The January transfer window is proving to be a hive of activity, with clubs across the UK and Europe moving quickly to reshape their squads. In a series of rapid developments, a high-profile Nottingham Forest signing is already heading for the exit, a veteran goalkeeper has found a new home, and Liverpool are closing in on a highly-rated teenage prospect.
Forest's Swift U-Turn on Kalimuendo
In a surprising turn of events, Nottingham Forest striker Arnaud Kalimuendo is in talks to join German side Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, a mere five months after his £26 million arrival from Rennes. The proposed deal includes an option for Frankfurt to make the move permanent for the 23-year-old forward.
Meanwhile, Forest are determined to hold onto another asset, with the club firm in their resolve to retain midfielder James McAtee despite strong interest from Leeds United. This potential departure and retention highlight the strategic recalibrations happening at the City Ground.
Goalkeeper Carousel and Premier League Moves
In other significant moves, AFC Bournemouth have secured former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Fraser Forster on a free transfer, handing the 37-year-old a six-month contract. His arrival comes just in time, as he is expected to be in the squad to face Arsenal after an injury to Will Dennis in training this week.
Bournemouth have also seen right-back Julian Araujo depart, with the defender completing a move to Celtic. In London, Crystal Palace have completed a major £35 million signing of winger Brennan Johnson from Tottenham on a four-and-a-half-year deal, a move which could pave the way for young forward Romain Esse to join Coventry City on loan.
Liverpool's Teen Target and Hammers' Medical
Liverpool are putting the finishing touches on a deal for highly-rated 17-year-old Austrian centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna. The transfer is scheduled to be finalised in March when the player turns 18.
West Ham United, meanwhile, are progressing with a significant striker signing, with Taty Castellanos set to undergo a medical this weekend ahead of a proposed £25 million move from Lazio. The deal would see the Argentine forward bolster the Hammers' attacking options for the second half of the season.
Other Key Deals Across the Leagues
The transfer activity extends beyond the Premier League's spotlight. Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the emotional return of their former captain, Pascal Gross, from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £1.4 million. The 34-year-old midfielder has signed a contract until the end of next season.
In the Championship, Bristol City have acquired experienced midfielder Sam Morsy, the 34-year-old former Ipswich captain, who was a free agent after leaving Kuwait SC. Additionally, Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer is attracting interest from German club Wolfsburg, indicating more business could be done before the window closes.
These moves underscore a frenetic period in the football calendar, where clubs are acting decisively to address weaknesses, capitalise on opportunities, and plan for both immediate challenges and long-term futures.
