TEAMtalk

The January transfer window is fast approaching and Premier League clubs will be finalising their plans for where to strengthen – so who’s set to do the most business?

As the midway point of the Premier League season nears, clubs will know if they’re where they want to be in the table or not, and in turn if they need to reinforce their squad. However, January isn’t always the easiest time to do business in the transfer market.

That said, the January 2025 window was much busier than a year before, so it remains to be seen how the upcoming 2026 window will pan out.

We’ve predicted which clubs have the most to do in the transfer window, ranking them from who’ll have to be the busiest to who should be the quietest.

West Ham United

It has been a challenging first half of the season for West Ham, who have already replaced head coach Graham Potter with Nuno Espirito Santo and will have to have some changes to their squad up their sleeve to boost their chances of survival.

Sky Sports News claimed in October that West Ham want at least one striker, midfielder and defender – clearly indicating their need to strengthen the spine of their team.

The striker position will be the main priority, which will be frustrating for a side who’ve been saying the same thing for years and struggling to bring in a solution that actually works as they’d want.

Niclas Fullkrug is on his way out to AC Milan and will need replacing as the first port of call.

Tottenham Hotspur

If Spurs are to threaten the top four by the end of the season, they’ll need more than they have now.

Question marks have recently been asked of their main goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who could be replaced for an upgrade.

But there are just as many doubts at the other end of the pitch, with Spurs lacking a left winger to rely on and being mindful that they could do with a more reliable striker.

Midfield is another department they would top up in an ideal world.

Fulham

Marco Silva emerged from the summer transfer window a frustrated figure after seeing Fulham wait until deadline day to do most of their business.

“I don’t want to put a number on it,” Silva said at the start of December when asked about how many signings are still needed.

“These three, four months created a different scenario for us. Of course, we had one or two things last summer that were not possible for us to do, because we had some players in the last days of the market.

“We are working together, myself, staff and the board to see if we can do it and if we can do it quick in the first days of the market.”

Fulham are known to be exploring ways to strengthen their attack, among other areas such as midfield.

Wolves

Wolves’ status as the basement side in the Premier League implies they have several weaknesses in their squad and could improve with new additions.

According to The Athletic, areas they are seeking to improve include in goal, in midfield (potentially with a no.10) and right wing-back.

However, any business conducted will have to be with the prospect of Championship football for 2026-27 being on the back of their mind.

Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner wasn’t thrilled with Palace’s approach in the summer and has implored the club to boost their options in January, since they are still juggling European commitments as well.

“If you play European football for the first time in your history, you should invest and not save,” he said after their loss to Manchester United at the end of November.

“We are doing well, we are still in a good position in the league and in all four competitions. I think January is too late. We will have played more than 50% of our games. Ismaila [Sarr] we lost him today with an injury and also he goes to AFCON so everything we are facing now, it’s not surprising.

“Everything was pretty clear and I didn’t say anything but today I think it is also time to speak about it that we missed the chance to play an even better season in the summer.”

Moreover, Marc Guehi is set to enter the last six months of his contract and would need to be replaced if Palace take their last chance to cash in on him.

Right wing-back is another area of concern depending on the severity of Daniel Munoz’s injury.

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Liverpool

Despite embarking on their biggest ever transfer window in the summer, Liverpool have shown themselves to still have gaps in their squad throughout their faltering title defence.

On deadline day, they were close to signing Guehi but didn’t. A subsequent injury to Giovanni Leoni means centre-back is an area they lack depth in.

Liverpool could also consider adding another winger after failing to replace Luis Diaz, not to mention the Mo Salah fall-out, while cover in defensive midfield might be beneficial – although whether they choose to go down that route in January or wait until the summer remains to be seen.

And keep an eye on whether they find short-term cover at centre-forward after Alexander Isak’s injury.

Manchester United

The main area for Man Utd to strengthen in 2026 is their midfield, with plans to sign one reinforcement in January and another in the summer.

But United might not stop at just one signing for January, since Ruben Amorim may also like to improve his wing-back options again.

Furthermore, there have been calls for a more experienced striker to add to the ranks.

There’s also AFCON now underway, which has taken Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo away from availability for a short while. Cover may be needed.

Manchester City

City were the big spenders last January, boosting their squad with the likes of Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush.

