A major early‑window move sees Douglas Luiz poised to re‑join Aston Villa on loan from Juventus.
The Brazilian midfielder, who starred at Villa before his 2024 sale to the Serie A side, has agreed terms on a deal that includes an option to buy next summer.
Villa have been actively reinforcing after injuries to key midfielders and see Luiz as an experienced creative engine.
The move reportedly beats out interest from other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, who had been linked with a short‑term midfield signing.
Luiz’s familiarity with Villa and Unai Emery’s system — where he delivered some of his best football — makes this one of the standout January deals.
🔁 Ward‑Prowse on the move to Burnley
James Ward‑Prowse is now set for a loan switch from West Ham United to Burnley, where he’s undergoing a medical ahead of finalising the move for the rest of the season.
The 31‑year‑old England midfielder, known for his dead‑ball quality and set‑piece delivery, had fallen out of favour under manager Nuno Espírito Santo at West Ham.
Burnley, battling in the Premier League relegation zone, see Ward‑Prowse’s experience and technical skill as vital in their survival push.
This transfer gives Ward‑Prowse fresh playing time and Burnley a lengthy‑serving creator in midfield at a crucial stage of the season.
🟦 Traoré joins West Ham
Adama Traoré has completed a permanent transfer to West Ham United from Fulham, reuniting with former manager Nuno Espírito Santo.
The Spain international winger brings Premier League experience, having turned out for Barcelona, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham.
West Ham hope his pace and power on the flanks will add a new dimension to their attack as they seek to climb the table.
Traoré becomes one of West Ham’s key winter signings as they look to turn around their campaign.
❓ Where could Mateta go?
Jean‑Philippe Mateta continues to attract interest, but his future remains fluid:
Nottingham Forest have reportedly made a £35m bid for the Crystal Palace striker, with Forest short on goals and keen to bolster their attack.
Palace are understood to value Mateta closer to £40m and want a replacement lined up before letting him go.
Other clubs mentioned in transfer buzz include Juventus and interest from Aston Villa in previous weeks, though Villa’s priority appears to be other attacking options like Tammy Abraham.
Mateta, at 28, is at a stage where regular first‑team football and a platform for goals are key — and a move to Forest could offer that, though he reportedly harbours ambitions of playing for a Champions League‑level side.
📊 What this means for the Premier League landscape
Aston Villa strengthen their engine room with a familiar face in Luiz, boosting creativity amid injury woes.
Burnley gain a technically gifted midfielder to aid their fight for survival.
West Ham bolster forward options with Traoré’s Premier League nous.
Mateta’s situation remains one of the more intriguing ongoing storylines, with a number of clubs linked and Palace holding negotiating cards.
As the January deadline approaches (early February), expect more movement — especially if deals like Mateta’s hinge on late bids or parachuted offers.
