2026 Winter Transfer Window: 5 Players to Watch Across European Football

The calendar has flipped, and attention has firmly shifted to the 2026 winter transfer window. With the January market now open, clubs and players alike are turning their focus to what could be a defining period of movement.

The timing adds extra weight to this window. A summer World Cup looms, and many high-profile players will be eager to secure the right environment, regular minutes, or a fresh challenge before international duty begins.

With pressure mounting and opportunities emerging, this January is shaping up to be anything but quiet. Below, we take a closer look at the names and situations that could dominate the winter transfer conversation.

Oscar Bobb, Manchester City

Front-runners: Borussia Dortmund

Dark horses: Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion

Antoine Semenyo’s expected switch to Manchester City is likely to trigger a chain reaction within the squad. The move itself has raised eyebrows, particularly with indications that Oscar Bobb could be the one making way as City continue to reshape their attacking options.

Highly regarded across Europe, Bobb is widely viewed as one of the standout young talents of his generation. At 22 years old, regular minutes are now essential for the next stage of his development. A club willing to hand him responsibility and allow him freedom on the right flank would be the ideal fit.

That is where Borussia Dortmund come into the picture. The German side are understood to be leading the race and would offer a proven pathway for emerging stars. Their track record speaks for itself, having successfully nurtured talents such as Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Jadon Sancho before elevating them to the elite level.

Manchester City’s willingness to let promising players go is not without precedent.

Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer both moved on in search of opportunity and are now established Premier League performers in environments built around their strengths.

Bobb appears poised to follow a similar trajectory—one that prioritises game time, trust, and long-term growth over squad depth at the Etihad.

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool

Front-runners: Saudi Pro League clubs

Dark horses: MLS sides

The past few weeks have been anything but quiet for Mohamed Salah.

Tension surfaced after Liverpool boss Arne Slot opted to leave him out, prompting comments from Salah that immediately fuelled speculation about an early exit from Anfield. At the time, a January departure felt increasingly realistic.

Then circumstances shifted.

Alexander Isak’s leg injury changed Liverpool’s short-term priorities, and Salah is once again viewed as essential for the remainder of the campaign once he returns from the Africa Cup of Nations.

A Break That Helped Everyone

In many ways, the timing worked out.

• Salah has been able to refocus fully with Egypt, delivering performances that have dominated headlines for the right reasons

• Liverpool navigated a demanding festive schedule without constant questions about their star forward

• Slot avoided sustained media pressure during a congested run of fixtures

• 
  

Distance cooled the narrative, and attention returned to football rather than friction.

Saudi Interest Remains — Just Not Yet

Interest from the Saudi Pro League hasn’t disappeared. Far from it.Clubs there have been circling Salah for more than a year, viewing him as the ultimate marquee signing.

However, a mid-season move now looks unlikely.

With Liverpool needing experience and output in the latter stages of the season, and Salah still performing at the highest level internationally, winter no longer feels like the right moment for a clean break.

Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid

Front-runners: Saudi Pro League clubs

Dark horses: Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool

The past year has been a challenging one for Vinícius Júnior, marked by frustration and uncertainty rather than his usual explosiveness.

Tensions became public in October when the Brazilian forward issued an apology after hinting that a departure from Madrid might be best following a run of early substitutions. Under new head coach Xabi Alonso, Vinícius saw his role reduced during a difficult period for the entire squad, as the manager looked to steady Real Madrid’s performances.

A Role Still in Question

In recent weeks, Vinícius has started to see more time on the pitch, but the numbers tell a concerning story.

• 15 consecutive matches without a goal

• Reduced influence in decisive moments

• Ongoing speculation about his long-term fit under Alonso

There is a growing sense that a fresh environment could benefit both player and club, particularly if Alonso’s project is to fully take shape and he is to remain at the helm

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From Leading Man to Supporting Role

As Vinícius’ time in Madrid has gone on, it has become clear that he thrives when positioned as the focal point. Over the last year, however, that status has shifted.

Following widespread debate around the Ballon d’Or, Vinícius was briefly viewed as the face of the club’s future. That perception has since changed, with Kylian Mbappé now firmly established as the primary figure in Los Blancos’ attack.

The result has been a visible dip in confidence and impact—something that even increased minutes have yet to fully resolve.

Options on the Table

A move away from Madrid would not be short of interest.

• Saudi Pro League clubs could offer a lucrative and low-pressure reset

• Elite European sides such as Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, or even Liverpool would see obvious upside in his profile

A change of scenery, combined with a clear tactical role, may be exactly what Vinícius needs to rediscover his best form.

Final Outlook

At 25, Vinícius Júnior remains one of the most gifted attackers in world football. But timing matters.

Whether it’s a blockbuster switch to Saudi Arabia or a high-profile European transfer, the coming months could define the next chapter of his career—and determine whether his future lies in Madrid or beyond.

