Southampton are now reportedly weighing up a move for a mystery new manager to replace Russell Martin in the St Mary’s hotseat, Sky Sports have claimed.
Southampton looking for a new manager
With just one win in the Premier League so far, Southampton were persuaded to finally part ways with Martin after they were thrashed 5-0 by Tottenham. 3-0 down inside 15 minutes, they were 5-0 down by half time and it could have been several more had Spurs not taken their foot off the gas in the second half.
It left Southampton rooted to the bottom of the Premier League with just five points to their name, and having conceded the second most goals in the division, and change felt inevitable.
Games
16
Wins
1
Losses
13
Goals conceded
36
Goals scored
11
That change came just hours after the result, with a club statement explaining: “We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our Men’s First Team Manager, Russell Martin.
“The reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.”
The Saints have a Carabao Cup quarter final to negotiate with Simon Rusk in interim charge, welcoming Liverpool to St Mary’s. They also face a run of fixtures over the festive period that features Fulham, West Ham, Brentford and Crystal Palace, all of which will be seen as potentially winnable games.
Understandably, therefore, there is a desire to make a swift appointment as they look to climb off the foot of the Premier League, and Sky Sports have now provided an intruiging update.
Southampton linked with mystery manager
Plenty of managers have already been linked with the St Mary’s hotseat in recent days, with former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand reportedly among those under consideration for the role. Carlos Corberan is another that has been mentioned as in contention, but Sky have now provided a new update on the situation.
They report that while Daniele De Rossi is not among those under consideration, “we’re also told there is one other foreign coach, unnamed, that Southampton are interested in”.
It is still unclear who Southampton will ultimately opt for, but Corberan’s release clause (believed to be around £2m) could prove prohibitive, something that could mean that they move for a currently out of work manager to fill the void on the south coast.
One name that has also been mentioned is that of former Torino and lately Roma manager Ivan Juric, who is also out of work at present.
Sacked managers 2024/25: Every managerial casualty this season
Here’s every manager who’s been on the chopping block in England’s top four leagues since the start of the campaign.
ByBarney Lane May 6, 2025
With time running out to try and turn their season around, Southampton need to make sure that they get their next appointment right.
Birmingham City will hope 2025 is the year they immediately return back to the Championship, knowing full well that League One can swallow some gigantic clubs whole.
After all, when you glance at the current third-tier standings, the likes of former FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic are just above the relegation spots, whilst ex-Premier League outfit Bolton Wanderers are a couple of points shy of the playoff positions themselves.
Therefore, Chris Davies will hope his team can keep the wins coming to bounce back up to the second tier at the first time of asking, with the Birmingham boss managing to get the very best out of players that were purchased even before his tenure got underway when the Blues were attempting to stave off their relegation doom.
Birmingham's best transfer business in recent years
Although the 2023/24 season would end with Birmingham falling down to League One, the summer transfer business before a ball was kicked that campaign has certainly helped Davies in the here and now.
The likes of Keshi Anderson entering the building on a free transfer has now proven to be a masterstroke, with the experienced winger helping himself to three goals and three assists in league action to date, whilst securing Krystian Bielik’s services has also helped the promotion chasers look resolute at the back down a division.
Birmingham City loan midfielderKrystian Bielik.
During Birmingham’s recent 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers at St. Andrew’s, the Polish titan won 100% of his duels, whilst also confidently amassing 107 touches as a key part of the Blues’ defence in League One.
There is, of course, Jay Stansfield too who returned over the summer and has scored ten league goals in 13 outings.
Not all of the club’s ventures in the market have gone on to be overwhelming success stories, however.
That includes Tyler Roberts who in comparison to Stansfield has not enjoyed a fun time of in offensive areas.
Tyler Roberts' time at Birmingham
Roberts hasn’t featured for Davies whatsoever since the ex-Tottenham Hotspur coach took the reins at the Blues, with the former Leeds United man shifted out on loan to Northampton Town in August.
He didn’t really impress anyone across Birmingham’s disastrous relegation campaign either, despite then-manager John Eustace stating that Roberts had experienced a “great” pre-season after just putting pen to paper on a move to the club in the summer of 2023.
Whilst he did serve up a stunning assist for the aforementioned Stansfield to briefly display his prior Premier League credentials under Marcelo Bielsa, that is the only goal contribution Roberts has next to his name for his parent employers from 21 forgettable games.
