© Reuters
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole‘s live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Thursday, February 1.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today’s transfer rumours and done deals.
Today’s key events
Spurs, Barcelona ‘going head-to-head for Bergvall’
© Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona are reportedly battling for the signature of Djurgardens IF teenager Lucas Bergvall.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the 17-year-old’s future over the last few weeks, with a number of clubs said to be interested in signing him.
Manchester United are believed to have expressed an interest in the youngster, but according to Sky Sports News journalist Michael Bridge, he is choosing between Spurs and Barcelona.
Bridge claims that there is no rush when it comes to a deal on deadline day, as Bergvall will not be making a move until this summer’s transfer window.
11m ago DONE DEAL
Jon McCracken returns to Dundee on loan from Norwich
McCracken returns to The Dee!
Dundee Football Club are excited to announce that goalkeeper, Jon McCracken has returned to the club for the remainder of the season from Norwich City, subject to international clearance.
https://t.co/xNu6LAJb6h#thedee pic.twitter.com/4uceRfOq4N
— Dundee Football Club (@DundeeFC) February 1, 2024
“It feels good to be back at the club and to see familiar faces again,” he told the club website.
“Once I got the initial phone call about coming back, I spoke to the manager and I was eager to get back to the club. I really enjoyed the games I played for Dundee, I got one game at home on the first day of the season against Motherwell and it was a great atmosphere.
“I am looking forward to seeing the fans again because they followed us home and away when I was here and I know they will do that again.”
Galatasaray ‘agree deal with Forest to sign Serge Aurier’
© Reuters
Galatasaray have reportedly agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to sign right-back Serge Aurier.
The Turkish champions have been on the hunt for a right-sided defender over the past week following the sale of Sacha Boey to Bayern Munich.
After recouping €30m (£25.5m) for the highly-rated Frenchman, Gala are set to move to replace Boey ahead of today’s deadline.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Gala and Forest have agreed a deal which will see the Ivorian move to Istanbul once he returns from the Africa Cup of Nations.
13m ago DONE DEAL
Livingston sign David Carson from Inverness
✍🏻 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬
Livingston FC is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder David Carson from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, subject to SFA approval.
Welcome to West Lothian, David! 🦁
🖥️ https://t.co/5dNpJJzhd2 pic.twitter.com/aHQbELff2T
— Livingston Football Club (@LiviFCOfficial) February 1, 2024
“I am delighted to secure David’s signature and bring him into the club,” said manager David Martindale.
“He can play in a number positions but, for me, is best in a defensive midfield role.
“He has bags of endeavour and desire to work hard for the team and I’m sure this will see him quickly become a fans favourite.”
16m ago NEW CONTRACT
Chris Fuhrich signs Stuttgart contract extension
Chris Führich extends contract to 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣8️⃣🙌
VfB have extended Germany international Chris Führich’s contract until 30 June 2028. ⚪️🔴#VfB | #Führich2028 pic.twitter.com/2YCJtQuuZK
— VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) February 1, 2024
17m ago DONE DEAL
21m ago DONE DEAL
Oxford sign Owen Dale from Blackpool
Transfer Deadline Dale! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MxbbbN8mwj
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) February 1, 2024
22m ago DONE DEAL
Bolton sign Aaron Collins from Bristol Rovers
Confirmed ✅
Aaron Collins is a Wanderer! 🙌#bwfc pic.twitter.com/cm4uoJP2rz
— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) February 1, 2024
25m ago DONE DEAL
Betis’ Juanmi Jimenez leaves Al Riyadh, joins Cadiz on loan
📣 OFFICIAL | Juanmi Jiménez arrives on loan until the end of the season.
Welcome back, @juanmi9395!pic.twitter.com/la3wzVxPpP
— Cádiz CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@Cadiz_CFEN) February 1, 2024
27m ago DONE DEAL
Almeria’s Kaiky Fernandes joins Albacete on loan
🤝 UD Almería and @AlbaceteBPSAD have agreed to the loan of 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐬 until the end of the season.