They could be attentive to opportunities to strengthen this time around too, although it would mainly be for depth.

For example, they are over-reliant on Erling Haaland to get the goals up front – which should soon be relieved with the capture of Antoine Semenyo – and suffer without Rodri in defensive midfield.

Finding a more natural right-back than Matheus Nunes would also look like a logical move.

Newcastle United

Newcastle haven’t had the best of luck on the injuries front recently and how their players recover may have an impact on their January business.

Keep an eye on their goalkeeping situation, with Aaron Ramsdale currently on loan from Southampton but rumours persisting about interest in finding a more permanent successor to Nick Pope.

According to The Athletic, Newcastle have also shown interest in strengthening at full-back and in midfield.

Everton

David Moyes will be celebrating a year back in charge of Everton in January and he will be hoping to be backed again in the transfer window.

Everton would benefit from signing a more established right-back, while they also could have room for another midfielder – and will need to work out whether to fill that space with a new signing or by recalling Harrison Armstrong from his loan at Preston.

Finally, an experienced striker could make a difference for Everton after summer signing Thierno Barry waited until December to open his Premier League goalscoring account.

Brentford

Brentford are feeling the strain of having a thin squad impacted by injuries at the moment, so Keith Andrews is interested in exploring their options for the winter window.

“I think the club are always looking at options, and it’s been well-documented at the last window,” he said. “I’m sure there’s going to be options that we will look at and look to do in January if we feel it’s right.”

The attack will be where Brentford do the most work, given their over-reliance on striker Igor Thiago and the long-term injury suffered by Fabio Carvalho.

But Sky Sports News has also highlighted their hopes of strengthening in defensive midfield.

Aston Villa

Villa have built some serious momentum recently to recover from their slow start to the season, so the January window could help them preserve their form.

Depth in the striker department seems to be their main concern, a year on from the sale of Jhon Duran. Ollie Watkins won’t be sold, but he could soon have a new teammate vying for his position.

Keep an eye on whether they manage to send Harvey Elliott back to Liverpool as well, amid his lack of gametime, and whether that could open up space for a new winger to arrive.

This will be the first window Villa have navigated since Monchi stepped down from his role as their president of football operations. It’s worth remembering that PSR issues may still be on the back of their minds.

Leeds United

To give themselves the best chance of avoiding relegation, attack is the main area Leeds will need to upgrade in January.

They were keen to add another winger towards the end of the summer window, but a recent switch to a 3-5-2 formation might mean a centre-forward will come back onto the radar instead.

The new shape could also lead to them exploring their options at centre-back to ensure they have enough depth.

Burnley

Burnley were one of the busiest clubs in the summer after earning promotion back to the Premier League, but they find themselves in the relegation zone and among the lower scorers in the division.

Staying in the Premier League after getting there is a tall order these days, so they might not be able to let the January window pass them by without some attempt to salvage their situation – but it depends on how much room they have left after their post-promotion recruitment drive.

Bournemouth

January may have to be a reactive window for Bournemouth, who are faced with mounting interest in their star forward, Antoine Semenyo.

If Semenyo does leave – as is now expected, with Manchester City confident they’ll be his final destination – they would have to look for a replacement to help retain their goalscoring edge.

There are also clubs queuing up for midfield prodigy Alex Scott, so that could be another position that would need replenishing.

Sunderland

Sunderland impressed with their summer business after earning promotion to the Premier League, with plenty of eye-catching additions to their squad.

They’ve impressed on the pitch too and have every reason to believe in a top-half finish.

It could encourage them to add extra sparks to their squad – maybe in midfield – but they can also be content with what they’ve built to get to this point.

That said, they are the club most affected by absences for the Africa Cup of Nations and may need some short-term reinforcements.

Brighton

Brighton’s main concern will be the centre-forward role after a season-ending injury to Stefanos Tzimas.

Addressing whether a new signing could be the solution, head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: “It can be, yes, but regarding the transfers I always emphasise that we will make decisions together. So, we are in exchange, we try to understand the situation, what do we need and then try to find the best solution.”

A recall for Roma loanee Evan Ferguson has been touted, but he has also been linked with other clubs.

Other areas they have been tipped to look at by Sky Sports News include midfield, with a view to a succession plan for Carlos Baleba.