Moreover, he has tumbled down the pecking order under Davies due to the likes of Tomoki Iwata and Willum Thor Willumsson now at the manager’s disposal in the midfield ranks, alongside Alfie May leading the line competently in another spot the Welshman can operate in.
Games played
16
Games started
14
Minutes averaged
69
Goals scored
0
Assists
2
Touches per game
31.6
Accurate passes per game
12.3 (68%)
Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, his time at Sixfields hasn’t seen him set the world alight either, with just 12.3 accurate passes managed per league clash, alongside only mustering up two assists from 16 league matches.
With Marc Leonard also present at St. Andrew’s as a back-up option that can create constant openings from midfield, there doesn’t seem to be a spot for Roberts at Birmingham anymore, especially if Davies’ men seal an instant promotion back up a league.
Whilst there would have been excitement in the air when Roberts penned a deal to join the club last summer, having scored ten goals in the Championship for the Whites and other teams, Birmingham could now be best placed to move on their dud permanently when his Northampton loan stint expires.
Birmingham must rue signing flop who Clotet dubbed “superb” when he joined
Birmingham City splashed the cash rather rashly on this former player.
As they continue to weigh up whether to meet Oscar Mingueza’s price tag, Aston Villa have reportedly set their sights on a potential alternative option in one of La Liga’s quickest players.
Aston Villa transfer news
Following the pending sale of Jaden Philogene for a reported £21m, those in the Midlands could spring into action on the incomings front. Names such as Donyell Malen and, of course, Mingueza have already been mentioned among the options that the Villans could turn to this month but it remains to be seen just how much they’ll be in position to spend.
Mingueza is particularly an interesting case. The defender is reportedly top of Villa’s wishlist in the right-back department but his €20m (£17m) valuation could yet be enough to turn those in the Midlands away from any deal and instead towards another La Liga ace.
According to Relevo, Aston Villa are now targeting a move to sign Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano this month. The right-back has reportedly been the third-quickest player in La Liga so far this season – recording a speed of 35.38 km/h – and could now add that electric pace to Unai Emery’s backline.
6 players who could join or leave Aston Villa in January
Aston Villa will be aiming to make a few signings and sell some players this January.
ByRoss Kilvington Jan 9, 2025
Gradually becoming more of an important part of the current Rayo Vallecano side, it remains to be seen just how much the Spanish side demand to sanction the sale of their defender.
Whether it’s Ratiu, Mingueza or another alternative option, however, adding a fresh face down the right-hand side of their defence seems to be among Aston Villa’s priorities this month.
"Rapid" Ratiu could replace Cash
One player that recent rumours should concern is Matty Cash, who would be in instant danger of losing his starting role under Emery if Ratiu arrived before the end of the January transfer window. The Romanian enjoyed an excellent Euro 2024 and could yet replicate that performance on the biggest stage in the Premier League – leaving Cash to settle for a place on the bench.
Starts
15
12
Key Passes
13
5
Tackles Won
20
17
Ball Recoveries
73
37
Although analyst Ben Mattinson described Ratiu as “rapid”, the right-back is also far more than just a quick defender as the numbers highlight in abundance. Outperforming Cash so far this season, Ratiu has proved his ability to make an impact going forward whilst being perfectly placed to recover possession at an impressive rate – something that Cash has contrastingly struggled with.
So, if Villa are not willing to meet Mingueza’s valuation then the Rayo Vallecano man is an intelligent second choice option – especially if they can secure a cheap transfer fee before the end of the January transfer window.
As they look to turn their season around at the beginning of a new era under Graham Potter, West Ham United have reportedly made contact in the race to sign an unexpected first target.
West Ham transfer news
Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal had been looking like a matter of when rather than if for some time and defeat against Liverpool and Manchester City proved to be the final straw. Shipping nine goals in two games, the Hammers have officially replaced the Spaniard with former Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter, who’s back in the technical area for the first time since 2023.
Speaking to the club’s official website after putting pen to paper, Potter said: “I am delighted to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the Club I am joining. That is the feeling I have with West Ham United.
“My conversations with the Chairman and the Board have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success, and we are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short-term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long term.”
West Ham given reply after making January bid to sign £12.5m forward
They’re chasing the first signing of the Graham Potter era.
ByEmilio Galantini Jan 9, 2025
With the January transfer window rolling on too, the new manager may not have to wait long to mark his stamp on his new side, which could see one particular star arrive.
