The Premier League stars who could still move this transfer window

There is just under a week left until the January transfer window, so time is running out for Premier League clubs and players to make their decisions.

It’s been a quiet month so far, but it’s possible this final stretch could blow up, and there are a number of players who still need to make a move.

Whether they’ve been ostracized by their club, asked for a move, found themselves embroiled in difficult contractual circumstances or simply need a few minutes before the 2026 World Cup, here are the Premier League big names who need to find a new solution before the window closes on February 2.

A little housekeeping to start: Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Oscar Bobb (Manchester City) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal) also need a move, but they are not included in this list because they all seem on track to get it. Paquetá is expected to return to Brazil with Flamengo, Bobb is expected to join Fulham and Zinchenko is on his way to Ajax.

Let’s not beat around the bush; Sterling is the main name on this list and the man who most desperately needs a change of scenery. He has not played since May, when he was on loan at Arsenal. This move was not made permanent and Chelsea have not registered him to play for them since, leaving him to train away from the first team.

The main obstacle, of course, is the 31-year-old’s reported salary (£325,000 per week). Given that his transfer would cost a lot of money, that he hasn’t played for almost a full eight months and that he hasn’t exactly impressed when he took the field for Arsenal, Sterling represents an astronomical gamble – unless, of course, he is willing to mutually terminate his contract at Stamford Bridge.

There is a clause in Elliott’s loan deal to Aston Villa that makes his move permanent for around £35million after 10 appearances. The problem ? It is unlikely that he will achieve this goal. Unai Emery apparently decided he didn’t want him, so he hasn’t given him a single minute since October 2.

A further complication is the fact that Elliott made one appearance as a substitute for Liverpool before joining Villa, so he cannot play for another European team this season (the maximum is two). That means his only option is to move further afield, to a team in North America or Asia, if he wants.

Ideally Liverpool and Villa reach an agreement, perhaps removing the bond clause from the loan would convince Emery to use it more. Otherwise, Elliott’s career will be stuck until next season.

Given Spurs’ predicament, the thought of losing a member of their squad right now would evoke a grimace. However, Tel is unhappy.

The France international has only started six Premier League matches so far this season, has never scored for the team and was not included in the Champions League squad at the start of the campaign. He was elevated to the matchday squad in December due to Dominic Solanke’s injury, but was later withdrawn when the England striker returned to fitness.

There would be a lot of interest in loaning Tel for the second part of the campaign, Paris FC being one of the clubs in the running.

Following reported interest from Juventus and Aston Villa last week, Mateta has told Palace he wants to leave. Since then, however, both of these clubs have pursued other options, leaving the French striker in limbo.

This week, Nottingham Forest have emerged as an option, with reports suggesting they are prepared to pay £35m for his services, although Palace have asked for £40m. Mateta will pray that the two sides come to an agreement, as that could be his only viable exit route.

Transfer windows are like dominoes. If Mateta leaves Palace, they will need a new striker. This news should warm the ears of Strand Larsen, who clearly wants to jump ship from Wolves, destined for the championship next season.

The Norway international, 25, has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League in 2024-25, scoring 14 goals, but he has only scored once this season and is effectively left out of the regular starting XI. He’s ready to move in this final week, but to where? As well as Palace, Leeds United have also expressed interest.

Strand Larsen isn’t the only Wolves player drawing admiring glances; Gomes has impressed in midfield despite his side’s struggles this season, racking up 65 tackles and interceptions combined – the sixth highest total in the entire Premier League.

Manchester United have reportedly expressed an interest, and it is likely that if Gomes made the move he would be replacing one of his idols, Casemiro, a fellow Brazilian who will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

It could be useful for United to sign him early, to put him to bed, and there is clearly an interest for Wolves in ensuring Gomes avoids having relegation on his CV.

Did you forget Phillips? Well, you are not alone. Remarkably, the 30-year-old midfielder is still on Man City’s books and has only played seven minutes of football this season, in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield Town.

There were some signs of life in him last season while on loan at Ipswich Town, but a move to the Premier League appears to be beyond him at this stage. If the stumbling block of his £150,000-a-week salary can be overcome, he should literally accept any offer that comes his way.

As with Tel and Spurs, it could be difficult for Liverpool to come to terms with the idea of ​​losing Chiesa this month as the injured Alexander Isak needs to be taken out of action after breaking his leg. But since Isak was injured, Chiesa has only played a few minutes – and that was during a period when Mohamed Salah was away for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 28-year-old has started just one Premier League game this season despite being admired by Liverpool fans for his work rate and commitment. If he wants to have a chance of playing in the World Cup with Italy – even if they still have to qualify in the UEFA qualifiers in March – should he play more?