Nottingham Forest

Sean Dyche has started to turn Forest’s form around, but is well aware that January can be an ‘awkward’ transfer window.

Finding cover for injuries will probably be the manager’s main expectation, such as in midfield or at left-back.

“January is always an awkward window anyway,” he said. “There are no guarantees you get the right players who fit and all that in January.

“The way that football is, everyone is open-minded – all clubs. That is certainly the way me and my staff work, and we have already been speaking to the powers-that-be about options with the recruitment side of things.

“It is an ongoing process now – keeping links with players, possibles, probables, availability, contractual situations, all of that. It has become part of the business.

“Most clubs, including this one, are constantly keeping an eye out for what-ifs. We have been very stretched with injuries, everyone knows that; there comes a point where we can’t keep getting this stretched and we are going to need everyone to be fit.”

Chelsea

You can never rule out Chelsea under their current regime from being active in the transfer window and spending big sums in January, but The Athletic has claimed they aren’t planning to add to their squad this winter.

One area that could come into focus is the goalkeeping department, but current first-choice Robert Sanchez has enjoyed some resurgent form recently, so any change might be to who backs him up if Filip Jorgensen pushes for an exit.

Chelsea will also have to weigh up their striker depth after Liam Delap’s injury issues.

Arsenal

Arsenal had an excellent summer in the transfer window, filling most of their areas of need with strength in depth.

As such, they don’t have much left to do to improve their squad. However, after falling short in the past few title races, they would be wise to stay alert to potential signing opportunities.

ESPN have reported they could go for a creative midfielder to ease the burden on Martin Odegaard, although the summer signing of Eberechi Eze negates that to a degree.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to make a beeline to sign a now-unwanted Manchester City star in the wake of Pep Guardiola’s move for Antoine Semenyo, according to sources, with the knock-on effect set to see a £47.5m man allowed to leave Spurs.

The first major transfer of the winter window will be completed early on after it emerged on Tuesday evening that Manchester City have won the race for Semenyo, beating off interest from Manchester United and Tottenham, who had also made strong proposals, as well as other big-six suitors Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The real reason the Bournemouth flyer has been chosen by Guardiola was exclusively revealed by a source close to the club on Tuesday evening, just hours after the deal was confirmed.

Ultimately, Semenyo has been won over by the chance to win silverware. We are told by sources close to the player that he was open to Old Trafford, but the fact that City’s project would see him pushing to win both the Premier League and Champions League has tempted him to the Etihad.

He is now set to complete a £65m (£60m plus £5m in add-ons) move to the Etihad quickly after the window opens.

While Tottenham’s interest in Semenyo was quickly batted off – we understand they were willing to put up wages that would have made the departing Bournemouth man their highest-paid player – Thomas Frank and Co. could soon land a left-wing upgrade of their own, which we understand is their number one priority for the January window.

And speaking last week, our transfer correspondent Dean Jones believes there will now be an overhaul of Man City’s wing department – leaving one of them, in Savinho, to head to Tottenham.

Spurs initially held talks with the Brazilian over the summer, without failing to agree a deal. Now, according to Jones, the 21-year-old now looks likely to get clearance to leave and make a long-awaited move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

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Tottenham on standby for Savinho move; another City star could leave too

Per Jones, Semenyo linking up with Guardiola was always likely to start an overhaul of City’s winger ranks.

And when asked about the situation, Jones told us that Savinho and Oscar Bobb are both under threat.

“Savinho got 20 minutes off the bench against West Ham United, and recently that’s been about the best he can hope for in the league,” the journalist said.

“If City win the race to sign Semenyo, I really do think there is fresh doubt about Savinho’s place in the squad.

“It’ll be a big decision because they only just gave him a new deal, but I still question why they did that.

“Tottenham definitely made a mark on him, and from what I’m told, he seemed interested, because he would become such a significant player for them.

“City also have a decision to make on Oscar Bobb if offers come in, and it’s a situation where I can potentially see some movement.

“But I do think the interest in Savinho is still there from Spurs if their other targets like Semenyo, Maghnes Akliouche and Yan Diomande prove out of reach.”

However, Jones has since explained why moves for Akliouche and Diomande will prove beyond them in January.

Back in the summer, Spurs failed to meet City’s €70million (£61m, $82.5m) asking price, which saw the Brazilian stay put and sign a new contract at the Etihad.