Best of luck, Kaiky! 💪 pic.twitter.com/pdsnPPckOC
— UD Almería (@UDAlmeria_Eng) February 1, 2024
30m ago DONE DEAL
Portsmouth sign Owen Moxon from Carlisle
But he was made for the royal blue.
✍️ Welcome to #Pompey, @owenmoxonn!
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) February 1, 2024
“Owen is a strong and powerful midfielder, who was one of the stand-out players in League Two last season,” said manager John Mousinho.
“He’s managed to kick on again during the current campaign and has been one of Carlisle’s better performers.
“Owen has an eye for goal and takes a very good set-piece. He’s mobile and knows how to handle the ball, so we’re excited to have him at Pompey.”
Burnley ‘pushing to sign Dortmund defender Meunier’
© Reuters
Burnley have reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier as a deadline-day target.
The Clarets suffered their 16th defeat in 22 Premier League fixtures on Wednesday evening as they lost 3-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
After the game, head coach Vincent Kompany indicated that he was hopeful of signing at least one fresh face before close of business on Thursday.
Kompany openly acknowledged that Montpellier HSC defender Maxime Esteve was specifically a player that he was looking to add to his backline.
Trevoh Chalobah ‘happy to stay at Chelsea’
© Reuters
Trevoh Chalobah is reportedly not in any rush to leave Chelsea on deadline day.
Despite featuring throughout pre-season under Mauricio Pochettino, the defender has not made a single competitive appearance this season.
Much of that has been down to injury, the academy graduate having only recently made a full return to training after a thigh problem.
However, during the closing days of the summer transfer window, the 24-year-old had been made available for transfer by co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
36m ago DONE DEAL
Sunderland sign Romaine Mundle from Standard Liege
It’s time… pic.twitter.com/KgIC60TjRr
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 1, 2024
“Talented players like Romaine are highly sought after and we saw this first hand in the summer when he left Tottenham Hotspur,” said sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
“We didn’t anticipate him being available on a permanent basis, but when we sensed an opportunity, we moved quickly and decisively to make it happen – our ways of working and structure are a real strength in these moments.
“This is an important step in Romaine’s career following a spell overseas and we look forward to helping him settle, as he makes Sunderland his new home. He’s got a bright future ahead of him as part of an exciting squad, and we look forward to working with him.”
Brighton allow Dahoud to join Stuttgart on loan
© Reuters
Brighton & Hove Albion have announced that Mahmoud Dahoud has linked up with Stuttgart on a loan deal for the rest of the season.
During the summer, one of the first pieces of business conducted by Brighton was securing the free transfer of Dahoud.
Much was expected of the 28-year-old who was making the switch from Borussia Dortmund, and a place in the team became available when Moises Caicedo left for Chelsea for a British transfer record.
However, Dahoud has failed to establish himself at the Amex Stadium, being restricted to nine starts and five substitute appearances in all competitions.
Bradley Ibrahim leaves Arsenal for Hertha Berlin on permanent deal
© Reuters
Arsenal have confirmed that 19-year-old midfielder Bradley Ibrahim has left the club to join Hertha Berlin on a permanent deal.
The 19-year-old ends his association with the Gunners after a four-and-a-half-year spell in North London, having left the Queens Park Rangers academy in the summer of 2019.
Ibrahim made an impression at Under-18 level with four goals and three assists from 41 matches, while he also added one goal and four assists from 22 games for the club’s Under-23 side.
Last season, the teenager made the bench for two Europa League fixtures with Bodo/Glimt and PSV Eindhoven, and he was named in a Premier League squad for the first time in November’s 3-1 win over Burnley.
Aston Villa confirm signing of Middlesbrough forward Rogers
© Reuters
Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers on a long-term contract.
The West Midlands outfit have been attempting to bolster their attacking ranks through January as they bid to remain in contention at the top of the Premier League table.
Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United made it just one win in five for Unai Emery‘s side, and they now sit down in fifth place in the standings.
However, despite a number of bids having been rejected by Middlesbrough, Villa have finally got their preferred target for the month in Rogers.
