Transfer Deadline Day Shakeup: 5 Stars Set to Switch Clubs in Final Hours

Winter transfer activity proves challenging for clubs, as selling teams are generally reluctant to release important players during the middle of the campaign.

The January 2026 transfer window has thus far lacked major storylines. The most significant transactions, including Manchester City's acquisitions of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi, were completed smoothly, offering a welcome respite from the chaotic summer period.

Nevertheless, time remains and opportunities for last-minute drama still exist in this winter window. Transfer Deadline Day approaches, and unexpected developments are certain to unfold.

Below are five players who might still switch clubs before the January transfer window concludes.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Jean-Philippe Mateta

After witnessing Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and recently Guéhi depart Crystal Palace during his successful period, Jean-Philippe Mateta feels it's time for his own departure.

The Eagles are struggling, facing an uncertain future. He's been instrumental in their most prosperous period in recent memory and should exit Selhurst Park with an excellent reputation. Oliver Glasner excluded Mateta from his squad on Sunday as Palace managed a 1–1 draw against Nottingham Forest, with the French striker expected to join Milan on Deadline Day.

While Forest showed interest, Mateta reportedly favored Serie A once the Rossoneri expressed their desire. Milan have found it difficult to secure a reliable striker since Zlatan Ibrahimović retired, but they should be optimistic about their newest signing, who will allegedly cost them £26 million ($35.6 million).

As compensation, Palace are securing Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee hasn't featured for Manchester United under Michael Carrick's management due to injury concerns, though the Dutch striker returned to the squad against Fulham.

Zirkzee has managed only two Premier League goals across 14 appearances this season, and seems unlikely to develop into a prolific scorer for the Red Devils. Nevertheless, his technical abilities still hold considerable value.

Zirkzee's response to Benjamin Šeško's winning goal on Sunday indicates his continued dedication to Old Trafford, though discussions about a potential Serie A return persist. Both Napoli and Roma have shown interest, although Romelu Lukaku's injury recovery has reduced the former's striker requirements. They urgently need reinforcements in other areas.

Therefore, witnessing the United player leave before the deadline would be surprising, but inquiries about Zirkzee's availability are expected.

Jhon Durán

Jhon Durán

The imposing Colombian striker has followed a career trajectory that would make any experienced player jealous.

Jhon Durán was a central figure in last year's winter window, ultimately transferring to Al Nassr in a massive £71 million ($89 million) transaction following an impressive start to the 2024–25 season at Villa Park.

He netted eight goals in 13 Saudi Pro League appearances before securing a loan move to Fenerbahçe last summer. In Turkey, Durán has experienced limited success, and rumors are emerging about a potentially quick Premier League return. Naturally, any arrangement would require coordination with his parent club, but numerous English teams are reportedly keen on bringing the Colombian back to England.

Newcastle United have been mentioned despite their summer striker acquisitions, while Tottenham Hotspur are anticipated to be active on Deadline Day.

Moussa Diaby

Moussa Diaby

Inter are expected to be extremely active on Deadline Day, with the Nerazzurri seeking a midfielder and apparently another attacker despite their current wealth of options available to Cristian Chivu.

Moussa Diaby doesn't naturally suit Inter's 3-5-2 formation, but connections have emerged. The French winger excelled in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen but delivered average performances during his Premier League stint. Unai Emery was prepared to sell after Al Ittihad presented an offer matching their 2023 purchase price.

Diaby has subsequently spent two seasons in the Saudi Pro League, and it would be shocking if he didn't return to the Premier League before reaching his theoretical prime. His career path has shifted, but Inter's interest suggests Diaby remains valued by some of Europe's elite clubs.

The speculated Inter deal currently appears doubtful, but monitor Tottenham during the window's final moments. They're likely to make desperate moves late.

Davide Frattesi

Davide Frattesi

Inter are having difficulty finalizing a deal with Liverpool for Curtis Jones, suggesting Davide Frattesi, as things stand, appears destined to remain in Milan until summer.

Nevertheless, an arrangement has allegedly been reached in principle with Nottingham Forest, so if Inter successfully pursue Jones and secure a replacement, the Italian could soon be making runs in the Premier League.

Frattesi was Inter's hero in their dramatic Champions League semi-final triumph over Barcelona last season, but has found it challenging to secure a consistent starting position under both Chivu and Simone Inzaghi. He's essentially a lighter version of Nicolò Barella: packed with determination, intensity and spirit, but less refined and capable of dominating matches.

He'd be a worthwhile addition for Sean Dyche, but Forest's deal is currently on hold.