According to radio outlet talkSPORT, West Ham have now made shock contact in the race to sign Marcus Rashford on loan for the rest of the season ahead of interest from European giants AC Milan and the rest of the chasing pack.
Asking to be kept informed about the forward’s situation at Manchester United, the Hammers could land the ultimate statement signing to kick off the Potter era with a bang.
Rashford can quickly become Lingard repeat
Of course, Rashford wouldn’t be the first Manchester United player to seek a return to form on loan at West Ham. It wasn’t so long ago that Jesse Lingard was enjoying arguably the form of his career in a sensational loan spell at the London Stadium, in which he went from an outcast at Old Trafford to a star who couldn’t be denied in front of goal at West Ham.
Now, Rashford can complete a similar move and undergo a similar revival. Like Lingard was, Rashford has been cast aside at Manchester United and often forced to watch from the reserves as Ruben Amorim endures a tough start to life at Old Trafford.
At this stage, an exit seems an inevitability. The only question is just who will take a chance on the struggling forward. In a new era, West Ham could yet be the first club to provide a resounding answer to that question.
Liverpool are now ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign a Premier League star in the months ahead, a fresh report has revealed, with the star making Anfield his preferred destination.
Liverpool's Premier League lead cut
A 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground saw Liverpool lose ground in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal’s north London derby win cutting their lead to four points at the top, though that could extend to seven points should they win the rearranged Merseyside derby next month.
Having already qualified for the next stage of the Champions League too, it is has been a monumentally successful first half a season in charge for Arne Slot, who has tasted defeat just twice across all competitions and whose side have scored the most goals in the Premier League while conceding just once in six Champions League games.
Liverpool can forget Zubimendi by signing one of the best DMs on the planet
Liverpool are reportedly interested in a swoop for the Real Madrid midfielder.
ByDan Emery Jan 15, 2025
Despite this, there is longer term concern at the club with all of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold becoming free agents this summer as things stand and set to rob Liverpool of three of their key men should they not agree new deals.
They have already begun planning for the future in some areas, with Giorgi Mamardashvili being signed last summer to join the club in 2025 from Valencia, but there will need to be more additions across the frontline, in midfield and in defence in the windows ahead to rebuild what is becoming an increasingly ageing squad in places.
One area that Liverpool will undoubtedly need to bolster is left-back, where Andy Robertson is beginning to show his age and Kostas Tsimikas is offering litttle challenge to his place in the team on a weekly basis. Now, they have been handed a massive boost in their hunt for a replacement.
Liverpool in pole position to land Premier League defender
That is according to iNews, who report that Liverpool have moved into pole position to sign Hungarian defender Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
The full-back, dubbed as a player with a “unique skillset” by former teammate Mathew Ryan, has caught the eye with a series of excellent performances for Andoni Iraola’s high flying Cherries.
Andy Robertson
Milos Kerkez
Goals/Assists
0
4
Tackles and interceptions per 90
2.25
2.62
Take on success
28.6%
40.9%
Progressive carries per 90
2
2.57
It has sparked serious interest in him from across the Premier League, and the report claims that Liverpool have the advantage over their rivals, with Kerkez preferring the idea of an Anfield switch.
“Liverpool, City and United have already started to make contact with the player’s representatives, but it is understood the 21-year-old favours a move to Anfield over the Manchester clubs,” the report reveals.
Bournemouth'sMilosKerkezin action with Crystal Palace's Will Hughes
As for why, Liverpool have to look no further than their Sporting Director Richard Hughes, who was responsible for signing Kerkez for Bournemouth and who “is understood to play a major part in the Hungary international’s thinking”.
So far, there have “been no concrete proposals”, but it is added that “offers in the region of £50m is where they are understood to be willing to do business” having already signed Kerkez’s long-term replacement this month despite the Hungarian still having three and a half years left to run on his £30,000 a week deal at the Vitality Stadium.
Leeds United have emerged as surprise suitors to sign an “exceptional” Burnley player who wants to leave Turf Moor this month.
Leeds still quiet in January transfer window
The Whites are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table following Wednesday evening’s 2-0 win over Norwich City – Daniel Farke’s former side.
A four-horse promotion race is emerging between Leeds, Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland, with just five points separating the quartet.
Those at Elland Road and the 49ers Enterprises are yet to add to their squad during the winter transfer market, though, with the only piece of business being Joe Gelhardt’s loan move to Hull City.
