Key events
Happy new year everyone and thanks Niall. Esteemed colleague? I’m new to this transfer-window game, and could well turn out to be the worst signing since Antony.
Time for me to hand over to my esteemed colleague, Tim de Lisle, for the next couple of hours.
Fábio Carvalho is back at Liverpool after his loan move to RB Leipzig fizzled out; he made only three starts in Germany and is expected to head elsewhere for the second half of the season. One reported option is Leicester, where I imagine he’d have a lovely time in Enzo Maresca’s slick attacking side.
Let’s continue our look at fans’ January wishlists with two teams moving in different directions – Bournemouth and Brentford.
Bournemouth
Defensive cover at left-back and centre-half is still a must, especially if Lloyd Kelly departs. Patrick Dorgu is very highly rated at Lecce, or Bonke Innocent from Lorient could be an option. With Alex Scott and Tyler Adams on the way back the midfield depth is looking healthy, and out wide we have plenty of options. We might renew interest in Patson Daka at Leicester as potential cover for Dominic Solanke, or Morgan Gibbs-White from Forest, who may feel his face doesn’t fit in the post-Cooper era. Jeff Hayward @afcbpodcast
Brentford
With Bryan Mbeumo out till April and no date put on Kevin Schade’s return, I’m not expecting us to sell Toney this window unless a team (did someone say Chelsea?) pops up with a wheelbarrow filled with £100m in cash. But I do expect us to line up a striker to replace him in the summer. Meanwhile, Rico Henry’s injury has highlighted our longstanding lack of alternative left-back options. I wouldn’t be surprised if we delved into the loan market for some experience if our injury list doesn’t improve soon. We’re also chasing the winger Assane Diao from Real Betis, among others. Billy Grant Beesotted podcast and blog
Hugo Lloris said goodbye to Tottenham fans at half-time during the 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday. He hasn’t featured for Spurs this season and is now off to the MLS after signing for LAFC. Here’s a nice video of the France keeper on his 11-year stay at the club:
The Observer asked fans of all 20 Premier League clubs for their January wish-lists. Let’s take a look, starting (predictably enough) with Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Arsenal
FFP is a factor here. If we can’t count on the fitness of Thomas Partey, perhaps the Saudis can tempt him. I’m hoping we’re not forced to flog the homegrown likes of Emile Smith Rowe, but frankly, with everyone chasing a proven goalscorer, selling Fábio Vieira etc won’t make much of a dent in the fee demanded for Ivan Toney or Dominic Solanke. Elsewhere, Douglas Luiz won’t be the only Villa player coveted by plenty of clubs, but I just can’t see how we stump up £100m for him. Based on his impressive pre-season form, I’d settle for Jurriën Timber’s early recovery from the ACL injury he suffered in the opening game; he’ll feel like a new signing and might well energise our squad in the finishing straight. Bernard Azulay onlinegooner.com
Aston Villa
Do we stick or twist? Does swinging the bat now risk overpaying and disrupting a harmonious dressing room, or is it irresponsible not to have a proper go when this might be our best chance of the Champions League – or even the title – for years? We have good cover in most positions apart from the hardest two to fill: reserve keeper and back-up centre-forward. Solanke is a great age, it would mean we could slightly adapt styles and he seems like a nice boy. But he’s not cheap and would he come to initially play second fiddle? Personally I’d play 13th fiddle for anyone if they doubled my wages, but anyway. Unai Emery will have lined up two or three fine Europeans I’ve never heard of, and of course the really good teams strengthen in areas where they’re already strong, so I won’t be overanalysing his logic, such is my unconditional faith in the man. I’ll be happy whatever he does. Jonathan Pritchard
Let’s catch up with the latest news on the first morning of the transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano.
The Women’s Super League transfer window also opens today, and it could be a busy month. Those Mary Earps to Arsenal rumours are back in the headlines, while West Ham and Leicester have already made eye-catching moves. Catch up with our guide …
“I might be late to the party on this one but I’ve just spotted Sean Dyche and the tough-tackling Vinny Samways breakfasting together in a trendy Liverpool cafe,” writes Darrien Bold. “Rumours of a cool £2m swoop doing the rounds in these parts…”
Which strikers are on Arsenal’s shortlist, and who might leave in order to fund a move? Up the road at Tottenham, defensive recruits could arrive shortly. It’s all in 2024’s first Rumour Mill, by John Brewin.
The biggest deal completed so far is Barcelona’s capture of Vitor Roque. The 18-year-old striker was expected to join up with Xavi’s squad in the summer, but the move was brought forward with Gavi’s injury freeing up a place in the squad.
“I want to win as much as possible at Barça,” he said at his unveiling. “I will do everything to help my teammates … and to help the team climb the table. My biggest dream is to win the Champions League.”
You can read more about Barça’s new recruit here.
Even though the transfer window is officially just a few hours old, there have been a fair few deals done in advance. Catch up with our interactive guide …
Happy new year!
The decorations are still up, the leftovers are still in the fridge and someone, somewhere is still letting off fireworks – but January 2024 is here, and with it, the transfer window swings open once again.
Clubs in Spain and Italy won’t officially start doing business until Tuesday, but Premier League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 teams are already on the clock. Most English top-flight sides are recovering from a busy run of festive fixtures, but plenty will have wish-lists drawn up in advance.
Will Tottenham or Newcastle move to strengthen their injury-hit squads? Can any of the promoted trio in the bottom three find a key recruit who can lead a great escape? Just how much money will Chelsea spend? And who wants to rescue Kalvin Phillips from the Manchester City bench?
All questions to be answered in time, so stick around – and let me know who your club needs to sign, or sell, via the usual channels.
