Transfers

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has revealed Endrick’s ambition was behind the decision to allow him to join Lyon on loan for the remainder of the season. The Brazil star has been frustrated at his lack of playing time at the Bernabeu and has been granted his wish to leave in a bid to secure a place in the squad for this year’s World Cup in North America, Canada and Mexico.

Brighton CEO Paul Barber has sent out a strong message to Manchester United over the future of Carlos Baleba, as he insists the midfielder is "not for sale" in either the January transfer window or the summer. Ruben Amorim's side are reported to be interested in signing the midfielder this month, but the Seagulls are not minded to allow him to leave.

Harvey Elliott looks like he has already played his last Aston Villa game as manager Unai Emery revealed the decision over his future was made months ago. The playmaker swapped Liverpool for the Villans on a season-long loan move but he has barely featured for the West Midlands outfit this season. The 22-year-old is now stuck between a rock and a hard place amid his uncertain future.

Chelsea are reportedly 'intensifying' their efforts to recruit Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior following the sacking of Enzo Maresca. The Italian head coach was dismissed after 18 months in charge following a fraying of relations with the club's owners, BlueCo. Now, the Premier League outfit have set their sights on the 41-year-old Englishman, who may have opened the door to a mid-season switch.

Manchester United have reportedly explored the conditions of signing Brighton star Carlos Baleba in January. The Red Devils tried and failed to recruit the midfielder in the summer as they refused to pay upwards of £100 million ($135m) for the 22-year-old. Despite the Seagulls holding firm on their asking price, Ruben Amorim's team have not given up trying to secure his services.

After Napoli beat Bologna on December 22 to win the Supercoppa Italiana, Rasmus Hojlund posted a picture of him holding the trophy, accompanied by the words, "What a great decision looks like." Unsurprisingly, some Manchester United fans didn't react well to the perceived slight on their club. One comment on Hojlund's Instagram photo with more than 14,000 likes sarcastically congratulated the Dane for finding his 'level' before adding, "[The] Premier League is too difficult for amateurs."

D.C. United are nearing a club-record signing as the MLS side finalizes a deal worth around $7 million plus add-ons to acquire Romanian international forward Louis Munteanu from CFR Cluj, according to The Athletic. The move could reach $10 million and would mark a cornerstone addition as the club undergoes a major roster overhaul ahead of the new season.

Liverpool are reportedly close to finalising a £43m ($58m/€49.3m) transfer for Ecuador international Joel Ordonez, who has impressed at Club Brugge. The Reds defence has come under fire during their unsuccessful title defence and reinforcements are being sought after they missed out on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi in the summer.

GOAL U.S. writers take a look at some of the biggest storylines of the January transfer window.

The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.

Chelsea's plans for the 2026 January transfer window have been revealed following the dismissal of manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian boss was given the boot on the first day of the year after falling out with the Blues hierarchy, while he also oversaw a run of three games without a win during the festive period. The west London club had a busy summer window but may not be quite as occupied when it comes to incoming arrivals this month.

Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson has completed his £35m transfer to Crystal Palace, barely half a year after scoring the winning goal in the Europa League final. The Wales international was a key part of Ange Postecoglou's team but has fallen out of favour under new manager Thomas Frank. Johnson now gets the opportunity to revive his career at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles currently ahead of Spurs in the Premier League table in tenth position.

Charlotte FC are monitoring Harvey Elliott's situation at Aston Villa, GOAL can confirm, although any talk of a move would first depend on decisions made by both Villa and Liverpool. The England international is struggling for minutes with Villa, and Charlotte are one of the few clubs in the world that can offer a reprieve in January.

Reports in Spain suggest that Rodrygo is laying the groundwork for a potential move away from Real Madrid. The Brazil international forward faces fierce competition for places at the Bernabeu and is growing increasingly frustrated at having to fill a support role. Interest in his services is said to have been shown from the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City known to be admirers.

Mohamed Salah is reportedly being targeted for a dramatic return to Serie A. The Egyptian superstar bid farewell to Italy in 2017 when making his way to Liverpool. Record-setting exploits have been delivered at Anfield, while winning two Premier League titles, but an exit early in 2026 is being mooted. It is claimed that Roma would like to be reunited with a familiar face.

Ruben Amorim has declared that no Manchester United player will be allowed to leave the club in the January transfer window, handing blows to wantaway duo Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee. United are still at the gates of the Champions League qualifying spots but there appears to be no chance of the club strengthening in the winter market to boost their chances of finishing in the top four.

Manchester City have reportedly taken another huge stride towards completing a big-money transfer for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international is expected to be on the move in the January window as there is a £65 million ($87m) clause in his contract with the Cherries that can be triggered by any of his many suitors. He could soon be heading to the Etihad Stadium.