The January transfer window is never an ideal time to do business, but that rarely stops clubs around the world scrambling for reinforcements.
The winter market tends to expose desperation and this often leads to carnage, logic being replaced by overexcitement among Europe’s wealthy elite. Just because you it can spending £70m on a new centre-forward doesn’t mean you you should.
January often conjures up some of the most bizarre and intriguing transfer rumours, the vast majority of which will never come true. However, this does not stop fans from believing in fantasy, clinging to the hope that even the wildest dreams can sometimes come true.
Here are six of the most exciting transfer rumors to emerge over the past week – both credible and less credible.
Despite already possessing quite a few, Chelsea are reportedly interested in adding more wingers to their squad in January. The Blues have been linked with Bundesliga duo Jamie Gittens and Mathys Tel from Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, but the most eye-opening rumors of the past week suggest that wants to sign Alejandro Garnach from Manchester United.
The 20-year-old’s future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain after an unconvincing start under Ruben Amorim and Chelsea, who are also linked to Garnach’s teammate Kobbie Mainoothey seem to want to take advantage. However, it’s worth noting that Man Utd are reluctant to sell the impressive youngster and would likely only consider a mammoth bid – especially if it comes from a Premier League rival.
Ruben Amorim previously worked with Paris Saint-Germain star Nuna Mendes, taking charge of the defender on 47 occasions during their time together at Sporting CP. With Man Utd looking for a new left-back, the 22-year-old has unsurprisingly been linked with a reunion with his former manager and compatriot.
Early reports suggested that Mendes was interested in the move to Old Trafford in January, but later rumors revealed he was a youngster he could sign a new contract with PSG instead. It would be a huge coup if Man Utd could pull off such a move, even if it looks unlikely now.
It’s no secret that Real Madrid are chasing defensive reinforcements and despite a string of injuries to key players, it seems unlikely that the reigning Spanish and European champions will add to their ranks during the January window. Additions will come this summer as they chase cover for the back four.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies are targets at full-back, it seems that Arsenal ace William Saliba could be their preferred option at centre-back. Madrid is already contacted the representatives of the French according to recent reports, but he will undoubtedly need a huge fee to take him away from the Emirates Stadium.
Much of the transfer discourse last summer revolved around Martin Zubimendi. The Euro 2024 winner was heavily targeted by Liverpool, but rejected a move to Anfield having already rejected approaches from Barcelona and Arsenal. He decided to stay in San Sebastian with his boyhood club Real Sociedad.
However, Arsenal reportedly did “practically finished” work for the deep-lying midfielder, with his £51m release clause set to trigger in the summer. Zubimendi is now willing to leave Real Sociedad, and teaming up with fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta and former club mate Mikel Merino seems too good to turn down.
Kyle Walker is expected to leave Manchester City in Januarythe reigning Premier League champions must pay attention to the substitutes. The long-serving right-back has struggled this season but still boasts big boots to fill and the Cityzens have potentially identified their top target.
Reports suggest Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso could soon be a target Man City bid of £54.7mwith the 24-year-old earmarked as the dream heir to Walker’s throne. The versatile full-back has impressed in Torino over the last two seasons, scoring three goals and providing six assists in all competitions during 2023/24.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in Mohamed Salah is nothing new, with Liverpool’s Egyptian king once again being linked with a move to the Middle East. With Neymar expected to leave Al Hilal in the near future, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions are concluding a “lucrative contract” for Salah as they hope to secure his signature this summer.
The relentless Liverpool winger has his current contract at Anfield set to expire at the end of the current campaign, with the 32-year-old yet to negotiate an extension. Capping the uncertainty over his Reds future, Al Hilal could finally lure Salah away from Merseyside with the promise of a fantastic wage.
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