham
Mohammed Kudus has essentially taken Johnson's place in the Spurs line-up, but the winger's departure could signal a new arrival in north London. Tottenham had a £60m bid for Savinho rejected by Man City in the summer, but they may be more inclined to sell now that Semenyo is joining, further intensifying competition for places in Pep Guardiola's team.
Savinho has been warming the bench at City this season and might seize the opportunity for more regular playtime. Similarly, his record of five goals and 16 assists in 70 appearances could persuade City to sell.
Kobbie Mainoo to Napoli
Mainoo has openly expressed his frustration this season, having been relegated to the bench under Amorim's stewardship. The injury to Bruno Fernandes coincided with Mainoo's own setback, adding to his discontent, and he is keen on a move.
Napoli, who have reaped significant rewards from their acquisition of Scott McTominay from United, are interested in repeating the feat with Mainoo. Despite Amorim insisting that Mainoo is not for sale and is part of the club's future plans, it remains uncertain whether United would alter their stance – particularly given their current injury woes and AFCON absences.
Ivan Toney to Everton
Everton are reportedly eyeing Brentford striker Ivan Toney as they struggle to get goals from Beto and Thierno Barry (a combined three goals in 40 appearances this season). Toney, who is keen to secure a spot in England's squad for the summer, could make a return from his lucrative stint in Saudi Arabia.
With 43 goals and 10 assists in 63 games for Al-Ahli, Toney would undoubtedly be a valuable addition. However, Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell and Toney would face a hefty tax bill upon returning to the UK.
Adama Traore to West Ham
West Ham, currently battling relegation fears, are in urgent need of reinforcements. Nuno Espirito Santo will receive backing in the transfer window and the former Wolves manager is eyeing a reunion with Adama Traore.
Fulham are willing to offload the muscular winger, who has seen limited game time under Marco Silva.
Axel Disasi to Crystal Palace
Chelsea are keen to find new clubs for Disasi and Raheem Sterling, who were part of the dreaded 'bomb squad' over the summer. Despite being reintegrated into the first team by Enzo Maresca, Disasi remains low in the pecking order.
Sunderland, Bournemouth and West Ham all expressed interest in Disasi during the summer, but a move to Palace seems more probable as they prepare for life without Guehi.