LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Sancho completes Man Utd loan exit, Dier to Bayern imminent
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Thursday, January 11.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
Today's key events
Man United to reignite Brobbey interest this summer?
Manchester United could reportedly move for Ajax forward Brian Brobbey during this summer's transfer window.
The 20-time English champions were linked with the Dutchman during Erik ten Hag's first transfer window as head coach, with the striker playing under the Man United boss in Amsterdam.
According to The Mirror, Ten Hag remains keen on the 21-year-old, and the Red Devils could reignite their interest this summer, with a forward addition seen as a priority for the club.
Man United are still said to have full confidence in Rasmus Hojlund, who has six goals for the club this season, but reinforcements will be needed, as Anthony Martial is set to leave on a free transfer.
Stranraer sign Aiden Gilmartin on loan
We are pleased to announce the signing of 18 year old forward Aiden Gilmartin, who joins on a 6 month loan deal from Premiership side @saintmirrenfc βπ» pic.twitter.com/uzuOgANwyu
— Stranraer FC (@StranraerFC) January 11, 2024
Kwadwo Baah returns to Watford early after Burton Albion loan
βΉοΈ Burton Albion have agreed to the early end of the loan of winger Kwadwo Baah.
He made 21 appearances for the Brewers and returns having recently picked up a hamstring injury. — Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) January 11, 2024
"Watford and Burton Albion have agreed to the early end of the loan of young winger Kwadwo Baah," read a club statement.
"He returns to the Hornets after 21 appearances for the Brewers, and having recently picked up a hamstring injury.
"The 20-year-old scored twice during his spell with Burton.
"Baah had joined the Sky Bet League One side on a season-long loan in August."
Brentford sign Yunus Emre Konak
Welcome to Brentford, Yunus Emre Konak! βοΈ pic.twitter.com/H35r5tzxB9 — Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 11, 2024
Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: "Yunus is an exciting young player and we are very happy to have managed to bring him to Brentford.
"He's a player that likes to be aggressive, close players down, win tackles, and get the ball back for his team. He has a lot of development potential still, especially on the offensive side of the game, and we look forward to working with him on all aspects of his game.
"Our recruitment team did a fantastic job to enable us to move quickly and secure his signature. We look forward to working with Yunus and, hopefully, he can progress into the first team in due course."
Arsenal 'considering January move for Martin Zubimendi'
Arsenal are reportedly considering activating the release clause in Martin Zubimendi's Real Sociedad contract before the January transfer window closes for business.
The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Sociedad over the last 18 months, with Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal all said to be keen on the Spain international.
Zubimendi has a contract with his Basque side until June 2027, but his release clause is believed to be as low as β¬50m (Β£43.6m), and according to Sport, Arsenal are considering activating the buy-out fee to sign him before the end of the winter market.
The report claims that the Gunners are willing to meet the release clause, with Real Sociedad signalling that he would not be allowed to leave for less.
Josh Thomas returns to Swansea from Port Vale loan
π¦’ Swans striker @joshthomass44 has returned from his loan spell at Port Vale with immediate effect. — Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) January 11, 2024
"Swansea City striker Josh Thomas has returned from his loan spell at Port Vale with immediate effect," read a statement from the club.
"The 21-year-old scored three goals in 15 appearances for the Valiants, with two of those coming during their historic run to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
"Thomas joined the Swans at the age of 12 and has worked his way through the ranks, signing a first professional contract during the 2020-21 campaign.
"The Wales Under-21 international caught the eye with his goalscoring exploits during pre-season, and has been in the senior matchday squad on a handful of occasions."
Kilmarnock extend Gary Mackay-Steven deal
G...M...S
Gary Mackay-Steven has penned a deal at Rugby Park until the end of the season.
β‘οΈ https://t.co/GnDUyIBFCU pic.twitter.com/hdO9n1aqBT — Kilmarnock FC (@KilmarnockFC) January 11, 2024
"Kilmarnock FC are delighted to announce that Gary Mackay-Steven has extended his contract with the club," read a statement.
"The winger featured four times for us during a busy festive period and has now penned a deal until the end of the season.
"The 33-year-old Scotland international has strengthened the squad during his month at the club so far and will continue to do so for the rest of the campaign.
