The winter transfer window is currently open throughout Europe, and transactions are beginning to take shape. What insights are ESPN’s reporters gathering regarding potential transfers?
Every Friday until February, we will provide you with the latest news and analysis on the most significant transfer developments.
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Is a Premier League club considering a player referred to as the ‘next Toni Kroos’?
Hertha Berlin prodigy Kennet Eichhorn, 16, is being monitored by several Premier League teams, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City. The young talent has already made an impression in the German 2.Bundesliga this season, participating in 14 matches across all competitions with the first team. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly engaged in talks with Eichhorn’s representatives regarding a potential transfer, although no official bid has been submitted at this point.
The Germany U17 international’s existing contract, which extends until 2029, is said to include a release clause of approximately €12 million. Bundesliga clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig are also closely observing his progress. — Julien Laurens
SCOUTING REPORT: Typically positioned in a double pivot, Eichhorn has notably impressed with his seamless transition from academy football to senior play, showcasing a composed and mature style. He displays no signs of panic in possession and remains unaffected by the pressure of the occasion. He plays as if he has ample time, scanning, receiving, and distributing the ball with the same natural rhythm that distinguished him in Hertha’s youth setup.
Unavoidably, comparisons to Toni Kroos have begun to surface. While Kroos was more advanced at the same age, Eichhorn exhibits similar clarity in decision-making, an exquisite first touch, the capability to receive the ball on the half-turn, and an inherent understanding of when to accelerate or decelerate the tempo of the game.
He already averages nearly four progressive passes per 90 minutes, indicating his eagerness to advance the play. His distribution range is extensive, allowing him to recycle possession under pressure, penetrate central lines, or switch play with a 35-40 meter diagonal that alters the attacking dynamics in an instant. — Tor-Kristian Karlsen.
Joshua Zirkzee was omitted from Michael Carrick’s debut as Manchester United manager. Is he set to leave this month?
He was excluded from the squad for the 2-0 victory over Manchester City after sustaining a minor injury during training. United privately asserted on that day that his absence was unrelated to renewed transfer interest from Italy. Zirkzee is keen to depart, but United are aware that a couple of injuries could see the Netherlands international starting matches. There remains a possibility that United could receive an irresistible offer, but currently, it seems more probable that he will leave in the summer. — Rob Dawson
play1:04Liam Rosenior: Enzo Fernández transfer speculation means nothing to me
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has downplayed any transfer rumors concerning Enzo Fernández.
What is the latest regarding Chelsea’s interest in defender Jérémy Jacquet?
Chelsea has been in discussions with Rennes about the possibility of acquiring Jacquet this month and are negotiating potential fees and bonuses. However, Rennes’ asking price for the transfer is around €70 million-€75 million, which is currently deemed excessive.
New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is eager to sign the 20-year-old center back, whom he is familiar with from his time at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, and the player is receptive to a move to a top club. However, Jacquet is not inclined to force a transfer if Rennes’ valuation is not satisfied. — Laurens
Manchester City has spent £84 million this window following Marc Guéhi’s arrival. Are any further signings expected?
It appears unlikely. City acquired center back Guéhi (£20 million from Crystal Palace) and winger Antoine Semenyo (£64 million from Bournemouth) as they were viewed as “market opportunities.” These were deals initially planned for the summer but were expedited. According to club officials, other acquisitions can wait. More funds will be available in the summer, with a central midfielder — potentially Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson — and a right back being the main priorities.
Meanwhile, sources have informed ESPN that Fulham is in negotiations with City regarding a transfer for winger Oscar Bobb. — Dawson
play2:44Why is Erling Haaland struggling to score for Man City?
The ESPN ‘FC TV’ crew analyzes the factors contributing to Erling Haaland’s scoring difficulties for Manchester City.
The Premier League remains a hub of transfer activity. What other transactions should fans be aware of?
Everton continues to search for a striker, but manager David Moyes is facing challenges in identifying the right addition to his squad. The Toffees inquired about signing former Brentford striker Ivan Toney earlier this month, but the costs associated with acquiring the England international from Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli proved to be prohibitive.
Everton’s interest in West Ham forward Callum Wilson has also concluded, as the former Newcastle player is seeking regular playing time, which Moyes cannot guarantee for the injury-prone 33-year-old. Everton maintains interest in Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri, but the Morocco international is anticipated to move to Italy to join either Napoli or Juventus. Moyes is also contemplating a right back acquisition, with Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Bologna’s Emil Holm both under consideration. — Mark Ogden
Juventus center back Gleison Bremer, 28, is garnering interest from the Premier League as he has been one of Serie A’s top defenders this season. While a January transfer is highly improbable, there is a possibility he could depart the club in the summer. Bremer’s salary of approximately €6.5 million per year is considered high for Italy, but not for the Premier League, which is driving much of the interest. One to monitor. — Dawson
PSG is poised to sign Barcelona’s Dro Fernández. What is causing the delay?