Bobb’s price tag has yet to emerge, though previous reports have valued him at €25m (£22m, $30m).

And with the winger merry-go-round set to go into full swing, Savinho’s potential arrival at Spurs is likely to see Brennan Johnson depart the north London club.

Frank does not rate the Wales winger and has recently emerged as a target for both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. However, we understand it is Aston Villa who have now jumped into the race and would appear favourites for his signature.

Man City ready to spend again with defender in sights; Bergvall, Liverpool denials

City sources also believe the club are beginning to seriously consider strengthening their defensive depth next month, too, with Etihad chiefs open to adding a top-level centre-back to Guardiola’s squad.

Any swoop could be funded by the departure of a £41m man, who has interest from Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Bournemouth ahead of January.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea target Kenan Yildiz is finally set to receive clarity on his next contract, our sources have confirmed.

The formal appointment of Marco Ottolini as Juventus’ new sporting director is expected to trigger negotiations with Yildiz over a new deal. The situation should now become clear by the end of the year, as Yildiz waits to see whether the club truly recognises his value.

The forward is seeking a salary increase to around €6million (£5m) per year, and if Juventus fail to come close to that figure he could become available on the market.

Clubs in England are aware that Yildiz’s preference is to remain in Turin, but that has not dampened their interest.

Tottenham and Chelsea are among the most keen suitors, while Arsenal have also monitored his situation.

This season, Yildiz has primarily featured off the left flank or as a second striker and is widely regarded as one of football’s most exciting breakout talents.

The Turkish international embodies the qualities required to stand out as a modern attacking player, and within Juventus there is a realisation that they cannot afford to risk losing him.

We revealed on December 12 that Yildiz is a dream attacking target for Spurs, though a Plan B option is still in play.

Sources confirmed to us in November that Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on Yildiz’s contract talks in Turin.

Fraser Fletcher has reported for TEAMtalk that Chelsea failed with a €70m (£62m) approach for the 20-year-old in the summer, as Juve are holding out for at least €90m (£79m).

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Spurs get Mateta clarity; Chelsea in for ‘generational’ talent

Meanwhile, Spurs have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to increase their attacking threat.

Graeme Bailey has revealed Spurs’ chances of raiding Palace for the 28-year-old Frenchman.

The bad news in the transfer market is set to keep on coming for Tottenham with sources revealing there’s likely to be three further rejections by forwards after Antoine Semenyo.

Tottenham have set their sights higher in the post-Daniel Levy era, though while the will is there to spend bigger sums and pay higher salaries, the club are finding it difficult to attract the calibre of player they crave.

Morgan Gibbs-White didn’t end up joining despite Tottenham triggering his release clause over the summer. In truth, that failure was more to do with Nottingham Forest refusing to play ball amid legal threats.

The same cannot be said regarding Eberechi Eze, however. Spurs had a club-to-club agreement in place with Crystal Palace but Eze showed no hesitation aborting a move to Spurs once bitter rivals Arsenal thundered in.

An ambitious move for Savinho fell flat, and multiple sources including David Ornstein have confirmed Antoine Semenyo does not wish to join Tottenham.

Sources have informed our insider, Fraser Fletcher, that Spurs are now looking into an audacious move for Savinho’s teammate at Man City, Omar Marmoush.

That comes at a time when Spurs are also exploring moves for Maghnes Akliouche and Yan Diomande.

But according to transfer insider, Dean Jones, Tottenham stand very little chance of landing ANY of those three targets.

“Tottenham’s plans for 2026 are already beginning to look too ambitious,” began Jones.

“They have had a couple of tough moments this year, first with Eberechi Eze going to Arsenal, Morgan Gibbs-White staying at Nottingham Forest, and now they’ve been given the cold shoulder by Antoine Semenyo.

“I don’t think he will be the last. They are scouting players like Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco) and Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) but those players have top, top teams looking to sign them.

“The likes of PSG, Bayern Munich… and no one is likely to choose Spurs over those clubs, are they?”

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So… who could Spurs ACTUALLY sign?

Jones went on to state a reignited move for Man City winger Savinho could be one route into giving Thomas Frank new blood out wide.

