The January transfer window is almost here, and football fans across the world are buzzing with speculation. With Mo Salah currently focused on the Africa Cup of Nations and his future at Liverpool stabilizing, the spotlight now shifts to Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo. Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham have all been linked with the Ghanaian winger, whose £65 million release clause is about to be active.
Semenyo’s decision could come sooner than expected. Sky Sports reports that the 24-year-old might choose his next club today. If a £65m bid lands, the Premier League giants will be ready to secure his services, potentially changing the balance of power in English football.
Meanwhile, Liverpool may need to rethink their plans regarding Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The defender has decided not to extend his contract, which expires in June, but injury issues at Barcelona could push his exit sooner than expected. Clubs outside the Premier League will be able to speak to Guehi in January, potentially sealing a pre-contract deal for the summer.
In other Manchester United news, former Premier League midfielder Dan Gosling urged young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to stay put and fight for his place. “It’s too easy for players to leave United right now,” Gosling said on Sky Sports. “Everyone wants to leave to better run clubs. No, you’re at Manchester United. Do a job.”
United manager Ruben Amorim also stressed patience in the January window, even after Bruno Fernandes suffered an injury. “What we cannot do is to reach January and try to do everything in urgency and make mistakes,” he said. “We have a plan. If we have to suffer, the club comes first.” This statement aligns with his previous comments discouraging any exit for Mainoo, even with Fernandes sidelined.
At Liverpool, defensive reinforcements may be on the way. Sky Sports reports that the Reds could recall Harvey Elliott from Aston Villa to cover for Mo Salah’s AFCON absence. Elliott’s loan spell at Villa has been limited, and a return could help Liverpool rotate players in the No.9 role alongside Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo.
Meanwhile, the Spanish market has Liverpool linked with Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza. The 26-year-old, a product of Barcelona’s academy, is out of contract in the summer. His versatility at full-back or centre-back makes him an appealing option for the Merseyside club.
Aston Villa are reportedly exploring a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. The Germany international has lost his starting spot at Barca and may be open to a transfer. However, Villa’s current goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, is in excellent form, which may delay any deal if Ter Stegen seeks regular first-team football to strengthen his World Cup prospects.
Chelsea, too, are monitoring developments. Aaron Anselmino, the Argentinian defender currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund, could be recalled if he does not meet a minimum playtime target. Chelsea are dealing with injury issues at the back and may see this as a practical solution.
Liverpool’s interest in Marc Guehi is expected to continue into 2026. Sky Sports reports that despite competition from Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City, Liverpool still hopes to secure a senior centre-back this January or in the summer. Guehi is rumored to have a “gentleman’s agreement” to join Liverpool, though European rivals may try to disrupt that plan.
Manchester United’s forward options are also under scrutiny. Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly staying at United until mid-to-late January, after the Africa Cup of Nations, when players like Bryan Mbeumo and Amad return. There are also ongoing talks with Roma for a loan deal with an option to buy, with Zirkzee expressing interest in the move.
Other Premier League clubs are also on the hunt. Real Madrid has joined Manchester City and Liverpool in targeting Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise. Meanwhile, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba remains off-limits until at least 2027, despite Manchester United’s interest. This long-term hold comes as a major blow for the Red Devils.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United are monitoring Atalanta star Marco Palestra ahead of the January window. The 20-year-old, currently on loan at Cagliari, has attracted attention from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
As the January window approaches, Manchester United face more hurdles. Bruno Fernandes’ injury could trigger renewed interest in midfield targets, but Amorim insists no rushed decisions will be made. “We need points. You can feel at this moment we are going to suffer. No excuses, we need to win the next game,” he said.
Liverpool may need to act quickly if Alexander Isak’s injury persists. While the Semenyo release clause could be used to fund a signing, alternative solutions such as recalling Elliott could give the Reds flexibility in attack.
Marc Guehi’s situation remains one of the most intriguing transfer stories. With Barcelona, Bayern, and Real Madrid watching, the Crystal Palace captain could become one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders in 2026.
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, meanwhile, has the power to reshape the Premier League’s attacking landscape. With multiple top clubs vying for him, his choice could define the January window drama.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, despite injuries, are determined to act with caution. Amorim’s insistence on long-term planning over panic buys could determine how the Red Devils approach January, ensuring any transfers fit into their strategic vision.
Chelsea’s potential recall of Anselmino, Aston Villa’s ter Stegen interest, and Liverpool’s defensive maneuvers show that the January window isn’t just about headline names—it’s about tactical depth and planning.
From Semenyo’s imminent decision to Guehi’s European suitors, the January window is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory. Fans should expect surprises, negotiations, and last-minute deals that could reshape the Premier League’s landscape for the rest of the season.
With players like Zirkzee, Olise, Baleba, and Palestra also in the mix, clubs across Europe are bracing for a whirlwind month of action. The coming weeks promise football drama, strategy, and high-stakes deals that fans cannot afford to miss.
