Transfer deadline day in January often brings a late rush of deals, as clubs scramble to cover injuries, fix problems in the squad or take a market chance that suddenly becomes available. While not every rumour turns into a contract signing, there are usually a few names that feel more likely than most to be on the move before the window shuts.
With that in mind, here are five players who could realistically change clubs on January transfer deadline day in 2026, based on ongoing links, squad situations and the type of move that tends to happen late in the month.
Randal Kolo Muani
Kolo Muani has been regularly mentioned in transfer talk again, with his situation drawing attention as clubs look for a striker who can offer pace and work rate as well as goals. There is a sense that a late-window switch—either a loan with an option or a permanent deal—could appeal if his current role does not feel secure.
Strikers of his profile rarely stay quiet in the market for long, and an ambitious club needing an instant lift in attack could view him as the kind of signing worth pushing for in the final hours.
Kalvin Phillips
Phillips has been a familiar deadline-day name in recent windows, and that pattern could repeat. Midfielders who need minutes tend to become attractive loan targets late in January, especially for sides battling in the lower half of the table or chasing promotion.
If opportunities remain limited, a short-term move looks like the simplest solution for everyone involved. A loan deal would give Phillips the chance to rebuild rhythm, while the buying club gets experience and a ready-made option in midfield.
Conor Gallagher
Gallagher’s future continues to surface in discussions whenever teams search for energy, pressing and a reliable all-round midfielder. He is the type of player who can fit into different systems, which makes him an appealing option if a club decides it needs a late addition to freshen up the centre of the pitch.
Deadline day often rewards flexibility, and Gallagher’s ability to cover multiple roles could make him a realistic target if negotiations move quickly and the numbers line up.
Victor Osimhen
Osimhen is rarely far from major transfer headlines because he is one of the most complete No. 9s on the market. A January move would still be difficult given the finances usually involved, but late-window deals can happen when a club is determined and a player’s situation creates an opening.
If a top side feels it is one proven scorer away from a title push or a deep run in Europe, Osimhen is exactly the kind of statement signing that can dominate deadline day.
Jadon Sancho
Sancho’s name remains one to watch as clubs look for creativity from wide areas. Wingers who can beat a man and supply chances are always in demand, and a deadline-day transfer—especially a loan—can be a clean way to reset a season.
If the right project is offered and the terms suit all parties, Sancho has the profile to be one of the headline moves of the final day, whether that is a domestic switch or a deal from abroad.
As always, the final hours of the window can change quickly. A single injury, a surprise sale or a club missing out on its first-choice target can reshape the market in minutes—and any of these five could end up at the centre of the action.
