Transfer Deadline Day: The Final Countdown for Europe’s Top Clubs
As the clock ticks down to the closing of the winter transfer window across Europe’s major leagues, the excitement and tension are palpable. With the deadline set for 11 p.m. GMT / 6 p.m. ET on Monday, clubs are scrambling to finalize deals that could make or break their season. Despite having a month to strategize and negotiate, some of the biggest clubs are still on the hunt for that crucial signing that could propel them to success in the second half of the season. The pressure is on, and for some high-profile players, this is the last chance to secure a move that could rejuvenate their careers.
While most leagues will see their windows close on Monday night, there are still opportunities beyond that, such as in Turkey, where the window remains open until February 11. So, which players and clubs should you keep an eye on as the deadline approaches?
Marcus Rashford: A New Chapter Awaits?
One of the most intriguing stories of this transfer window is the situation surrounding Manchester United‘s Marcus Rashford. The forward, who has found himself out of favor under new manager Ruben Amorim, expressed his desire for a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford back in mid-December. Since being dropped for the Premier League win against Manchester City on December 15, Rashford hasn’t played for United. Amorim has called on him to “give the maximum every day in training and in life,” but Rashford’s determination to leave has been met with a harsh reality check.
Rashford has been holding out for a move to Barcelona, a destination that was always going to be unlikely due to the LaLiga side’s financial constraints. AC Milan showed interest but backed out after Rashford kept them waiting for an answer. Borussia Dortmund’s interest also stalled due to Rashford’s £325,000-a-week salary, which United expect a club to pay if they take him on loan. Now, Aston Villa are leading the race and could finalize a loan deal after allowing 21-year-old striker Jhon Durán to move to Al Nassr for €77 million.
With limited prospects for game time at United, Rashford’s next six months could be pivotal for his future career.
Arsenal’s Striker Search: Will They Find Their Man?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is on a mission to sign a striker, driven by injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, and the need for a clinical finisher in tight games. A lowball offer of £40m for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was swiftly rejected, with Villa coach Unai Emery stating that the England striker is going nowhere. Unless Arsenal significantly improve their offer, they will need to look elsewhere, with Juventus‘ striker Dusan Vlahovic also linked.
Time is running out, and Arsenal’s preferred option, RB Leipzig‘s Benjamin Sesko, is not expected to leave the Bundesliga club until the summer. However, Arsenal have the financial muscle to make a splash on deadline day, so a dramatic late deal cannot be ruled out.
Manchester United: A Busy Deadline Day Ahead?
Manchester United entered this transfer window with a long list of players they were willing to offload. However, given the team’s poor performance this season, it’s no surprise that finding suitors for players like Rashford, Casemiro, Victor Lindelöf, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Højlund, and Joshua Zirkzee has been challenging. So far, only €95m winger Antony has left United this month, on loan to Real Betis, but the rest remain available as deadline day looms.
Winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave, with Napoli and Chelsea interested in the Argentina international. However, Amorim wants the 20-year-old to stay, noting that he has “changed completely” since being dropped alongside Rashford for the City game.
If United can secure a loan deal with Villa for Rashford, they might move to sign a new forward. There’s also a chance that left-back Malacia could leave once Lecce’s 20-year-old full-back Patrick Dorgu arrives for €35m. But time is running out for United to finalize transfers for their unwanted fringe players.
Tottenham’s Transfer Troubles: Will They Find Solutions?
Despite manager Ange Postecoglou’s clear call for reinforcements to address a mounting injury crisis, 15th-placed Spurs have been slow to make significant signings. A loan move for Lens’ Kevin Danso, with a €25m obligation to sign permanently in the summer, has addressed a defensive gap. However, a €60m move for Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel fell through when the 19-year-old rejected the transfer. Now, Spurs must explore other options up front, but with the window closing, they may have to take a gamble they hadn’t considered at the start of January.
Mathys Tel: A Premier League Move on the Horizon?
Bayern Munich have made 19-year-old Mathys Tel available for transfer, and he is attracting interest from Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United. While Tel has already turned down a move to Spurs, United could be his most likely destination if Rashford departs. Tel has fallen out of favor under coach Vincent Kompany at Bayern and wasn’t even on the bench against Holstein Kiel on Saturday. With strong interest from Premier League clubs, a move to England before the deadline is a strong possibility.
João Félix: A New Opportunity Awaits?
The Chelsea forward is available for a loan after struggling to secure a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge since his €50m transfer from Atletico Madrid last summer. Aston Villa, who were interested in Félix last summer, are unlikely to pursue him now as they focus on signing Rashford on loan and PSG’s Marco Asensio. Milan have shown interest in the former Barcelona and Benfica forward, but they have shifted their attention to a €35m move for Feyenoord striker Santiago Giménez.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Staying Put or Moving On?
Liverpool have one last chance to transfer Alexander-Arnold for a fee before his contract expires and he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. While a shock exit from Anfield before Monday’s deadline is highly unlikely, Real Madrid did make a move for the defender on December 31, so their interest is genuine. Liverpool fans can likely rest easy, but a tempting late offer from Madrid could force the club to make a decision.
Evan Ferguson: A New Adventure Beckons?
Brighton & Hove Albion handed the Republic of Ireland international striker a six-year contract in November 2023 after his impressive start in the Premier League. However, injuries have hampered the 20-year-old’s progress, and Brighton are now open to letting him leave, either on loan or permanently, before the deadline. Everton, Bournemouth, and Bayer Leverkusen have all shown interest, with the Bundesliga appealing to Ferguson due to the success of young Premier League forwards in Germany and the lure of Champions League football. However, Leverkusen may struggle to compete financially with Premier League teams and are less in need of a striker after Victor Boniface’s move to Al Nassr fell through. West Ham now appear to be leading the chase to sign the youngster on loan.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
