The January transfer window is in full swing, delivering a flurry of activity across English football. From high-profile returns to strategic loan deals, clubs are making decisive moves to bolster their squads for the second half of the season.
Major Premier League Exits and Arrivals
West Ham United have reluctantly agreed to sell midfielder Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo for a fee of £36.4 million. The Brazilian specifically requested a transfer to the Brazilian club, and he has already travelled to complete his medical. In a separate move, James Ward-Prowse has joined relegation rivals Burnley on loan from West Ham. The 31-year-old midfielder expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, stating he will relish the battle to secure Premier League survival.
To offset these departures, West Ham have secured the signing of Adama Traore from Fulham for an initial £1 million, with a further £1 million due if the club avoids relegation. The 29-year-old winger has signed an initial six-month contract. Additionally, Turkish side Besiktas have shown interest in Hammers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Manchester City's Strategic Business
Manchester City have agreed to sell young winger Oscar Bobb to Fulham for £27 million, pending a medical. As part of the deal, City have secured a 20 percent sell-on clause and matching rights on any future bids for the player. Bobb made 26 Premier League appearances for the champions. Meanwhile, City defender Nathan Ake is on the wishlist of AC Milan, and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is attracting enquiries from other clubs.
Fulham, bolstered by the Bobb signing, are also considering a revised offer for PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi, who is valued at around £35 million.
Key Moves Across the League
Aston Villa have completed the signing of midfielder Douglas Luiz from Juventus, after his loan spell at Nottingham Forest was cancelled. Villa hold an option to make the move permanent for £21 million plus add-ons. In a related move, Villa have recalled defender Yasin Ozcan from his loan at Anderlecht, with the player set to join Besiktas.
Chelsea have recalled winger Kendry Paez from Strasbourg and are sending the Ecuadorian on loan to Argentine giants River Plate. Newcastle United have confirmed they are not pursuing a move for free agent defender Kurt Zouma, who was offered to them after leaving Romanian club Cluj.
Championship and European Interest
Norwich City have made a £7 million bid for Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh, who scored the winner in their Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. The Norwegian club's success in reaching the playoff round has heightened interest in their players. Meanwhile, Norwich striker Josh Sargent remains intent on joining MLS side Toronto FC, having vowed not to play for the Championship club again.
Coventry City have reopened talks with Brentford for midfielder Frank Onyeka. The 28-year-old Nigerian has not featured for Brentford since October but played four games at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Other Notable Transfers and Rumours
Brighton defender Diego Coppola, 22, is joining Paris FC on loan, seven months after signing from Hellas Verona. Ipswich Town have rejected a bid from Derby County for striker Sammie Szmodics, who joined the Tractor Boys for £9 million from Blackburn in the summer of 2024.
Watford are close to securing a loan deal for Udinese centre-back Saba Goglichidze. The 21-year-old Georgian signed a five-year deal with the Italian club last summer but has been limited to eight Serie A appearances this season. In League Two, Salford City are keen on Bolton Wanderers forward John McAtee, 26.
The transfer window continues to generate speculation and confirmed deals, with clubs at all levels actively shaping their squads for the challenges ahead.
