January 2026 Transfer Window Opens: 5 Deals That Could Shake Up the Premier League Title Race

The January transfer window is almost here, and this year it promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Opening on January 1st and closing on February 2nd, the mid-season market could completely change the Premier League title race.

Several top clubs are desperate to strengthen their squads. Liverpool needs defensive help after injuries hit their backline. Manchester City wants more attacking options to support their title push. Manchester United is rebuilding their midfield.

Here are five deals that everyone is talking about.

1. Marc Guehi to Liverpool – The Defensive Solution

Liverpool nearly signed Marc Guehi on deadline day last summer, but the deal fell through at the last minute. Now they’re coming back for another try.

The Crystal Palace captain is out of contract next summer, which puts Palace in a tough spot. They can either sell him in January for around £35 million or lose him for free in June. Palace manager Oliver Glasner has already confirmed that Guehi won’t sign a new contract.

For Liverpool, this signing makes perfect sense. Their young defender Giovanni Leoni suffered a season-ending knee injury on his debut, leaving them short of quality at the back. Guehi has proven himself as one of the Premier League’s best defenders and is now a regular starter for England.

The interesting twist? Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are all watching closely. But sources say Liverpool are the only club willing to pay a fee in January. The others would rather wait and sign him for free in the summer.

The Impact: This could be huge for Liverpool’s title defense. Their shaky defense has been their biggest problem this season, and Guehi would bring instant quality and leadership.

2. Antoine Semenyo to Liverpool or Manchester City – The Attacking Wildcard

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been one of the Premier League’s surprise stars this season. The 25-year-old Ghana international has scored six goals and provided three assists, making him one of the most exciting forwards in the league.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Semenyo has a £65 million release clause that can only be activated during the first few weeks of January. If no one triggers it then, the price drops to around £60 million in the summer.

Both Liverpool and Manchester City have reportedly agreed personal terms with the player. Sources say Semenyo prefers Liverpool, but City remains very interested too. This could become a bidding war between two title contenders.

Bournemouth doesn’t want to sell in January, but they have no choice if someone pays the release clause. They’re already looking at potential replacements just in case.

The Impact: Whichever team gets Semenyo gains a fast, physical forward who can change games. For Liverpool, he could be crucial if Mohamed Salah’s future remains uncertain. For City, he adds much-needed depth to their attack.

3. Elliot Anderson Staying Put – But the Chase Continues

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has become one of the hottest properties in English football. The 23-year-old midfielder has forced his way into England’s starting lineup under Thomas Tuchel and has been brilliant for Forest this season.

Manchester United wants him badly. Manchester City has been watching him closely. But here’s the problem: Forest has made it crystal clear they won’t sell in January under any circumstances.

Anderson is under contract until 2029 with no release clause and no buy-back options. Forest values him at over £100 million and believes he could become England’s next huge midfield star.

The club’s stance is firm. They’re fighting to stay in the Premier League and European competition, and losing their captain mid-season would be disastrous.

The Impact: This isn’t a January deal, but it’s one to watch. Whoever signs Anderson in the summer will get an energetic, press-resistant midfielder who’s proven at the highest level. For now, Forest keeping him could help them pull away from relegation trouble.

4. Ivan Toney’s Premier League Return – Tottenham’s Striker Solution

Tottenham needs goals. Despite spending big in the summer, they’re struggling to find consistency in attack. That’s where Ivan Toney comes in.

The England striker moved to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia but is reportedly keen to return to the Premier League. Tottenham manager Thomas Frank knows Toney well from their time together at Brentford, where the striker was prolific.

Everton is also interested, which could create competition for his signature. The deal might depend on whether Spurs can move on striker Richarlison, who Everton wants back.

Toney’s proven Premier League quality makes him an attractive option for any team needing firepower. At 29 years old, he’s in his prime and would bring experience and goals.

The Impact: Toney would give Tottenham the clinical finisher they’ve been missing. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game would also help their attacking flow.

5. Manchester City’s Midfield Hunt – Finding Rodri’s Partner

Manchester City’s biggest concern this season has been their midfield. Star player Rodri has managed just six league appearances due to last year’s serious knee injury, and City needs more quality in that area.

They’re looking at several options. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is their top choice, but as mentioned, Forest won’t sell in January. City has reportedly scouted him over ten times this season and made him a priority signing.

Other targets include Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Both would cost huge money, potentially over £100 million each.

City also needs to strengthen at fullback, with interest in Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, who previously played for City’s youth teams.

The Impact: City’s January business could determine whether they challenge for the title. Without proper midfield cover for Rodri, they look vulnerable. Any quality addition would boost their chances significantly.

Why January Matters More Than Ever

This January window comes at a crucial time in the season. Teams are starting to see where they really stand, and injuries are piling up. The right signing can change everything.

Liverpool needs defenders after their injury crisis. Manchester City needs depth across the squad. Manchester United needs a complete midfield overhaul. Tottenham needs goals.

The clubs that act quickly and decisively will have a major advantage in the second half of the season. The title race is wide open, and these transfers could be the difference between winning and finishing empty-handed.

The January window opens on January 1st, 2026. From that moment, clubs can officially complete transfers. But behind the scenes, the work has already begun.

Agents are negotiating. Scouts are watching. Directors are planning. And fans are dreaming about what their teams might do.

Will Liverpool finally land Marc Guehi? Can Manchester City convince Semenyo to choose them over Liverpool? Will Manchester United splash £100 million on a midfielder?

We’ll find out soon enough. One thing is certain: this January transfer window could reshape the entire Premier League season. The teams that get their business done early will have the best chance of success.

The race for the title is heating up, and these five potential deals could determine who lifts the trophy in May.

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