Transfer Deadline Day once again delivered a mix of confirmed moves, late twists, and high-profile rumors that ultimately came to nothing. As Premier League clubs assessed last-minute opportunities, several teams strengthened key areas while others opted to do nothing.
Arsenal and Newcastle rumors denied
The day began with speculation about a potential blockbuster signing at the top of the Premier League. Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany reported that Arsenal were exploring a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The rumors quickly intensified before being definitively quashed.
Newcastle acted swiftly to dismiss the claims, and David Ornstein of The Athletic later reported that there had been no direct contact between the two clubs at any point. Arsenal ultimately chose not to participate in the Deadline Day activity, despite Mikel Merino’s long-term foot injury.
Liverpool secures its future defensive talent
The most significant deal of the day, however, could prove to be more meaningful in the long term than in the immediate future. Liverpool has reached an agreement with Rennes for the highly regarded 20-year-old centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.
Jacquet will remain at Rennes for the rest of the season before completing his move to Anfield this summer. Chelsea had been heavily linked with the defender throughout January, but opted for an alternative route, recalling Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg and sending Aaron Anselmino in the opposite direction after recalling him from his loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Crystal Palace is busy amid relegation problems
Crystal Palace were among the Premier League’s busiest clubs on Deadline Day as they looked to bolster a thin squad amid an unexpected relegation battle and recent senior departures.
Jean-Philippe Mateta appeared poised to join AC Milan for £30 million, but the BBC reported that the Italian club withdrew due to concerns about the striker’s fitness. As a result, the Frenchman will now remain at Selhurst Park.
Palace had already bolstered their attack earlier in the transfer window with the loan signings of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur and Evann Guessand from Aston Villa. They added further firepower on deadline day by signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolves, Everton, and Brighton are making moves
Wolverhampton Wanderers quickly replaced Strand Larsen by signing Adam Armstrong from the Championship side Southampton. The Wolves also added midfield depth by securing a loan deal for former Manchester United and England international Angel Gomes from Marseille.
Everton were forced to act after Jack Grealish suffered an injury, opening up a need for a new winger. The Toffees filled this gap by signing young Tyrique George on loan from Chelsea.
Brighton & Hove Albion also saw some movement in both directions. Brajan Gruda returned to Germany on loan with RB Leipzig, while Brighton recalled Matt O’Riley from his loan at Marseille to bolster their midfield options.
Activity in Sunderland, Forest, and West Ham
Simon Adingra, who joined Sunderland from Brighton this summer, has left the Stadium of Light to join Monaco on an initial loan deal. Sunderland responded by signing Ecuadorian winger Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht to fill the vacant position.
Nottingham Forest were active after the cancellation of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s loan from Arsenal, which allowed the defender to complete his move to Ajax. Forest replaced him by signing German left-back Luca Netz from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
West Ham United, having already bolstered their attack earlier in the transfer window with Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe, and Adama Traoré, has turned its attention to defense. The Hammers have completed a late loan deal for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi.
Quiet deadline for the first four
There were no major signings on Deadline Day among the current top four. Manchester City had already completed their business earlier in the window, securing high-profile transfers for Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, both of whom have quickly become important members of the team.
Aston Villa avoided a late-season drama by completing deals for Tammy Abraham and Douglas Luiz last week after they suffered multiple injuries.
Manchester United were expected to be busy in January, but the immediate impact of Michael Carrick, combined with the returns of Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, convinced the club that its existing squad was strong enough to finish the season.