Sevilla ‘make loan bid for Spurs forward Veliz’
© Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur forward Alejo Veliz has reportedly emerged as a late January transfer target for Sevilla.
During the summer, Spurs paid in the region of £12m to secure the signature of the young Argentine frontman from Rosario Central.
Upon his arrival, it was anticipated that the 20-year-old would rarely be used in the first team as he acclimatised to the rigours of English football.
That is how it has proven with just 45 minutes of football being provided to Veliz across eight appearances in the Premier League.
2h ago DONE DEAL
Clermont sign Chrislain Matsima on loan from Monaco
🔴🔵 𝑩𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 !
✍️ Le Clermont Foot 63 et l’AS Monaco ont trouvé un accord pour le prêt de Chrislain Matsima jusqu’à la fin de la saison !#MercatoCF63 | #NousSommesClermont 🌋 pic.twitter.com/MCKTAiTDUK
— Clermont Foot 63 (@ClermontFoot) February 1, 2024
2h ago DONE DEAL
Bayern Munich snap up 16-year-old Jonah Kusi-Asare
𝗛𝗲𝗷, 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗵! 👋
Der #FCBayern hat den schwedischen Juniorennationalspieler Jonah Kusi-Asare verpflichtet. Der 16-jährige Stürmer wechselt von AIK Solna zum deutschen Rekordmeister, bei dem er einen langfristigen Vertrag unterschrieben hat. ✍️✅
👉 https://t.co/xEGOvNd7l9… pic.twitter.com/Ez8NcjIWFI
— FC Bayern Campus (@fcbayerncampus) February 1, 2024
2h ago DONE DEAL
Union Berlin sign Yorbe Vertessen from PSV
Someone’s arrived… And we couldn’t be happier. pic.twitter.com/yZzHR7VAsO
— 1. FC Union Berlin (English) (@fcunion_en) February 1, 2024
“The Bundesliga is special and so are Union,” he said.
“Every player in the Netherlands knows that. I’m all the happier now that I’m here and can hopefully help the team and the club to make up for the difficult last few months.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my new colleagues, and seeing the stadium and the fans. When we played here last year, the atmosphere was unique.”
Nottingham Forest announce Rodrigo Ribeiro loan deal
© Reuters
Nottingham Forest have announced that they have signed Sporting Lisbon youngster Rodrigo Ribeiro.
Despite having recently been charged with breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability regulations, Forest are making a late attempt to bring in several fresh faces.
On Wednesday night, the East Midlands outfit confirmed that Giovanni Reyna had arrived on loan from Borussia Dortmund, while they are also in the market for a new goalkeeper.
However, Forest have begun their deadline day activity by revealing that they have completed the loan signing of Ribeiro.
2h ago NEW CONTRACT
Rocco Reitz signs new Borussia Monchengladbach contract
𝐑𝐑𝟐𝟕+𝟏
Rocco Reitz has signed a contract extension until 30th June 2028! 💚 pic.twitter.com/Zk7r3EB6it
— Gladbach (@borussia_en) February 1, 2024
2h ago DONE DEAL
Fiorentina sign Andrea Belotti on loan from Roma
Welcome, Andrea Belotti ⚜️#ForzaViola #Fiorentina #ACFFiorentina pic.twitter.com/2tRwaAbyqg
— ACF Fiorentina English (@ACFFiorentinaEN) February 1, 2024
2h ago DONE DEAL
Sergio Akieme leaves Almeria for Reims
✍️ UD Almeria and @StadeDeReims reach an agreement for the transfer of @sergioakieme.
We wish the footballer the best of luck for the future 🍀
Thank you, Sergio! ❤️🤍❤️ pic.twitter.com/y0OGsTUzd1
— UD Almería (@UDAlmeria_Eng) February 1, 2024
2h ago DONE DEAL
Birmingham sign Alex Pritchard from Sunderland
It would’ve been ‘ard to keep you waiting any longer… 🔵✍️#PritchardAnnounced pic.twitter.com/LmdYCNSR8a
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) February 1, 2024
“I am happy. My future has been well speculated for a while now and I am just glad to get everything done and just settled and, hopefully, I can just crack on with football,” he told the club website.
