January 2026 Transfer Window: Five Premier League players likely to be on the move

January windows are usually about patchwork fixes and short-term gambles. This one feels different. With contracts expiring, power shifting behind the scenes, and several clubs repositioning for the second half of the season, January 2026 has all the ingredients of a genuine reset.

January can be a time when clubs decide to keep their powder dry but such is the nature of the competition in the Premier League, that every club can spend big. So, a quiet transfer window in the Premier League has become something of a myth.

From major Anfield uncertainty to changes in Manchester, these are the five names most likely to define the next month.

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

The situation:
The most in-demand attacker outside the traditional elite. Semenyo’s £65m release clause activates early in January.

Likely destination:
Manchester City

Why it’s moving now:
City have been quietly positioning themselves for weeks. Pep Guardiola wants versatility, pace, and vertical threat alongside Erling Haaland. Bournemouth are already lining up replacements, and all signs point toward a fast, decisive deal once the window opens.

In fact, this deal might already be done, with BBC reporting it’s close to completion.

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

The situation:
After surviving a long year of rejected bids and failed moves, Guehi now enters the final six months of his deal. Palace’s leverage has evaporated.

Likely destination:
Liverpool or Bayern Munich

Why it’s moving now:
Guehi has reportedly made it clear he will not extend. Palace can either accept a reduced January fee or watch their captain leave for free.

Liverpool remain the strongest domestic option as they look to refresh a defence creaking under workload and injuries, while elite European clubs are circling with pre-contract freedom in mind.

Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

The situation:
One of the season’s most uncomfortable surprises. Mainoo has struggled to carve out a role in Ruben Amorim’s demanding 3-4-3 system.

Likely destination:
Napoli (loan)

Why it’s moving now:
This is about development, not disposal. United are reluctant to sanction a permanent exit, but another half-season on the bench risks stagnation. A physical Premier League loan or a tactically rich Serie A spell could be the compromise.

Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)

The situation:
Two and a half years after leaving Wolves, Neves is ready to come back. His contract expires in June, and renewal talks have stalled.

Likely destination:
Manchester United or Newcastle United

Why it’s moving now:
Available for a cut-price fee to avoid a free transfer, Neves is the definition of a January luxury. Amorim is a long-time admirer, and for clubs craving midfield control rather than chaos, this could be one of the smartest deals of the window.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

The situation:
An Anfield legend at a crossroads. A very public breakdown in relations with Arne Slot late in December has pushed long-simmering uncertainty into overdrive. While the relation has been “fixed” as of late, it’s still likely that Salah could leave in January.

Likely destination:
Saudi Pro League

Why it’s moving now:
With Salah at AFCON and his contract expiring in the summer, Liverpool face a brutal decision. Having already invested heavily in attacking reinforcements, a nine-figure January offer from Saudi Arabia could prove impossible to ignore.