Top 10 Players to Watch in January Transfer Window: Mainoo, Bobb, Neves
The January transfer window is now open, running from January 1 to February 2 for clubs in England, Germany, and France. Spanish and Italian teams opened their window today, also closing on February 2. Historically, this winter window is quieter than the summer, but Premier League teams spent £370 million ($497 million) in January 2025 alone, with Manchester City contributing £180 million. This marks a £100 million increase compared to the previous year.
Key Players to Watch in the January Transfer Window
As clubs prepare to address their roster needs, here are ten players that could be significant in the January transfer window, including Kobbie Mainoo, Oscar Bobb, and Ruben Neves.
1. Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth
- Position: Forward
- Price Tag: £65 million ($87.5 million) for the first 10 days of January
- Potential Move: Manchester City is expected to activate the release clause.
The Ghanaian will most likely play his last game for Bournemouth this weekend, as interest from Tottenham and Manchester United also emerged.
2. Ruben Neves – Al Hilal
- Age: 28
- Contract Status: Out of contract in the summer
After moving from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al Hilal in 2023, Neves is weighing a potential return to Europe. Despite the interest, Al Hilal remains hopeful he will extend his contract.
3. Oscar Bobb – Manchester City
- Age: 22
- Current Status: Recovering from a hamstring injury
Bobb started the season strongly but fell out of favor. With Borussia Dortmund showing interest, he may consider a loan for more playing time.
4. Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United
- Age: 20
- Current Status: No Premier League starts this season
Mainoo’s January departure seems imminent, with Napoli keen on a loan deal. There is also interest from Premier League clubs.
5. Kees Smit – AZ Alkmaar
- Age: 19
- Current League Position: Sixth in the Eredivisie
Smit has attracted interest from clubs like Newcastle and Real Madrid, despite AZ struggling in the league.
6. Tyrique George – Chelsea
- Age: 19
- Current Status: Limited playing time at Chelsea
George seeks a loan move to gain valuable playing time, with previous interest from Fulham and RB Leipzig.
7. Nico Schlotterbeck – Borussia Dortmund
- Age: 26
- Contract Status: 18 months remaining
Schlotterbeck’s future is uncertain, with interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He may need to decide whether to sign a new contract or be sold this month.
8. Sacha Boey – Bayern Munich
- Age: 25
- Current Status: Limited minutes this season
Boey, who joined Bayern for €30 million, could be seeking a move for more regular football.
9. Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Barcelona
- Age: 33
- Current Status: Second choice at Barcelona
Ter Stegen may need to leave Barcelona to secure playing time and prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup.
10. Yan Diomande – RB Leipzig
- Age: 19
- Current Status: Key performer in Bundesliga
Despite interest from Premier League clubs, Leipzig insists that Diomande is not for sale. His reported price tag is €100 million.
The January transfer window is set to be active this year, and clubs will be eager to finalize crucial deals to strengthen their squads. Keeping an eye on these ten players will be essential as the window progresses.
