Salah Vinicius Jr And Strand Larsen Dominate Transfer Headlines

The Premier League transfer window is heating up as clubs across England and beyond gear up for a summer of high-stakes negotiations, strategic moves, and bold ambitions. With Saudi Pro League clubs setting their sights on marquee names and English teams navigating the complexities of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the rumor mill is spinning at full tilt. Among the headline stories, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr have emerged as the top targets for Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning league, while Wolves’ Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen finds himself at the center of a tug-of-war involving Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest.

On January 22, 2026, reports confirmed that Mohamed Salah, now 33 and still a talismanic presence for Liverpool and Egypt, is expected to be a prime target for the Saudi Pro League this summer. According to insiders cited by the i Paper, there is a growing belief among those close to the Saudi league that Salah will indeed leave Liverpool at the end of the current season. Vinicius Jr, the 25-year-old Brazilian forward dazzling at Real Madrid, is also on the radar, with both players seen as transformative signings for the Saudi project.

As the transfer market’s dominoes begin to fall, other European clubs are making their own moves. Tottenham’s Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, aged 29, is attracting interest from Inter Milan as the Serie A side prepares for life after Yann Sommer. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have held talks with Wolves regarding a potential swoop for Jorgen Strand Larsen, the 25-year-old Norwegian striker who has become one of the most sought-after forwards in the Premier League.

Wolves, however, are playing hardball. On January 23, 2026, they rejected an initial bid from Leeds United for Strand Larsen, with the offer’s value undisclosed but Wolves reportedly valuing their striker at a hefty £40 million. According to Sky Sports, Strand Larsen himself is keen to remain in the Premier League should he depart Wolves this month, making him a tantalizing prospect for clubs like Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, both of whom have also made enquiries. Notably, Strand Larsen was the subject of intense interest from Newcastle United last summer, but his stock has dipped slightly after netting only three goals in 13 appearances for a struggling Wolves side this season.

Leeds, for their part, are treading carefully in the market due to PSR constraints. Departures could pave the way for new arrivals, and there’s already been movement: Jack Harrison has joined Fiorentina on loan, with a potential permanent deal on the table for around £6 million in the summer. As for striker Joel Piroe, he hasn’t started a Premier League game for Leeds since August 2025, yet he remains the subject of interest from Championship sides and clubs abroad. Despite this, sources close to Leeds maintain that Piroe wants to stay and prove himself in the Premier League, and the club is not pushing him out the exit door. Celtic made an approach for Piroe last week, but the idea of a loan to the Scottish champions was quickly dismissed due to Leeds’ connections with Rangers and the limited PSR benefit such a move would bring.

Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Strand Larsen is part of a broader strategy to bolster their attacking options. With Wolves content to keep their Norwegian striker unless their valuation is met, Palace must decide whether to up their offer or turn their attention elsewhere. Leeds, meanwhile, are acutely aware of the competition for Strand Larsen and the fine financial margins they must navigate. The club’s chairman, Paraag Marathe, who also serves as vice chair of Rangers, has reportedly been unmoved by overtures that would benefit rivals or fail to address Leeds’ own fiscal needs.

Elsewhere in the Premier League and beyond, transfer speculation abounds. Chelsea are considering a loan move for 27-year-old Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Juventus, as they look to shore up their midfield for the remainder of the season. Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC have expressed interest in 22-year-old England Under-21 international Harvey Elliott, who is on loan at Aston Villa from Liverpool. Meanwhile, Arsenal are eyeing 16-year-old defender Iago Machado from Brazilian club Corinthians, signaling the Gunners’ continued commitment to youth development.

The transfer intrigue doesn’t end there. Roma and several other clubs remain in the hunt for Manchester United and Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee, aged 24, while Southampton face a battle to retain defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with Burnley keen to re-sign the 23-year-old after a previous loan spell. Norwich City, too, are in the thick of the action, competing with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts for the signature of Kasper Hogh, who recently notched a brace in Bodo/Glimt’s Champions League win over Manchester City.

Lower down the leagues, clubs are jostling for position in a crowded market. Hearts are poised to bring Birmingham City midfielder Marc Leonard, 24, back on loan until season’s end, while Millwall, Wrexham, and Rangers are all vying for the services of 26-year-old Tunisia right-back Yan Valery from Sheffield Wednesday. QPR have tabled a £1 million offer for Dundee’s 21-year-old center-half Luke Graham, but face stiff competition from Portsmouth, Sheffield United, Aberdeen, and Hearts. League Two side Gillingham have seen two bids rejected for 27-year-old Ross County striker Ronan Hale, underscoring the fierce competition for proven goal-scorers even outside the top flight.

Back at Wolves, the club is weighing up its own options as it seeks to become more competitive while safeguarding its long-term future—a process that could even involve preparing for a stint in the Championship. The Strand Larsen saga encapsulates the delicate balance many clubs must strike between ambition and prudence. For Leeds, the challenge is to add firepower without running afoul of financial regulations, while for Wolves, the question is whether to cash in on a valuable asset or hold firm and hope for a turnaround on the pitch.

As the January window progresses, all eyes remain on the likes of Salah, Vinicius Jr, and Strand Larsen. Will Saudi Arabia’s financial muscle lure global superstars to the Middle East? Can Premier League clubs outmaneuver each other in a market defined by both opportunity and constraint? With negotiations ongoing and the stakes higher than ever, the transfer drama is far from over. Stay tuned: the next move could change the landscape of English and European football for seasons to come.