Transfer

Manchester United January transfer window plans: Contracts, signings and targets

Man Utd January transfer window plans, contract concerns and signings; keep up to date with all the latest news across the whole of the 2025 winter transfer window with the Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' website and app, and on Sky Sports News

Wednesday 1 January 2025 12:10, UK

What are Man Utd's January transfer plans?

Ruben Amorim had predicted a storm but the severity of its damage could not have been foreseen.

His forecast was based on a few factors, which included the low physical conditioning of the squad, the inability of some to put the collective first and the reality that a team built for a totally different system was struggling to adjust to the basic principles of his approach.

Amorim also knew that he would not betray his ideals nor would he be able to bank on the January transfer window. United had made it very clear when hiring him that frivolous spending in the market was a thing of the past and operating sustainably was the only option moving forward.

In an ideal world, Marcus Rashford would get the fresh challenge he is seeking and the club would bank circa £60m for him. However, there is no market for the forward at that valuation or even at a discount price given his hefty salary, poor form and reported off-field issues.

An exit, even on temporary terms, would take plenty of compromise. It seems to be in the best interests of both parties.

The landscape is going to be an unforgiving one for clubs needing to sell: domestic sides are trying to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules and those in Europe cannot afford Premier League-level fees both in wages and transfer cost. It is a constricted market and United have to construct the framework of an entirely new team.

It is an open secret that experienced and energetic wing-backs are needed to implement Amorim's style. The left side has been a priority concern for United given the stack of injuries, with Nuno Mendes one of the names that has been discussed internally.

There is a desperation to inject more speed and threat into the team, with confidants of Amorim stressing a lack of technical players, football intelligence and an appetite to cover ground as reasons the Portuguese's ideas have not translated. Midfield is a particular problem area.

The focus of adding physicality and what Erik ten Hag had termed "a different dynamic" last summer has been a waste: the team are still being bullied on set-pieces and general duels. Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte, the midfielder having had the advantage of starring under Amorim before, are the only pieces somewhat fitting so far.

United have to be creative to crack an almighty dilemma. Sky Sports News understands they are open to both permanent and loan offers for players without a future at Old Trafford. Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro and Antony could all be let go should suitors come calling.

Amorim has held Harry Maguire up as an example of a fighter with the right attitude and application so his contract situation - his terms expire in the summer with an option for a further year - will be interesting.

There have been positive developments with regards to tying Amad Diallo down to an extended deal and although less pressing, the intention is still to do the same with Kobbie Mainoo.

That is with the long term in mind but the immediate situation is a bleak one for United. Amorim has a squad ill-suited for his philosophy that do not believe in themselves at the moment, let alone having conviction in his path forward.

An injection of quality and dynamism seems non-negotiable - regardless of the financial gymnastics it would take to lift United from darkness into the light.

Which Man Utd players are out of contract in the summer?

Amad Diallo

Manchester United's breakout star of the season is coming to the end of his contract in the summer but the club have the option to extend his deal by a further year.

The attacking midfielder, 22, has previously said he wants to spend a long time at United.

Harry Maguire

United hold an option to extend their former captain's contract by another year and the 31-year-old has said "positive" talks have been held over a new deal.

Having been stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag, it would be a remarkable comeback story for the centre-back if an extension is agreed.

Jonny Evans

A short-term deal for the defender to regain fitness over pre-season has become a two-year stay for the veteran defender in his second spell at Old Trafford.

The 36-year-old, brought back to the club by Erik ten Hag, continues to be used as a squad player by new head coach Ruben Amorim but it is yet to be agreed if that will extend beyond this season.

Christian Eriksen

The midfielder, who turns 33 in February, is one of the few players at United whose deal does not include a club-held option to extend it by a further year.

The Denmark international said earlier this season that he is not currently holding talks over an extension.

Victor Lindelof

United exercised the option in the 30-year-old defender's contract to keep him until this summer so he is free to leave if he does not feel his future lies at Old Trafford. Injury has restricted him to nine appearances this season.

Tom Heaton

United's third-choice goalkeeper, 38, signed a one-year deal last summer but has not been used by the first team since then.

Who did Man Utd sign in the summer transfer window?

Leny Yoro - Lille, £58.9m

Joshua Zirkzee - Bologna, £36.5m

Matthijs de Ligt - Bayern Munich, £42.7m

Noussair Mazraoui - Bayern Munich, £17.1m

Manuel Ugarte - Paris Saint-Germain, £50.5m

Sekou Kone - Guidars FC, undisclosed

When does the winter transfer window close?

The 2025 winter transfer window officially closes on Monday February 3 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League.

The window for most major European leagues - including France (1pm GMT), Germany, Scotland and Spain - also closes on Monday February 3, though times vary.

Italian clubs, meanwhile, only have until 7pm on Saturday February 1 to do their business and the transfer window in Turkey closes on Tuesday February 11.

Further afield, the window shuts in Saudi Arabia on January 30.