Top five most sought-after Premier League stars in January transfer window

Renowned for providing plenty of drama, controversy and money-spinning madness, the opening of Europe’s January transfer window usually pre-empts a frenzied circus of activity. 

Whether it’s adding much-needed quality in forward areas, bolstering squad numbers to combat injuries or shipping out under-performing players, January is the only in-season opportunity for clubs to conduct transfer business. 

So which Premier League stars are courting the most interest as the 2025 winter window opens?

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Having commenced the 2024-25 campaign in typically sensational form, Liverpool hero Alexander-Arnold has attracted attention from Spanish giant Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti is eager to add another right-back to his star-studded ranks, with captain and former winger Lucas Vazquez the only viable option in this position. After seeing an initial £20m ($25m) bid rejected last week, Real Madrid is poised to improve its offer in the coming days.

The speculation surrounding his future does appear to have had a negative impact, with the English international receiving substantial criticism for his performance against Manchester United on Sunday.

Ola Aina 

After a solid first season at the City Ground, Aina has delivered a series of dazzling displays during the first half of the 2024-25 campaign. Integral to Nottingham Forest’s remarkable rise to the higher echelons of the table, the pacey full-back has played almost every minute of the Reds’ opening 20 Premier League fixtures.

Although Galatasaray and a handful of English clubs have shown an interest, Manchester City appears the most determined to secure Aina’s services. Reports indicate that Pep Guardiola has earmarked the Nigerian international as a potential long-term replacement for the experienced Kyle Walker.

Jhon Duran

Although considered to be one of the best finishers in the country, Duran has only made four Premier League starts this term. Such limited game time makes his recent goal return even more impressive, with the imposing Colombian regularly on the scoresheet.

Unai Emery will undoubtedly be desperate to keep Duran — who netted in key Champions League victories over Bayern Munich, Bologna and RB Leipzig — as Villa attempts to find greater consistency. However, Paris Saint-Germain has been closely monitoring the 21-year-old striker’s situation and is rumored to be lining up an attractive player-plus-cash offer.

Marcus Rashford 

After suggesting he’s ready to depart Old Trafford in a bombshell interview last month, it seems only a matter of time before Rashford will leave his boyhood club. Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has so far managed to keep his powder dry but must be already losing patience with Rashford following a string of on and off-field issues.

AC Milan is keen to sign the Englishman on loan, but Rashford’s astronomical wages may prove a stumbling block. The Seattle Sounders of Major League soccer have also been credited as a potential suitor and would be able to finance a move thanks to their upcoming Club World Cup windfall. It’s believed a fee of around £40m ($50m) might be enough to entice United to sell its homegrown talent.  

Evan Ferguson

Having enjoyed a superb first three years on the South Coast, Brighton’s Evan Ferguson recently fell down the pecking order. Forwards Joao Pedro, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck usually feature in the Seagulls attack, with the young Irishman consigned to a position on the bench.

Given his Premier League goal-scoring pedigree, Ferguson would be an ideal January signing for any team lacking a predatory edge in the final third. West Ham is currently said to be leading the chase for the striker’s signature, and he would likely leave the AMEX stadium in an initial loan deal.