Al-Ettifaq censor Jordan Henderson’s rainbow armband in announcement video
The January transfer window has been slow to get going this month but may be starting to heat up as clubs try to bolster their squads for the second half of the season.
This month, Arsenal and Chelsea are expected to be two of the teams trying to bring in at least one player each, with Ivan Toney a name on both clubs’ wishlists. Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has also been linked with the Blues, although the Seagulls value the teenager at more than £100m. Given the strictness of financial fair play rules, any signings might depend on sales.
Kalvin Phillips is a wanted man with Newcastle United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all interested in the surplus Manchester City midfielder and Juventus also following the situation. Manchester United are set to keep Amad Diallo despite a flurry of loan exits from Old Trafford, Tottenham still want Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, while the Blues are prepared to let Armando Broja leave – but only for a substantial fee of £50m.
Follow the live blog below for all the latest news, rumours and updates in the transfer market and find the latest football betting odds and tips here.
Will Jordan Henderson ever be paid for his stint in Saudi Arabia?
Jordan Henderson looks set to seal a return to European football at Ajax, bringing to an end a heavily criticised stint in Saudi Arabia.
Henderson left Liverpool last summer to join Al-Ettifaq, but the Saudi club appear likely to terminate the England midfielder’s contract to allow him to join the Eredivisie side. New reports suggest that Henderson may not even have yet been compensated for his time in Middle Eastern country’s Pro League.
Lawrence Ostlere18 January 2024 11:12
Newcastle scout Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Newcastle also have their eye on Atalanta’s talented Brazilian, Ederson, according to reports in Italy.
The club sent their head scout to watch the 24-year-old, who has five goals and one assist in Serie A this season playing as a central midfielder, and are keen to pursue a permanent transfer.
But Atalanta are reluctant to sell in January, so the summer looks a more likely moment for any deal.
Ederson of Atalanta has caught the attention of scouts in the Premier League
(Getty Images)
Lawrence Ostlere18 January 2024 10:44
Race heats up for Kalvin Phillips in England and Spain
There is a clamour for Kalvin Phillips’ services as a host of clubs try to sign the Manchester City midfielder this month.
Phillips has widely been identified as the best central player available on the market right now, and Newcastle are thought to be at the front of the queue among Premier League clubs interested, who include Wolves and Fulham.
But Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the situation and have registered their interest with City, according to the Telegraph.
His future will be decided next week, and it could all come down to who can afford to pay the highest proportion of his sizeable wages until the end of the season.
Could Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips be moving to Barcelona? (Martin Rickett/PA)
(PA Wire)
Lawrence Ostlere18 January 2024 10:19
Jordan Henderson ‘set for Ajax medical’ ahead of move from Al-Ettifaq
England midfielder Jordan Henderson appears set to travel to Amsterdam on Thursday to finalise his move from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq and join Ajax, according to reports.
Former Liverpool captain Henderson, 33, signed for Al-Ettifaq in a lucrative but controversial move last summer.
Henderson was a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield.
He subsequently apologised for any hurt he caused by moving to a country where homosexuality is illegal, but was booed off the pitch at Wembley during a friendly against Australia in October.
Jack Rathborn18 January 2024 10:10