Farke and Leeds have been linked with a number of players, including Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia. The message from the Leeds boss has been the club will “stay awake”, however, Farke did name-check Buendia when asked about the Argentine playmaker and a potential loan move.
“If he’s not in a white shirt or a yellow shirt we don’t speak about them. We just speak about business when it’s done. I think he just spoke in general about this, the door is perhaps open.
“I’ve also read the comments because I’m interested in football and also the Premier League. I think he just spoke in general and he has not said the door is open for Leeds United, he’s said it’s open for a loan.
“Obviously I’ve worked with Emi Buendia in former years, he was one of my best players, I really rate him but I don’t comment on the situation of a player right now playing for a different side.
“I will never rule out business for us because if you find a player who improves your squad, why not? But also they need to have a really good character and be affordable.”
Worse than Aaronson: Farke must drop Leeds man who lost 80% duels
The Leeds United forward failed to make much of an impact in the win over Norwich.
ByDan Emery Jan 23, 2025
An attacking addition could be on the cards before the February 3 deadline, and a name from a promotion rival is thought to be a potential target.
Leeds eyeing move for Burnley’s Mike Tresor
According to reports abroad, relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds are surprisingly emerging in the race to sign Mike Tesor from rivals Burnley. It is stated that the Clarets are keen to get rid of Tresor before the deadline as they look to recoup the €18m they paid in 2023.
Alongside Leeds, Anderlecht, KAA Gent and Ajax are also interested in the attacker, with the latter of the four clubs Tresor’s preferred destination.
The 25-year-old, who can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, has played just once for Scott Parker’s side this season, registering an assist in 33 minutes against Reading in the FA Cup.
Tresor, dubbed “exceptional” in the past, has scored 30 career goals during his career, and by the looks of it, Leeds have one eye on a move for the Burnley man before the deadline. Whether or not the Clarets would sell to the Whites is another question.
The clock is well and truly ticking for Arsenal now.
The transfer window slams shut in less than a week, and despite their acute need for goalscorers, Mikel Arteta’s side have failed to add a single player to their injury-riddled squad.
Worse still, Manchester City, who have denied them Premier League glory for the last two years, have been on a spending spree this month, with the £59m signing of Eintracht Frankfurt’s free-scoring Omar Marmoush the pièce de résistance of their business.
However, there may yet be cause for optimism among the Arsenal fanbase, as recent reports have linked the club with another sensational forward who could be their answer to City’s new Egyptian superstar.
Arsenal chasing Premier League star
According to a recent report from Football Insider, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.
Transfer Focus
In fact, the report has gone a step further and revealed that the Old Gold are now ‘expecting one or more’ offers for the Brazilian superstar before the transfer deadline on February 3rd.
However, the Gunners are not the only interested party, as the story also names Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa as the other particularly keen sides, and while a potential price is not mentioned, reports from earlier this month claimed that a fee of around £80m could be enough to tempt Wolves into selling.
It will likely be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this month, but given Cunha’s ability and Arsenal’s need for more attackers, it’s one the club cannot afford to pass up, and the fact he’s won comparisons to Marmoush can only be a good thing.
Why Cunha would be Arsenal's answer to Marmoush
Okay, before we look at some of the reasons as to why Arsenal should be going all out to sign Cunha before the deadline next week, let’s examine this comparison to Marmoush and where it has come from.
Well, it primarily stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and the Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in this instance, has concluded that the former Frankfurt phenom is the ninth most similar forward to the Wolves superstar.
The best way to see how this conclusion has been reached is by looking at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, goals per shot and shot on target, passing accuracy, expected assists, through balls, crosses, carries into the final third and more, all per 90.
Goals per Shot
0.15
0.17
Goals per Shot on Target
0.38
0.38
Passing Accuracy
71.6%
70.2%
Expected Assists
0.19
0.25
Through Balls
0.35
0.30
Crosses
4.48
4.58
Successful Take-On %
44.1%
44.7%
Carries
29.4
27.2
Carries into the Final Third
3.08
3.14
Aerial Duels Won
0.45
0.41
However, another way in which the Brazilian dynamo could become the Gunners’ answer to Marmoush is by the simple act of joining the club this month, as while the North Londoners would still have spent significantly less than the reigning champions, they would have at least got a marquee and sought-after attacker through the door.
