The January 2026 transfer window is now open, presenting Premier League clubs with a crucial mid-season opportunity to strengthen their squads. With the season's halfway point reached, ambitions of European qualification, survival battles, and title challenges are coming into sharp focus. This guide details the specific needs, targets, and financial situations for all twenty top-flight clubs as the market gets underway.
Title Challengers and European Hopefuls
Arsenal are unlikely to make major expensive signings after a summer spend exceeding £250 million, despite ongoing injury issues. Manager Mikel Arteta may seek one or two loan additions, particularly for cover at right-back. A decision is also pending on whether to allow teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri to depart on loan for more playing time.
Despite their summer extravagance of nearly £450 million, Liverpool boss Arne Slot admits funds are not unlimited. Mistakes from that window need addressing, leaving the squad light in central defence and lacking width in attack. Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is a key target, but his potential £65 million arrival could hasten the departure of Mohamed Salah, whose relationship with Slot remains strained.
Manchester City are poised for a major move, with Pep Guardiola prioritising the signing of Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo by triggering a release clause just under £65 million. If the deal progresses, City may offload a wide player, with Savinho or Oscar Bobb potentially departing. Goalkeeper James Trafford's future is also a topic of discussion.
Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, are targeting a defensive midfielder. Al-Hilal's Rúben Neves and Atlético Madrid's Conor Gallagher are on their radar, with any potential loan departure for Kobbie Mainoo contingent on a new arrival.
Mid-Table Ambition and Squad Building
Aston Villa have limited Financial Fair Play wiggle room but are keen to bolster their attack beyond Ollie Watkins. A €12 million deal for Grêmio winger Alysson is advanced. The future of Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott is unclear, with Villa reluctant to pay a £35 million permanent fee.
Brentford have significant spending power after a £50 million summer transfer profit and are targeting reinforcements for a European push. Tottenham's Brennan Johnson is a possibility, though Crystal Palace are favourites. They are also monitoring Feyenoord's Quinten Timber as a potential replacement for Vitaly Janelt, who can sign a pre-contract elsewhere.
Brighton are expected to be active, seeking a right-back, central midfielder, and forward. Interest from Manchester United in Carlos Baleba is strong, but a January sale is not anticipated. Several experienced players, including Danny Welbeck, are out of contract in the summer.
Chelsea are planning a quiet window, focusing on future talent like Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet. The priority may be on outgoings, with the club seeking buyers for Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling.
Crystal Palace, struggling with the demands of European football, are scrambling for additions. A right-back is a priority, with Bayern Munich's Sacha Boey linked, and they also hold interest in Tottenham's Brennan Johnson. The club will brace for bids for Marc Guéhi, Adam Wharton, and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Newcastle United have a packed January schedule and a tired squad. Eddie Howe wants a creative midfielder, with AZ's Kees Smit admired, and defensive cover. Funds are available but the board prefers investing in younger players, potentially making it a quieter window.
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank confirms the club will be in the market, backed by a recent £100 million cash injection. An upgrade at left-wing is sought, with Manchester City's Savinho a long-term target. Brennan Johnson and Yves Bissouma could be moved on.
The Relegation Battle and Survival Needs
Bournemouth are braced for Manchester City to trigger Antoine Semenyo's £65 million release clause. The club have a succession plan and are targeting a winger, an imposing centre-back, and a goalkeeper to compete for Djordje Petrovic.
Burnley are desperate to avoid an immediate return to the Championship and will be active. Solving their goalscoring problem is the paramount objective, with a new striker or creative player at the top of the list. An injury to captain Josh Cullen may force them to seek midfield cover.
Everton's glaring weakness is in attack, where Thierno Barry and Beto have only one Premier League goal each. David Moyes wants a proven goalscorer but acknowledges January is a difficult market. Strengthening at full-back and midfield are also on the agenda.
Fulham need more squad depth and could seek a forward with Raúl Jiménez ageing and Rodrigo Muniz injured. A right-winger is also useful, and a move for Chelsea's Tyrique George could be revisited.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke still wants at least one forward, having been disappointed not to sign two more in the summer. Profitability and sustainability rules may force sales, with Illan Meslier, Joël Piroe, or Jack Harrison potential departures.
Nottingham Forest's main focus is reducing a bloated squad, with fringe players like Willy Boly available. They have no intention of selling the highly-rated midfielder Elliot Anderson.
West Ham United, in serious relegation peril, must reinforce. Fulham's Adama Traoré is a likely winger target, and a striker to replace the loan-departing Niclas Füllkrug is a priority, with Wolves' Jørgen Strand Larsen and Coventry's Haji Wright monitored. A new defender is also needed.
Wolves are planning with the Championship in mind, seeking players who could excel in a promotion push. Improvements are sought in goal, on the wing, and at right-wing back. Key players André and João Gomes are unlikely to be sold barring huge offers.
Promoted Clubs and European Debutants
Sunderland will be affected by the Africa Cup of Nations but are having a fine season. Manager Régis Le Bris wants to reinforce two or three positions, with a prolific striker the main priority to complement creators Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fée.
The January window represents a pivotal moment for clubs across the Premier League spectrum. For some, it's a chance to push for glory; for others, it's a fight for survival. How these needs are addressed in the coming weeks will shape the destiny of the 2025-26 season.
