Five big transfers that could happen in the January transfer window

The January transfer window is open and deals are already being done by some of the Premier League’s biggest and richest clubs.

It might be notoriously difficult to find value in the transfer market midway through the season, but that won’t stop managers and sporting directors pushing for new additions. Here are five big transfers that could happen this month.

Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco)

Widely considered one of France’s best young prospects for the future, Maghnes Akliouche is ready to make the next step in his career having made himself a key figure for Monaco over the last three years. 

The 23-year-old has predominantly played on the right wing for Monaco this season, registering five goal contributions in 16 Ligue 1 appearances this season. However, Akliouche can also play through the middle as a number 10.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the France international with Thomas Frank in need of a new wide attacker after allowing Brennan Johnson to join Crystal Palace. Akliouche has the natural talent to thrive in the Premier League.

Carlos Baleba (Brighton)

Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba is a long-standing one. The Old Trafford club explored a move for the Brighton midfielder in the summer and have been linked once again this month.

It’s clear Baleba would improve United’s midfield which is desperately lacking a two-way operator in the Cameroonian’s mould. The 22-year-old is technically adept and has the physicality to handle himself against any opponent.

Ruben Amorim’s departure from Manchester United means the Old Trafford club will likely wait until the summer before sanctioning any big transfers. However, it’s not out of the question that they could move for Baleba in January if the terms of the deal are right.

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

With just six months left on his Crystal Palace contract, Marc Guehi has several options in front of him. It seems inevitable, though, that the England international will leave Selhurst Park in the near future.

Manchester City are reportedly exploring a move for Guehi after Josko Gvardiol went down with a serious injury in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea. Ruben Dias was also withdrawn in that game with an injury.

Liverpool came close to landing Guehi in the summer only for Palace to pull the plug. Real Madrid have also been linked with the central defender in the past. He has his pick of some of England and Europe’s biggest clubs.

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

Antoine Semenyo has been one of the most reliable attackers in the Premier League this season, registering nine goals and three assists in 19 appearances for Bournemouth. This form caught the attention of several suitors.

Indeed, almost every elite Premier League club was linked with Semenyo who has a £65m release clause in his Bournemouth contract. Ultimately, City won the race for Semenyo and are expected to complete the signing of the Ghanaian winger in the coming days, giving Pep Guardiola another top-level option in the attacking third. The winger has immediately picked up where he left off, with a goal against Exeter in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Elite central midfielders come with a hefty price tag in the modern game (see Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice) and Adam Wharton could be next to go for a gigantic transfer fee.

The Crystal Palace midfielder is one of the best midfield anchors in the Premier League and has been strongly linked with Manchester United who desperately need a player in the mould of Wharton.

Real Madrid have also been mentioned as potential suitors for Wharton. The 21-year-old’s rise over the last two years since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers has been remarkable and it looks set to continue in 2026.