January transfer window: opening and closing dates 2022, who Manchester City and United are linked with & more

The January transfer window is just around the corner with clubs worldwide able to buy, loan and sell players in order to reshape their squads.

In the UK, managers in the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Scottish leagues have next month to sign and offload players in order to finalise their desired squads for the remainder of the season.

Rumours surrounding Manchester City and United have been ever-present, with both teams linked with several incomings and outgoings in January.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the important dates for clubs in January.

When does the January transfer window open?

In the UK, the January transfer window opens on 1 January 2022, the same date as the German and Italian windows.

However, for teams in Spain and France, they have to wait an extra two days before they can buy players.

In Mexico, Portugal, Turkey, Australia, Russia and China, their transfer windows don’t close until February.

When does the window close?

Next month’s window will close for clubs in the Premier League, EFL, Scotland, Spain and France at 11pm on 31 January.

Whereas in Germany, managers in their divisions have until the same date to reshape their squads, but their window closes at six hours earlier at 5pm.

In Germany and Italy, their window closes after the latter mentioned one, but still before the UK’s, with a 7pm deadline.

What type of deals can be done?

The January transfer window allows for teams worldwide to buy, loan, either in or out, and sell individuals before their specific deadline.

However, Premier League clubs are limited to the number of players they can bring in on loan, with a maximum of two loanees registered at one time. Other rules surrounding loan deals can be found here.

In addition, teams can only sign players if the fees involved are in line with financial fair play.

Man City rumours

Next month could be an interesting one for City with plenty of names linked to a move to the Premier League champions.

According to reports, Dusan Vlahovic is the latest player rumoured to be on Pep Guardiola’s radar. The Serbia international has scored an impressive 16 goals in 18 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina this season - form that will excite the Sky Blues’ fans.

Another name linked to City is Rafael Leao. The 22-year-old winger is believed to be one of Guardiola’s top targets, as reported by Calcio Mercato.

In terms of outgoings, injury-hit Ferran Torres has apparently agreed personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a move next month, according to reports.

Gabriel Jesus’ departure from the Etihad is also up in the air with Calcio Mercato also reporting the Brazilian could be on his way to Juventus in January.

Man United rumours

Next month’s transfer window will be Ralf Rangnick’s first as United boss. The German is apparently interested in several players to fit his pressing style of play.

One name mentioned is Chelsea forward Timo Werner. The 25-year-old has previously worked under Rangnick at RB Leipzig and, according to reports, the German duo could reunite at Old Trafford in the near future.

With Rangnick favouring a 4-2-2-2 formation, it is important to have the right players available for each position.

Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara and Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara are the latest individuals to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, with both able to play in a central and defensive-midfield role.

Edinson Cavani could leave the Red Devils in January if he is tempted by Barcelona’s interest. However, it is believed United don’t want the 34-year-old to leave the club until at least the summer.

Other names rumoured to be on their way out of England’s most successful team are Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Anthony Martial. The latter’s agent recently told Sky Sports that his client wants to leave the Red Devils next month.

United might have to cash in on Pogba, Lingard and Mata with the trio all out of contract in the summer.