Moreover, and this is also a reason why Arteta and Co might want to sign the former Atlético Madrid star, he also has the ability to play in multiple positions in the attack, be that on the wings, down the middle or even in attacking midfield, which is a versatility he shares with the Egyptian ace, who can play on either wing or down the middle.
Finally, while the 25-year-old hasn’t been quite as deadly in front of goal this season, he’s still been an incredibly effective attacker.
For example, in just 23 appearances this season, totalling 1807 minutes, the “sensational” dangerman, as dubbed by former professional turned pundit Micah Richards, has scored ten goals and provided four assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.64 games, or every 129.07 minutes.
Ultimately, Arsenal are in desperate need of an attacking signing before the transfer window slams shut, and while he’ll cost them a pretty penny, Cunha looks like the perfect option.
Furthermore, due to his statistical and positional similarities, he could also be their answer to Marmoush.
Big upgrade on Havertz: Arsenal offered late deal to sign lethal £46m star
The clinical striker would make Arsenal far more dangerous.
Everton have a crucial set of fixtures ahead of them, but optimism is anew on the blue half of Merseyside, welcoming Bournemouth in the FA Cup before hosting the Merseyside derby next week.
David Moyes’ galvanising return has been followed by an excellent run of form, Everton winning three on the trot in the Premier League, thrashing both Tottenham and Leicester City and winning away at Brighton.
Everton managerDavidMoyescelebrates after the match
Goals conceded? None. The Toffees have breathing room at the bottom end of the Premier League table, and can focus on the forthcoming tie against Bournemouth with a bit less anxiety.
It’s all down to Moyes.
How David Moyes has revived Everton
Moyes has won as many top-flight fixtures this season, three from four games, as his predecessor, Sean Dyche, who was dismissed after 19 games in 2024/25.
Already, the Scottish tactician has restored the belief on the field and ignited Goodison Park, raising the decibels to its roaring max.
Attacking inspiration is back, with Everton averaging only 1.9 big chances per game across the whole of the Premier League season, as per Sofascore, but averaging 3.3 across the four Moyes-led matches so far.
1.
Liverpool
Alisson/Caoimhin Kelleher
10
1=
Nott’m Forest
Matz Sels
10
3.
Everton
Jordan Pickford
9
4.
Arsenal
David Raya
8
4=
Newcastle
Nick Pope/Martin Dubravka
8
Of course, Moyes has inherited one of the division’s most resilient and disciplined defensive units, but he’s got the skills to elevate the rearguard to the next level.
His arrival will lift and help to develop many Toffees players, with Jarrad Branthwaite surely at the top of that group.
Moyes has hit the jackpot on Jarrad Branthwaite
Hailed as a “physical beast” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Branthwaite emerged as one of the Premier League’s finest young defenders last season, keeping 13 clean sheets from 35 games as Dyche’s durable side avoided relegation comfortably despite being hit with an eight-point deduction for financial breaches.
An academy graduate, after initially joining as a 17-year-old from Carlisle for £1m, he’s already proving himself to be one of the finest Finch Farm talents since one Wayne Rooney waltzed onto the scene.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
He’d missed the opening phase of the current campaign – absent for seven of the opening eight matches – after injuring his back in the summer, and is it any surprise that Everton lacked their defensive solidity without the young titan in the line-up?
The 22-year-old ridiculously won 78% of his ground duels this season and will hope to see an uptick in possession now that Moyes is at the helm, maintaining Everton’s counter-attacking roots but looking to be a bit more controlled in the build-up.
Manchester United are believed to have retained their interest in the £75m-rated centre-back after failing to sign him last summer, with Manchester City and Liverpool also lurking.
Seeing him leave for the despised Merseyside neighbours would be a deplorable outcome, but with Virgil van Dijk, 33, out of contract at the end of the season, FSG’s interest is understandable.
Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
It bears testament to Branthwaite’s potential, already worth more than three times more than the £23m-rated Van Dijk – as per Transfermarkt – and is still yet to reach his prime years.
So athletic and imposing at the back, the England international is proving to be a force for Everton, integral in keeping Moyes’ system airtight, and even if he is to be sold in the coming years, the Toffees would bank a pretty and then some.
Worth 2x more than Ndiaye: Everton must regret selling "frightening" star
Everton have reached an exciting new era but must rue having lost this high-class talent.