It may seem unusual, but Barça is optimistic that Paris Saint-Germain might agree to a deal that exceeds the €6 million release clause in Dro’s contract. The two clubs previously reached a similar agreement when winger Ousmane Dembélé transferred to the French club, and with relations significantly improved between Barça president Joan Laporta and PSG CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi, there is hope for a comparable arrangement. Barça has requested €10 million as their initial figure. The advantages for PSG could include not having to pay the full fee as mandated by the clause and potential tax benefits. — Sam Marsden
Who else is likely to leave Barcelona?
Dro is not the only player contemplating a future away from Barça. While La Masia graduates Pedri, Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, and Pau Cubarsí have filled gaps in the first team in recent years, there is now a sense of stability that may restrict opportunities for other emerging talents. Consequently, numerous players are exploring options elsewhere this month. U.S. youth international Adrian Simon Gill is expected to join Atlanta United, and defender Mamadou Mbacke is also set to move to the United States with St. Louis City. Additionally, young center back Andrés Cuenca has engaged in discussions with Cesc Fabregas’ FC Como, and winger Dani Rodríguez is attracting interest from Dinamo Zagreb. — Marsden
Norwich’s manager states that Josh Sargent is remaining. Is he heading to MLS or not?
This transfer saga continues to unfold.
Sources familiar with the situation have informed ESPN that Josh Sargent has likely played his final match for Norwich. The USMNT striker will not be included in the squad for the upcoming game against West Brom after opting not to participate in an FA Cup match against Walsall on January 11, due to an $18 million offer from MLS club Toronto FC.
Sargent had indicated a desire to return to North America following the birth of his third child last month. Sources have indicated that after the player’s decision to skip the Walsall match, a meeting took place involving Sargent, manager Philippe Clement, and sporting director Ben Knapper. During this meeting, Knapper made remarks to Sargent regarding the player’s family that visibly upset him.
As a result, the club decided to have Sargent train with the under-21 squad, a decision that has persisted into this week. Clement has previously stated that Sargent will not be transferred during this window. The Athletic was the first to report on the events of the aforementioned meeting. — Jeff Carlisle
play1:32Why Laurens backs Man United in Premier League top five race
Julien Laurens explains why he believes Manchester United will finish above Chelsea in the battle for a top five finish in the Premier League.
Are there any other intriguing deals in progress?
– Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar retired from football last year following a health scare in preseason that resulted in abnormal cardiac reactions. However, he remains at the Brazilian club, with the termination of his contract being delayed due to a disagreement over the amount he is still owed. Oscar wishes to receive all that he believes he is entitled to, but the club is still conducting an internal audit. — André Hernan, ESPN Brasil
– Manchester United is focused on securing loan moves for young players before the deadline. Striker Ethan Wheatley is nearing a transfer to Bradford City in League One, and defensive midfielder Toby Collyer is set to join Hull City in the Championship. Defender Tyler Fredricson has also been made available, but winger Shea Lacey has been informed by Michael Carrick that he is part of the senior squad and will not be leaving. — Dawson
– Inter Milan has been monitoring Robinho Junior from Santos for an extended period and is interested in signing him. The Italian club would be willing to offer around €18 million to finalize the deal this month. However, Santos prefers to retain him for the time being, and the forward is eager to continue playing for his boyhood club. — Felipe Silva and Nathalia Ferrão, ESPN Brasil
– Corinthians and Grêmio have inquired about the situation of Fenerbahce midfielder Talisca. The transfer fee and wage demands are obstacles to a deal, but the player is not committed to staying in Türkiye, so he could depart this window. — Felipe Silva, ESPN Brasil
– América is determined to acquire Palmeiras’ Raphael Veiga to bolster their squad for the Clausura 2026. So far, discussions have only involved initial contact and inquiries regarding the 30-year-old attacking midfielder, but América is expected to present a formal offer. — ESPN Deportes
– Following Germán Berterame’s transfer to Inter Miami, Monterrey is actively seeking a striker, and Atlas forward Uros Durdevic has emerged as their primary target. Chivas forward Alan Pulido is also on their shortlist. — Héctor Tello, ESPN Deportes