Rodrygo, Real Madrid

Front-runners: Liverpool, Saudi Pro League clubs

Dark horses: Arsenal, Manchester City

Further down the attacking hierarchy at Real Madrid sits Rodrygo, a situation few would have predicted not long ago.

Once viewed alongside Vinícius Júnior as part of Madrid’s long-term future, the Brazilian now finds himself on the fringes of the starting lineup. Football evolves quickly, and Rodrygo’s reduced role has turned him into one of the most intriguing opportunities on the market for clubs prepared to meet Madrid’s valuation.

A Shift in Status at the Bernabéu

Rodrygo’s position has quietly changed.

• Limited starts in key fixtures

• Often deployed as a rotational option

• Overshadowed by higher-profile attacking names

Despite his proven record in big moments, he has slipped into a secondary role—one that doesn’t fully reflect his ability or output.

Premier League Interest: What’s Realistic?

There was a time when Arsenal appeared a natural destination. However, recent investment in Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke suggests the Gunners may have moved past the need for another wide forward, unless they decide to pursue an upgrade for a serious title push over Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard.

Manchester City are also worth monitoring, but their focus on Antoine Semenyo could close the door on any move for Rodrygo.

That leaves Liverpool as a particularly interesting option. With uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s availability and the club’s willingness to invest, the timing could align if they choose to act during the window.

Why Rodrygo Makes Sense for Elite Clubs

Rodrygo’s appeal is straightforward.

• Comfortable in tight spaces

• Sharp, efficient finisher

• Quick accelerator who drives attacking transitions

He has consistently delivered in decisive moments for Madrid, yet has often been overlooked due to the spotlight shining elsewhere. Compared to more marketable teammates, he has been quietly effective rather than headline-grabbing.

Saudi Option Still in Play

As with many top-tier talents, the Saudi Pro League remains a credible alternative. Financial incentives and guaranteed star status could be tempting, especially for a player seeking recognition and a central role.

Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United

Front-runners: Napoli

Dark horses: Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion

There’s a long-running joke among Manchester United supporters that feels uncomfortably close to the truth: if Kobbie Mainoo played for any other club, United would already be preparing a £100 million bid to sign him.

The logic is easy to follow. United once brought Paul Pogba back for £89 million, and Mainoo now fits the exact profile they would be scouring the market for—only he happens to be homegrown.

Proven on the Biggest Stages

Unlike many young midfielders linked with elite moves, Mainoo already has moments that define careers.

• FA Cup final-winning goal

• England senior caps during an impressive Euros campaign

• Consistent composure in high-pressure fixtures

In pure résumé terms, he’s ahead of several midfield targets clubs routinely chase at premium prices.

Tactical Fit and Untimely Setbacks

Under Rúben Amorim, Mainoo has not regularly featured alongside Bruno Fernandes, likely due to their overlapping qualities. Both thrive between lines, progress the ball well, and influence tempo—attributes Amorim appears reluctant to duplicate in the same midfield pairing.

Injuries have further complicated matters. Just as Fernandes suffered his own setback, Mainoo was sidelined too, removing any opportunity to step in and reassert his value during a key stretch of the season.

Why January Still Matters

Fernandes’ injury could ultimately keep Mainoo at Old Trafford this window, but the bigger picture looms larger.

With Thomas Tuchel preparing to finalise his World Cup squad, Mainoo knows that minutes—not potential—will dictate his international future. Sitting on the bench is a risk he can’t afford.

Loan Move: A Strategic Reset?

A temporary switch may offer the cleanest solution.

• Napoli could provide immediate responsibility in a demanding league

• Chelsea and Brighton offer systems built around technical midfielders

• Regular starts would put Mainoo firmly back on Tuchel’s radar

Final Word

Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t need hype. His performances have already done the talking.

Whether Manchester United can give him the platform he needs—or whether a short-term move becomes necessary—may decide not just his club future, but his place on the world’s biggest stage next summer.

Mainoo’s situation also highlights how fine the margins are at the top level, where consistent minutes often separate rising stars from established leaders. Across Europe, individual output remains under intense scrutiny, with goals and decisive contributions shaping both club ambitions and personal accolades. This broader context is reflected in the ongoing Golden Shoe Race 2025, where Europe’s most prolific scorers are pulling away as the season progresses.👉 Golden Shoe Race 2025: Who’s Ahead in the European Scoring Rankings

From a wider football ecosystem perspective, high-profile transfers and loan moves don’t just affect team dynamics—they also influence how matches are analysed and approached. Changes in lineups, player roles, and tactical balance can shift expectations quickly, especially during the winter window. For a deeper look at how squad movement impacts match predictions, see our complete guide to football parlay betting and winning strategies.👉 Football Parlay Betting: Complete Guide & Winning Strategies by LB9 Online Casino

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