Transfer Window Preview: Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, LaLiga, and Serie A
As the calendar flips to January, the football world braces for the opening of the transfer window. The Premier League, German Bundesliga, and French Ligue 1 will kick off the festivities on January 1, with Spanish LaLiga and Italian Serie A following suit a day later. Clubs across Europe are gearing up to make strategic moves to bolster their squads for the second half of the season. Let’s dive into the transfer strategies and needs of some of the top teams in these leagues.
Premier League
Liverpool
Budget: Liverpool, having opted for a conservative approach in the summer, still have room to maneuver under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). However, they are likely to enter the market only if a prime target becomes available unexpectedly.
What does the team need? The Reds are eyeing reinforcements in defensive midfield and left-back positions. Last summer, they nearly secured Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi for £52m to fill the No. 6 role, but he chose to stay in San Sebastian. The rise of Ryan Gravenberch has softened the blow of missing out on Zubimendi, yet Liverpool remains interested in the Spanish international. Adding depth to ease Gravenberch’s workload would be wise as they push into the latter half of the season.
Who are the major targets? Besides Zubimendi, who is also on Manchester City’s radar, Liverpool is considering upgrades at left-back due to Andy Robertson’s struggles. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Wolves’ Rayan Aït-Nouri are among the potential candidates.
Who could be leaving? Major departures are unlikely for Liverpool in January. With Arne Slot’s side in the title race, they need all hands on deck. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with Real Madrid, but sources suggest Madrid will wait until summer to pursue him on a free transfer.
Any new contracts? Liverpool fans are hopeful for new contracts for key players. Negotiations are ongoing with Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk, all of whom are out of contract at the season’s end. The club is eager to secure their futures sooner rather than later. — Beth Lindop
Chelsea
Budget: Chelsea insists they are compliant with PSR, but another significant spending spree is unlikely.
What does the team need? Stability is the keyword for Chelsea. Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over in May 2022, the club’s transfer spending has exceeded £1 billion, leading to a squad overhaul. Sources indicate a shift to a calmer transfer strategy, focusing on young talent. Despite the spending, upgrades in goal, center-back, and attack could be beneficial, although Nicolas Jackson’s recent form argues against signing another forward.
Who are the major targets? Chelsea pursued Victor Osimhen late in the summer before his loan to Galatasaray. If a move is feasible, they might revisit the deal. They are also tracking Benfica’s Tomás Araújo, though competition from Paris Saint-Germain is expected.
Who could be leaving? Ben Chilwell, out of favor, is a notable member of the “bomb squad” marginalized by Enzo Maresca. Midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei are also available, while Deivid Washington and Lucas Bergstrom could leave on loan or permanently.
Any new contracts? Most of Chelsea’s squad is on long-term contracts. Talks are ongoing with young defender Josh Acheampong, whose current deal expires in 2026. — James Olley
Arsenal
Budget: Modest, but with room for maneuver.
What does the team need? Arsenal is not planning major January investments unless injuries create an emergency or an unexpected opportunity arises. Defensive injuries could prompt a temporary move, but the long-term focus is on bolstering attacking options. Arsenal’s set-piece prowess has masked a slight drop in creativity, and another striker could be the difference between competing for and winning the Premier League.
Who are the major targets? Arsenal is interested in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, with a belief he could be available at season’s end. They have also tracked Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres. A central midfielder may be added depending on decisions regarding veterans Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Who could be leaving? Gabriel Jesus may attract interest due to limited game time, but Arteta dismissed reports of a January exit. Arsenal may listen to offers for full-backs Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Jakub Kiwior has drawn interest from Serie A clubs, but Arteta is reluctant to part with him given defensive shortages.
Any new contracts? Jorginho and Partey are out of contract at season’s end. Arteta is positive about retaining both, but compromises are needed. Jorginho may receive a one-year extension, while Partey would need to accept a wage cut. — Olley
Manchester City
Budget: City’s strong PSR position is bolstered by academy graduate sales and significant summer revenue, including £80m from Julián Álvarez’s move to Atlético Madrid. Club revenue hit a record £715m, with profits at £73.8m.
