UPDATED: Transfer Rumours – Who is going where?
With the January transfer window open the football community is rife with rumour and gossip. Here we round up the key rumours.
Latest completed transfers
Luis Diaz (MID from Porto to Liverpool), Bruno Guimaraes (MID from Lyon to Newcastle), Calum Chambers (DEF from Arsenal to Aston Villa), Samuel Kalu (MID from Bordeaux to Watford), Hwang Hee-chan (FOR from RB Leipzig to Wolves)
Fantasy Football Scout have some great analysis on what the completed transfers so far might mean for FPL. You can read this here.
Monday 31 January rumours
Donny van de Beek (from Man United to Everton, loan)
The arrival of Frank Lampard as Everton manager has caused a late loan bid to snatch Donny van de Beek from under Crystal Palace’s noses. (BBC and The Guardian)
Rodrigo Bentancur (from Juventus to Tottenham)
Antonio Conte will completely refresh his midfield, with rumoured outgoings for Steven Bergwijn, Dele Alli, Tanguy Ndombele, Bryan Gil and Giovani Lo Celso countered by a double swoop from Juventus. Firstly, Rodrigo Bentancur. (Sky Sports and Fabrizio Romano)
Dejan Kulusevski (from Juventus to Tottenham, loan)
Secondly, an initial loan for Swedish international Dejan Kulusevski. (Daily Mirror and Sky Sports)
Dan Burn (from Brighton to Newcastle)
It’s only fair to end on the daily Newcastle links, of which there have been so many. Their impressive purchases of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes are set to escalate on Deadline Day. A bid has been accepted for Brighton defender Dan Burn. (Chronicle Live and The Guardian)
Matt Targett (from Aston Villa to Newcastle, loan)
The arrival of Lucas Digne to Aston Villa has led to a loan bid for Matt Targett – named Players’ Player of the Season at Villa Park last campaign. (Mail Online and Northern Echo)
Hugo Ekitike (from Reims to Newcastle)
And, after having an earlier big money bid for 19-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike rejected by Reims, it seems like the Magpies will finally get their man to take their January spend over £100m. (Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sports)
Friday 28 January rumours
Bruno Guimaraes (from Lyon to Newcastle)
The links continue to pour in for the Magpies, with bids also in for Brighton’s Dan Burn and Leverkusen left-back Mitchel Bakker. Yet it’s the coup of Bruno Guimaraes that seems most imminent, with a deal worth £33m seemingly agreed with Lyon. (Sky Sports and Chronicle Live)
FPL COMMENT: From a Newcastle perspective, this would be an incredible signing – upgrading their weakest position with a Champions League-standard player. Not really a goalscorer, it’s unlikely he’ll be an FPL option though.
Wout Weghorst (from Wolfsburg to Burnley)
Having lost main striker Chris Wood once Newcastle met his £25m release clause, Burnley are close to replacing him with 6ft 6in Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst. (The Athletic and Mail Online)
FPL COMMENT: It’s a good replacement for Wood, as Weghorst has registered 20, 16, 17 and 18 league goals over the past four campaigns. Burnley have four games-in-hand, so a £6.5-7.0m price tag would offer an intriguing differential.
Donny van de Beek (from Man United to Crystal Palace, loan)
As father of van de Beek’s girlfriend and former team mate of Palace manager Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp has intervened to set up a loan deal that gives the overlooked Man United midfielder some regular game time. (Mail Online and Sky Sports)
FPL COMMENT: Priced at £5.7m in FPL, the more curious question would be how his arrival affects Conor Gallagher – whose 12 goal involvements have been a revelation in the first half of this season.
Sofyan Amrabat (from Fiorentina to Tottenham, loan)
If Tanguy Ndombele completes a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain, Antonio Conte wants to replace him with Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. Initially on loan, there’d be an option to buy. (Evening Standard and The Guardian)
FPL COMMENT: More of a defensive midfielder, he’d need time to be integrated into Conte’s plans and we don’t yet know if he’s simply there for squad depth. Wait and see.
