Transfer news live: Liverpool plot Upamecano swoop, Chelsea confirm huge exit, Arsenal want ‘unhappy’ Alvarez

Napoli renew interest in Jadon Sancho
Napoli have renewed their interest in Jadon Sancho and are considering a summer move.
Corriere dello Sport Add that United’s lender is one of the names on a five-person shortlist.
Abde Ezzalzouli of Real Betis, Jérémie Boga of OGC Nice, Daniel Maldini of Atalanta and Armand Lauriente of Sassuolo are the other names listed.
ChateauraJanuary 29, 2026 02:00
Arsenal must be wary of the dangers of anti-football after succumbing to the magic of Man United
Arsenal’s first home defeat of the season was accompanied by a sense of poetic justice. Two true socialites had proven the difference between another Gunners victory via set-piece debauchery and defeat. The anti-football was defeated by its antithesis: bonito joga.
“We gave them the goal,” lamented Arteta, whose team were booed at the half-time whistle. “Mistakes are a part of football, very unlike us, but we gave them the goal and the hope, and that changed the energy, because from then until halftime we really struggled.”
Chris WilsonJanuary 29, 2026 01:00
Cole Palmer ‘untouchable’ amid Man Utd links
Shock links to Man United have emerged around Cole Palmer this week, with the Manchester-born striker apparently feeling homesick.
But The telegraph claims Palmer is part of a new group of ‘untouchables’ at Chelsea, along with skipper Reece James and midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Speaking ahead of the Crystal Palace clash, boss Liam Rosenior was asked about Palmer and said: “I’ve had lots of conversations with Cole and he seems very, very happy to be here. He’s very, very happy to be here.
“He is a big part of our long-term plans. He is an exceptional player. Every player goes through difficult times in his career in terms of injuries. I don’t think that reflects his qualities. He is an exceptional footballer.”
Will’s CastleJanuary 29, 2026 00:00
What the absurd argument between Keane and McCarthy on Saipan teaches us about Irish identity and principles
For all the debate about the fictionalization of a football event that people care about intensely and the way certain characters are portrayed, the film could have considerable irony. Saipan. This may have revealed something new.
While it’s hard to say whether “spoilers” can apply to an actual story, and one where people have been arguing over small details for two decades, it’s probably appropriate here. So consider this fair warning.
It’s not just a spoiler that follows, but a detail that could change the way people view one of the biggest controversies in Irish sporting history, as well as the story of how Manchester United’s star captain sat out a World Cup he had been crucial to qualifying for – on principle.
The film chronicles Roy Keane’s departure from the Ireland team on the eve of the 2002 World Cup due to his feud with manager Mick McCarthy… but there may well have been a twist.
Miguel DelaneyJanuary 28, 2026 11:30 p.m.
Tammy Abraham jersey number confirmed
Tammy Abraham will wear number 18 for Aston Villa following his move from Besiktas, taking the same shirt he wore during his loan spell at the club from Chelsea in 2018/19.
Will’s CastleJanuary 28, 2026 11:00 p.m.
Wilson could become a free agent this summer
Fulham star Harry Wilson looks increasingly likely to become a free agent this summer, according to Aerial sports.
Several Premier League clubs have reportedly expressed interest in the winger this month, with just six months remaining on his contract.
Fulham are keen to retain him long-term and have discussed the possibility of offering him an extension, but no agreement has yet been reached.
Will’s CastleJanuary 28, 2026 10:30 p.m.
Adama Traore reveals how fictional football film convinced him to join West Ham
Spain international Adama Traore completed his move to West Ham United from London club Fulham on Wednesday, revealing a film about his new team taught him about the passion of their supporters.
The 30-year-old winger said: “I’ve been watching West Ham for a long time. It’s a huge club, a huge fan base. I’ve been watching since I was young, when I watched a West Ham film. I know the fans and their passion.”
It is widely believed that this cinematic reference refers to the fictional 2005 drama. Green Streetwhich explored the culture of hooliganism in English football through a group of supporters associated with the London club.
Chris WilsonJanuary 28, 2026 10:00 p.m.
Man United monitors Rennes starlet
If Jérémy Jacquet is on everyone’s lips, Manchester United are looking further into the Rennes ranks by monitoring striker Kader Meite.
According to Aerial sportsUnited are unlikely to move for the 18-year-old in this window but view him as a possible future target.
United track a variety of young prospects but are aware of the unique pressures that the club environment brings, so care must be taken with budding stars.
Will’s CastleJanuary 28, 2026 9:30 p.m.
Chelsea face competition from Liverpool and Bayern for Jacquet
Chelsea had been linked with a deal in January for Jeremy Jacquet to increase their centre-back depth.
But with a deal this month to sign the Rennes star seemingly unlikely, Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also in negotiations over a summer deal for the centre-back.
The 20-year-old played for the France under-21 team and has featured 17 times in Ligue 1 this season.
Jack RathbornJanuary 28, 2026 9:00 p.m.
Paqueta cleared to take Flamengo medical exam
West Ham have allowed Lucas Paqueta to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo.
Paqueta’s turbulent time in east London is set to end with a return to his homeland agreed for a fee believed to be around £35million.
The Hammers wanted the Brazil international to stay until the end of the season to help the club fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League, but the 28-year-old was determined to leave.
A West Ham statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that Lucas Paqueta has been allowed to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo, after a fee was agreed for his permanent transfer.
“Lucas made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wanted to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges which took two years to resolve – a situation which caused him significant mental strain.
“Even though the club did everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, they remained adamant that his wish was to leave.
“Therefore, the head coach and the club reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.
“West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and dedicated support they have given Lucas throughout his tenure at the club and, in particular, over the last two and a half years.”
Will’s CastleJanuary 28, 2026 8:30 p.m.