What does the team need? A central midfielder is a priority. Rodri’s season-ending knee surgery, Mateo Kovačić’s recent return from injury, and Ilkay Gündogan’s struggles since rejoining from Barcelona highlight the need. Goals have been scarce, with Álvarez’s absence felt.
Who are the major targets? Guardiola admires Bruno Guimarães, but Newcastle’s £100m valuation is a hurdle. City would be interested if Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi becomes available. Despite tracking Eberechi Eze, Crystal Palace is unlikely to sell midseason.
Who could be leaving? Guardiola prefers a small squad, and injuries have stretched resources. No departures are expected in January, as City cannot afford further losses.
Any new contracts? City must decide on Kevin De Bruyne’s future, with his contract expiring at season’s end. Interest from MLS and Saudi Arabia adds urgency. — Rob Dawson
Manchester United
Budget: Ruben Amorim has limited funds after United posted losses exceeding £300m over three seasons.
What does the team need? Left-back and striker are priorities if any business is done. Amorim must work with the current squad, but a specialist wing-back is needed for his 3-4-3 system. Luke Shaw’s injury and Tyrell Malacia’s return from a long absence highlight the need.
Who are the major targets? United will sign 17-year-old Paraguayan left-back Diego León, though he won’t join the first team for six months. Joshua Zirkzee has struggled since arriving, and Amorim likes Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres as a long-term target.
Who could be leaving? United will consider offers for most players due to financial constraints. Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen, out of contract at season’s end, are available for minimal fees. Marcus Rashford’s future is uncertain, with high wages and a long contract posing challenges.
Any new contracts? United hopes to secure Amad Diallo on a long-term deal after his impressive season. Harry Maguire’s contract may be extended to protect his transfer value. — Dawson
Europe
Barcelona
Budget: Nothing.
What does the team need? Barcelona needs full-back cover, short-term competition for Robert Lewandowski, and more width. A defensive midfielder is also a long-term need, though Marc Casadó is filling in for now.
Who are the major targets? Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor are key targets, with Barça aiming to register them for the second half of the season. Deco is focused on summer targets, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.
Who could be leaving? Ansu Fati and Pablo Torre’s futures will be assessed in January. Eric García is linked with an exit but is likely to stay.
Any new contracts? Talks are progressing for Pedri and Gavi’s extensions, with several players entering the final 18 months of their deals. Iñigo Martínez seeks a new deal, while Gerard Martín is set to sign to protect his transfer value. — Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens
Real Madrid
Budget: Madrid prefers summer spending on free transfers but has funds if needed.
What does the team need? A right-back is crucial, with Carvajal out for the season and Lucas Vázquez struggling defensively. Raúl Asencio and Aurélien Tchouaméni have filled in at center-back, but David Alaba’s return should help.
Who are the major targets? Alexander-Arnold is the desired right-back, but a January move is unlikely. Young center-backs are linked, but none are serious January options.
Who could be leaving? No departures are expected, as injuries have depleted the squad. Ancelotti insists youngsters Arda Güler and Endrick won’t leave on loan.
Any new contracts? No urgent contracts, with Modrić, Vázquez, and Vallejo’s deals expiring in 2025. Asencio needs a new deal soon. — Alex Kirkland and Rodri Faez
Atlético Madrid
Budget: After heavy summer investment, Atlético won’t spend much in January.
What does the team need? Full-backs on either flank and a defensive midfielder are desired. Javi Galán has impressed recently, and Marcos Llorente is now a right-back. Arthur Vermeeren’s failure to impress highlights the need for a midfielder.
Who are the major targets? No names have emerged as genuine contenders. Any deal would be low-profile and low-risk.
Who could be leaving? Thomas Lemar’s exit would be welcome, but finding a club may be challenging. Antoine Griezmann is expected to leave for MLS in the summer.
Any new contracts? Reinildo Mandava’s contract expires in the summer, and a decision is needed. Giuliano Simeone is due an improved deal. — Kirkland and Faez
Bayer Leverkusen
Budget: No dedicated January budget, and Florian Wirtz’s €120m exit is off the table.
What does the team need? Leverkusen seeks central defense and attacking midfield reinforcements.
Who are the major targets? Argentine striker Alejo Sarco will join in January on a free transfer. Rayan Cherki of Lyon is a potential target for attacking midfield.