"Keeping his No 39 jersey, Mackay-Steven links up with the squad ahead of next Saturday's Scottish Cup tie with Dundee."
Ajax recall Kian Fitz-Jim from Excelsior loan
Fitz-Jim will return to Ajax with immediate effect.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 11, 2024
The midfielder joined Excelsior on loan for one season this summer. Ajax, the Rotterdam-based club and the player have agreed on a direct return to Amsterdam.
Fulham's George Wickens joins Ross County on loan
π§€Ross County FC can confirm the signing of highly-rated goalkeeper George Wickens on loan from @FulhamFC until the end of the season.
— Ross County FC (@RossCounty) January 11, 2024
22-year old Wickens spent the 21/22 season on loan at National League side Wealdstone FC, picking up two fans awards in the process. The 6 foot... pic.twitter.com/nkusHtpiQT
Plymouth sign Darko Gyabi on loan from Leeds
βοΈ Darko Gyabi joins on loan from Leeds United until the end of the season.
Welcome, Darko! #pafc — Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) January 11, 2024
"I have been aware of Darko's qualities for a number of years after his performances as a young player in the England pathway," said manager Ian Foster.
"He played an age group up in the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina which shows his qualities and he has great ability to link the play from midfield to attack. He has the athleticism to drive forward both with the ball and without it, and also has a real knack of arriving into the box late.
"Alongside that he is also a lovely character and personality so he will fit in really well within the group. He was so excited to join and couldn't get down here quick enough. I am equally excited about seeing him in an Argyle shirt."
Director of football Neil Dewsnip added: "Darko is a player we have been aware of for some time and ever since Ian was appointed, we have been keen to secure his signature.
"He is someone who Leeds paid a significant fee for which shows the talent he has, and it is now up to him and us to help him showcase that at Championship level.
"I am delighted he decided to come to Argyle as he had a number of options to choose from, but again this signing emphasises that we have created an environment here where players can develop, flourish and grow."
Carlisle sign Harry Lewis on permanent deal
Continuing the flurry of goalkeeping moves...
𧀠We are delighted to confirm that goalkeeper Harry Lewis has joined the club on a permanent deal from Bradford City for an undisclosed fee.
— Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) January 11, 2024
Welcome to Brunton Park, Harry! https://t.co/bkPY6C9vwE
"We're delighted to have got this over the line," said manager Paul Simpson.
"Harry is a player we looked at before he made the move to Bradford but we weren't able to make it happen at that time.
"He had a good loan spell up in Scotland and has played over 100 first team games, so he'll be a good addition to our squad."
Chelsea's Jamie Cumming joins Oxford on loan
π€ Oxford United are pleased to announce the signing of 24-year-old goalkeeper Jamie Cumming who has joined on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season
π‘π΅ #OUFC | #COYY — Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) January 11, 2024
"I knew there was a possibility of coming here after they had played the two cup games," he told the club website.
"They've got a really strong team who are up there challenging in the playoff places, and the facilities at the Training Ground are great. After speaking with the gaffer, it was an easy decision to make the move."
Manager Des Buckingham added: "Jamie is a really good keeper. Lewis Price, our goalkeeping coach, worked with him at MK and rates him very highly.
"We knew James Beadle might be recalled by Brighton so had been talking to Chelsea for a while. It's great that we've got this signed and completed ahead of the weekend."
Bradford sign goalkeeper Sam Walker
𧀠| Welcome to #BCAFC, Sam Walker! — Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) January 11, 2024
"Firstly, it is an honour to be here at a football club of this magnitude. It is a privilege to be able to pull on the shirt and I am here to help the team and the club get back to where it belongs," he told the club website.
"I have a really good relationship with Colin Doyle from my time at Kilmarnock. I really enjoyed working with him and was really interested in coming to a club like this.
"A vast amount of my experience is in League One and Two, with a bit of time in Scotland. I am quite a calm figure in goal, so will be hoping to bring that to the backline.
"From what I have been told, we have a really good group here, so I am just looking forward to getting going and helping the club move towards the play-offs and beyond.
"I am hugely excited and honoured to be playing at Valley Parade. I cannot wait to see everyone out there and am looking forward to getting us back to where we belong."
Bradford goalkeeping coach Colin Doyle added: "I would like to welcome Sam to the group, and am looking forward to working with him again.
