Thursday, December 26, 2024

Transfer window closes with Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling deals uncertain

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The Premier League transfer window closed at 11pm on Friday but plenty of big-name moves could still be announced.

Nine deal sheets were submitted ahead of the transfer deadline, the league confirmed on X, which gives clubs another two hours to submit outstanding documentation.

Raheem Sterling looked set to join Arsenal from Chelsea, with Jadon Sancho poised to make his way from Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, according to reports.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney, 28, completed a late deal to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli worth a reported £40million.

England forward Toney attracted interest from Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, and has not featured in a Bees matchday squad this season ahead of a potential move.

Confirming the move in a club statement, Brentford head coach Thomas Frank said: “I’m happy he has an opportunity to try something new in his life and career.”

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has also been targeted by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli (Mike Egerton/PA)

Al-Ahli have also reportedly agreed a deal with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, but it is uncertain if signing Toney will affect their move for the Nigeria forward.

Another late move saw Crystal Palace sign goalkeeper Matt Turner, 30, on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest while Wolves signed Portuguese winger Carlos Forbs, 21, from Ajax on loan.

England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale completed a permanent switch to Southampton, who also signed Maxwel Cornet on a season-long loan from West Ham.

Arsenal brought in Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on a season-long loan to replace Ramsdale.

Ramsdale, 26, has signed a four-year contract at St Mary’s and told the club website: “I’m absolutely delighted. The way the manager (Russell Martin) wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm.”

The PA news agency understands Arsenal’s move for the 35-year-old Cherries captain is a straight switch with no obligation or option to buy.

Departing the Emirates is Eddie Nketiah, who signed for Crystal Palace on a five-year deal.

The forward, who grew up in nearby Deptford, said: “It’s amazing to sign for Crystal Palace – I’m excited to get going. Every time I come back to South London, it always puts a smile on my face, so it’s good to be back home.”

Reiss Nelson is also heading across London from the Emirates, the 24-year-old forward joining Fulham on loan for the season.

Napoli announced the signing of Scott McTominay from Manchester United, who themselves landed midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris St. Germain.

Another England goalkeeper was on the move, with Sam Johnstone joining Wolves from Crystal Palace on a four-year contract for a reported £10m fee.

England international goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has moved from Crystal Palace to Wolves (Robbie Stephenson/PA)

Wolves also landed Brazil midfielder Andre from Fluminense, while Fabio Silva left Molineux on loan to join Las Palmas.

Defender Maxence Lacroix, 24, reunited with former Bundesliga boss Oliver Glasner after leaving Wolfsburg and signing a five-year deal with Palace.

The Eagles have also offloaded midfielder Naouirou Ahamada, who joins Ligue 1 side Rennes on a season-long loan, and forward Odsonne Edouard who joined Leicester on loan.

James Ward-Prowse joined Nottingham Forest from West Ham on a loan deal until the end of the 2024-25 season, with Forest completing a move for defender Morato from Benfica.

The move freed up space in the Hammers’ squad to bring in long-time target Carlos Soler,  who joined on a season-long loan from Paris St Germain.

Giovani Lo Celso left Tottenham for Real Betis for £10m plus add-ons and a sell-on.

Striker Neal Maupay joined Marseille from Everton on loan for the 2024-25 season, with the French club having an obligation to buy the 28-year-old, while midfielder Orel Mangala joins the Toffees on a season-long loan from Lyon.

Brentford allowed midfielder Frank Onyeka to join Bundesliga Augsburg on a season-long loan and welcomed 18-year-old full-back Jayden Meghoma from Southampton.

Aston Villa signed Yeimar Mosquera from Orsomarso, and the Colombia Under-20 centre-back will immediately join Real Union on loan.

Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka moved to Leeds from Fortuna Dusseldorf for an undisclosed fee and will be joined at Elland Road by Isaac Schmidt, who arrived from Swiss Super League side St Gallen.

Tammy Abraham, who has earned 11 senior caps for England, is also on the move after joining AC Milan on loan from Roma.

Galatasaray winger Wilfried Zaha had briefly been linked to his former club Crystal Palace earlier in the window but has instead signed a season-long loan with Lyon.

Birmingham smashed the League One transfer record to bring in striker Jay Stansfield from Fulham on a seven-year contract for a reported eight-figure fee.

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