Wednesday 26 January rumours
Mislav Orsic (from Dinamo Zagreb to Burnley)
The Croatian winger is set to be Burnley’s first signing since selling Chris Wood to Newcastle for £25m. (Mail Online and Sky Sports)
FPL COMMENT: He’s most known on British shores for his hat-trick against Tottenham in last season’s Europa League and the 29-year-old would be another interesting arrival at Turf Moor, following the early success of Maxwel Cornet.
Luis Diaz (from Porto to Tottenham)
Porto winger Luis Diaz is reported to be the subject of a bid from Spurs, although it’s not known whether this is in addition or instead of Wolves’ Adama Traore. (Guardian and Fabrizio Romano)
FPL COMMENT: If the deal is successful, it’ll be another ‘wait and see’ arrangement because – although Son Heung-min’s place in the starting XI won’t be under threat – Diaz could be eased into Lucas Moura’s spot.
Monday 24 January rumours
Dele Alli (from Tottenham to Newcastle, loan)
Should Newcastle fail to persuade both Man United and Jesse Lingard into a loan deal, their back-up option is reportedly Dele Alli. (Daily Mail and The Sun)
FPL COMMENT: Alli (£6.2m) has faded in recent times so both he and Spurs may think it’s time for a fresh start, even if it’s temporary. He would quickly become a key player for Newcastle and, should this loan reinvigorate his career, could become an interesting FPL option.
Rodrigo Bentancur (from Juventus to Aston Villa)
Several sources believe Steven Gerrard will continue an impressive list of January recruitments by purchasing Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur for around £16m. (Express & Star and BBC)
FPL COMMENT: If true, he would add competition to a midfield already consisting of John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Morgan Sanson, Emi Buendia, Philippe Coutinho and Jacob Ramsey. Whilst Coutinho’s place looks secure, the recent popularity of bargain enabler Ramsey could quickly disappear.
Julian Alvarez (from River Plate to Man City)
Promising 21-year-old Argentine forward Julian Alvarez could choose Man City as his next destination, albeit staying at River Plate until the summer. (Guardian and Manchester Evening News)
FPL COMMENT: Alvarez will become a non-factor if he doesn’t arrive until summer but, even if he comes immediately, would likely be eased into the first team picture.
Thursday 20 January rumours
Jesse Lingard (from Man United to Newcastle, loan)
The latest name to be linked with the Magpies is Jesse Lingard, who can’t seem to get minutes for Man United. The 29-year-old’s contract will expire this summer, so this could be their last chance to get any kind of fee. (Manchester Evening News and Sky Sports)
FPL COMMENT: If Lingard (£6.7m) can come close to replicating his West Ham form from last season, he could pull Newcastle to safety and become another strong option in the £6.5-7.0m range.
Samuel Kalu (from Bordeaux to Watford)
Fellow relegation-battlers Watford seem set to buy Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu for a very small fee. (The Athletic)
FPL COMMENT: With such a small outlay, it’s hard to determine whether Kalu immediately breaks into the Watford line-up. Very much a wait-and-see.
Monday 17 January rumours
Layvin Kurzawa (from PSG to Chelsea, loan)
Chelsea are still to replace the injured Ben Chilwell at left wing-back and, having been unable to convince Lyon to let them recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan, may seek to loan Paris Saint-Germain’s Layvin Kurzawa. (Daily Mail)
FPL COMMENT: It’s likely Layvin Kurzawa would be back-up to Marcos Alonso but such competition – plus their upcoming blank Gameweeks – would surely hinder Alonso’s FPL appeal.
Amadou Haidara (from RB Leipzig to Man United)
Ralf Rangnick may return to his RB roots by purchasing Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara, who is also amongst interest from Newcastle. (Jonathan Shrager)
FPL COMMENT: Amadou Haidara probably wouldn’t have much FPL appeal, as he’ll be playing further back than the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Friday 14 January rumours
Arthur Melo (from Juventus to Arsenal, loan)
Mikel Arteta is rumoured to be closing in on a loan deal for Juventus’ Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo. The 25-year-old was signed from Barcelona in 2020. (Fabrizio Romano)
FPL COMMENT: It’s likely this transfer would only affect Arsenal’s two central midfielders, rather than adding competition to the likes of Emile Smite Rowe and Martin Odegaard.