Clubs across Europe’s top five leagues spent a massive total of £1.1bn on transfers this January, more than doubling the amount spent last year in the same period.
Manchester City were far and away the biggest spenders, splashing out £181m on five new players, including Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt, Nico Gonzalez from Porto, Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens, Vitor Reis from Palmeiras and Juma Bah from Real Valladolid.
But how does City’s spree compare to previous record-breaking windows? Here’s an in-depth look at the 9 biggest January window spends of all time, with the help of data from Transfermarkt and news sources.
The top 15 transfer signings of the January 2025 window
Here’s who splashed the most cash over the past month.
ByRoss Kilvington Feb 1, 2025
Rank
Club
Year
Players signed
Money spent
Chelsea
2023
8
£330m
Man City
2025
6
£181.2m
Barcelona
2018
2
£152.5m
PSG
2024
3
£105m
Newcastle
2022
5
£91.6m
Jiangsu Suning
2016
8
£80.9m
Juventus
2022
3
£79.5m
Liverpool
2018
1
£75m
Chelsea
2011
2
£71.3m
9 Chelsea (January 2011) Money spent: £71.3m
Following Roman Abramovich’s takeover of the club in 2003, Chelsea often made a habit of spending big in the summer, but took it a little easier in January.
That was until 2011, when they decided to splash £69m – a club record at the time – on two big new signings.
First was the high-profile and controversial arrival of striker Fernando Torres from Liverpool, who Chelsea splashed £50m on. Then, on deadline day, defender David Luiz arrived from Benfica for a reported fee of £21.3m.
Player
Signed from
Fee
Fernando Torres
Liverpool
£50m
David Luiz
Benfica
£21.3m
5 players Chelsea should sign in the summer
Chelsea have fallen off the pace in recent weeks, but a promising season could lead to greater things if they get their summer business right.
ByBarney Lane Feb 4, 2025 8 Liverpool (January 2018) Money spent: £75m
Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
All of the money Liverpool spent in the January 2019 transfer window went on one player: Virgil van Dijk.
The fee, which was a world record for a defender at the time, has since proven to be money extremely well spent, with Van Dijk establishing himself as one of, if not the, best defenders in world football, helping Liverpool win everything there is to win, including the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League.
His stellar performances this season have the Reds and new manager Arne Slot on course for another top-flight triumph.
The most expensive defenders of all time
Which defenders have been sold for the biggest transfer fees?
After years of trying to land him, January 2022 finally marked the arrival of Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic at Juventus, with the Old Lady splashing a massive £66m to bring him to Turin from Fiorentina.
While he can’t exactly be considered a flop, he’s not reached the heights many perhaps would have hoped, finding the net 54 times in 129 games – an average return for a player who is netting around a cool £350,000 per week.
Defender Federico Gatti, signed in the same window for just £7.5m, on the other hand, has proven to be far better value for money.
The only non-European club to be included on this list, Chinese side Jiangsu Suning spent around £81m in January 2016 to sign Alex Teixeira from Shakhtar Donetsk, Ramires from Chelsea and a number of other low-profile stars – including former Manchester City striker Jo.
The window was supposed to be the start of a revolution for the club, but it never materialised. Suning went on to have just one successful season, finishing second in the 2016 Chinese Super League and the Chinese FA Cup, before eventually dissolving in 2021.
5 Newcastle United (January 2022) Money spent: £91.6m
Bruno Guimaraes
Shortly after Newcastle United were taken over by a Saudi-led consortium in October 2021, the Magpies went big in the 2022 January transfer market.
The club brought in Chris Wood from Burnley, Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion and Kieran Trippier from Atlético Madrid, but their marquee acquisition was that of Bruno Guimaraes, who completed a £41.6m move to Tyneside from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
The Brazilian has since gone from strength to strength at St James’ Park, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders.
4 Paris Saint-Germain (January 2024) Money spent: £105m
In January 2024, Paris Saint-Germain forked out a massive £105m to reinforce all over the park, signing striker Goncalo Ramos from Benfica, midfielder Gabriel Moscardo from Corinthians and defender Lucas Beraldo from Sao Paolo.
The revamp, however, hasn’t exactly yielded the results that the French giants would have hoped.
Moscardo spent last season on loan with Reims, making just four appearances before returning to PSG, where he has yet to play a game, while Beraldo is a mere squad player.
