Five Premier League Players Who Could Move Before 2026 Transfer Deadline

Five Premier League Players Who Could Move Before the January 2026 Transfer Deadline

The January 2026 transfer window closes on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. GMT, giving clubs just days to finalize deals. With the deadline approaching fast, speculation is ramping up around several Premier League stars who could switch clubs this month. Here's a look at five players linked with potential moves, based on the latest reports: 1. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
The French forward has reportedly informed Crystal Palace of his desire to leave Selhurst Park this month. Juventus have shown strong interest, while Aston Villa have enquired (though they're now prioritizing other targets like Tammy Abraham). Palace value Mateta around £40 million, with his contract running until 2027 (after a one-year extension). The 28-year-old has been in excellent form, scoring consistently in recent seasons and earning international caps. A sale could fund replacements amid an emerging exodus at Palace (Marc Guehi already sold, Oliver Glasner potentially leaving in summer).
2. Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
With Wolves facing near-certain relegation (17 points from safety), the Norwegian striker is a prime candidate to be cashed in for funds toward a rebuild. Leeds United have been heavily linked, submitting bids (including a rejected £33m+ offer), though Wolves hold out for closer to £40m. Strand Larsen scored 14 Premier League goals last season but has struggled in 2025-26 amid the team's woes. Multiple Premier League sides are monitoring, seeing him as a potential bargain if Wolves drop.
3. Oscar Bobb (Manchester City)
Fulham are in advanced talks—and reportedly close to an agreement—for the Norwegian winger in a deal worth around £35m. Bobb's progress was halted by a broken leg in 2024, and recent arrivals (like Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth) have squeezed him out of Pep Guardiola's plans. He needs regular minutes for development, making a move to Fulham (or elsewhere) logical. Manchester City appear open to the sale.
4. Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United)
Under new manager Michael Carrick, things are improving at Old Trafford, but Zirkzee has been sidelined—starting just four Premier League games this season and omitted from squads for big wins over Manchester City and Arsenal. With heavy summer investment in strikers, he's fallen out of favor. AS Roma have been strongly linked, though Manchester United have reportedly told Roma they won't sell in January. Juventus have renewed interest, and Zirkzee is keen on regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup. A late move remains possible if bids improve.
5. Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United)
Flamengo are pushing aggressively to bring the Brazilian midfielder home, with a verbal agreement reportedly reached on a £35.8m (€41.25m) deal. An initial offer was rejected, but an improved bid and ongoing talks over payment terms have advanced matters. West Ham are reluctant amid their relegation battle but have won recent games without him and could use the funds for a new center-back. Paqueta has expressed his desire to return to his boyhood club, and the move looks increasingly likely to be finalized before deadline.
These are the most prominent names circulating in the final week of the window. Keep an eye on official announcements from clubs and reliable sources like Sky Sports, BBC, ESPN, and The Athletic for updates—deals can accelerate quickly on deadline day!

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