Diego Carlos (from Sevilla to Newcastle)
Newcastle aim to continue their January splurge by fixing their big defensive problem. Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos seems to be their main target after moving away from Lille’s Sven Botman. (Chronicle Live)
FPL COMMENT: It’s certainly a weak area they’re trying to fix. If Diego Carlos signs, it would still be a wait-and-see before deciding whether Newcastle defenders are worth the risk.
Wednesday 12 January rumours
Chris Wood (from Burnley to Newcastle)
Tuesday evening brought news that Burnley striker Chris Wood was travelling up to Newcastle for a medical, as the Magpies had met his release clause of around £25m. (The Athletic and The Guardian)
FPL COMMENT: The fee is eye-opening and shows how desperate Newcastle are to have a new striker in time for Saturday’s crunch clash against Watford. Wood offers good value at £6.7m, considering the decent fixture run for Eddie Howe’s side.
Anwar El Ghazi (from Aston Villa to Everton)
In a deal separate to the Lucas Digne transfer that appears to be going the other way, Everton want to get Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi either permanently or on loan. (David Ornstein)
FPL COMMENT: El Ghazi (£5.6m) scored ten league goals last season from just 1,604 minutes but has struggled for minutes in this campaign. It could another solid signing for Rafael Benitez but does it threaten the starting places of either Demarai Gray or Andros Townsend?
Tuesday 11 January rumours
Hugo Ekitike (from Reims to Newcastle)
As Newcastle’s hunt for a striker continues, they’ve been linked with a huge £30m deal for Reims forward Hugo Ekitike. The 19-year-old only made his debut in August, scoring eight times in 17 league games. (Sky Sports and Fabrizio Romano)
FPL COMMENT: Very risky transfer for the Magpies, if successful. An unknown quantity with only half a season of top flight football, a lot of money and expectations would be placed upon his shoulders in their quest for survival. For FPL, he’d have good fixtures but would be a wait-and-see option.
Lucas Digne (from Everton to Aston Villa)
Following their coup in landing Philippe Coutinho on a loan deal, Steven Gerrard could follow that up with the impressive capture of unhappy left-back Lucas Digne. (talkSPORT and Sky Sports)
FPL COMMENT: Aston Villa might win the transfer window, if things continue at this rate. We know from Gerrard’s Rangers days that he likes attacking full-backs and Digne (£5.0m) is precisely that. Matt Targett’s (£4.7m) low ownership will be disappointed.
Steven Bergwijn (from Tottenham to Ajax)
Having only started three league games for Spurs this season, rumours are linking Steven Bergwijn with a return to Holland. The winger could sign for Ajax, with reports of a £15m bid being rejected. (The Times and Sky Sports)
FPL COMMENT: Although Bergwijn (£5.9m) himself is only in 0.3% of squads, his departure could tempt more to invest in Lucas Moura (£6.5m), knowing that one piece of starting XI competition has been removed.
Sunday 9 January rumours
Adama Traore (from Wolves to Tottenham)
A couple of weekend reports have linked Spurs with Wolves’ pacy winger Adama Traore, with Antonio Conte interested in converting him to a right wing-back (The Athletic and BBC)
FPL COMMENT: This won’t do much to the world of FPL, except put off the 1.6% that own Emerson Royal (£5.0m). It would add competition to a spot that didn’t previously have it, damaging both of their appeals.
Jesse Lingard (from Man United to West Ham)
Despite initially not wanting to stay at West Ham after his fantastic loan spell last season, reports claim that Jesse Lingard (£6.8m) has given up on hopes of breaking into the Man United line-up and may return to east London (talkSPORT)
FPL COMMENT: Lingard quickly became hot property after arriving at David Moyes’ side last January. His first ten matches brought eight goals and 89 FPL points, so he’d likely go straight back into the starting XI ahead of either Pablo Fornals (£6.0m) or Manuel Lanzini (£5.8m).
