🔥 Mainoo Wants Out & Five Clubs Chase Semenyo!

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Monday, January 5, 2026 brings us an absolutely packed transfer window with some genuine blockbuster stories. From Kobbie Mainoo's shock exit request at Manchester United to five clubs battling for Antoine Semenyo's signature, this window is heating up fast. Let's break down every major story with the details you need to make informed FPL decisions.

In what could be the story of the January window, Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly requested to leave Manchester United. This would represent a massive blow for Ruben Amorim, who has relied heavily on the young midfielder during an otherwise turbulent season at Old Trafford.

Mainoo has been one of the few bright spots in United's challenging campaign, showcasing maturity beyond his years in central midfield. His desire to leave raises serious questions about the current state of affairs at the club and what's happening behind the scenes.

However, there's a twist: Manchester United could block the move despite Mainoo's wishes. Losing such a talented young midfielder mid-season would be extremely difficult for the club to swallow, especially given their current league position and lack of quality alternatives.

FPL Impact: If Mainoo stays, he remains a solid mid-price midfielder option for those willing to invest in Manchester United assets. However, the uncertainty surrounding his future and potential impact on his playing time makes him a risky hold right now. Monitor this situation closely before your next wildcard.

Five clubs are now chasing Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, making him one of the hottest properties in this transfer window. The Ghanaian winger has been absolutely outstanding for the Cherries this season, and Jamie Redknapp has described him as "the ultimate modern-day player" – high praise that explains the intense interest.

The plot thickens: Semenyo prefers a move to Liverpool over other interested clubs. Anfield appears to be his dream destination if he leaves the south coast. Additionally, Manchester United are plotting a January move for the winger, setting up a direct battle with Liverpool for his signature.

Andoni Iraola confirmed that Semenyo was available for Bournemouth's match yesterday against Tottenham, despite all the transfer speculation swirling around him. This suggests the player remains professional and focused, even with his future uncertain.

FPL Impact: Semenyo has been a fantastic budget-friendly option this season. If he moves to Liverpool, his price will likely rise, but his ceiling for points could increase significantly in Arne Slot's attacking system. A move to Manchester United is less predictable given their current struggles. For now, he's a hold if you own him, but be prepared to pivot if he moves to a top club and becomes too expensive relative to other priorities.

Liverpool are set to sign Jhon Duran Ordonez, which would represent a significant coup for Arne Slot. The young talent has been on several top clubs' radar, and Liverpool moving decisively shows their intent to strengthen the squad for both the present and future.

Duran has shown flashes of brilliance and possesses the raw attributes that could make him a star in the Premier League. Adding him to Liverpool's already potent attack gives Slot more options and depth as they compete on multiple fronts.

FPL Impact: As a new signing, Duran will likely need time to adapt and may not feature regularly immediately. He's one to monitor for the future rather than an immediate FPL consideration. However, if he hits the ground running, he could offer excellent value as a budget forward option in a Liverpool shirt.

Borussia Dortmund are leading the race for Manchester City youngster Oscar Bobb. The Norwegian talent needs regular minutes to continue his development, and a move to the Bundesliga could be the perfect step for him to gain consistent playing time.

Bobb has shown promise in his limited appearances for City, but breaking into Pep Guardiola's star-studded squad has proven difficult. A loan or permanent move to Dortmund would give him the platform to showcase his abilities week in, week out.

FPL Impact: Minimal immediate impact for FPL managers. If Bobb moves to Dortmund, he exits the FPL equation entirely. He was never a reliable FPL option at City given the limited minutes, so this move doesn't change much for fantasy managers.

Manchester City are targeting Marc Guehi for the summer. Pep Guardiola is planning ahead for defensive reinforcements, and the Crystal Palace center-back fits the profile of player City typically pursue – young, English, technically sound, and experienced in the Premier League.

Interestingly, Barcelona have cooled their interest in Guehi, likely due to their well-documented financial constraints. This potentially clears the path for City to secure his signature in the summer window.

Additionally, Bayern Munich are planning talks with Guehi, which significantly raises the stakes. The German giants entering the race means Palace will likely command an even higher fee for their defensive stalwart.

