🔥 Deadline Day Chaos: Liverpool Stars Pursued, Chelsea's Fernandez Shock & Late Moves Drop

Welcome back to another edition of the Transfer News Podcast newsletter! Thank you for subscribing and staying with us through what has been an absolutely chaotic deadline day. The final hours of the January transfer window have delivered drama, surprise moves, and some genuinely shocking developments that could reshape the Premier League landscape.

From Liverpool stars being pursued across Europe to Chelsea's stunning willingness to offload their record signing, yesterday's deadline day was packed with intrigue. Let's break down every major move, rumor, and confirmed deal from a frantic Saturday that had FPL managers frantically checking their apps.

Liverpool's deadline day was defined not by incomings but by the swirling speculation around several key players. With contract situations still unresolved and European giants circling, Arne Slot faced a nervous final day of the window.

Inter Milan reportedly pursued Curtis Jones on a loan deal as the Italian giants looked to bolster their midfield options for their Serie A and Champions League campaigns. The 23-year-old England international has found game time limited at Anfield this season, making him an attractive temporary solution for Inter.

FPL Impact: Jones has struggled for minutes under Slot and currently sits at just 1.2% ownership. A loan move would effectively eliminate any FPL relevance for the remainder of the season. With Liverpool's squad depth in midfield, this move makes sense from all angles, though whether it materializes before the deadline remains uncertain.

In what could be described as one of the more intriguing developments, Manchester City are keeping tabs on Trent Alexander-Arnold. The full-back's contract situation has been a hot topic throughout the season, with his current deal set to expire soon. City's interest adds another dimension to an already complicated scenario.

However, reports confirmed that Alexander-Arnold won't be heading to Real Madrid this window, so the defender stays put at Anfield for now. The 25-year-old remains a cornerstone of Liverpool's system and a premium FPL asset.

FPL Impact: Alexander-Arnold remains one of the most explosive defensive assets in FPL despite a few quiet weeks. Currently priced around £7.5m with 15.3% ownership, his assist potential and set-piece involvement make him essential for many managers. With his immediate future at Liverpool secured, he remains a strong hold.

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising rumor was Tottenham potentially paying £5 million for Andrew Robertson. If true, this represents remarkable value for an experienced Premier League left-back who knows the competition inside out. Thomas Frank would be getting a proven performer, though convincing Liverpool to sell to a direct rival represents the bigger challenge.

FPL Impact: Robertson has been rotating with Kostas Tsimikas this season and currently sits at around 3.8% ownership. A move to Tottenham could actually increase his FPL appeal if he becomes the undisputed starter, though Spurs' defensive record this season makes any of their defenders difficult to trust.

Mohamed Salah remains a prime target for the Saudi Pro League, with clubs in the Middle East still very keen on bringing the Egyptian superstar to Saudi Arabia. His contract situation continues to generate massive interest from multiple Saudi sides, though no immediate move materialized on deadline day.

FPL Impact: Salah remains the highest-owned player in FPL at over 60% ownership and continues to deliver elite returns. Priced around £13.5m, he's recorded double-digit hauls regularly and remains absolutely essential. Any departure would be a seismic FPL event, but for now, he stays at Anfield.

Ibrahima Konaté's contract situation at Liverpool hasn't been settled yet, adding another name to the list of Reds players whose futures need clarifying. Arne Slot will want these contract matters resolved sooner rather than later as uncertainty can affect squad harmony and planning.

FPL Impact: Konaté has been a solid defensive option when fit, though his injury history makes him a rotation risk. Currently around 2.1% ownership, he's not a priority FPL asset but provides decent value when starting in Liverpool's solid defensive unit.

In perhaps the most shocking revelation of deadline day, Chelsea are open to selling Enzo Fernández. This represents a stunning turnaround given the club paid a British record £106.8 million for the Argentine World Cup winner just over a year ago. Liam Rosenior appears willing to reshape his midfield significantly, suggesting the project at Stamford Bridge continues to evolve.

FPL Impact: Fernández has been a peripheral FPL asset this season with minimal ownership under 0.5%. His box-to-box role doesn't generate enough attacking returns to justify his price point in FPL, and this news confirms he can be completely ignored by managers.

Chelsea have also made a move for Jacquet, looking to add more young talent to their already bulging squad. The recruitment strategy under the current ownership continues at pace, with the club seemingly committed to stockpiling promising youngsters for future development.

FPL Impact: Any new Chelsea signing faces a battle for minutes in an overcrowded squad. Jacquet would have zero immediate FPL relevance and can be safely ignored by fantasy managers.

Brighton have rejected an approach for Lewis Dunk, with Fabian Hürzeler making it clear his captain isn't going anywhere. The Seagulls are holding firm on their key defensive leader, who remains integral to their system and leadership structure.

FPL Impact: Dunk sits at minimal ownership around 0.3% and isn't a compelling FPL option despite Brighton's decent defensive record. There are better-value defenders available in that price range.

Nottingham Forest have made a £35 million bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta, showing serious ambition from Sean Dyche's side. However, reports suggest Mateta only wants a move to AC Milan from Palace, which could complicate Forest's pursuit significantly. The French striker has been in excellent form for Crystal Palace this season.