Who could be leaving? Jonathan Tah’s future is uncertain, with Barcelona and Bayern interested. He recently met with Barca.
Any new contracts? Leverkusen and Wirtz are close to a contract extension. No immediate talks for others. — Constantin Eckner
Bayern Munich
Budget: Bayern can finance major signings but are saving for summer.
What does the team need? A backup striker is needed, as Kane’s injury exposed a lack of depth.
Who are the major targets? Bayern is eyeing summer targets like Bart Verbruggen and Nico Williams. No January striker signing is planned.
Who could be leaving? Leon Goretzka is a candidate for a move, but he wants to stay.
Any new contracts? Bayern is extending contracts for Musiala, Davies, and Kimmich. Müller may retire, freeing up salary space. — Eckner
Borussia Dortmund
Budget: Summer investments exhausted the budget.
What does the team need? Defensive reinforcements are needed due to injuries, particularly at center-back.
Who are the major targets? PSV’s Olivier Boscagli is on Dortmund’s radar.
Who could be leaving? Donyell Malen may seek a move due to limited playing time.
Any new contracts? No urgent contracts, with only third-choice goalkeeper Marcel Lotka’s deal expiring next summer. — Eckner
Paris Saint-Germain
Budget: €50m-€100m available if needed.
What does the team need? Officially, no January signings are planned, but departures may prompt replacements.
Who are the major targets? Vitor Reis is a target for center-back, while Osimhen and Gyökeres are options up front.
Who could be leaving? Skriniar and Kolo Muani are likely departures, with interest from Juventus, Real Madrid, and Monaco.
Any new contracts? PSG has extended contracts for Luis Enrique, Hakimi, Vitinha, and Mendes, with announcements expected soon. — Julien Laurens
Atalanta
Budget: Profitable for nine years, with €18m made over the summer.
What does the team need? Depth in central midfield is needed, with De Roon aging.
Who are the major targets? Ibrahim Sulemana is a preferred in-house option. Odilon Kossounou’s loan could be made permanent for €25m.
Who could be leaving? Ben Godfrey and Rui Patrício may leave due to limited playing time.
Any new contracts? Kolašinac and Pašalić are likely to receive new deals. A decision on Zaniolo’s loan is pending. — Gab Marcotti
Napoli
Budget: Profitable seasons allowed a €138m summer spend, but no European income limits January spending.
What does the team need? Conte seeks defensive reinforcements and a holding midfielder.
Who are the major targets? Danilo and Kiwior are defensive targets, while Matić is a midfield option.
Who could be leaving? Rafa Marín, Juan Jesus, and Spinazzola may leave. Kvaratskhelia’s contract situation is a concern.
Any new contracts? Kvaratskhelia is a priority, with Meret likely to extend. Anguissa’s future is uncertain. — Marcotti
Inter Milan
Budget: Losses are shrinking, but no January spending is planned unless exits raise funds.
What does the team need? A midfielder and central defender are long-term targets, but no January additions are expected.
Who are the major targets? No immediate targets, with Inzaghi having depth in every position.
Who could be leaving? Correa and Arnautović are potential departures, but no incentive to move.
Any new contracts? No rush for extensions, with key players locked up through 2027. — Marcotti
Juventus
Budget: Despite financial struggles, some funds are available for investment.
What does the team need? Defensive reinforcements are needed due to injuries, with a striker also desired.
Who are the major targets? António Silva and Dávid Hancko are defensive targets, with Skriniar a potential returnee. Zirkzee is a forward option.
Who could be leaving? Arthur Melo and Fagioli may depart, with Douglas Luiz a potential loan exit.
Any new contracts? Danilo’s future is uncertain, with Conceição’s loan deal under consideration. Vlahović’s new deal is a priority. — Marcotti
AC Milan
Budget: Break-even seasons allow for potential January spending, with exits raising funds.
What does the team need? Right-back and central striker are priorities, with Fonseca’s future a consideration.
Who are the major targets? Jonathan David is a summer target, with no January arrivals expected.
Who could be leaving? Florenzi and Jović are free agents in June, with Hernández’s future uncertain.
Any new contracts? Hernández and Maignan are extension priorities, with Pulisic nearing a new deal. — Marcotti
Originally Written by: Multiple contributors
