The January transfer window is in full swing, bringing a flurry of activity across the Premier League and Europe. In one of the day's most significant moves, Conor Gallagher has completed his £34 million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract at the North London club.
Midfield Domino Effect Begins
Gallagher's departure from Atletico Madrid has immediately sparked a search for his replacement. The Spanish giants have identified Wolverhampton Wanderers' 24-year-old midfielder Joao Gomes as their primary target to fill the void. Atletico believe Wolves may be open to offers, though the Brazilian is valued at over £40 million.
Several Premier League sides are also monitoring Gomes, but many are reportedly waiting to see if Wolves' potential relegation could lead to a more favourable deal in the summer. Meanwhile, Gallagher, who will take the number 22 shirt at Spurs, is in line to make his debut against West Ham this weekend. The England international expressed his delight, stating: ‘I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch.’
Striker Market Heats Up Across Europe
Elsewhere, the pursuit of attacking talent is intensifying. Serie A powerhouse Juventus have entered the race for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. The 28-year-old Frenchman, who has forced his way into the national team setup with his impressive Premier League form, is now considering a move abroad after previously being close to a new contract at Selhurst Park.
Palace have been preparing for his potential summer exit and are close to securing a deal for 19-year-old Angers forward Sidiki Cherif, hoping to agree a fee significantly lower than his £21.7 million valuation. The Eagles have also been scouting Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen and Strasbourg's Joaquín Panichelli as they plan for the future. Juventus view Mateta as a potential replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expires at the season's end.
Other Key Moves and Rumours
The transfer carousel continues to turn with several other notable developments:
- Aston Villa's forward Donyell Malen has landed in Italy ahead of a loan move to Roma. The deal includes a £1.7 million loan fee with an obligation to buy for £22 million.
- West Ham United are considering a move for experienced Newcastle United defender and club captain Jamaal Lascelles, 32, who is expected to leave St. James' Park this window.
- Everton and Nottingham Forest have both enquired about Fenerbahce striker Youssef En Nesyri, though the Moroccan is weighing up offers from Saudi Arabia. Forest are also working on a deal for Olympiacos forward Mehdi Taremi.
- Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is a loan target for Italian side Genoa, who want an option to buy.
- Wolves are in talks to loan midfielder Marshall Munetsi to Paris FC but have rejected an initial loan approach from Besiktas for defender Emmanuel Agbadou.
- Chelsea's David Datro Fofana, on loan at Faith Karagumruk, has attracted interest from Celtic and Derby County. A permanent sale would free up a Chelsea international loan spot.
With the deadline looming, clubs across the UK are scrambling to finalise their squads, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the January transfer window.
