Transfer Roundup: January Movements and Club Interests

Napoli are keen on securing Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono on loan. However, reports indicate that a transfer will not take place this month, as Real Madrid has ruled out any departures, according to Marca. The 18-year-old Mastantuono recently joined Los Blancos from River Plate for €45 million and has already made his mark as the club’s second-youngest debutant in the Champions League and fourth-youngest goal-scorer in La Liga history. Napoli had expressed interest in a loan deal to bolster their midfield options, but this inquiry was swiftly dismissed before any formal offer was presented.

In another transfer development, Fulham has set its sights on USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi, currently playing for PSV Eindhoven, as reported by The Daily Mail. Fulham manager Marco Silva is seeking additional firepower in the attack alongside Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz, who is returning from injury. Pepi, 22, has netted nine goals this season and was previously a target for Fulham and West Ham United last summer. He is now viewed as the preferred option over Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, although PSV is valuing his transfer at approximately €40 million.

Bournemouth is anticipating a late bid from Liverpool for winger Antoine Semenyo, according to The Telegraph. The Ghanaian forward has been linked with Manchester City recently and desires a resolution regarding his future by January 1, given that his £65 million release clause is set to expire soon. However, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes may have an interest in Semenyo, who faces a significant decision ahead. Meanwhile, Bournemouth is preparing to replace Semenyo by pursuing Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu, who is expected to be available for around £30 million, as per The Daily Mail.

Tottenham Hotspur is gearing up for an active January transfer window, with links to several players. TEAMtalk reports that Spurs aim to outmaneuver competitors such as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid to sign Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Additionally, Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is on their radar due to his expiring contract this summer. While Manchester City winger Savinho seems to be unavailable, Spurs are eyeing other targets, including FC Porto forward Samu Aghehowa, Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, and Barcelona’s unsettled goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Barcelona is in pursuit of a left-footed center back as they look to strengthen their defense in January. Manchester City is reportedly open to transferring Nathan Aké for around €25 million, according to Sport. The 30-year-old defender seeks more first-team opportunities to enhance his chances of participating in the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands. While Barcelona shows interest, several English clubs are also monitoring his situation.

Galatasaray is working towards signing Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte on loan, aiming for a permanent deal valued at around €25 million. Lyon and Napoli are also said to be interested in the player, as per Fotomac.

AC Milan hopes to secure an extension for goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whose contract expires at the end of the season. The 30-year-old French international has drawn attention from clubs including Chelsea, as reported by the Mirror.

Barcelona is also keeping an eye on Deportivo La Coruna’s 23-year-old left winger Yeremay Hernandez, as per Marca.

Additionally, several Italian and Spanish clubs are monitoring Flamengo right back Emerson Royal, who is 26 years old and has a contract lasting until 2028, according to Ekrem Konur. Olympiacos is tracking Cruzeiro’s 17-year-old left back Kaua Prates and may offer approximately €10 million to deter interest from Napoli, Juventus, FC Porto, and Benfica.

In further transfer news, Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry is expected to remain with the club until 2028, as noted by Florian Plettenberg. Girona aims to outpace Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in securing the loan signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Celtic is considering a move for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan amidst interest from Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. Spanish side Cadiz has reached an agreement to sign 19-year-old winger Antonio Cordero on loan from Newcastle United.

Ajax has initiated discussions with Burnley regarding the availability of 24-year-old left back Quilindschy Hartman, who has contributed four assists this season, the highest for Burnley. Additionally, Roma has offered striker Artem Dovbyk to Leeds United, Sunderland, Everton, and West Ham United, as the 28-year-old Ukrainian international is no longer part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans. Sunderland is also aiming to strengthen its midfield by targeting Lille’s 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi and Monaco’s 21-year-old Lamine Camara. Lastly, West Ham United is contemplating a managerial change, as they currently sit in the bottom three after just 13 games under boss Nuno Espirito Santo.