Savinho was open to joining Spurs last summer, but City blocked the move, fearing the calibre of player they hoped to sign as his replacement – such as Real Madrid’s Rodrygo – would not be available.

Since then, Savinho has continued to be a bit-part player under Pep Guardiola and the chance to play regularly at Spurs would appeal. The biggest issue will be finding common ground with City on the fee.

“I like the fact that Spurs want to raise the ceiling of what is possible but obviously they are not helped by the fact this season has not started well,” continued Jones.

“They want new attacking edge but they know they also need a back-up list of options. Savinho is one player who is part of that.

“The feeling is he might be more attainable than the others, but the problem will be finding a price-point that is agreeable to Manchester City.”

Latest Tottenham news – Mateta decision / Bergvall bid?

In other news, reported Tottenham target Jean-Philippe Mateta has been told by Crystal Palace that he won’t be leaving Selhurst Park under any circumstances in January, with sources able to provide a key update on the Frenchman’s new deal talks.

The usually mild-mannered Arne Slot took aim at Micky van de Ven for the challenge that fractured Alexander Isak’s leg, and the Liverpool boss also provided what appears to be a positive update on the Swede’s return timeline.

Liverpool took all three points when squaring off against Spurs last weekend, but it came at a cost.

Tottenham were unusually aggressive and physical in the contest, with Jeremie Frimpong busted open by a rogue elbow and Xavi Simons raking his studs down Virgil van Dijk’s Achilles.

Simons and captain Cristian Romero both saw red, but the most contentious moment came when Van de Ven scissored Isak’s left leg in the act of the frontman scoring what was only his second Premier League goal in Liverpool colours.

Isak was in visible agony and subsequent tests showed the striker sustained a fractured leg as well as an ankle injury.

Isak has since successfully undergone surgery and now faces an extended spell on the sidelines.

Van de Ven’s scissor tackle has become a talking point in recent days, and on Tuesday morning, Liverpool boss Slot commented on the challenge.

The Dutchman uncharacteristically hit out at the Spurs defender, claiming if that type of tackle were made 10 times, it could result in a serious injury 10 times too.

“It was for me a reckless challenge,” said Slot (as quoted by the Liverpool Echo). “Xavi Simons [tackle on Van Dijk] was completely unintentional, I don’t think you will ever get an injury out of a tackle like that.”

Referring back to Van de Ven’s tackle once again, Slot added: “If you make that tackle 10 times, then 10 times there’s a chance he could get a serious injury.”

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Alexander Isak return timeline

Isak’s injury comes at a brutal time for Liverpool, who are without Mohamed Salah too.

The winger is representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and provided a timely reminder of what he’s capable of when scoring a last-minute winner in Egypt’s opener versus Zimbabwe.

Liverpool’s official statement confirming Isak’s successful surgery set no timescale on his return. That led to some within the industry speculating he won’t play again this season.

However, touching on how long he’ll be without his £125m frontman, Slot suggested the absence will be a “couple of months.”

He said: “It’s going to be a long injury. A couple of months. That’s a big, big big disappointment for him and also for us.”

While losing Isak for a few months is unquestionably a blow, the signs do suggest he will still have a big part to play in the final months of Liverpool’s season.

Our own insider, Graeme Bailey, has been informed Isak is already targeting Sweden’s crucial World Cup qualification matchup with Ukraine on March 26.

Latest Liverpool news – Guehi / Semenyo / Konate

In other news, two of the most respected reporters are aligned in what they believe will happen with Marc Guehi amid new claims Liverpool could land the Crystal Palace defender in January.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are indirectly doing Manchester United a huge favour and it could result in the Red Devils completing the biggest signing of the winter window by landing Antoine Semenyo.

Reported Tottenham Hotspur target Jean-Philippe Mateta has been told by Crystal Palace that he won’t be leaving Selhurst Park under any circumstances in January, with sources able to provide a key update on the Frenchman’s new deal talks.

The three-times capped France striker has been on the Eagles’ books since a January 2021 loan from Mainz, which soon turned into a permanent €18m (£15m, $21m) deal. And having excelled at Crystal Palace under the management of Oliver Glasner, Mateta has become one of the first names on the Austrian’s teamsheet.

Despite now having scored 47 times in 143 appearances for the club, Mateta has been left hugely frustrated by a lack of a new deal from Palace and has been demanding improved terms for much of 2025.

