Key events
I’m all for Manchester being the center of the universe. But… why don’t they just meet up to talk in Amsterdam?
An Ajax delegation is flying to Manchester this afternoon to meet Jordan Henderson’s representatives and try to finalize his contract ✈️ pic.twitter.com/qp4bjbVgfI
– Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 17, 2024
Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly keen to sign Arsenal youngster Mika Biereth on loan, with the only problem being… he is already on loan at Motherwell. The Owls have already signed former Cardiff striker Ike Ugbo this month but want another striker and the 20-year-old is a highly-rated young Danish international.
It remains to be seen whether his Motherwell loan can be canceled.
Insert joke about Devine’s intervention.
We can confirm that we have exercised the option to recall Alfie Devine from his loan spell at Port Vale.
– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2024
Thanks Niall. Let’s get straight to the point.
It seems Manchester United are perfectly happy to shed their squad of fringe players, with many leaving on loan this month. Facundo Pellistri appears at the last moment when you exit through the door marked “temporary exit”. The Uruguayan winger is expected to join Granada, struggling in relegation from La Liga, until the end of the season. Amad Diallo is also linked with a loan move this month, with Middlesbrough mentioned, but that seems unlikely as it would leave United alarmingly short.
It’s time to hand the floor over to my colleague, Dominique Boothwhich will guide you through all the latest news, deals and idle speculation.
A signature in Italy: Juventus Women have signed Giulia Bison from second division Hellas Verona. The 18-year-old striker recently underwent ankle surgery and will join Juve’s Primavera side once she recovers.
Keep an eye on the latest developments from across Europe as they happen.
The Chelsea striker’s wishlist for this month reportedly includes Victor Osimhen, Evan Ferguson, Viktor Gyokeres And John Duran – and there is also talk that Saudi clubs could offer them titles like Karim Benzema And Alexander Mitrovic for rent. All this means Armando Broja could be ousted – with Wolves keen to get him back.
In another transaction concluded last night, Celtic signed the Rapid Vienna winger Nicholas Kuhn. The 24-year-old has represented Germany at youth level and has previous experience in the development teams of Ajax and Bayern Munich.
“Celtic are one of the biggest clubs at the moment and I’m really happy to be here,” Kühn said after signing a 5.5-year contract worth €3.5 million (3 million pounds sterling). “At Celtic it’s about doing everything we can to win every game, so that’s the challenge here. I can’t wait to get started and do my best for our fans.
An outgoing civil servant Manchester Unitedannounced very late last night. Alvaro Fernández is on loan to Benfica after his previous spell at Granada was cut short. The Portuguese giants have agreed a €6 million purchase option, which will become mandatory if he plays more than 50% of matches in the remainder of this season. United have put in place a buyout option and resale clause for the young Spanish full-back.
i️ Alvaro Fernandez has joined Benfica on loan until the end of the season.
I wish you all the best, Alvaro! 💪
#MUFC–Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 16, 2024
Some more Brentford-based news this morning: Tottenham full-back Sergio Reguillonhaving just returned from his loan spell at Manchester United, is expected to join the Bees until the end of the season to replace the injured Rico Henry.
🚨🐝 Sergio Reguilon, on his way to medicals as new Brentford player today, then deal will be signed.
Reguilon joins on direct loan, confirmed; there will be NO purchase option as the Spanish LB will return to Tottenham in June. pic.twitter.com/nADvn2cjHl
-Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 17, 2024
“I think it’s fair to say that Henderson was not very successful in Saudi Arabia and his life there was not a bed of roses,” writes Tim Woods. “It seems that Ajax Keep The Faith are still able to do it at the highest (sort of) level. Perhaps there is still time for another Blaze Of Glory in his career? Have a nice day.”
Many significant changes have already taken place in the Women’s Super League and across Europe in January. Find our interactive guide.
Chelsea have their eyes on a few strikers, and more, in Wednesday’s Rumor Mill…
Look who’s back: Ivan Toney’s ban for breaching betting rules ends today and he could play for Brentford this weekend against Nottingham Forest. As things stand, the striker looks likely to stay put until at least the summer, but that could still change.
Henderson set to leave Al-Ettifaq and join Ajax
Some first news for you: Jordan Henderson reportedly left Al-Ettifaq, after the Saudi side agreed to terminate his contract. The former Liverpool captain is heading to Amsterdam and could complete his move to Ajax by the weekend.
Preamble
As Jon Bon Jovi sang, we’re halfway there. The January transfer window ends on February 1, so there are 16 days of shopping left in this 32-day spending spree. Last year, when the shutters came down, 18 of the 20 biggest signings were headed to Premier League clubs.
The story has been very different this time around: Radu Dragusin, signed by Spurs for £25m, is the only big arrival so far. Financial Fair Play issues, the odd winter break and international obligations are holding up the market, but this is the Premier League – wallets will surely open eventually.
Meanwhile, the rest of Europe’s ‘big four’ (outstripped by more than £650 million by England’s elite last January) are experiencing an unexpected transfer renaissance. Can we run this blog without the usual Premier League largesse? As Jon Bon Jovi once sang, we’ll try.