🔥 Mainoo's Man Utd Exit Bombshell & Liverpool vs United Battle for Semenyo

Happy New Year and welcome to today's Transfer News roundup! 🎆

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. What a way to kick off 2026 with an absolute avalanche of transfer speculation! We've got everything from a potential Mainoo exit bombshell to a multi-club battle for Bournemouth's red-hot forward. Let's dive straight into all the action.

In what could be the bombshell story of the January window, reports are claiming that Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave Manchester United. The young midfielder has been one of the few bright spots at Old Trafford this season, making this development particularly concerning for Ruben Amorim.

However, there's a crucial twist: Manchester United could block any potential move. The club considers Mainoo a vital part of their future, and selling him mid-season would send entirely the wrong message. If United genuinely rate him as a cornerstone player, keeping him regardless of any transfer request is absolutely the right call.

For FPL managers, this creates uncertainty around Mainoo's playing time and mental state. Monitor team news closely if you own him.

Antoine Semenyo is dominating the headlines, and for good reason. The Bournemouth forward has been in sensational form this season, and now five clubs are reportedly chasing his signature in January.

The key development: Semenyo reportedly prefers a move to Liverpool over other suitors. Arne Slot is clearly an admirer of his abilities, and a switch to Anfield would represent a massive step up in his career.

But the plot thickens: Manchester United are plotting their own move for Semenyo, setting up a fascinating battle between the two North West giants. The competition for his signature is heating up, and it'll be interesting to see which club can convince both Bournemouth and the player himself.

FPL Impact: If Semenyo moves to Liverpool or United, his FPL stock could skyrocket. However, Bournemouth will fight tooth and nail to keep their star man, especially mid-season. Any transfer would likely happen late in the window, so he remains a strong hold for now in his current team.

Mohamed Salah remains the top priority for the Saudi Pro League, with Al Hilal preparing a bid for the Liverpool superstar. The Egyptian's contract situation continues to dominate headlines at Anfield.

While Liverpool fans will be desperate for him to stay, the financial power of Saudi football cannot be ignored. His current contract expires at the end of the season, making this summer a critical period for his future.

FPL managers should note: Salah remains essential while he's at Liverpool. Any January move seems unlikely, but keep an eye on contract developments that could affect his focus and playing time.

Oscar Bobb to Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly leading the race to sign Oscar Bobb. The Norwegian winger has found playing time limited at the Etihad, and a move to Germany could provide the platform he needs to develop his considerable potential.

James McAtee Interest

Both Chelsea and Leeds United are monitoring James McAtee's situation. The talented playmaker is struggling for minutes under Pep Guardiola, and both clubs see an opportunity to bring in genuine quality during January.

Marc Guehi Summer Target

Manchester City are planning to target Marc Guehi in the summer. While Barcelona have cooled their interest, Pep Guardiola sees the Crystal Palace defender as a perfect addition to strengthen his backline ahead of next season.

FPL Note: Neither Bobb nor McAtee are relevant for FPL at City due to limited minutes. If they move, monitor their situations at new clubs.

Brennan Johnson is generating significant interest from multiple clubs:

The Welsh international could be exactly what both clubs need. For Bournemouth, he'd help maintain their impressive campaign. For Palace, he fits Glasner's profile perfectly.

FPL Impact: Johnson's FPL ownership and output have been inconsistent at Spurs. A move to either Bournemouth or Palace could actually improve his prospects if he becomes a guaranteed starter and key player.

Fulham are making waves with their interest in PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi, valued at £40 million. Marco Silva clearly sees the American international as a long-term solution to their attacking needs.

This feels like a significant investment for a player who could genuinely transform their forward line. Pepi has been impressive in the Eredivisie, and at 21 years old, he represents both immediate impact and future resale value.

FPL Consideration: Monitor if this deal goes through. Fulham have shown they can create chances, and a £40m striker would likely be their focal point in attack. Could be an interesting mid-price option if he hits the ground running.

Joelinton is attracting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. The Brazilian has been a key player for Eddie Howe, transforming himself into an all-action midfielder who provides both defensive solidity and attacking threat.

Any potential departure would be a significant blow to Newcastle's ambitions, particularly given how integral he's become to their system. Howe will be desperate to keep him.

FPL Impact: Joelinton isn't a major FPL asset due to limited attacking returns despite his importance to the team. However, losing him would weaken Newcastle's structure, potentially affecting their defensive stability.

West Ham are actively pursuing striking reinforcements with two targets:

Jorgen Strand Larsen (Wolves)

The Norwegian forward has impressed in the Premier League this season. Nuno Espirito Santo is looking to bolster his attacking options, and Strand Larsen would bring physicality and a proven goal threat.

Josh Sargent (Norwich City)

The American has been performing well in the Championship, and a return to the Premier League could be on the cards. He represents a more affordable option compared to Strand Larsen.

FPL Angle: Both players would become instant FPL considerations if they join West Ham and become regular starters. The Hammers create chances but lack a consistent finisher, so either could be a decent mid-price forward option.

James Garner Return?

Manchester United are considering bringing James Garner back to Old Trafford. The midfielder, currently at Everton, came through United's academy before leaving permanently. Ruben Amorim is reportedly keen on reuniting with a player who knows the club inside out.

Conor Gallagher Loan

United are exploring a loan deal for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. The England international has found himself out of favour at Stamford Bridge, and a temporary switch to Old Trafford could benefit all parties involved.

Joshua Zirkzee to Roma Stalled

Roma's attempts to sign Joshua Zirkzee have hit a deadlock. The Dutch striker only arrived at Old Trafford recently, and negotiations over a loan move have stalled over various terms.

FPL Relevance: None of these players are currently strong FPL options. Garner and Gallagher might become rotation risks at United, while Zirkzee has struggled for consistent minutes since his arrival.

Marc Guehi remains one of the most sought-after defenders in European football:

The England international has been heavily linked with multiple clubs, and his situation will be one of the key storylines throughout 2026.

FPL Impact: Guehi is a solid FPL defender at Palace with decent ownership. Any move to City, Bayern, or even staying at Palace wouldn't dramatically change his FPL appeal - he's a steady, reliable option who occasionally chips in with attacking returns.

La Liga clubs are battling for Marcos Senesi, with two Spanish sides reportedly keen on the Argentine centre-back. Senesi has been a solid performer for the Cherries, and a move back to Spanish football could be tempting.

FPL Note: Senesi isn't a major FPL consideration at Bournemouth. His potential departure would matter more for Bournemouth's defensive structure than for fantasy managers.

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That's all for today's transfer roundup! Stay tuned for more updates as the January window heats up. For daily transfer news and in-depth analysis, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter and podcast.

Happy New Year, and may your FPL transfers be as successful as you hope! 🎆⚽