Mateta, though, was handed an extension in late 2024 and Palace believe that was good enough for him to continue without another deal until the summer of 2026.

However, after the 28-year-old came up in conversation over the summer as potential transfer target for Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – the latter who continues to be heavily linked – we’re told that Mateta and his camp made the point to Palace that he needs to be paid more in like one of Europe’s top strikers, which he believes he is.

Palace have had talks with Mateta, but the terms they are willing to offer are understood to be some way off what is being asked for by the striker.

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Palace source provide update on Mateta contract talks

Despite that, sources close to Palace, have confirmed to us that even if a new deal is not agreed in the meantime, the club will not entertain his exit in the January window.

“The club are comfortable with how things are; they are open to Mateta getting some sort of extension, but the player is demanding somewhat more than what is on offer,” the source confirmed.

“Palace have him under contract until 2027, they don’t need to sell him in January or even next summer, they won’t be forced into anything.”

Palace head into January battling on four fronts, and Glasner’s squad is being tested, and they look highly unlikely to sell any of their top names and despite strong interest in the likes of Adam Wharton, Marc Guehi, Daniel Munoz and Mateta.

Guehi, who is out of contract in the summer, remains a possibility to leave in January, but as we have revealed, the England defender is in no hurry to leave Selhurst Park before the summer.

Latest Palace news: Johnson hijack threat; battle on for Man City star

On the subject of Guehi, Sky Sports reports that Liverpool will re-enter talks to sign the defender in the new year, having already agreed personal terms with the player back in September, only to see that move break down.

The England defender is wanted by the Premier League champions as part of a triple coup, while their main competition for Guehi has also been named.

On the incoming front, Palace’s hopes of signing Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson in January have been thrown into doubt after Aston Villa made contact with the player’s representatives regarding a potential deal, as they look to replace an unwanted star.

Liverpool have confirmed that Alexander Isak has undergone surgery after a leg fracture sustained at Tottenham on Saturday, and amid new fears over the length of time the Swede faces on the sidelines, the Reds have been tipped to sign one of four short-term replacements.

Isak has endured a difficult time of things since forcing through a British record £130m (€150m, $175m) transfer to Anfield from Newcastle on September 1, struggling to hit both top form and full fitness in the intervening months. For a split second on Saturday, it looked like the tide was about to turn when he smartly finished to score Liverpool‘s opener at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, only for the striker to go down with injury at the precise same moment and under a challenge from Micky van de Ven.

Now, in a statement, Liverpool have confirmed that Isak has undergone surgery to repair the fracture, though they are setting no timescale on his potential return.

A club statement read: “After diagnosis, an operation was completed today [Monday] on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture.

“Isak’s rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return.”

The common consensus is that Isak faces a few months out, keeping him on the sidelines until mid-to-late March.

However, one pundit has explained why the injury could effectively do him for the rest of the season and it may now be next August before Liverpool see the player back in club colours.

“I don’t think he [Isak] plays again this season,” Gabriel Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT.

“I just looked at the injury, and I’ve seen that happen before, where his leg got tangled. That’s a broken leg that is.

“That’s a long time out, that is – you don’t always come back the same either.”

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Liverpool draw up list of Isak replacements – but could old hero help out?

Meanwhile, a report in the Daily Mail has highlighted five strikers that Liverpool could sign as a temporary replacement for Isak and to see them through however long the 26-year-old is sidelined.

Hugo Ekitike will obviously benefit the most from Isak’s absence, although beyond that, Liverpool do lack quality cover.

And the five strikers they list as viable market opportunities are Ivan Toney, Dusan Vlahovic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Danny Welbeck and Endrick.

Of that quintet, one of them – Real Madrid star Endrick – has been taken off the menu after it was revealed he would be leaving the Bernabeu to spend the rest of the season at Lyon.

However, three of the other four do boast Premier League experience and all boast excellent records in front of goal down the years.

The 35-year-old Welbeck would only represent short-term cover, while Vlahovic is out of contract in the summer so could be available for a cut-price fee.

However, Toney plays in Saudi Arabia and Mitrovic in Qatar, meaning the Reds would not be able to match their colossal wages.

One new option that could present itself though is former Liverpool striker Divock Origi, who, by some small quirk of fate, has been made a free agent on Monday evening after agreeing a contract termination at AC Milan.

