The Transfer Window Is Open – A Look At The Possible and Probable Deals

The January transfer window is now open and there is potential for plenty of dramatic moves, pre-contract agreements and much more in what promises to be a busy mid-season window. 

Let’s take a look now at some of the big names across the world of football linked with a potential January move, a pre-contract agreement, or maybe signing with their current club on improved terms. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

The biggest name linked with a January transfer move or decision is Liverpool and England star Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Reds ace can sign a pre-contract agreement with any club as of the January 1st and Real Madrid, long-time admirers of the full-back, have already made one bid, trying to tempt Liverpool to sell in January, rather than risk losing him for nothing in June. 

The Reds have rejected that initial bid, but Real are considering a second offer. Liverpool are still hoping Alexander-Arnold will sign a new deal with them, but at present, that looks unlikely. 

Likely Outcome – If Liverpool don’t agree to sell, expect Alexander-Arnold to sign a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid towards the end of the window. 

Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Believed to be surplus to requirements at Manchester United, the England striker has been linked with moves abroad over the past 12 months with Paris St. Germain and Barcelona amongst the clubs linked with the United striker.

Ruben Amorim seems to have discarded Rashford from his squad, only recalling him to the squad as sub in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle after being out of the squad for the previous four games. 

Paris St Germain are believed to be in pole position for Rashford, though any deal may be dependent on how much they are willing to pay for the England man.

Likely Outcome – If Paris St Germain stump up the cash, they could snag Rashford, but it is more likely he will stay at United in January and seek a move in the Summer. 

Virgil van Dijk & Mo Salah (Liverpool)

Two other big-name Liverpool stars are also out of contract in June, Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk and Egyptian King Mo Salah.

Paris St. Germain are believed to have offered Salah a big money deal to join them in June, but Liverpool are confident of getting the Egyptian to agree to a fresh deal. 

Van Dijk’s contract situation is also ongoing, with Liverpool and the Dutch star’s representatives believed to be discussing fresh terms. 

Likely Outcome – If Salah and Liverpool can agree a deal over image rights, expect Salah to join Van Dijk in signing a new two or three-year deal with the Reds in January. 

Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool last summer, but he is believed to be wanted by both Real Madrid and Manchester City. A move to City makes sense, with the Champions missing Rodri for the rest of the season.

The Spanish midfielder’s release clause of £50m is not going to put off either Real or City, but the question is whether Zubimendi would want to move to England. However City would likely be able to offer him a much bigger contract than Liverpool did. 

Likely Outcome – City need a midfielder to replace Rodri and Zubimendi is the best available. Expect City to make a big move for him in January. Whether he signs or not will depend on Real Madrid’s response and if they can match City’s terms. 

In addition to the deals above, other players out of contract in June 2025 who could see action in January include: Heung-min Son (Tottenham), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Kevin de Bruyne (Man City), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) and Angel Gomes (Lille). 

With so many top names available, it promises to be a hugely exciting January transfer window!