"I have worked with him before in Scotland, and he did really well there at Kilmarnock. He is a great goalkeeper and a really good professional, who will bring bags of experience to the group."
Arsenal Women sign USA international defender Emily Fox
Arsenal Women have announced the signing of American defender Emily Fox on a permanent deal.
The 25-year-old becomes the Gunners' first signing of the January transfer window and arrives in North London after a one-year spell with North Carolina Courage in her native USA.
Fox - who primarily plays as a right-back - will reinforce Jonas Eidevall's defence following the departure of Noelle Maritz, who was transferred to Aston Villa last week.
"It feels amazing to have signed here. When I think of Arsenal, I think of excellence, I think of a global organisation, I think of family," Fox told the official Arsenal website.
Chelsea recall Fofana, Sevilla switch in doubt?
Chelsea have recalled David Datro Fofana from his loan spell at Union Berlin, but a similar switch to Sevilla is allegedly in doubt.
During the summer transfer window, Fofana was one of the first players to depart on a temporary basis with Mauricio Pochettino preferring other options.
Having impressed at Molde in Norway, there was hope that the Ivorian could enjoy a productive campaign in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
While that occurred through 10 starts and six substitute outings in those particular competitions, the 21-year-old was able to contribute just two goals.
Lukas Klostermann signs new RB Leipzig contract
π²πππππ ππ ππππ ππ ππππ! π«Ά
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) January 11, 2024
Lukas Klostermann has signed a contract extension with the club until 2οΈβ£0οΈβ£2οΈβ£8οΈβ£ π€©
Read all about it here π
"RB Leipzig and Lukas Klostermann (27) have agreed on a contract extension, keeping the defender at the club for a further four years," read a statement from the club.
"Klostermann's contract was set to run out in summer 2024, but instead he can now look forward to what will be his tenth season in RBL colours."
Arsenal Women bring in Emily Fox
Emily Fox is a Gunner πΊπΈ pic.twitter.com/cT3mop2XWR
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) January 11, 2024
Chelsea recall David Datro Fofana from Union Berlin loan
David Fofana recalled from Union Berlin loan. — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 11, 2024
"David Fofana has returned to Chelsea after the forward was recalled from his loan at Union Berlin," read a statement from the club.
"The 21-year-old made 17 appearances during his time with the Bundesliga club, four of which came in the Champions League.
"Fofana joined the Blues in January 2022 from Molde and featured four times for the first team last season."
Lewis O'Donnell extends Kelty Hearts stay
π€ ππ¨ππ§ ππ±πππ§π¬π’π¨π§
— Kelty Hearts FC π±π» (@KeltyHeartsFC) January 11, 2024
We're delighted to announce that Lewis O'Donnell's loan from Dundee United Football Club has been extended to the end of the season.
Lewis has made 20 Appearances in all competitions for the #MaroonMachine this season!
We would like to thank... pic.twitter.com/vRkiA2zRe1
Ipswich terminate Kyle Edwards contract
The Club and Kyle Edwards have agreed the mutual termination of his contract.
All the best for the future, Kyle.#itfc — Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) January 11, 2024
"The club and Kyle Edwards have agreed the mutual termination of his contract," read a statement.
"Kyle joined Town in the summer of 2021, arriving on a free transfer having previously been with West Bromwich Albion.
"During his two full seasons at Portman Road, Kyle made 63 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals, and was an important part of the Town squad which won promotion from League One in 2022-23.
"The winger spent the first half of the current campaign on loan at Oxford United, making six appearances and scoring twice for the League One club during a spell disrupted by injury, before returning to Town earlier this week.
"He departs with the club's best wishes for the future."
Eric Dier arrives in Germany ahead of Bayern Munich move
Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has arrived in Germany as he prepares to complete his imminent move to Bayern Munich.
The England international - whose Spurs deal expires this summer - is believed to have reached a verbal agreement with the German champions several days ago, although Tottenham refused to let him depart for free.
The Lilywhites were also determined to bring in a replacement for Dier before allowing him to end his North London stint, and they have succeeded in their endeavours by bringing in Radu Dragusin from Genoa.
Dragusin is believed to have finalised his move to Tottenham on Wednesday, and with only an official announcement left to go, the Lilywhites have given Dier the green light to head to the Allianz Arena.
