2nd February 2026
February 2 – A flurry of late business is bringing the January transfer window to an exciting close, with clubs across Europe dipping into market ahead of the transfer deadline at 7pm this evening. Here are the moves making headlines.
**Liverpool** have finally pulled the trigger on a move for a defender, securing the signing of highly-rated French defender **Jérémy Jacquet**. The 20-year-old has agreed a five-year contract, with an option to extend by a further 12 months, though will arrive at Anfield this the summer for an initial €60 million, potentially rising to €70 million with add-ons.
Jacquet, who primarily operates in a back three, was also tracked by Chelsea and Tottenham, but Liverpool ultimately won the race. His profile and preferred system have fuelled quiet speculation about Liverpool’s long-term tactical planning, particularly amid continued links to former red Xabi Alonso.
The Reds could well dip back into the market for a cheaper stopgap defensive signing to warm Jacquet’s seat until the summer, with long-term injuries to Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni leaving the holders a little short-staffed at the back.
**Atlético Madrid** have completed a move for Atalanta forward **Ademola Lookman**. The Nigeria international joins for a €35 million fixed fee, with a further €5 million in performance-related add-ons. Lookman, 28, has been on Atlético’s radar for some time following strong Serie A form and impressive showings at the Africa Cup of Nations just gone. His exit from Bergamo had felt increasingly likely after a strained relationship with Gian Piero Gasperini last season, even if ties between player and club had since stabilised somewhat.
**Crystal Palace** are a club experiencing a turbulent period of transition, having already lost captain Marc Guehi this window and head coach Oliver Glasner revealing his intentions to leave when summer rolls around.
The club have agreed a £45 million deal, plus £5 million in add-ons, to sign striker **Jørgen Strand Larsen** – a move that has simultaneously opened the door for wantaway French forward **Jean-Philippe Mateta** to leave.
Mateta is now closing in on a €30 million switch to **AC Milan**, having flown to complete his medical yesterday. The 28-year-old has been a consistent scorer for Palace since Glasner’s arrival, netting eight league goals this season after totals of 14 and 16 in the two previous campaigns.
His departure would follow that of Guéhi last week and attacker Eberechi Eze last summer, with Glasner set leave in the summer and star midfielder Adam Wharton also attracting interest from the ‘big six’ Premier League clubs.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1770038477labto1770038477ofdlr1770038477owedi1770038477sni@g1770038477niwe.1770038477yrrah1770038477](javascript:;)