Adding another layer to this saga, Aston Villa are also interested in Mateta, with Unai Emery looking to add striking reinforcements. There's clearly serious competition for the Crystal Palace forward's signature.

FPL Impact: Mateta has been a revelation this season with consistent returns, currently sitting around 8.7% ownership. His form at Palace has been excellent, and a move to either Forest or Villa could impact his output depending on the quality of service. Monitor this closely if you own him.

Aston Villa are targeting Rúben Loftus-Cheek, with Unai Emery looking to add midfield reinforcements alongside their pursuit of Mateta. The former Chelsea midfielder has impressed at AC Milan and could provide quality depth for Villa's European campaign.

FPL Impact: Loftus-Cheek has minimal FPL relevance currently and wouldn't become a priority asset even with a Villa move. Can be safely ignored by fantasy managers.

Oliver Glasner is on Manchester United's radar as they search for a permanent manager, with Michael Carrick currently in interim charge. The Crystal Palace boss has impressed many with his work at Selhurst Park, developing an attractive attacking style and getting consistent results.

FPL Impact: A managerial change at United could significantly impact FPL assets across their squad. Monitor this situation closely if you own any United players, as tactical changes and selection preferences could shift dramatically under new management.

Atletico Madrid want Wolves midfielder João Gomes, which would be a significant loss for Rob Edwards. The Brazilian has been excellent since moving to Molineux and is now attracting serious continental interest from one of Spain's biggest clubs.

FPL Impact: Gomes has virtually no FPL relevance as a defensive midfielder with minimal attacking output. His potential departure wouldn't impact fantasy managers.

Manchester City have made a move for Anderson, continuing their pursuit of young talent to complement their established stars. Pep Guardiola's side remain active in the market even with their considerable squad strength.

FPL Impact: Any new City signing faces the infamous Pep rotation roulette. Anderson would have zero immediate FPL relevance and can be completely ignored.

Everton are eyeing Arsenal's Ben White, which would be quite the coup for David Moyes. The versatile defender has been excellent for Arsenal this season, but convincing the Gunners to part with such an important player will be extremely difficult.

FPL Impact: White has been a consistent FPL performer this season with Arsenal's excellent defensive record. Currently around 4.2% ownership, he provides solid points from clean sheets and occasional attacking returns. A move to Everton would likely damage his FPL appeal significantly given their defensive struggles.

Barcelona want Marcus Rashford to stay beyond his loan spell, indicating the forward has impressed during his time in Catalonia. His future remains uncertain with plenty of interest from multiple clubs across Europe.

FPL Impact: Rashford's loan to Barcelona removes him from FPL consideration entirely. If he returns to the Premier League in the summer, his FPL relevance would need reassessing based on his destination and role.

Arsenal are monitoring Valentino Livramento, with Mikel Arteta looking at options to strengthen his full-back positions. The young defender has caught the eye with consistent Premier League performances for Newcastle.

FPL Impact: Livramento has minimal current FPL ownership but could become interesting if he joins Arsenal's strong defensive unit. Monitor for future consideration if the move materializes.

Bournemouth are keen on Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri, with Andoni Iraola wanting to add the highly-rated teenager to his squad. Whether Arsenal allow their promising talent to leave remains to be seen, even on loan.

FPL Impact: Nwaneri is one for the future but has no immediate FPL relevance. Even a loan move to Bournemouth wouldn't make him a priority asset this season.

Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal for Davide Frattesi, which represents a major statement signing. The Italian international brings quality and experience to Sean Dyche's midfield, adding technical ability and European pedigree to the Forest squad.

FPL Impact: Frattesi will need time to adapt to the Premier League and Forest's system. Monitor his involvement over the coming weeks before considering him as an FPL asset. His arrival could impact the minutes of existing Forest midfielders.

West Ham have confirmed Lucas Paquetá's exit, ending the Brazilian's time in east London. Nuno Espírito Santo will need to replace the creative midfielder quickly to maintain West Ham's attacking threat.

FPL Impact: Paquetá's departure removes a sporadic FPL asset from consideration. His minutes were inconsistent, and his exit opens opportunities for other West Ham midfielders to step up.

West Ham are bidding for Taylor Harwood-Bellis as they look to reinvest the Paquetá money, targeting the Southampton defender to strengthen their backline. The young center-back has impressed in the Championship and could make the step up.

FPL Impact: Harwood-Bellis would have minimal immediate FPL relevance given West Ham's defensive record this season. One to monitor for future gameweeks if he establishes himself as a starter.

Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko has completed his medical at Ajax, with the Ukrainian set to depart the Emirates. Mikel Arteta is reshaping his squad, and the left-back heads to the Netherlands for a new challenge after struggling for consistent minutes this season.

FPL Impact: Zinchenko's departure removes a rotation-prone defensive option from FPL consideration. His minimal ownership reflected his lack of guaranteed starts, and his exit won't impact most fantasy managers.

That wraps up our comprehensive deadline day coverage! The window has slammed shut, and now we can focus on the weeks ahead without transfer speculation clouding the picture. Make sure you stay connected with us for daily transfer news, FPL insights, and breaking stories.

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Until next time, good luck with your FPL teams! ⚽