MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United's transfer window is heating up amid ongoing turmoil at Old Trafford, with reports surfacing that the club has made an initial inquiry for Atalanta midfielder Éderson as they look to bolster their squad. According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, United's interest in the Brazilian international could face stiff competition from Turkish side Galatasaray. This move comes at a time when the Red Devils are also navigating uncertainty surrounding forward Marcus Rashford's future, with speculation mounting about a potential return from his loan spell at Barcelona.
Rashford, who has been on loan at the LaLiga giants since being sidelined by manager Ruben Amorim earlier this season, might find an unexpected path back to Manchester United following Amorim's reported impending departure. The Mirror reported that Rashford could have a route back to the club, though details remain fluid. Barcelona holds a €30 million option to make the transfer permanent, but Mundo Deportivo indicated that exercising it is not a 'formality.' Rashford's situation underscores the instability at United, where off-field decisions are as scrutinized as on-pitch performances.
Adding to the club's challenges, Manchester United has kicked off its search for a new manager after a turbulent period. The Telegraph reported that Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner is under consideration, while The Sun suggested Fulham's Marco Silva could receive an inquiry from United. However, sources close to ESPN have revealed that the club is leaning toward appointing an interim coach to see out the season, with a permanent hire slated for the summer. Other names circulating include England's Thomas Tuchel, former USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, reflecting a broad pool of candidates as United aims to steady the ship.
ESPN resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen provided insight into why Éderson might be an ideal addition for United, describing him as 'very much the definition of an all-purpose central midfielder.' In a detailed analysis, Karlsen noted, 'the Brazilian is one of the few at the top level who can hold his own as part of a two-man engine room while making a solid, consistent mark in both phases of the game to the same high standards. Coaches love him for his energy and that his intensity rarely dips; if his attacking actions don't quite come off, the defensive discipline, work rate and avid pressing are always there.'
Karlsen further highlighted Éderson's defensive prowess, stating he is 'a diligent defender and ball-winner -- consistently recording respectable recovery numbers (7.5 per 90) --' while praising his growing playmaking abilities: 'His ability to slide passes through the lines has improved year on year and he has become one of Serie A's more direct, tempo-changing midfield distributors. In a high-energy, vertical side that a traditional Manchester United aspire to be, Éderson looks tailor-made.'
Beyond United's pursuits, the transfer market is buzzing with activity elsewhere in the Premier League. Manchester City, grappling with injuries to key center backs Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias, have reportedly stepped up interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi. The BBC indicated that the idea of City signing Guéhi in January 'should not be discounted,' as the club seeks immediate reinforcements. Liverpool, meanwhile, are 'attentive' to the situation according to Fabrizio Romano, while Bayern Munich has already initiated talks with Guéhi's representatives for a free transfer in the summer.
In LaLiga, Barcelona has fielded an inquiry from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, per Sport Italia. The 37-year-old has been in fine form, netting nine goals in 14 matches this season, but his contract status remains unresolved at Camp Nou. Al Hilal's interest aligns with manager Simone Inzaghi's plans to strengthen the attack this month, though Lewandowski has also been linked to MLS side Chicago Fire. No decision has been announced, leaving his future open to speculation.
Over in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich is working to secure the long-term commitment of star striker Harry Kane. Reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that initial talks for a contract extension are underway, potentially keeping the 32-year-old at the Allianz Arena until 2028 or 2029. Despite the optimism, Bayern's hierarchy is scouting replacements as a precaution. ESPN sources from February 2025 noted that Kane's release clause would reactivate this month at a reduced €60 million fee, adding another layer to the negotiations.
Other notable developments include FC Cologne securing a loan deal for Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey until the end of the season, providing the young talent with valuable playing time in the German second tier. In Italy, AC Milan is pushing to extend winger Rafael Leão's contract, which currently runs until summer 2028, according to Calciomercato. Similarly, the club has scheduled a meeting with goalkeeper Mike Maignan's representatives to discuss a new deal, as reported by Nicolo Schira.
Bayern Munich's Daniel Peretz is poised to join Southampton on loan until season's end, with his medical set for Tuesday, per Plettenberg. RB Leipzig, however, has no intention of letting winger Yan Diomande depart this month despite European interest, according to Philipp Hinze. Liverpool remains firm on not loaning out Federico Chiesa amid Juventus' advances, as per Di Marzio.
In the loan market, West Ham has offered to take Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento on loan with a £10 million option to buy, the Daily Mail reported. Fenerbahce is eyeing AC Milan's Christopher Nkunku, according to Tuttosport, while Juventus keeps tabs on Inter's Davide Frattesi, per Schira. Lazio and Fenerbahce are in talks over midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, with the Italian side awaiting an initial bid, Di Marzio added.
Everton and Benfica have entered the fray for AS Saint-Étienne's Zuriko Davitashvili, Foot Mercato reported. Burnley's left back Quilindschy Hartman has caught Besiktas' attention, with an offer expected soon, Fabrizio Romano said. Arsenal is open to loaning or selling defender Maldini Kacurri this month after his stint at National League side Morecambe, per Football Insider.
At West Ham, striker Callum Wilson is negotiating a contract termination with the club, The Athletic reported, potentially freeing him for a move elsewhere. These threads illustrate a vibrant January window, where clubs are maneuvering to address weaknesses and capitalize on opportunities.
As the deadline approaches, Manchester United's dual focus on midfield reinforcement and managerial stability could define their season's trajectory. The potential return of Rashford, if realized, would inject familiarity into a squad craving consistency. Yet, with competition for targets like Éderson and Guéhi intensifying, United and their rivals must act decisively. Observers will watch closely to see how these rumors solidify into concrete deals, shaping the landscape of European football in the months ahead.
The broader implications extend to league dynamics, with powerhouses like Manchester City and Bayern Munich safeguarding their cores while eyeing upgrades. For players like Lewandowski and Kane, contract talks represent pivotal moments in their careers, balancing legacy with new horizons. As clubs balance books and ambitions, this window promises to deliver twists that could alter title races and European qualifications.