Confirming the information, Fabrizio Romano posted on X: ‘Divock Origi, available as a free agent from January, as he’s just signed his contract termination at AC Milan. 30-year-old striker was out of the AC Milan squad and project since the summer 2024.’

Origi previously played for Liverpool between 2015 and 2022, scoring 41 times in 175 appearances.

GO DEEPER: Four transfer consequences of Isak’s injury as Liverpool forced into Salah, Semenyo decisions

Latest Liverpool news: Sublime triple signing planned; Salah told he’s staying

Off the back of Isak’s injury, sources have revealed that FSG are now ready to make it crystal clear to Mohamed Salah that he will not be allowed to leave Anfield in January.

The Reds wanted to keep the unsettled star anyway, but the injury to the Swede has now ensured that is a cast-iron plan coming out of the club’s Boston headquarters.

Despite that, a football finance expert claims the Reds are ready to sell Salah come the summer and has named the price they would be ‘happy’ to accept to draw a difficult recent period to a close.

Crystal Palace’s hopes of signing Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson in January have been thrown into doubt after Aston Villa made contact with the player’s representatives regarding a potential deal, as they look to replace an unwanted star.

The 24-year-old Welsh international has fallen down the pecking order at Spurs under manager Thomas Frank, starting just six Premier League games this season despite his heroics last term.

Johnson notched 18 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, including the crucial winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

However, Tottenham are now open to offloading the former Nottingham Forest man in January.

Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, had appeared to be the frontrunners for Johnson’s signature. We reported last weekend how the Eagles were confident of agreeing personal terms as they look to bolster their attack swiftly.

Staying in London was viewed as a significant draw for the forward, who is open to the switch in search of regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which Wales can still qualify for via the play-offs.

Sources had suggested a fee around £30m-£40m could suffice, with Tottenham open to a permanent sale or loan to facilitate squad reshaping.

But there is now a possibility of Villa hijacking the move, in a blow to Glasner’s January transfer plans. My colleague, Dean Jones, revealed Villa’s interest last week, but the recent talks with the player’s agents have moved things forward…

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Aston Villa explode into Brennan Johnson race

Villa, under Unai Emery, are enjoying a fantastic season, with their 2-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday keeping their Premier League title dream alive.

They sit third in the table after winning their last seven league games (10 across all competitions), just three points behind leaders Arsenal. At the very least, they are firmly in the title race, but Emery is keen to strengthen his squad further.

Sources confirm Villa have identified Johnson as a target to add pace and versatility to their frontline. He could be brought in to replace Harvey Elliot, whose season’s loan from Liverpool is likely to be cut short in January, after he’s failed to earn Emery’s trust.

Villa are actively weighing up an approach, potentially ready to compete directly with Palace if Tottenham green-light an exit, as expected.

Spurs remain open to offers for Johnson, who they signed for £47.5m from Nottingham Forest in 2023, as Frank looks to reinforce his attacking options amid a challenging season.

While the Dane has expressed a preference to retain Johnson for squad depth, the player’s limited role has alerted multiple other Premier League clubs, including West Ham.

With the January window approaching, this developing transfer saga promises intrigue.

Palace’s advanced interest gives them an edge, but Villa’s ambition and financial muscle could prove decisive in luring the dynamic winger away from a London switch.

Ajax starlet Mika Godts is emerging on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur, we can reveal, as Thomas Frank’s side could be frustrated in their pursuit of three other exciting targets.

Godts, 20, who has often been compared to Chelsea legend and his compatriot, Eden Hazard, is regarded as one of the brightest attacking talents for his age in Europe.

The inverted left winger has enjoyed a superb breakout campaign in Amsterdam, notching seven goals and six assists from 13 starts so far this term.

Having joined from Genk in 2023 as a 17-year-old, he has progressed into a star performer for Ajax.

We can now reveal that Spurs’ interest has peaked. They sent scouts to watch Godts in action in Ajax’s last two games – a 2-0 win over Feyenoord, where he claimed an assist, and a 2-2 draw at NEC, where he scored the second goal.

Ajax have endured a difficult campaign and are currently third under interim head coach Fred Grim, following the sacking of John Heitinga last month.

