Transfer Deadline Day has arrived, bringing the January window to its dramatic conclusion. After weeks of speculation, negotiations and stalled talks, clubs now have just hours to finalise their business before the winter window slams shut.
This year’s January window has been quieter than some previous editions, particularly among the Premier League’s traditional heavyweights. However, Deadline Day itself could still provide late movement, with several high-profile deals close to completion and a number of Nigerian players already securing major moves across Europe.
Here is everything you need to know as the clock ticks down.
Live Transfer Deadline Day Updates
14:51 – North London Tussle for James Wilson
A familiar Deadline Day storyline is developing in north London, with both Arsenal and Tottenham interested in Hearts striker James Wilson. Arsenal’s interest is believed to be focused on strengthening their academy ranks, but Spurs have now entered the race. An initial loan deal is thought to be the most likely outcome for the 18-year-old, regardless of where he ends up.
14:59 – Chelsea Recall Mamadou Sarr
Chelsea have activated the recall clause on Mamadou Sarr’s loan spell at Strasbourg, bringing the defender back to Stamford Bridge. The left-sided centre-back is highly regarded by Liam Rosenior, having made over 50 appearances under him in France, and is seen internally as a ball-playing defensive option similar in profile to Dean Huijsen.
15:25 – Manchester United Expect Malacia to Stay
Manchester United are planning to keep Tyrell Malacia at the club despite interest from Turkey. With Patrick Dorgu facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, Malacia is now required as cover for first-choice left-back Luke Shaw.
15:52 – Nottingham Forest Push for Arne Engels
Nottingham Forest continue to push for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels as the deadline approaches. Sean Dyche is keen to add a midfielder and a left-back before the window closes, with Forest attempting to get a deal over the line in the final hours.
15:55 – Uncertainty Over Jean-Philippe Mateta
Italian reports suggest Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed move to AC Milan has collapsed, leaving Crystal Palace with a difficult decision late in the window. With Palace lining up Jorgen Strand Larsen as a potential replacement, one option being considered is a loan move for Mateta to keep multiple deals alive before the deadline.
16:28 – Axel Disasi Closing in on West Ham Loan
Axel Disasi appears set to leave Chelsea on loan, with West Ham emerging as his likely destination. The French defender has been on the fringes at Stamford Bridge and is keen to secure regular football for the remainder of the season.
16:32 – Joe Aribo Completes Leicester Loan Move
Nigeria midfielder Joe Aribo has completed a loan move from Southampton to Leicester City for the rest of the season. The 29-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, brings his Saints spell close to an end after nearly four years, having made 111 appearances for the club. Aribo will now look to play a key role as Leicester push for their Championship objectives.
17:39 – DONE DEAL: Ademola Lookman Joins Atletico Madrid
One of the headline moves of the day has been confirmed, with Ademola Lookman completing his transfer from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid. The Nigeria forward becomes Diego Simeone’s latest attacking addition and is set to feature for the Spanish giants in both LaLiga and the Champions League.
¡Bienvenido, Ademola Lookman! ???? pic.twitter.com/ebwo2njlm0
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 2, 2026
18:00 – Mateta Set to Stay at Palace
Just 24 hours after it appeared Jean-Philippe Mateta was heading to AC Milan, the deal has collapsed and the French striker is now increasingly likely to stay at Crystal Palace until at least the end of the season. Mateta had made it clear he wanted to leave, but with time running out, a move now looks off the table.
18:11 – Frank Onyeka Joins Coventry City on Loan
Nigeria midfielder Frank Onyeka has completed a loan move from Brentford to Sky Bet Championship side Coventry City for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. The deal includes an obligation to make the move permanent should Coventry secure promotion to the Premier League.
Onyeka is a Sky Blue. ? pic.twitter.com/3OTUnKQ8yO
— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) February 2, 2026
How Has the January Transfer Window Played Out So Far?
The 2025/26 January window has been a relatively controlled one by recent standards. Premier League spending currently sits well below the record figures seen in 2023, with clubs showing greater restraint and focusing on targeted additions rather than wholesale changes.
Manchester City and Tottenham have been the most active among the so-called big clubs, while Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have largely sat out the window in terms of immediate first-team reinforcements. Across Europe, Serie A has once again been the most willing to spend, while La Liga and Ligue 1 activity has remained modest.
Despite the calmer tone, Deadline Day still offers clubs the chance to react to injuries, form issues or unexpected opportunities.
Nigerian Players on the Move This Deadline Day
One of the major storylines of this window has been Nigerian talent making significant moves across Europe.
Ademola Lookman is set for a high-profile switch after Atletico Madrid reached an agreement with Atalanta for the Super Eagles forward. Lookman is already in Madrid and is expected to complete his medical before signing his contract. The move marks another major step in his career following his standout performances in Serie A and his key role for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Tochukwu Nnadi is also closing in on a major transfer, with Marseille agreeing a deal worth around €6 million to sign the Nigerian midfielder from Zulte Waregem. The 22-year-old has impressed in Belgium this season and is expected to complete the move before the deadline, making him one of the most expensive sales in Zulte Waregem’s history.
Elsewhere, Frank Onyeka is set to return to regular football after agreeing a loan move from Brentford to Coventry City. The deal includes a condition that could make the transfer permanent if Coventry secure promotion, offering Onyeka the chance to play a key role in a promotion push after limited minutes in the Premier League.
Another Nigerian talent steps onto a big European stage ??
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) February 2, 2026
Tochukwu Nnadi to Marseille. This is your moment ? pic.twitter.com/bOtm3MF0EV
What Big Deals Could Still Happen Before the Deadline?
Several notable moves remain in progress as Deadline Day unfolds. Jean-Philippe Mateta is undergoing further medical checks ahead of a potential move from Crystal Palace to AC Milan, a deal that could be one of the biggest completed today.
Liverpool have already agreed a summer deal for young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, but late-window activity around defensive cover remains possible across the Premier League. Wolves’ acceptance of an offer from Crystal Palace for Jorgen Strand Larsen could also trigger further movement among forwards across Europe.
What Time Does the Transfer Window Close?
The Premier League transfer window closes at 20:00 WAT today. Clubs that submit a deal sheet before that deadline will be granted an additional two-hour window, until 22:00 WAT, to finalise paperwork.
Across Europe, Italy, Germany and France also close at 20:00 WAT, while Spain’s window runs later into the evening.
