Mohamed Salah
January 2026
Salah’s latest league start ended in defeat, leaving him on the losing side in seven of his last eight Premier League starts, matching a negative Liverpool record previously associated with Kuyt. Salah returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and started immediately, but Liverpool lost again as their domestic form continued to slide, worsening pressure on Slot’s title defence.
Jack Grealish
January 2026
Reports say Grealish has a suspected stress fracture in his foot that could sideline him for months, threatening his season momentum and World Cup plans. He is expected to see a specialist to confirm severity. The setback could hurt his case for Tuchel’s England squad and complicate Everton’s potential permanent move, despite a productive loan spell of two goals and six assists in 22 appearances.
Luis Enrique
January 2026
Luis Enrique defended Diaz after his late Panenka penalty was saved, a moment that became a focal point of criticism following Morocco’s defeat to Senegal. He argued football outcomes should not define a player’s character, cited the pressure created by the long delay and protests before the kick, and noted many elite players have taken Panenkas in major matches, with judgment changing only based on whether it goes in.
Anis Hadj Moussa
January 2026
Chelsea have reportedly contacted Hadj Moussa’s camp as a potential winger target, with Feyenoord aware interest could become concrete if the price is right. The report says Chelsea reached out to his agent; Feyenoord hold leverage because he extended his deal to 2030, so any move likely requires a strong offer.
Mohamed Salah
January 2026
Egypt were knocked out by Senegal in the AFCON semi-final, but Salah is still not expected back immediately because Egypt must play Nigeria in the third-place playoff. Mane scored late to decide the semi-final. Egypt can release players early, but the expectation is Salah remains with the squad until the playoff is completed.
Mohamed Salah
January 2026
Salah reached 100 goal contributions for Egypt (65 goals, 35 assists) after scoring in a 3-2 win over Ivory Coast to send Egypt into the AFCON semi-finals. He scored in the 52nd minute, taking him to 100 contributions in 111 games, quicker than Messi (122) and Ronaldo (136), but behind Pelé (77) and Neymar (94).
Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo
January 2026
Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0, ending Mbeumo’s tournament and extending Mazraoui’s run to at least the semi-finals. Brahim Diaz scored first from close range after a corner sequence, then Ismael Saibari finished low into the corner after a free-kick fell kindly. United regain Mbeumo quickly, while Mazraoui remains away for at least another week.
Brennan Johnson
January 2026
Brennan Johnson has completed a £35m move from Tottenham to Crystal Palace, ending his Spurs spell less than a year after scoring the Europa League final winner. Palace want his pace and goals to fix a recent attacking dip and push on in the league and Europe. Johnson slipped down the pecking order after Thomas Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou, prompting Spurs to accept a deal with Palace. He held role talks with Oliver Glasner and arrives early in the window as Palace prepare for Newcastle and Aston Villa, with attacking rotation also affected by Ismaila Sarr’s AFCON duty.
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee
December 2025
Everton are reported to be considering January loan moves for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, but any deal is described as complex and expensive, with United undecided on exits. Moyes has played down expectations of heavy January business. Everton’s interest is framed as opportunistic loans rather than quick fixes, with injuries and AFCON absences squeezing depth. Reports claim Grealish’s loan has improved Everton’s pull for higher-profile targets and could be used as part of the pitch, while the club follows a multi-window strategy.
Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee
December 2025
Ruben Amorim has warned that Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee will not be allowed to leave in January unless Manchester United secure replacements, despite both fringe players exploring moves to gain more minutes after limited starts so far this season. With Mazraoui, Amad and Mbeumo at AFCON and Bruno Fernandes injured, Amorim says United are already “short” and cannot weaken further, insisting outgoings are contingent on new arrivals as the club juggles squad depth with players’ career ambitions and constant pressure to win.