Transfer Window Developments: January 2026 Update

In the ever-evolving landscape of football transfers, January 2026 has already witnessed significant activity as clubs scramble to strengthen their squads mid-season. The latest developments reveal a complex web of negotiations, with Leeds United’s pursuit of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen taking center stage. After having their initial bid of £39 million rejected, Leeds remains in talks with Wolves, who are standing firm on their £40 million valuation of the Norwegian forward. The proposed deal structure included £33 million upfront with a further £6 million in add-ons, falling just short of Wolves’ expectations. Strand Larsen, who joined Wolves from Celta Vigo for £23 million, has become a valuable asset that his current club is willing to part with—but only at their price point. Meanwhile, Leeds is simultaneously exploring options for a left wing-back, with Strasbourg’s Ben Chilwell among their considerations. In a related development at Wolves, defender Emmanuel Agbadou is actively pushing for a transfer to Besiktas, though negotiations remain approximately £2 million apart, with the Turkish club’s latest offer standing at £13 million.

Crystal Palace finds itself at the center of multiple transfer stories, having firmly rebuffed AC Milan’s approach for their 28-year-old forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. Despite the player’s interest in joining the Italian giants, Palace manager Oliver Glasner has clarified that Mateta has not formally requested a transfer. The Eagles are also looking to fill the defensive void left by former captain Marc Guehi’s departure to Manchester City, with Chelsea’s promising defender Josh Acheampong emerging as a potential target. Elsewhere in London, West Ham has rejected Flamengo’s latest offer for Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta, which amounted to £32.4 million plus £3.4 million in add-ons. The Hammers remain insistent that any deal must include a loan-back arrangement allowing Paqueta to stay at the London Stadium until the end of the season. In other completed business, Nottingham Forest has secured Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli, with the agreement including a substantial £34.8 million option to buy.

The Merseyside clubs have been relatively quiet this window, though Everton has successfully tied down midfielder James Garner to a new four-and-a-half-year contract, representing a significant commitment to a player who has become increasingly important to their midfield operations. Manager David Moyes has also quashed rumors linking striker Beto with a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, indicating the Portuguese forward remains in his plans despite speculation to the contrary. On the south coast, Bournemouth has strengthened their goalkeeping options by agreeing to sign Greece international Christos Mandas on loan from Italian side Lazio, adding depth to their squad as they navigate the demanding second half of the Premier League season.

The Championship has seen considerable movement as clubs jockey for promotion or battle against relegation. Manchester United’s young left-back Harry Amass has completed his medical ahead of a loan move to Norwich City, providing the Canaries with defensive reinforcement from one of the Premier League’s elite academies. In a potentially emotional departure, Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan has informed teammates that today’s match against Bristol City will be his final appearance for the club. The 36-year-old Scottish midfielder, who has made an impressive 434 league appearances for the Owls, is reportedly being offered an 18-month contract by Millwall. Meanwhile, promotion-chasing Ipswich Town has bolstered their squad with the £3 million acquisition of Bristol City midfielder Anis Mehmeti, as they continue their push to secure Premier League football.

Brighton & Hove Albion appears to be in a selling mood, with winger Tommy Watson made available for loan during this window. His teammate Jeremy Sarmiento is on the verge of completing a permanent move to Middlesbrough in a deal worth £5 million plus performance-related add-ons. Middlesbrough is also strengthening their attacking options with the signing of 18-year-old Ghanaian forward Hinneh Lord Listowell from Asante Kotoko of the Ghanaian Premier League. The movement of young talent across borders highlights the increasingly global nature of the transfer market, with clubs looking far and wide for promising prospects to develop.

The final days of January promise further activity as deadlines approach and negotiations intensify. Fulham’s Tom Cairney has committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension that will keep him at Craven Cottage for another year, providing stability in midfield. In the loan market, Brentford winger Gustavo Nunes is heading to Swansea City for the remainder of the season, while Birmingham City’s Marc Leonard has secured a temporary move to Scottish Premiership side Hearts. These loan deals represent valuable opportunities for players to gain regular first-team football, potentially enhancing their development and market value. As clubs across Europe finalize their squads for the crucial second half of the season, expect more transfers, both permanent and temporary, to materialize in the coming days as sporting directors work around the clock to secure their targets before the window slams shut.