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Sam Tighe
multiple authors
There’s just less than a week left in the January transfer window, so time is ticking Premier League Clubs and players to make their moves.
It’s been a quiet month so far, but this final stage has the potential to explode into life, and there are a number of players who still need to step up.
Whether they have been ostracized by their club, asked for a transfer, embroiled in difficult contractual situations, or simply just minutes away from the 2026 World Cup, here are the key names in the Premier League who need to find a new solution before The window will close on February 2.
Some housekeeping for starters: lucas paqueta (West Ham), oscar bob (Manchester City) And oleksandr zinchenko (armory) also need a step up, but they are not included in this list because they are all on their way to achieving it. Paqueta is expected to return to Brazil flamengoBob looks ready to join in Fulham, And Zinchenko is on his way ajax.
Let’s not beat around the bush; Sterling is the dominant name on this list and is the man who needs a change of scenery the most. He has not played since May, when he was on loan armory. That move was not made permanent and Chelsea have not registered him to play for them since, forcing him to train away from the first team.
Of course, the bigger hurdle is the 31-year-old’s reported wages (£325,000 per week). Given that his move would cost so much money, he hasn’t played in almost a full eight months and he hasn’t exactly impressed when he’s come onto the pitch for Arsenal, Sterling represents an astronomical gamble – unless, of course, he’s willing to mutually terminate his deal at Stamford Bridge.
Elliott’s loan deal at Aston Villa has a clause that makes his transfer permanent for around £35 million after 10 appearances. Problem? He is unlikely to reach that goal. It seems Unai Emery has decided he doesn’t want him, so he hasn’t given him a minute since October 2nd.
A further complication is the fact that Elliott made one substitute appearance for Liverpool before joining Villa, so he will now Cannot play for any other European team this season (Maximum is two). That means his only option is to move up to a team in North America or Asia, if he wishes to do so.
Ideally, Liverpool and Villa come to some arrangement, perhaps removing the liability clause from the loan that would persuade Emery to use him more. Otherwise, Elliott’s career will be on hold until next season.
Given Spurs’ injury situation, the thought of losing anyone from their squad right now would be a sad sight. However, Tel is unhappy.
The France international has started just six Premier League games so far this season, never quite finding a place in the team, and was not registered for the Champions League squad at the start of the campaign. He was included in the matchday squad in December due to Dominic Solanke’s injury, but was dropped when the England striker regained fitness.
There will be plenty of interest in a loan move to Tell for the second half of the campaign paris fc In the queue between the clubs.
From behind the interest reported from juventus And last week at Aston Villa, Mateta told Palace he wanted to leave. However, since then, both of those clubs have pursued other options, leaving the France striker in limbo.
This week, Nottingham Forest have emerged as an option, with reports suggesting they are willing to pay £35 million for his services, although Palace have demanded £40 million. Mateta will be praying that both sides can reach an agreement, as this may be their only viable exit route left.
Transfer windows are like dominoes. If Mateta leaves Palace, they will need a new striker. That news should perk up the ears of Strand Larsson, who apparently wants to jump ship from Wolves, who are destined for the Championship next season.
The 25-year-old Norway international scored 14 goals in an impressive debut Premier League campaign in 2024-25, but he has scored just once so far this season and has actually fallen out of the regular starting XI. He’s ready to move on in this final week, but where? Apart from the palace, leeds united Has also shown interest.
Strand Larsson is not the only Wolves player to cast an admiring glance; Gomes has impressed in midfield despite his team’s struggles this season, making 65 combined tackles and interceptions – the sixth-highest total in the entire Premier League.
Manchester United have reportedly shown interest, and the possibility remains that if Gomes made the move, he would be replacing one of his idols, casemiroA fellow Brazilian who will Old Trafford departure At the end of the season.
There could be value in United signing him early, bedding him in, and there’s clearly value in Wolves ensuring Gomes avoids any demotion on his CV.
Did you forget about Philips? Well, you are not alone. Remarkably, the 30-year-old midfielder is still on record at Man City and has only played seven minutes of football this season, which came in their 2-0 win. Carabao Cup Victory over Huddersfield Town.
He showed some signs of life while on loan at Ipswich Town last season, but a step up to the Premier League appears unlikely for him at this stage. If the hurdle of his reported £150,000-a-week wages can be overcome, then any move offered to him should indeed take place.
Like Tell and Spurs, it may be hard for Liverpool to accept the idea of losing Chiesa this month because he is injured alexander isaac Covering is required after a broken leg. But since Isak suffered the injury, Chiesa has only played a few minutes – and that was during a period when mohammed salah was far away Africa Cup of Nations Duty
The 28-year-old has started just one Premier League game this season despite winning praise from Liverpool fans for his work rate and commitment. If he wants a chance to play in the World Cup Italy – Although they still have to qualify through the UEFA playoff tournament in March – do they need to play more?