Ajax are understood to be anxious to keep hold of Godts, but with their struggles, it may not be easy. Spurs, meanwhile, are anxious to bring in a new left-sided option, and he is one of several exciting targets on the shortlist…

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Tottenham eye exciting Semenyo alternatives

Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo aside, Tottenham have looked at Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, and remain keen on Manchester City’s Savinho – but someone like Godts could yet emerge as another option for them.

However, my colleague, Fraser Fletcher, revealed on Sunday how Semenyo is not considering a move to Spurs, despite the London side being willing to offer him huge wages.

Manchester United and Manchester City are considered frontrunners to sign Semenyo at this stage, with Liverpool yet to make any concrete moves for him.

We also understand that Rodrygo will be very difficult to get out of Real Madrid in January, and Leipzig would demand a huge fee for Diomande mid-season.

Savinho’s situation at Man City could yet open up despite him penning a new contract over the summer. However, much may depend on whether they win the race for Semenyo…

As a result, Godts could come under serious consideration by Tottenham in the coming weeks.

We understand several Spurs’ Premier League rivals have been watching Godts in recent weeks – so they are not alone in the race.

He is not the only Ajax player to come under the gaze of a number of English clubs.

Newcastle United are one of half a dozen English clubs who are eyeing the Dutch side’s defender Youri Baas, and we have more to follow on that developing story later today.

Tottenham latest: Liverpool raid debunked, Richarlison contract claims

Meanwhile, we have revealed how midfielder Lucas Bergvall is the last player Tottenham would look to sell, amid claims Liverpool could make a shock move for him.

The talented 19-year-old is considered ‘off-limits’, according to sources, and reports that the Reds have launched a bid for him appear to be wide of the mark.

In other news, Tottenham could offer Richarlison a new contract to ‘protect his value’ as they lean away from selling the Brazilian in January.

He has been heavily linked with moves away from the club, but his eight goals this season could earn him a new deal.

Amid stunning claims Liverpool have offered £52.5m for Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, we can reveal Spurs’ stance on selling the Swede amid a long-term ‘acceptance’ and a £100m aim.

Tottenham beat Barcelona to the signature of Bergvall roughly two years ago, with the move viewed as a gigantic coup at that time.

The Swedish midfielder’s importance and influence is growing month on month in north London, and according to a shock report out of Spain, Liverpool have taken note.

It was claimed the Reds had ‘offered’ €60m / £52.5m for Bergvall, and Spurs were ‘considering’ whether to cash in.

We’ve looked into the claims and can not verify any such bid has been launched, or even that one is planned.

Furthermore, sources close to Tottenham have declared Bergvall is “one of the last” players the club would consider selling.

Claims that the Reds are preparing – or have potentially even already lodged – a £52.5m bid for Bergvall are falling on deaf ears in north London, with it understood the midfielder is effectively off limits.

Bergvall has started four of Tottenham’s five Champions League matches this season and has featured in the starting XI for half of their Premier League games.

It is Bergvall’s long-term future that truly excites figures inside the club, with Tottenham believing the Swedish international has the potential to reach the very top of the game.

Club officials still feel it was an outstanding piece of business to sign him when they did, completing an £8.5m move from Djurgarden in 2024.

Confidence in Bergvall’s commitment was further strengthened last year when he agreed to a contract extension through to 2031.

While there is an acceptance that Tottenham may have to sell him at some point, Spurs have ambitions of their own and are hopeful those align with Bergvall’s personal goals.

Sources believe that Bergvall could develop into a £100m asset if he fulfils his potential at Tottenham.

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Latest Liverpool & Tottenham news – Isak / Semenyo / Marmoush

In other news, Alexander Isak has suffered what Liverpool fear is a broken leg. Further scans will be held, but the striker will now be expected to miss around three months while he recovers.

Elsewhere, Isak’s injury is primed to force Liverpool into the January market, according to Fabrizio Romano. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stressed we should all not be surprised if there’s a “Here We Go” at Anfield next month.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo remains a target for the Reds and Liverpool are the winger’s favoured destination. However, Liverpool must quickly ramp up their pursuit of they are to sign Semenyo amid both Manchester clubs making strong plays for the Bournemouth man.

Over at Tottenham, Semenyo and his camp have quietly and respectfully informed Spurs that the player has no intention of joining Thomas Frank’s side.