Real Madrid ‘keeping an eye on Van Dijk’s situation at Liverpool’
© Reuters
Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close eye on Virgil van Dijk‘s situation at Liverpool, with the Netherlands international potentially following Jurgen Klopp out the door at Anfield.
Klopp revealed last week that he would be standing down as Liverpool head coach this summer, and comments from Van Dijk in the aftermath of the shock announcement suggested that the Netherlands international was considering his own future at the club.
Van Dijk has since insisted that his words were “taken out of context”, with the centre-back remaining fully committed to Liverpool.
However, the 32-year-old’s contract at Anfield is due to expire in the summer of 2025, and according to Defensa Central, the situation is being closely monitored by Real Madrid.
Real Madrid ‘rule out deadline-day move for Raphael Varane’
© Reuters
Real Madrid will reportedly not make an attempt to re-sign Raphael Varane from Manchester United before the January transfer window closes for business.
Los Blancos are currently without the services of two important centre-backs in the shape of Eder Militao and David Alaba due to serious knee injuries.
Militao has been missing since August, while Alaba suffered his ACL injury in the latter stages of last year and will be absent for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.
Earlier this month, Real Madrid are believed to have considered moving a centre-back, and it has been claimed in recent days that the club were eyeing a potential late swoop for Varane.
Arsenal ‘eyeing summer move for Marcus Rashford’
© Reuters
Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on Marcus Rashford‘s situation at Manchester United, with the Gunners considering launching a summer move for the attacker.
The 26-year-old has struggled to show his best form for the Red Devils during the 2023-24 campaign, only managing four goals and six assists in 26 appearances in all competitions.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding his future over the last few days following the events of last week, with the Man United academy product being pictured out in Belfast on both Wednesday and Thursday evening before calling in sick to training on Friday.
Rashford was not involved in Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Newport County, with the club maintaining that he was unwell, but head coach Erik ten Hag said after the game that he would “deal with” the situation.
3h ago DONE DEAL
Quick double deal for Wrexham as they sign Jack Marriott from Fleetwood
Let’s go, Jack Marriott 🫡
🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/wj6Dejphd7
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) February 1, 2024
“I’m really pleased to be here and happy to get the deal over the line,” he told the club website.
“The club’s performances, the way they play as a team is a real key factor for me signing and the trajectory that the club is going in is something that I want to be involved in and I’m absolutely delighted to be here.”
Manager Phil Parkinson added: “We’re really pleased to bring Jack to the club. He’s got proven experience at a higher level and comes to us looking to make a real contribution in our second half of the season.”
3h ago DONE DEAL
Genoa sign Portuguese striker Vitinha on loan from Marseille
🔴🔵 𝐕𝚰𝐓𝚰𝐍𝐇𝐀 is Red&Blue 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/0w8RDGvkaq
— Genoa CFC (@GenoaCFC) February 1, 2024
3h ago DONE DEAL
Wrexham sign Luke Bolton from Salford City
Introducing our latest Red, Luke Bolton 👊
🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/mDMQjfPbTE
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) February 1, 2024
“I’m buzzing to be here and how the club has kicked on League Two to be second in the table is something I want to be a part of,” he said.
“Hopefully we can push on and go for the title because it’s not out of the picture that’s for sure and I’m glad to be part of it.”
Manager Phil Parkinson added: “Luke’s a really good addition to the squad. He’s going to be a player that adds real pace and dynamism to the team.”
3h ago DONE DEAL
Stuttgart confirm Dahoud loan includes option to buy
VfB Stuttgart sign Mahmoud #Dahoud ⚪️🔴
The 28-year-old midfielder joins Stuttgart on loan from English Premier League side @OfficialBHAFC, with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the current season. Dahoud’s deal runs until 30 June 2024.#VfB | @modahoud8 pic.twitter.com/KpZFbGnWno
— VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) February 1, 2024
3h ago DONE DEAL
Brighton’s Mahmoud Dahoud joins Stuttgart on loan
Mo Dahoud has joined @VfB on loan for the rest of the season. ✍
Good luck,@modahoud8! 🤝
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 1, 2024
“This is a good move for Mahmoud. It will give him an opportunity to play regularly for a side doing very well towards the top of the Bundesliga. We wish him well for the rest of the campaign,” said technical director David Weir.
