January 2026 European Football Transfer Market: Key Spanish Clubs and Player Moves
January 2026 sees significant transfer market activity involving top Spanish clubs and players, with notable loans, signings, and uncertain futures.
- • Lazio targets Elche's Rodri Mendoza for 20 million euros.
- • Marc ter Stegen set to join Girona on loan from Barcelona.
- • Liverpool pursues Alessandro Bastoni following Manchester City's signing of Marc Guéhi.
- • Chimy Ávila's future at Real Betis remains uncertain amid limited playing time.
- • Sergio Arribas' performance affected by transfer market distractions and Sporting de Lisboa's interest.
Key details
The January 2026 football transfer window continues to generate significant activity and speculation, particularly involving Spanish clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and others.
Lazio is eyeing a move for Elche's young midfielder Rodri Mendoza, with a 20 million euro clause making him an attractive target for coach Maurizio Sarri. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen is set to join Girona on loan, as confirmed by his absence from Barcelona's upcoming Champions League travel plans. Additionally, Barcelona is close to finalizing a loan deal for 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim to Barça Atlètic, and Atletico Madrid is monitoring Barcelona's Marc Casadó.
In other Spanish market moves, Fran Beltrán is expected to leave Celta Vigo for Girona. Real Madrid faces challenges in trying to recover their young talent Endrick, while Inter Milan has shown interest in Real Madrid players Franco Mastantuono and Arda Güler.
Outside of Spain, Liverpool is targeting defender Alessandro Bastoni after Manchester City's purchase of Marc Guéhi for 23 million euros. Juventus is negotiating with Crystal Palace over Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Chelsea is pursuing a young central defender from Stade Rennes. Manchester United is assessing Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal and is considering Nico Kovac for a future managerial role. There are also potential returns and loans involving players like Konstantinos Tsimikas and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Amid these movements, player focus is under strain. Almería's Sergio Arribas delivered a below-par performance against Deportivo, partly attributed to transfer market distractions. His future remains uncertain amid interest from Sporting de Lisboa, highlighting how transfer rumors can impact player performance.
Chimy Ávila's status at Real Betis also remains unclear; although not playing regularly, his representative insists he remains a Betis player, comfortable with the club but open to evaluating offers, potentially influenced by interest from Boca Juniors.
Overall, the January window is shaping up as a period of dynamic shifts and strategic moves that could reshape team compositions across Spanish and European football.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
