The 2026 January transfer window is just a week away, and clubs are now plotting to make some transfers happen.
The forthcoming winter transfer window will officially open on Thursday, 1st of January 2026 for European clubs.
It will be open for a month before closing on Monday, 2nd of February. The deadline is scheduled for February 2nd because January 31st falls on a weekend.
Several high-profile players have been linked with January moves and the top teams are expected to spend big yet again as they look to rescue or strengthen their 2025/26 campaigns.
Meanwhile, players don’t like moving during the January window, instead preferring to wait till the summer, because clubs are often reluctant to release players mid-season.
However, next year’s FIFA World Cup is a major factor that will persuade fringe players to seek for more playing time elsewhere to stand a chance of being selected for the global showpiece.
Furthermore, clubs who are desperately in need of a player, probably due to injuries or poor performance, will go all out to acquire their desired targets.
In this post, FootballOrbit predicts six high-profile players who are likely to secure winter transfers.
1. Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has become one of most devastating attackers in the Premier League this season — constantly delivering goals, assists, power, and relentless forward momentum.
With a release clause of around £65 million, Bournemouth may find it difficult to prevent his departure in January.
Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for the Ghanaian, but Liverpool are said to be seriously considering activating his clause.
With Mohamed Salah struggling for form this term, off to the 2025 AFCON, and likely to leave soon; Semenyo is considered as his ideal replacement.
The 25-year-old’s ability to play across the frontline, and also being Premier League proven, makes him an attractive offensive asset.
However, Man City is rumoured to be Semenyo’s preferred destination.
2. Marc Guéhi
Since joining from Chelsea, Marc Guéhi has developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders at Crystal Palace.
His consistency has not gone unnoticed, and has long put him on the radar of top clubs.
His athleticism, composure, and leadership make him a natural fit for a team seeking both stability and longevity in their back line.
Last summer, Liverpool thought they’ve gotten their man, only for the deal to collapse at the last stage on transfer deadline day.
However, Guehi’s reputation has only grew better since then — and coupled with the fact that his contract expires next summer — more elite clubs have entered the race for his signature.
Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Barcelona have been credited with interest in the Englishman.
With the competition for Guehi now fierce, one of his admirers may decide to poach him in January instead of waiting for him to join on a free next summer.
3. Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee was linked with a transfer throughout the summer, and speculation over his future has been revived ahead of the 2026 January transfer window.
The Dutchman has failed to justify his huge price tag since arriving at Old Trafford and has duely fallen down the pecking order.
Roma lead the sides reportedly keen on offering an escape route to a player looking to get more minutes in order to be considered for the World Cup.
Zirkzee’s limited game time this season was due to the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
4. Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo’s future grabbed the headlines when it was reported that he was eager to leave Manchester United on loan last summer.
Although his request was denied, but the young midfielder’s situation at Old Trafford has not improved.
He’s still being ignored by Ruben Amorim, to the anger of the club’s faithful. Fans consider the homegrown youngster as a valuable asset to the team.
Therefore, it appears that Mainoo will once again push for a temporary departure over the winter period.
However, the Red Devils’ squad is currently stretched thin due to the absence of Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo for the AFCON, as well as the injury-enforced absence of Bruno Fernandes.
Meanwhile, for Mainoo, moving away is the best as he desperately dreams of being on the plane to the 2026 World Cup as part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
5. Conor Gallagher
Midfield has been an area of concern for Manchester United as they failed to strengthen it last summer, but are now trying to solve the problem.
Furthermore, the injury to Bruno Fernandes and the possible departure of Kobbie Mainoo, has seen United linked with the likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
But the chances of signing these players in the 2026 January transfer window are unlikely, which makes Conor Gallagher a more realistic option.
The Red Devils had a loan bid for the 25-year-old rejected over the summer and may return for his signature this winter.
Moreover, Atletico Madrid are keeping the door open to Gallagher’s departure as the ex-Chelsea man seeks to boost his World Cup chances.
6. Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling has been exiled by Enzo Maresca and forced to train with the Chelsea’s U21s.
He has not played for the Blues since May 2024, and endured a dismal loan spell with Arsenal last season.
At just 31, Sterling still has time to enjoy the twilight years of his career. But that’s only possible if he can find a new suitor and possibly take a significant wage cut.
Chelsea will certainly be desperate to get rid of Sterling and will ideally want to ship him out before his contract expires in 2027.
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