Top five most sought-after Premier League stars in the 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 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. This adds a further sense of panic and urgency to an already frantic marketplace.

So, which Premier League stars are courting most interest as 2025 begins?

Trent Alexander-Arnold   

Having commenced the 2024-25 campaign in typically sensational form, Liverpool hero Alexander-Arnold has attracted interest from Spanish giants 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 bid rejected last week, Real Madrid are poised to improve their 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 with Nottingham Forest, Aina has delivered a series of dazzling displays during the first half of the 2024-25 campaign. Integral to 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’s interest seems to have cooled in recent days, Manchester City are still eager 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 attempt to find greater consistency. However, Paris Saint-Germain appear determined in their pursuit of the 21-year-old striker, and are rumored to be lining up an attractive player-plus-cash offer.

Marcus Rashford  

After suggesting he’s ready to depart Manchester United in a bombshell interview in December, it seems only a matter of time before Rashford will leave his boyhood club. 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 are 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.

Evan Ferguson

Having enjoyed a superb first three years on the South Coast, Brighton’s Ferguson has 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 are currently said to be leading the chase for the striker’s signature, who would likely leave the AMEX stadium in an initial loan deal.