Friday 7 January rumours
Luis Diaz (from Porto to Liverpool)
Jurgen Klopp may fast-track a £60m summer move for exciting Porto winger Luis Diaz whilst Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are on international duty at AFCON (The Sun)
FPL COMMENT: If this deal goes through, Salah and Mane would likely have returned by the time he has integrated. From then on, he’d not likely be an FPL option and may even damage the appeal of Diogo Jota.
Sven Botman (from Lille to Newcastle)
It’s difficult to filter through all the Newcastle rumours, with names like Todd Cantwell, Diego Carlos, Divock Origi and Anthony Martial among the masses, but several credible sources believe that the Magpies intend to up their initial £30m bid for the promising Lille centre-back (The Athletic and Northern Echo)
FPL COMMENT: The revolution continues at St James’ Park and their priorities are to vastly improve the defence and replace injured striker Callum Wilson. Existing assets like Martin Dubravka (£4.4m) and Jamaal Lascelles (£4.4m) could tempt some managers for a promising fixture run.
Eddie Nketiah (from Arsenal to Crystal Palace)
With six months left on his Arsenal deal, Eddie Nketiah (£5.4m) is being chased by Crystal Palace and one unnamed Premier League side (Sky Sports)
FPL COMMENT: If Nketiah does indeed go to Palace, the competition up front harms the FPL appeal of both himself and current options Odsonne Edouard (£6.4m) and Christian Benteke (£6.2m).
Thursday 6 January rumours
Sergino Dest (from Barcelona to Chelsea)
Chelsea are reportedly considering Barcelona wing-back Sergino Dest should they opt against trying to sign out of favour Everton ace Lucas Digne. (The Sun)
FPL COMMENT: The addition of a new left wing back could spell the end of Marcos Alonso as an FPL asset this season.
Tariq Lamptey (from Brighton to Arsenal or Tottenham)
The Express are reporting that Tottenham are ready to challenge Arsenal in the £50 million race for Brighton whizz kid Tariq Lamptey.
FPL COMMENT: Experienced FPL managers will remember Victor Moses under Antonio Conte. Brighton’s attack minded wing-back could be FPL gold under Conte at £4.5m.
Wednesday 5 January rumours
Philippe Coutinho (from Barcelona to Aston Villa, loan)
Several well-reputed sources are suggesting that Philippe Coutinho could be set for a loan move to the Premier League, with Aston Villa one of the clubs in discussion.
FPL COMMENT: A team mate of manager Steven Gerrard from their Liverpool days, it’d be fascinating to see if Coutinho can re-capture the form that secured him an overpriced move to Spain. If he’s able to, it could be good news for owners of Ollie Watkins.
Kieran Trippier (from Atletico Madrid to Newcastle, £12m)
It has been widely-reported (eg/ Sky Sports, BBC) that the England right-back is set to arrive on Tyneside to finalise his transfer.
FPL COMMENT: Eddie Howe’s side have only registered one clean sheet all season but, if the anticipated revolution takes place, Martin Dubravka (£4.4m) could emerge as a goalkeeping option. Trippier’s set pieces will be an asset.
Lucas Digne (from Everton to Chelsea, Newcastle or West Ham)
Following Digne’s spat with manager Rafael Benitez and the Toffees’ subsequent purchase of fellow left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, several Premier League teams want to swoop in and take advantage. (Source)
FPL COMMENT: Of those teams, the idea of an attacking £5.0m FPL defender starting as Chelsea’s first-choice wing-back could be very interesting once they return from Club World Cup duties.
Tuesday 4 January rumours
Matt Doherty (from Spurs to Wolves)
Multiple sources (Irish Mirror Sport and Lilywhite Rose) are reporting that Matt Doherty could be returning to Wolves during this window.
FPL COMMENT: Although his initial spell at Wolves was an FPL success, will he be able to oust Nelson Semedo at right-back?