Ramos, who cost £70m as PSG made his loan move permanent (technically outside of the January window), has managed 22 goals in 56 games. It’s a respectable figure, but no doubt PSG would have been hoping for more given the money they paid for him.
3 Barcelona (January 2018) Money spent: £152.5m
Philippe Coutinho signs for Barcelona
Barcelona spent a huge £152.5m in January 2018. £10.5m of that went on Colombian defender Yerry Mina, who joined from Brazilian side Palmeiras. The remainder was spent on signing Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool.
Still the club’s record signing, the midfielder was never able to show the form he displayed at Anfield, being loaned out twice in four years before eventually being sold to Aston Villa in 2022 for the measly fee of £17 million.
Former Arsenal and England star Ian Wright once described the move as the “worst transfer of all time”.
2 Manchester City (January 2025) Money spent: £181.2m
After a quite dreadful (at least by their own lofty standards) start to the 2024/25 season which saw them lose six Premier League games before the new year, Manchester City decided to fix the problem the only way they know how – spending a ton of cash.
Pep Guardiola went big, spending a combined £181.2m on six new players, the most expensive of whom was Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, who City paid Eintracht Frankfurt £63m for.
A 5-1 defeat to Arsenal on the eve of the transfer window closing, however, suggests the spending hasn’t done too much good.
1 Chelsea (January 2023) Money spent: £330.1m
Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea
No club in football history has ever come close to spending as much money in a January transfer window as Chelsea did in 2023. The Blues splashed a quite unbelievable £330.1m on an array of new talent that included the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto.
Their only sale that month was Jorginho to Arsenal, who cost the Gunners just £9m. That was lower than their cheapest incoming, with Joao Felix arriving on loan from Atletico Madrid for a £9.7m fee.
With the £100m-plus Fernandez flattering to deceive, Mudryk banned for failing a drugs test, Madueke seemingly being unable to pass the ball in the final third and Gusto warming the bench, Chelsea fans will probably be wishing they can have their Champions League-winning Italian midfielder back instead.
Manchester United are now keen on signing an “unbelievable” forward who’s scored 17 goals already this season, but they may face competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Newcastle United, according to a report.
Man Utd eyeing a forward
Truth be told, Man United will probably need to strengthen in multiple positions if they are to challenge near the top of the table next season, but they are seemingly particularly keen on refreshing their attacking options, having identified multiple targets.
Amid Jim Ratcliffe’s ongoing cost-cutting measures, United are making progress towards signing Lille striker Jonathan David, who will be available on a free transfer this summer, while they have also been linked with an audacious move for FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Ruben Amorim is searching for attackers who can guarantee goals, given that Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have failed to find the back of the net on a regular basis this season, and he has now identified a target who is enjoying a solid season in Italy.
Amorim suffers injury scare as £135k-p/w Man Utd ace set to undergo test
United and Amorim are sweating on the fitness of one key player ahead of their game against Ipswich Town.
ByBrett Worthington Feb 24, 2025
According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Red Devils are keen on a move for Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman this summer, with the Italian club willing to sanction his departure for around £54m, amid an ongoing spat with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Atalanta's Davide Zappacosta celebrates scoring their fifth goal with AdemolaLookman
Lookman was branded “one of the worst penalty takers” by Gasperini after missing a penalty in a loss against Club Brugge in the Champions League, which led to the Italian side’s exit, and he has since hit back at the manager on social media.
As such, several clubs are now monitoring the forward’s situation at Atalanta, with Newcastle also named as potential suitors, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Inter Milan, with the race for his signature said to be wide open.
Man Utd’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Ipswich Town (h)
February 26th
Arsenal (h)
March 9th
Leicester City (a)
March 16th
Nottingham Forest (a)
April 1st
Manchester City (h)
April 5th
"Unbelievable" Lookman impressing in Italy
It was a little harsh for Gasperini to publicly criticise the Atalanta star, given that he has been in fantastic form this season, netting 17 goals in all competitions, and he also played a major role in the Italian side’s Europa League triumph last season.
The Nigerian netted a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, with his side going on to lift the trophy, and he was branded as “unbelievable” by teammate Sead Kolasinac in the wake of his performance.
The London-born forward seemingly hasn’t been affected by his manager’s criticism, however, scoring a brace in Atalanta’s 2-0 victory over Empoli last time out.
Lookman has developed considerably since being handed his Premier League debut during his time with Everton, and his performances in the Serie A and Europe indicate he could be a fantastic signing for United this summer.