Transfer news LIVE: Tottenham sign goalkeeper as Liverpool set price for winger
The winter window begins with sides at both ends of the Premier League table looking to strengthen as they battle for survival, European football and even the title
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Clubs across the continent are in the market for January transfer deals as they look to strengthen their squads for the second half of the 2024/25 season with titles, European football and survival all on the line.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are all rumoured to be circling new arrivals as they battle it out in the Premier League while the window could see some big exits confirmed with Trent Alexander-Arnold negotiating a possible free transfer to Real Madrid and Manchester United open to selling Marcus Rashford.
One of the more intriguing sagas is the fate of Dani Olmo who could be left in limbo is Barcelona fail in their attempts to re-register him. The Spanish giants are battling La Liga over finanical issues which could mean Olmo needs to find a new club and there are plenty of teams, Arsenal and Chelsea included, monitoring the situation.
And across the rest of the English top-flight, clubs are sticking to PSR regulations and tight budgets as they look to find cut-price deals to bolster their squads.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and deals below:
January transfers need a spark - not unsellable players, risk-off clubs and one big Man City question mark
It’s been a slow start to the January transfer window, which shows the difficult landscape in which clubs are dealing. While the situations surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marcus Rashford add intrigue, this period is in need of a spark, as Miguel Delaney explains:
January transfers need a spark - not unsellable players and risk-off clubs
Marcus Rashford says he’s open to a new challenge - but who can reasonably afford his asking price and astronomical wages?
Marcus Rashford, Martin Zubimendi and six more players who could be on the move this January
The winter transfer window is open with clubs across Europe looking for value in a difficult market this month.
Injury crises, title challenges and relegation battles will force plenty of clubs into the market in early 2025, with plenty of eyes on the Premier League as clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City look primed to make signings.
Some high-profile players could be leaving England too this winter, with Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold being tipped to negotiate moves away from their clubs.
And across the continent, plenty of Europe’s in-form players are also being linked with moves, from Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.
But who are the major players being tipped for moves, and where could they end up?
Rashford, Zubimendi and six other players who could be on the move this January
Notable players, including Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold, could be on the move this month
Jamie Carragher says Manchester City must go big in January
Jamie Carragher says Manchester City will either go big or not bother in January, despite their terrible drop-off in results this season.
“Man City will try and get the real deal [in January], of course they will, but what you don’t want to do is to end up sort of buying someone for £30m-£40m and in six months he’s not going to play and he’s going to be sitting there on big wages,” he said on Sky Sports.
“If they feel they need to do that to help them get over the line to make the Champions League then they have to do it - but if it’s someone who they don’t really think will move the dial in the next six months or in the future then it’s probably best to leave it.”
City are sixth in the table at the halfway point after beating Leicester to end their winless run, but sit 14 points off leaders Liverpool who also have a game in hand.
Aston Villa eye Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund
Aston Villa are looking to add another wide forward to their ranks as they continue to balance their Premier League and Champions League exertions, and Donyell Malen might just fit the bill. The Dutchman has slipped down the pecking order at Borussia Dortmund and may be available for the right fee. Villa have opened talks over a move, according to Sky Sports.
Crystal Palace boss hopeful Marc Guehi will remain at the club
Oliver Glasner is optimistic England defender Marc Guehi will remain a Crystal Palace player at the conclusion of the January transfer window.
The Eagles captain was linked to Newcastle last summer after a standout performance at the Euros, and the Magpies remain a rumoured suitor alongside Liverpool and Chelsea.
Palace boss Glasner is also confident midfielder Will Hughes, who is believed to be on the radar of several clubs this winter, will stay in south London.
Asked if he felt Guehi would still be wearing a Palace shirt after the February 3 deadline, Glasner said: “I think so. No player from our squad came to me right now and said I want to leave. No one.
“No one who plays all the games, all the minutes like Marc, no one from the players who didn’t play so many minutes.
“This is the most relevant part, what the player tells me, and if one is coming and says ‘I want to leave’, and both clubs find an agreement, I think it will happen.
“But as long as a player doesn’t come, and Marc didn’t come, I’m really not concerned that Marc will leave, but again, the 31st of January is a long time, and I know I’ll have to answer these questions several times.”
Arne Slot reveals surprise Liverpool benefit from Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer saga
Arne Slot has claimed that the saga about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is helpful to him as it prevents his Liverpool players from being overloaded with praise that could make them complacent.
Real Madrid made an initial approach for the right-back this week, which Liverpool rebuffed before the Champions League holders could even make a bid.
But Alexander-Arnold, along with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, is out of contract in the summer and could leave Anfield on a free transfer. The 26-year-old has been able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since New Year’s Day and Real have made no secret of their interest in him.
Arne Slot reveals surprise Liverpool benefit from Trent Alexander-Arnold saga
The Dutch coach believes the uncertainty surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future, with Real Madrid already making an approach, has ensured the squad has not become complacent after topping the Premier League and Champions League
Liverpool boss Arne Slot responds to Trent Alexander-Arnold concerns amid Real Madrid transfer interest
Arne Slot acknowledged he has had conversations with Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Liverpool right-back the subject of an initial enquiry from Real Madrid heading into the new year.
With the vice-captain out of contract in summer he’s now allowed to discuss terms with overseas clubs for a potential free transfer at the end of the season, though reports suggest the Spanish club could return with an offer to take him to Madrid this month.
Liverpool boss Slot responds to Alexander-Arnold concerns amid transfer interest
The right-back is a target for LaLiga’s giants and is out of contract in summer
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti tight-lipped on Trent Alexander-Arnold move
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to be drawn on the club’s pursuit of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Champions League holders were rebuffed when they made an initial enquiry about the England right-back’s availability a few days ago.
Liverpool are determined to hang on to the 26-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer, and a reported potential second approach from the Spanish club, this time backed by a firm cash offer in the region of £20million, is unlikely to sway their resolve.
Real Madrid boss responds to Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer speculation
The Champions League holders were rebuffed when they made an initial enquiry about the England right-back’s availability a few days ago
DONE DEAL! Ipswich sign Ben Godfrey
A late Fulham penalty may have meant a disappointing draw for Ipswich on the pitch today, but they’ve made a significant addition off it with the arrival of Ben Godfrey from Atalanta. The former Everton defender, capped twice by England, has signed on loan until the end of the season.
“It’s been an exciting couple of days and I’m just delighted to have signed and can’t wait to meet the lads and get started,” Godfrey told the Ipswich website.
“I have really enjoyed speaking to the Manager (Kieran McKenna) and to have the opportunity to work under him now is something I’m very excited about. I’ve watched a lot of the games from the first half of the season and you can tell from those that the group is a tight one, full of players giving everything to achieve their goals.
“I’ve not played as much as I would have liked so far this season, but I feel ready to contribute and am looking forward to getting out there.”
Liverpool reject Trent Alexander-Arnold approach from Real Madrid
Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold and have maintained their vice-captain is not for sale in January.
Alexander-Arnold’s deal at Anfield expires in the summer and the defender is a target for Real, whose quest to sign the right back became more urgent after Dani Carvajal was ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
Real’s approach was rebuffed before an offer could be made or a fee discussed.
Liverpool reject Trent Alexander-Arnold approach from Real Madrid
The right back’s deal expires in the summer, and he can sign a pre-contract agreement for a summer move to a foreign club from New Year’s Day
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments