BundesligaChampions LeagueSoccer
The Winter 2026 Transfer Heatmap: Why Semenyo and Guéhi are Topping the January Wishlist
From Manchester City’s £65m swoop to Liverpool’s defensive masterplan, here are the moves set to define the 2025/26 season.
The January 2026 window is proving to be a tactical battlefield. As we approach the deadline, clubs are moving from “interest” to official bids. From the Premier League to Serie A, here is the breakdown of the most talked-about stars.
The “Departure Lounge” (High Probability of Moving)
- Antoine Semenyo: The transfer saga of the winter. Manchester City is reportedly in the final stages of triggering his £65m release clause. Semenyo’s reps were spotted in Manchester this week, and he could be registered in time for City’s first games of 2026.
- Marc Guéhi: After his summer move to Anfield collapsed, the Crystal Palace captain remains “very keen” on Liverpool. With his contract winding down, Palace may accept a fee around £35m now rather than risk losing him for free.
- Conor Gallagher: Despite Diego Simeone’s admiration, Atlético Madrid has reportedly given the green light for an exit. Manchester United is the frontrunner to bring him back to England for a fee near £30M-£38M.
- Brennan Johnson: To fund their own rebuild, Tottenham might be open to a £35m sale to Crystal Palace, who view him as the ideal replacement for Semenyo.
The “Contract Crossroads”
- Mohamed Salah: The legendary winger is entering the final months of his deal. While the Saudi Pro League is ready with a massive offer, most expect him to stay at Liverpool until June unless a record-shattering January bid arrives.
- Robert Lewandowski: At 37, he remains lethal for Barcelona. A January exit is unlikely, but the club is already monitoring younger strikers for the summer transition.
- Scott McTominay: Despite being a hero at Napoli, rumors of “suffocating” attention in Italy have fueled talk of a £45m return to the Premier League with Manchester United or Newcastle.
Unsettled & Loan Candidates
- Christopher Nkunku: Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe has opened talks with AC Milan. Milan wants a permanent €35m deal, but the player currently prefers to stay at the San Siro.
- Raheem Sterling: Stuck in Chelsea’s “bomb squad” after a quiet loan at Arsenal, Sterling is being linked with Everton, Fulham, and even a shock move to Manchester United.
- Nathan Aké: With Manchester City looking at younger defensive options, Aké could be available for around £25m, with West Ham and Barcelona (on loan) showing interest.
Staying Put (For Now)
- Kobbie Mainoo: Despite a lack of minutes under the current regime, United has no intention of selling their crown jewel in January.
- Nico Paz: The Como breakout star is destined to return to Real Madrid, but the buy-back clause isn’t active until the summer.