FPL Impact: Guehi remains a solid defensive option at Crystal Palace for now. If he moves to Manchester City in the summer, his FPL appeal could actually decrease despite the upgrade in team quality – City defenders often rotate, and clean sheets are shared among many players. For this season, he's still a viable option if you're looking for Palace defensive coverage.

Both Chelsea and Leeds are monitoring James McAtee's situation at Manchester City. The talented young midfielder desperately needs game time to continue his development, and both clubs could offer him a platform to showcase his considerable talents.

FPL Impact: McAtee is currently not an FPL consideration at City. However, if he moves to Chelsea or Leeds (should they be promoted or if this is a summer move), he could become an interesting budget midfielder option depending on how much playing time he receives. One to watch for future transfer windows.

Brennan Johnson is generating significant interest, with both Bournemouth and Crystal Palace wanting the Welsh winger. Andoni Iraola has built an exciting, attacking team at Bournemouth, and Johnson's pace and directness would fit their high-tempo style perfectly.

Crystal Palace are also in the mix, which could spark a January bidding war between the two clubs. Johnson has shown flashes of quality at Spurs but hasn't consistently secured a starting position, which might make him open to a move for regular minutes.

FPL Impact: Johnson has been inconsistent for FPL managers at Tottenham due to rotation concerns. If he moves to Bournemouth or Palace and becomes a guaranteed starter, he could become a more attractive FPL asset. His pace and ability to get into dangerous positions make him a potential differential option, especially if he lands at Bournemouth where the attacking play has been impressive under Iraola.

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Newcastle's Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder has impressed since his big-money move to St James' Park, showing exactly why Newcastle were willing to invest heavily in his services.

However, given Chelsea's already substantial midfield depth, this feels like one for the summer transfer window rather than an immediate January move. Tonali has become an integral part of Eddie Howe's system, and Newcastle would be extremely reluctant to let him go mid-season.

FPL Impact: Tonali is not currently an FPL asset, as defensive midfielders rarely offer significant fantasy value. This story is more relevant for understanding squad dynamics than for immediate FPL decisions. No action needed from fantasy managers.

Saudi Pro League clubs are targeting Joelinton. The Brazilian has been absolutely excellent for Eddie Howe's side, transforming from a struggling striker into a complete, box-to-box midfielder who contributes at both ends of the pitch.

The lure of Saudi riches could test Newcastle's resolve to keep hold of their transformed midfielder. However, given his importance to the team's structure and Howe's system, Newcastle will fight hard to retain him.

FPL Impact: Joelinton offers minimal FPL appeal despite his excellent real-world performances. His role is more about work rate, ball retention, and defensive contributions rather than goals and assists. If he stays, no FPL impact. If he leaves, Newcastle might bring in a replacement, but that's speculation for now.

Manchester United are eyeing a loan deal for Conor Gallagher. The midfielder's situation at Chelsea remains uncertain despite his quality and consistent performances. A temporary move to Old Trafford could benefit all parties involved – United get a hardworking midfielder, Gallagher gets regular minutes, and Chelsea maintain his value.

However, Ruben Amorim has stated that it's impossible to let players go in this window, which might complicate United's ability to bring in new faces without moving players out first. This could impact whether the Gallagher deal progresses.

FPL Impact: Gallagher has been a frustrating FPL asset due to rotation at Chelsea. A move to United could actually improve his FPL appeal if he becomes a guaranteed starter, though United's current struggles mean the upside is limited. His box-to-box style means he can contribute goals and assists, making him worth monitoring if the move happens and he secures regular minutes.

West Ham are actively pursuing striker reinforcements with three names in the frame:

Nuno clearly needs more options up front, and the club is being proactive in identifying targets who can make an immediate impact.

FPL Impact: Strand Larsen: If he moves to West Ham, he becomes an interesting mid-price forward option. He's shown quality at Wolves, and a move to London could see increased service. Josh Sargent: Championship form doesn't always translate to Premier League success, so he'd be a wait-and-see option. Nathan Ake: His rejection means no change for FPL managers – he remains a rotation risk at City.

Fulham want £40 million-rated Ricardo Pepi. Marco Silva is clearly looking to add firepower to his front line, and the American striker has been in impressive form, catching the attention of several clubs.

