For some clubs in England, I think the January transfer window probably can’t come soon enough and for others, they probably won’t be looking to bring in many players, if any at all.
Obviously there are a number of players who are being linked with moves away for several reasons, while clubs will also be in need, especially based on where they are in their respective divisions and the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) tournament meaning some clubs could have players missing.
Considering how much they spent in the summer (around £400 million), it feels weird to be discussing Liverpool, though I am writing this at a time when they are, let’s face it, in a slump and their star player of the last few seasons, Mohammed Salah is out in the cold.
The Saudis are circling, as they did last year and, it appears they could well try again in January, for a cut-price fee no less. Take your pick really when it comes to clubs. I think Al-Hilal are the ones that are currently linked, but we could well see Al-Ahli, Al-Ettihad and Al-Nassar all competing as well (all from the Public Investment Fund).
Regardless of whether Salah does go, it appears the Reds are looking to spend. They missed out on Marc Guehi on the last day of the summer transfer window, with Crystal Palace boss, Oliver Glasner playing hard ball regarding his departure. With the World Cup on the horizon, Guehi may choose not to unsettle himself, though Liverpool may still try to tempt him.
🚨🔵🔴🏴 #PL |
❗️Understand Crystal Palace refused two officials bid from Liverpool for Marc Guehi
🤝 Marc Guéhi won’t go into conflict with Crystal Palace to join Liverpool.
🔐 The defender remains respectful of his club — no push from his side
🔍 Meanwhile, the Reds are… pic.twitter.com/9UmKAxloLq
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) August 5, 2025
Elsewhere, second-placed Manchester City may recruit strategically as they look to wrestle first place back from Arsenal, who could also strengthen further to maintain their title tilt. I’m watching this situation with interest, because I think if City enters the race for a quality player, we may see the Gunners compete as well.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we see Chelsea try to bring one or two players in; in theory, they could still win the league, though it will take a considerable turnaround, while Tottenham may feel that one or two additions could cement their bid for a top four challenge.
Towards The Bottom Of The Premier League
When it comes to the relegation zone, while it is of course too early to write clubs off, I certainly think Wolves are down and I don’t see them spending unnecessarily. Both Burnley and West Ham United open their chequebooks in a bid to try and stay up, while just outside the bottom three, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Brentford and Fulham may also be eyeing players.
I’m surprised by Newcastle United as well, who I thought, in the circumstances, recruited well, after effectively being thrown under the bus by Alexander Isak. I’m surprised that they are not further up the table, though I think that one or two strategic, quality additions could see them push on.
Of course, when it comes to spending in January, many clubs are reluctant, though I think we may just see some movement as clubs look to change their situations.