The January transfer window is almost here, and Premier League clubs are preparing for big moves. Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and others are quietly planning their strategies as fans eagerly wait for news.
Manchester City appears ahead of the game. Reports suggest Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo favors a move to the Etihad. Clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham are watching closely, but City could secure the £65 million winger once his release clause activates in the second week of January.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s future could hinge on two young talents. Ruben Amorim, speaking ahead of Newcastle’s clash, has sent a strong message about Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old midfielder is regarded as a key part of United’s future. “Kobbie Mainoo will have the opportunity he has all the time,” Amorim said. He added that Mainoo is versatile, capable of playing defensive midfield or the position Mason Mount filled in the last game against Aston Villa.
Amorim emphasized patience: “He just needs to wait for his chance and everything can change in football in two days.” He also confirmed that departures will be limited if replacements are not found: “Even with a full squad, we are shorter for something that can happen here. It’s going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don’t get a substitution.”
At the same time, former United striker Louis Saha has urged the club to pursue Morgan Rogers, calling him the Red Devils’ “dream signing.” The 23-year-old Aston Villa star is in exceptional form, scoring twice against United in their recent 2-1 defeat. His goals were a combination of distance shots and close finishes, demonstrating his technical skill and sharpness in front of goal.
Liverpool has also received unexpected transfer news. Barcelona has cooled its interest in Marc Guehi due to high wage demands, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 25-year-old England international, who is set to leave Crystal Palace on a free transfer, now has one less competitor for his signature. Manchester City and Real Madrid remain interested, but this news is a boost for Liverpool, who are eager to strengthen their defense.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is enjoying his loan spell at Barcelona and hopes to make it permanent. Speaking to Sport, the England forward said, “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal, but it’s not the reason I’m training hard and giving my all. The purpose is to win.” Rashford praised the club’s winning culture, calling Barcelona “huge, fantastic, built to win titles.”
Liverpool may also be considering a move for Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth. Reports from Spain suggest the club would need to spend over £30 million to sign the Atletico Madrid forward. Although Sorloth emerged as a potential loan target after Alexander Isak’s injury, Liverpool could wait until spring when Isak returns and assess whether the current attacking lineup suffices.
Chelsea’s young talent Leo Castledine has been turning heads in League One. On loan at Huddersfield Town, the 20-year-old midfielder has scored seven goals in 19 games, including a stunning free-kick against Luton Town that won the League One Goal of the Month award for November. Championship clubs are reportedly monitoring him, and January could see Castledine secure a permanent move up the pyramid.
Manchester United might also part ways with Jadon Sancho in January. Currently on loan at Aston Villa, Sancho has struggled for game time. With his contract expiring in June, United may cut the loan short to avoid losing him for free. Borussia Dortmund and Monaco are reportedly interested in the winger.
Another Red Devils player, goalkeeper Andre Onana, is enjoying life at Trabzonspor and hinted at a permanent move after his season-long loan. “I’m living the best period of my life,” Onana said. “It was difficult at first, but now I understand. They are my men, I love them, and I love this feeling. Truly incredible, amazing.”
Manchester United is preparing for January with caution. Amorim confirmed the club has space for new signings but emphasized strategy over quantity. “We have space to have more players, but we need to bring players that we know,” he said. “It’s hard to know for sure that everything is going to work, but we need to be certain of the players that we bring. If we are not sure, it’s better not to bring anyone and to work with the players that we have.”
Injuries could also affect January moves. Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba went off injured during Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations opening game against Gabon. The 21-year-old is a United target, but his injury may delay any potential transfer.
For Arsenal, the question remains whether Mikel Arteta will add depth to the title-challenging squad. With January approaching, the Gunners will need to balance ambition and squad harmony, ensuring any new signings strengthen rather than disrupt.
Rogers’ form, Mainoo’s potential, Guehi’s availability, and Rashford’s Barcelona dream all highlight how January could reshape Premier League squads. Fans should prepare for surprises, as deals could emerge quickly once the window opens.
Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal all have decisions to make. Will United secure Rogers and retain Mainoo? Can Liverpool capitalize on Guehi’s availability? And will Arsenal make a move to maintain their edge at the top of the table? The next few weeks promise plenty of drama.
With clubs already scouting, negotiating, and weighing offers, the January window promises excitement. Transfers could be finalized in days, not weeks, and players may move quicker than fans expect. The Premier League is gearing up for a thrilling start to 2026.
Football fans around the world are watching closely. Every goal, every injury, and every negotiation could change the balance of power in England’s top flight.
As the window opens, expect rumors, confirmations, and surprises. From young stars like Mainoo and Castledine to established talents like Rogers, Guehi, and Rashford, January could reshape careers and club fortunes alike.
Keep your eyes on the news, because one signing could change a team’s season overnight. And with January nearly here, the countdown to the Premier League’s next big shake-up has officially begun.
