Transfer deadline day LIVE: Fulham try to loan Armando Broja from Chelsea as window closes
Clubs in the Premier League and across Europe made last-ditch moves before the January transfer window slammed shut
Transfer deadline day came and went as the January window slammed shut and Premier League clubs raced to try and complete last-minute deals ahead of the 11pm deadline.
Armando Broja’s future was still yet to be decided as the window closed as Chelsea reportedly agreed a loan deal to send the striker to Fulham, who could do with some goals over the second half of the season, but no official confirmation had landed by the time the deadline passed. West Ham duo Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals’ exits to Lyon and Real Betis respectively were in a similar situation.
A relatively quiet transfer deadline day mirrored the January window as a whole, with financial restrictions stopping Premier League clubs splashing the cash too much. Crystal Palace swooped for midfielder Adam Wharton in a reported £22m switch from Blackburn to mark the biggest Premier League move of deadline day, as the talented 19-year-old cost an upfront fee of £18m with a potential £4m of add-ons.
Burnley completed loan deals for two defenders as Montpellier’s Maxime Esteve and Lorenz Assignon from Rennes signed until the end of the season, while Nottingham Forest signed goalkeeper Matz Sels from Strasbourg and striker Enes Unal joined Bournemouth on loan from Getafe, with an obligation to buy.
Follow the live blog for all the latest news, rumours and updates in the transfer market and find the latest football betting odds and tips here.
Bayern Munich sign Spanish winger
Bayern Munich have signed Bryan Zaragoza from Granada.
The Spanish winger had agreed to join the German champions in the summer but has brought his move forward, joining on loan until the end of the season when it becomes permanent.
Christoph Freund, FC Bayern sporting director: “In football, you always have to be flexible, and so we’ve reacted to the current situation. An agreement like this involves three parties, and we’re happy that Bryan Zaragoza is joining us earlier than agreed. Bryan sees his future at FC Bayern – that future is beginning now. We’re very pleased that he’ll strengthen our squad already for the second half of the season.”
Bryan Zaragoza: “I’m moving to FC Bayern to grow here at one of the biggest clubs in the world. I’m very grateful to Granada for the great time we’ve had together and everything the club has made possible for me. I’ll never forget that. I also feel great support at FC Bayern now. I’m looking forward to what’s coming. We are aiming high.”
Nottingham Forest American youngster signs for Port Vale
Nottingham Forest’s winger Alex Mighten has joined Port Vale on loan until the end of the season.
The American-born 21-year-old has made 67 appearances for Forest since his debut in 2019.
It will not be his first loan however, he spent time on loan with Sheffield Wednesday last season as well as Belgian team Kortrijk.
“Alex is an exciting young player and I am delighted he will be spending the remainder of the season with us,” Vale boss Andy Crosby told the club site.
Newcastle sign Manchester City midfielder
Newcastle have signed Manchester City midfielder Alfie Harrison.
The 18-year-old was part of City’s under-18 Premier League-winning team last season.
The teenager has joined the Magpies on a two-and-a-half year deal, until the summer of 2026.
Crystal Palace and Eze
Moving slightly away from transfers, here is a light-hearted piece of news from Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze is proud to announce the establishment of The Eze Foundation, a charitable foundation committed to providing career enhancing opportunities and inspirational experiences for school children in London.
ICYMI: Rogers makes Villa switch
Aston Villa have completed a move for Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough, with the forward having impressed in the Sky Bet Championship so far this season with seven goals and eight assists to his name.
The 21-year-old arrived at Villa Park after Middlesbrough finally succumbed to an offer in the region of £16million.
Rogers will now line up in the Premier League to help Unai Emery’s side pursue a spot in Europe come the end of the season.
Ivan Toney to remain put
Brentford manager Thomas Frank said there is no chance of Ivan Toney leaving the club on deadline day.
Toney has been linked throughout the window with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
“This will be breaking news, OK - but Ivan will stay,” Frank said at a press conference.
“It’s gone from 99.9 per cent to 100 per cent staying.”
Frank also added there was a “five per cent chance” of any incomings transfers.
WSL latest
Tottenham women’s midfielder Kit Graham has signed a new contract with the club running until June 2025.
The 28-year-old has played in all 14 matches this season for the club, and has developed since her move from Charlton in August 2019.
She carved her name in Club history during the 2021/22 campaign, becoming the first Women’s player to score at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the 1-0 victory over Birmingham City.
Maxime Esteve on the brink of joining Burnley
Burnley are closing in on the signing of Maxime Esteve from Montpellier.
Vincent Kompany said in the press conference: “If he’s in Manchester, then pretty close.
“Walking up here, there’s still nothing official, so until then…but he’s in the building and hopefully we can announce it soon.
“I hope if it does happen that everybody will see what we saw in him, but until the ink is on the paper, I’m not going to say too much.”
Nottingham Forest in the hunt for a goalkeeper
Nottingham Forest could be close to signing Strasbourg goalkeeper Matz Selz.
The shot-stopper is believed to be on a flight to England to undergo a medical in time.
Forest have agreed a loan fee, with the option to buy him in the summer.
West Ham could be pushed to the line for Fornals deal
The Spanish window closes at 11pm, and West Ham could face a race against time to arrange a deal with Real Betis for midfielder Pablo Fornals before the deadline.
The negotiations are believed to have advanced, but is there enough time to get it done?
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