As the January transfer window heats up, Manchester United and Liverpool are among several Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on Watford's promising young winger Othmane Maamma. The 20-year-old Moroccan talent has caught the attention of scouts from the Red Devils and the Reds, according to reports from TEAMtalk. Maamma, who joined Watford from Montpellier last year for approximately £1 million, has already notched three goals and one assist in 12 appearances this season for the Championship side.
Maamma's standout performances at the U20 World Cup in October, where he earned the prestigious Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player, have only amplified the interest. Following in the footsteps of legends like Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Paul Pogba, Maamma shone for Morocco, helping them secure the title. In a group-stage match against Brazil, he opened the scoring with an ambitious overhead kick on the hour mark, leading to a 2-1 victory. ESPN Africa's Ed Dove highlighted Maamma's flair, noting, "The Watford man was influential... but truly caught the eye with confidence with the ball at his feet, and his ability to drive forward and break the opposition's lines."
Dove further praised Maamma's versatility in the opener against Spain, where he "showcased his enthusiasm for beating his opposite man on the outside and crossing dangerously from the right—setting up Yassir Zabiri on 54 minutes—while also cutting inside and fizzing in a shot with his left foot." An aerial back-heeled assist against the United States in the quarterfinals and his menacing play in the final against Argentina, despite Morocco's counter-attacking style against nearly 70 percent possession from the opponents, underscored his creativity and technical proficiency. These displays from wide right or behind a central striker have validated Watford's decision to sign him during the offseason.
Beyond United and Liverpool, Newcastle United, Brighton, Brentford, and Sunderland are also tracking Maamma's progress, TEAMtalk reports. His rapid rise since arriving in England positions him as one of the hottest prospects in the Championship, potentially drawing bids in the coming weeks as clubs look to bolster their squads midseason.
In other notable Premier League developments, Aston Villa have entered the fray for Manchester City's underutilized forward Omar Marmoush, aiming to snatch him from Tottenham Hotspur's inquiries. The 26-year-old Egyptian international, who moved to City from Eintracht Frankfurt for around €70 million last January, has struggled for minutes this season, managing just two Premier League starts and one in the Champions League. Currently at the Africa Cup of Nations, Marmoush's situation is complicated by City's reluctance to let him depart halfway through the campaign, according to TEAMtalk.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are plotting a summer swoop for Manchester City's midfield linchpin Rodri, as per Marca. The 29-year-old Spaniard recently returned from a long-term injury in City's 0-0 draw against Sunderland last week. With his contract expiring in 2027, Madrid hopes to pressure City into a deal to avoid him leaving as a free agent the following year. City, however, may resist any attempts to lower the transfer fee, given Rodri's importance to their setup.
Tottenham Hotspur's search for a left winger has yielded a shortlist of intriguing names, TEAMtalk reveals. Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, Real Madrid's Rodrygo, Manchester City's Savinho, Athletic Club's Nico Williams, and Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche are all in consideration. Club Brugge's Christos Tzolis, a 23-year-old Greek international, stands out, with Spurs' analytics staff and a high-ranking scout reportedly believing he is the ideal target.
Across Europe, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Saudi Pro League club Neom are monitoring Lecce's 21-year-old center back Tiago Gabriel, Footmercato reports. Lecce, however, have no intention of selling in January and would require an "irresistible" offer to even entertain discussions before the season's end.
In a done deal, Japan midfielder Maika Hamano has joined Tottenham on loan from Chelsea, providing immediate depth. Separately, Inter Miami announced the signing of defender Facundo Mura as a free agent on a contract through June 2029, bolstering the MLS Cup winners' backline.
Veteran defender Sergio Ramos, 39, is drawing interest from Paris FC after leaving Monterrey as a free agent. Ramos, eager for a European return to enhance his chances of featuring for Spain at the 2026 World Cup, prefers a club with "greater sporting visibility," according to Footmercato. Chelsea, meanwhile, are eyeing Newcastle's Sandro Tonali for a potential summer move, per Football Insider, rather than acting in January.
Manchester City face rivalry from Roma and Monaco for Troyes' 18-year-old winger Mathys Detourbet, L'Equipe reports. Juventus are targeting Liverpool's Federico Chiesa on loan for the season's remainder, while also considering Brentford's Kevin Schade and Mikkel Damsgaard, plus Brighton's Simon Adingra, as noted by Gazzetta dello Sport.
Internazionale's goalkeeper hunt leads to Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario, with Cagliari's Elia Caprile and Freiburg's Noah Atubolu as alternatives, Tuttosport states. Juventus striker Jonathan David is unlikely to leave in January, but his future will be reassessed in the summer, Calciomercato adds.
Roma have agreed terms with Atletico Madrid for a loan of Giacomo Raspadori, including an option to buy, though Lazio and Napoli remain interested, Sky Sports Italia reports. Inter are accelerating efforts to sign Al Hilal's Joao Cancelo to fend off Barcelona and others, Gazzetta dello Sport notes. Fenerbahce and Galatasaray covet Inter's Davide Frattesi, but a €30 million bid would be necessary.
Fenerbahce's sporting director Devin Ozek is pursuing AC Milan's Christopher Nkunku and Lazio's Matteo Guendouzi, according to Nicolo Schira. Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has requested AC Milan's Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with Atalanta's Lazar Samardzic as backup, Calciomercato reports.
Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are tracking 18-year-old Corinthians forward Gui Negao, alongside Premier League and Serie A interest, Ekrem Konur says. Fulham's €20 million bid for Udinese's Arthur Atta was rejected, as the Serie A club holds firm on the 22-year-old for January, Fabrizio Romano confirms.
Manchester City's center back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is set to join FC Cologne on loan after a recall from Celtic, The Sun reports. Monaco, Nantes, and Paris FC are interested in Fulham's Issa Diop, Footmercato adds. Lazio have approached Bologna's Giovanni Fabbian, while an unnamed Premier League club prepares a significant offer, Nicolo Schira states. Fiorentina have initiated talks for Roma's Tommaso Baldanzi, also per Schira.
With the January window open until February 3, these rumors signal a bustling market, particularly for young talents like Maamma and established names seeking more playing time. Clubs across Europe are navigating financial constraints and squad needs, setting the stage for potential surprises as deadline day approaches.