The January 2026 transfer window is only two days old, but the rumour mill is already in overdrive with a host of major stories involving Premier League stars. From potential sensational returns to big-money rebuilds, the gossip columns are providing plenty of fuel for speculation.
Major Moves: Salah's Speculated Return & Liverpool's New Target
As anticipated, Mohamed Salah is dominating the early headlines. Reports from Italy, notably in La Repubblica, suggest a romantic return to AS Roma could be on the cards for the Liverpool forward. The Egyptian previously played for the Giallorossi between 2015 and 2017. However, any move is reportedly more likely to materialise in the summer rather than this month.
Should Salah remain at Anfield, he could be joined by a new defensive teammate. Liverpool are said to be preparing a move for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordóñez. The Mirror reports that the Reds are ready to pay an initial £35m, potentially rising to £43m, for the Ecuador international. Their pursuit has apparently been simplified after Chelsea withdrew their interest in the player.
Premier League Clubs Eye Midfield Reinforcements
Several English top-flight sides are looking to bolster their engine rooms. Conor Gallagher, who has found starts limited at Atlético Madrid this season, is attracting attention. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are credited with an interest in the energetic English midfielder. Atlético are believed to want at least £26m for a player under contract until 2029.
In a significant development at Old Trafford, whispers suggest club captain Bruno Fernandes could be sold to fund another squad overhaul. The Portugal midfielder previously revealed the club was open to selling him last summer, and this gossip is set to intensify. United's potential targets include Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet.
Arsenal, West Ham & The Battle Against the Drop
League leaders Arsenal are plotting an ambitious move for Real Madrid's young Turkish talent Arda Güler. The Gunners are reportedly considering an initial loan deal for the 20-year-old with an option to buy permanently in the summer. Madrid's valuation for a full transfer is a hefty £78m.
Meanwhile, West Ham United, fighting relegation, are scrambling for attacking additions. Their recruitment is poised to start with Gil Vicente's Pablo and could extend to a move for Chelsea's out-of-favour winger Raheem Sterling. Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal, is understood to be on manager Nuno Espírito Santo's radar.
Elsewhere, Wolves forward Jørgen Strand Larsen is a target for Nottingham Forest, who are seeking cover for the injured Chris Wood. Crystal Palace are also in the mix for the Norwegian, valued at around £40m. Fulham, Palace, and Sunderland are vying for Paris FC midfielder Ilan Kebbal, and Newcastle are planning an approach for Toulouse's 19-year-old defender Dayann Methalie.