Pepi represents a significant investment for Fulham, showing serious ambition from the Cottagers. His pace and finishing ability could make him a valuable addition to Silva's attacking options.

FPL Impact: At £40 million, Pepi would likely be priced in the mid-range for FPL if he joins. Fulham create chances, so he could be worth considering if he hits the ground running. However, new strikers often need adaptation time, so monitor his performances over the first few games before committing transfer resources.

Rodrygo reportedly wants out of Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger has been a key player for Los Blancos, but it seems he's looking for a new challenge and potentially more guaranteed playing time elsewhere.

Premier League clubs will surely be circling if he becomes available. His pace, technical ability, and Champions League experience make him an attractive proposition for any top-six side looking to strengthen their attacking options.

FPL Impact: Rodrygo isn't currently an FPL asset, but if he moves to the Premier League, he immediately becomes one to watch. His quality is undeniable, and if he joins a top club where he's guaranteed minutes, he could be an excellent FPL option. This is one for the watchlist as the window develops.

Manchester United are considering a move to re-sign James Garner. Ruben Amorim might see the midfielder as someone who knows the club inside out and could slot straight back into the system at Old Trafford.

Garner left United for Everton and has continued his development in the Premier League. A return to his boyhood club could appeal to both the player and manager, especially if United can offer him more prominent playing time than he currently receives.

FPL Impact: Garner hasn't been a significant FPL asset at Everton, and he's unlikely to suddenly become one at Manchester United given their current form. This is more of a squad depth move than an FPL-relevant transfer. Safe to ignore for fantasy purposes unless United's form dramatically improves.

Roma's move for Joshua Zirkzee has hit a deadlock. The Manchester United striker has struggled significantly since his summer move to Old Trafford, failing to make the impact many expected from the highly-rated forward.

Negotiations with Roma aren't progressing smoothly, which means Zirkzee might remain at United for the remainder of the season. Whether he can turn around his fortunes remains to be seen.

FPL Impact: Zirkzee has been an FPL disaster this season and should be nowhere near your squad. Even if he stays at United, there's little reason to believe his form will improve enough to make him fantasy-relevant. Avoid completely.

Two La Liga clubs are battling for Marcos Senesi. The Argentine defender has been solid for Bournemouth, and Spanish sides are clearly impressed by his performances in the Premier League.

Bournemouth face a real challenge keeping hold of their top performers this window, with both Semenyo and Senesi attracting significant interest from bigger clubs.

FPL Impact: Senesi is a niche FPL option at best, primarily appealing to those running Bournemouth defensive coverage. If he leaves, it slightly weakens Bournemouth's backline, though they have depth to cope. Not a major FPL consideration either way.

Brighton's chief has insisted there's no desire to sell Carlos Baleba. The young midfielder has been excellent for the Seagulls, and the club is determined to keep building around their talented core rather than cashing in on their best players.

This represents a shift in strategy from Brighton, who have historically been willing to sell their stars for the right price. Keeping Baleba signals their ambition to push for European football rather than simply being a selling club.

FPL Impact: Baleba is a defensive midfielder and therefore not an FPL consideration. However, Brighton maintaining their squad quality is good news for managers invested in their attacking assets like forwards and attacking midfielders. A stable Brighton team means consistent performances from their FPL-relevant players.

Unai Emery wants Aston Villa to be competitive in the window again. Villa have been smart in recent transfer windows, making shrewd signings that have elevated them into European contention. Emery clearly wants to maintain that momentum and continue improving the squad.

This suggests Villa will be active in the market, both in January and planning ahead for the summer. Their recruitment has been excellent under Emery, identifying players who fit his system perfectly.

FPL Impact: Villa's ambition is great news for FPL managers. If they strengthen well, their key assets like Ollie Watkins and other attacking players could become even more attractive. Monitor Villa's incoming transfers closely, as new signings could shake up the team dynamics and create new FPL opportunities.

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That's all for today's transfer news roundup! Make sure to subscribe to the Transfer News Podcast for daily updates on all the latest transfer rumors and breaking news. We'll keep you informed as this dramatic January window unfolds.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thanks for reading!