3h ago DONE DEAL
Nottingham Forest sign Rodrigo Ribeiro on loan from Sporting Lisbon
We’re delighted to announce the loan signing of Rodrigo Ribeiro from @SportingCP ✍️
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 1, 2024
“Nottingham Forest is delighted to announce the signing of Rodrigo Ribeiro from Sporting Lisbon,” read a statement from the club.
“The 18-year-old striker has joined the club on loan for the remainder of the season, in a deal which could become permanent beyond that.”
3h ago DONE DEAL
Adam Montgomery returns to Celtic from Motherwell
Adam Montgomery has returned to Celtic to continue his rehabilitation on a serious injury picked up in training.
Speedy recovery, Adam.
— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) February 1, 2024
“Adam Montgomery has suffered a serious injury that will keep him out for a considerable period of time,” read a statement from Motherwell.
“The full-back, who had joined on loan from Celtic, made his debut in the 3-1 victory over Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Cup.
“However, he had to withdraw from a training session and has since undergone scans to determine the issue.
“Montgomery has now returned to Celtic to undergo his rehabilitation.”
3h ago DONE DEAL
Montpellier sign Modibo Sagnan
✍️ 𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒃𝒐 𝑺𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒏 rejoint le MHSC 🧡
💬 « 𝑱𝒆 𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 »📝 https://t.co/78LCQ74C8o pic.twitter.com/HhwhHpKGuQ
— MHSC (@MontpellierHSC) February 1, 2024
Chelsea ‘open to letting Armando Broja leave on loan’
© Reuters
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to allow Armando Broja to leave the club on loan before the January transfer window closes for business.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the striker’s future this month, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham both believed to be interested in his services.
Chelsea had allegedly been hopeful of selling the 22-year-old in the winter market, with a disappointing campaign seeing him manage just two goals and two assists in 19 appearances in all competitions.
However, according to journalist David Ornstein, a loan exit is now possible, providing that Chelsea receive a “significant fee” and there are assurances over “game time”.
3h ago DONE DEAL
Mainz sign Jessic Ngankam on loan from Frankfurt
Our new number 1️⃣1️⃣!
Suits you, Jessic! 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/M0fOQDkyQE
— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) February 1, 2024
Man United’s Pellistri joins Granada on loan for rest of season
© Reuters
Manchester United have confirmed that Facundo Pellistri has joined La Liga outfit Granada on loan for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the Uruguay international’s future in recent weeks, with a number of clubs believed to have expressed an interest in securing his services on a short-term basis.
Anthony Martial‘s groin operation led to claims that Pellistri would have to remain at Old Trafford as cover, with the Red Devils lacking numbers in the final third of the field.
However, the 20-time English champions have ultimately agreed to let the 22-year-old move on, and he will spend the second half of the season with Granada.
4h ago
Who could be on the move today?
© Reuters
It has been a quiet January transfer window on the whole so far – especially compared to the Chelsea-led spending of this time last year, but there could still be a few notable transfers going through today.
Once again, Chelsea may take centre stage, but this time for outgoings with the future of Armando Broja among the key issues to sort. Fulham are interested in the striker, but the sticking point appears to be his asking price – thought to be £50m, whether that is this month or as an obligation. to buy in the summer following a loan spell.
Conor Gallagher‘s name is also likely to come up, but the midfielder looks increasingly unlikely to leave Stamford Bridge – news which will no doubt delight most Chelsea fans.
Elsewhere, we are expecting Morgan Rogers to complete his move from Middlesbrough to Aston Villa, while another Championship to Premier League switch could be happening with Adam Wharton to Crystal Palace from Blackburn.
6h ago