Transfer big board: 50 players who could move in January window
Let the wheeling and dealing begin.
With the January transfer window now open, we're going around the globe to present 50 players who could be on the move before deadline day on Feb. 2.
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Note: Player values provided by transfermarkt.
Premier League 🏴
Coming off a record-breaking summer window in which they combined to spend over £3 billion on new signings, Premier League clubs are once again poised to spearhead the shopping spree.
A collection of players listed are desperate for more playing time, though some have tougher decisions than others. Jesus and Nwaneri, for example, could certainly earn more minutes elsewhere, but are they willing to leave what could be a title-winning Arsenal side to find them?
The Chelsea triumvirate of Disasi, George, and Sterling has combined for exactly zero Premier League starts this season, with the teenager the only one to actually get on the pitch at all. They're desperate for a change of scenery and fresh start in 2026.
Guehi, one of several impending free agents on this list who's now able to speak with other teams about a pre-contract agreement, came agonizingly close to joining Liverpool in the summer - he literally started undergoing a medical before the deal collapsed on deadline day. Crystal Palace could decide to cash in now instead of losing their captain for nothing in six months.
As always, Manchester will be a focal point. Pep Guardiola's title contenders are reportedly on the verge of landing Semenyo, the breakout Bournemouth forward who could end up being the most expensive signing of the entire window. His arrival would likely trigger multiple dominoes, with Bobb and Marmoush being eyed by watchful clubs hoping to pounce the second that Semenyo's deal is finalized.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, will likely focus more on outgoings, with Mainoo's future one of the biggest question marks. The 20-year-old's once ascendant career is in danger of stalling, and his departure has felt inevitable for months. Fernandes has openly admitted that Manchester United were gently trying to guide him out the door in the summer. Detrimental as it may be in the immediate term, they could certainly sell their captain if a suitable offer arrives, especially if it helps the club compile the funds needed to acquire Baleba or Anderson (now or in the summer).
And then there's Liverpool. The sputtering reigning champions have endured a miserable season, and it could be punctuated by the departure of a club legend in Salah after his infamous December outburst.
La Liga 🇪🇸
Atletico Madrid are lagging behind their two illustrious La Liga rivals, and could look to shake things up once again after a busy and opulent summer. One of those summer additions, Raspadori, has failed to make much impact in the Spanish capital, starting just one league match thus far. Gallagher, despite being a prototypical Diego Simeone player, has fallen down the pecking order in midfield and could return to England.
Ter Stegen needs minutes to convince Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann that he's recovered from his recent injuries and can challenge for the starting job at the World Cup. He won't get that opportunity if he remains at Barcelona, where Joan Garcia is the clear No. 1 netminder.
Vinicius and Rodrygo, the exciting Brazilians who once appeared untouchable at Real Madrid as anchors of the side playing on opposite wings, have both been frustrated with their roles under Xabi Alonso. The former remains locked in tense contract negotiations with the club, while the latter has found himself on the bench more often than not. Either one actually leaving in January would be a surprise - players of that quality and pedigree don't often move during the season - but it's certainly not impossible.
Serie A 🇮🇹
The clubs highlighted above all believe they have a genuine chance to win the Scudetto this season; Italy's top five teams are separated by just six points right now. That has the potential to incite action as they each try to bolster their respective squads to pursue a title. But, this being Serie A, financial constraints don't allow for frivolous spending. New signings need to be offset by sales to keep the books balanced.
Nkunku's impact has been modest for AC Milan, while Frattesi has mostly been a non-factor for Inter since Cristian Chivu's appointment as manager. Dovbyk had an encouraging first season in the Italian capital, but he's been displaced up front by loanee Evan Ferguson.
Vlahovic, one of the highest-paid players in the league, is a free agent after the season and has therefore been at the forefront of transfer rumors for months. Juventus would've gladly parted with him this past summer, but the sizable offer they wanted for the Serbian striker never materialized. He's currently sidelined with a groin injury, which complicates matters, but he could be available at a decent discount this month.
Bundesliga 🇩🇪
Bayern Munich dropped roughly €30 million to sign Boey in January 2024, but he's been usurped as the starting right-back by Konrad Laimer - who's a natural midfielder - and will absolutely be moved if a good offer comes in.
Schlotterbeck is one of the most intriguing players to watch in January. Borussia Dortmund's best center-back by some distance, his contract expires in 18 months, which puts BVB in a tricky situation. They haven't made progress on an extension, so it might behoove the club to sell him at peak value before a free transfer starts becoming a real possibility. Barcelona and Bayern Munich are both interested in the German international.
Diomande and El Mala are two rising stars taking the Bundesliga by storm. RB Leipzig have all the negotiating power when it comes to the prodigious Ivorian, and their spectacular track record with sales suggests they will hold out until the summer, when they can instigate a proper months-long bidding war for their next standout prospect.
Ligue 1 🇫🇷
Ligue 1 continues to be one of the sport's most popular hunting grounds for European heavyweights seeking burgeoning talent. Bouaddi and Jacquet, two of the latest phenoms coming through France's vaunted pipeline, won't be at their respective clubs, Lille and Rennes, too much longer. Bouaddi, in particular, is reportedly a target for Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking of PSG, Ramos continues to be linked with a number of European clubs seeking more firepower up front. Despite not being a first-choice option for Luis Enrique, the Portuguese striker is actually PSG's leading scorer across all competitions this season, providing a big boost either off the bench or while several teammates have missed time due to injury.
Around the world 🌎
A pair of Portuguese internationals are expected to leave Saudi side Al-Hilal at some point over the next month. Inter are reportedly working hard to beat out Barcelona and bring Cancelo back to the San Siro, while Neves still has many admirers in Europe and is viewed as an affordable option who can raise the ceiling for several squads at a fraction of the cost of many peers.
Watch out for Smit, the creative ball-carrying midfielder who continues to shine at AZ Alkmaar. The teenager has caught the attention of Real Madrid, and his price tag only seems to increase with each passing match.
Pepi, who has eyes on being the starting No. 9 for the United States at the World Cup, has a potentially career-altering choice to make this month. He's flourished at PSV, but could improve his standing in Mauricio Pochettino's mind if he moves to a stronger league and continues to find the net; Fulham reportedly had a €30-million bid rejected days ago. Of course, if Pepi does make a step up and then struggles, his World Cup chances could take a hit.
This being the final transfer window before the 2026 World Cup, countless players around the world are facing the exact same dilemma.