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Sam Tighe
Multiple Authors
The January transfer window is nearing its end, with less than a week left for Premier League teams and players to finalize their deals.
While the month has been relatively quiet, the last days could see significant activity, as many players are still looking for new opportunities.
Whether they have been sidelined at their clubs, requested a transfer, found themselves in tricky contractual situations, or simply need playing time before the 2026 World Cup, here are key Premier League players who need a new path before the window closes on February 2.
To start, Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Oscar Bobb (Manchester City), and Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal) also require moves, but they are not on this list as they are likely to find new clubs soon. Paquetá is expected to return to Brazil with Flamengo, Bobb seems headed to Fulham, and Zinchenko is bound for Ajax.
Let’s not dance around it; Sterling is the marquee name on this list and is in urgent need of a change. He hasn’t played since May while on loan at Arsenal. That deal wasn’t made permanent, and Chelsea has not included him in their squad since, forcing him to train separately from the first team.
The main hurdle remains the 31-year-old’s reported salary (£325,000 per week). Given the substantial cost of his transfer, along with his near eight-month absence from competitive play and lackluster performances for Arsenal, Sterling poses a massive risk—unless he agrees to mutually terminate his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Elliott’s loan at Aston Villa includes a clause that will make the deal permanent for approximately £35 million after ten appearances. The issue? He appears unlikely to reach that mark. Unai Emery seemingly prefers not to utilize him, and he hasn’t seen the pitch since October 2.
also, Elliott’s situation is complicated by the fact that he made one substitute appearance for Liverpool before moving to Villa, meaning he cannot play for another European team this season (the limit is two). hence, his only option is to seek a move to a club in North America or Asia.
Ideally, Liverpool and Villa could reach a compromise; removing the obligation clause might persuade Emery to give him more playing time. Otherwise, Elliott’s career may remain at a standstill until next season.
The French forward has started merely six Premier League matches this season, hasn’t secured a solid position in the lineup, and was not included in the Champions League squad at the start of the season. He only made it into the matchday squad in December due to Dominic Solanke’s injury but was dropped once the England striker regained fitness.
There would likely be significant interest in loaning Tel for the remainder of the season, with clubs like Paris FC exploring options.
Following recent interest from Juventus and Aston Villa, Mateta has told Palace of his wish to depart. yet, both clubs have since sought other alternatives, leaving the French striker in a precarious situation.
This week, Nottingham Forest emerged as potential suitors, reportedly willing to pay £35 million for his services, though Palace is holding out for £40 million. Mateta will be hoping an agreement can be reached soon, as this might be his last chance to secure a move.
Transfer windows act like dominoes. If Mateta leaves Palace, they will need a new striker, which could pique the interest of Strand Larsen, who is eager to leave Wolves, a club likely heading to the Championship next season.
The 25-year-old Norway international enjoyed a strong debut campaign in the Premier League in 2024-25, netting 14 goals, but has only managed one goal this season and has fallen out of the regular starting lineup. He is primed for a move in this final week, but to where? In addition to Palace, Leeds United has also expressed interest.
Strand Larsen isn’t the only Wolves player attracting interest; Gomes has stood out in midfield despite his team’s challenges this season, accumulating 65 combined tackles and interceptions—the sixth-highest total in the Premier League.
Manchester United has reportedly taken notice, and if Gomes were to make that move, he would likely take over from one of his idols, Casemiro, a fellow Brazilian set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
It might benefit United to secure him early and help him acclimate, and Wolves would find it in their interest to ensure Gomes avoids a relegation on his record.
Forgotten Phillips? You’re not the only one. Astonishingly, the 30-year-old midfielder remains with Man City and has played only seven minutes of football this season, performing in their 2-0 Carabao Cup triumph over Huddersfield Town.
He showed glimpses of form during his loan at Ipswich Town last season, but a return to the Premier League seems unlikely for him at this point. If the challenge of his reported £150,000-per-week wages can be resolved, he should accept any offer that comes his way.
Similar to Tel at Spurs, Liverpool might be hesitant to part with Chiesa this month, especially with the injured Alexander Isak needing cover due to a broken leg. yet, Chiesa has only clocked a few minutes of play since Isak’s injury, which coincided with Mohamed Salah’s absence for Africa Cup of Nations duty.
The 28-year-old has made just one start in the Premier League this season despite receiving praise from Liverpool supporters for his effort and determination. If he hopes to secure a spot for Italy in the World Cup—assuming they qualify through the UEFA playoff in March—he may need to see more game time.