Man United confirm Jadon Sancho move to Borussia Dortmund
Manchester United have confirmed that attacker Jadon Sancho has rejoined Borussia Dortmund on loan for the rest of the 2023-24 season.
The England international returns to the Signal Iduna Park two-and-a-half years on from his permanent switch to the Red Devils, who forked out Β£73m for his services in the summer of 2021.
"Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho has rejoined former club Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season," the Red Devils said in a statement. "The England international of 23 caps leaves with our best wishes for the remainder of this season."
Sancho earned a reputation as one of Europe's finest up-and-coming attackers during his time in Germany, recording 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 games during his first spell with Dortmund, winning one DFB-Pokal crown and one German Super Cup.
Sheffield Wednesday sign Ike Ugbo on loan
Welcome to Wednesday, IkΓ© Ugbo!#swfc pic.twitter.com/Zi3HewhiLo
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) January 11, 2024
Callum Flatman joins Edinburgh City on loan from Hearts
Edinburgh City are delighted to announce the signing of Callum Flatman on loan from @JamTarts
— Edinburgh City FC (@EdinburghCityFC) January 11, 2024
We look forward to being part of Callums development and we welcome him to the squad! #BackToTheCity π€π€ pic.twitter.com/QBq31iOyQI
Middlesbrough hand first pro contract to Shea Connor
Congrats to Shea Connor on his first pro contract π #UTB — Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 11, 2024
"Teenage goalkeeper Shea Connor has signed his first professional contract with the club," read a statement on the official Middlesbrough website.
"The 18-year-old has signed a deal until 2027 with the option of a further year.
"The contract is reward for a player who has been involved at all levels this season.
"He has played for both our Under-18s and U21s, and has also been a regular traveller with the senior squad as a back-up goalkeeper.
"Born in Stockton, Shea has been with the club's Academy since the age of nine."
Transfer rumours: Edwards to West Ham, Danso to Bayern, Coutinho to Inter Miami
West Ham United are reportedly considering a January move for Sporting Lisbon winger Marcus Edwards.
The 25-year-old came through the academy at West Ham's London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but he made just one senior appearance before making a permanent move to Sporting, where the Englishman has developed into a star player.
Since January 2022, Edwards has scored 21 goals and provided 22 assists in 91 appearances for the Portuguese giants in all competitions, including six goals and five assists in 25 games so far this season.
According to The Sun, West Ham have identified Edwards as a possible target this month, with manager David Moyes desperate to reinforce his attack after being hit with an injury crisis.
Saudi clubs eyeing double Liverpool raid?
Clubs in the Saudi Arabia Pro League are allegedly contemplating whether to make a fresh bid for two more Liverpool players.
During the summer transfer window, the Premier League giants watched on as Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Sadio Mane all moved to the Middle East.
As it stands, Jurgen Klopp will not be regretful over those departures with the Merseyside giants currently sitting at the top of the domestic standings.
However, given the finances on offer in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool remain at risk of losing some of their other notable squad members if fresh approaches arrive in due course.
West Ham 'showing interest in Chelsea defender Chalobah'
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for West Ham United.
Having spent much of pre-season in the team, Chalobah looked on course to make an impression under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Instead, a number of defenders were drafted into the squad, leading to the academy graduate being available for transfer but failing to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Since then, Chalobah has been suffering with a thigh injury and has not been available for selection, resulting in him missing out on an opportunity to stake a claim for a recall.
Napoli 'turn attentions to Arsenal, Chelsea defenders'
Napoli are reportedly considering separate moves for defenders at Arsenal and Chelsea respectively.
The Serie A champions are enduring a disastrous title defence thus far, already sitting 20 points adrift of leaders Inter Milan.
Walter Mazzarri - the recently-appointed head coach - is effectively tasked with trying to qualify for the Champions League, Napoli only five points adrift of fourth position.
On the back of key man Victor Osimhen accepting a new contract, Napoli are hoping to follow that with January acquisitions in a bid to improve their fortunes.
Welcome!
Good morning and welcome to another day of transfer news and rumours!
Before we get started with a look at all of today's biggest transfer talk, let's first have a quick recap of what happened yesterday.
Yesterday's top stories
Click here to read full details of all yesterday's transfer news and rumours
