What to look out for in the Premier League transfer window

The transfer window for Premier League clubs is open with teams ready to make a splash to win the title, secure a place in next season’s Champions League or simply survive in the lucrative English top flight.

AFP Sport looks at five of the clubs likely to be busiest before the window closes on February 2:

Liverpool to break out again

The Reds spent more than any Premier League team in one window just a few months ago, pocketing nearly £450 million ($606 million) on six new signings.

However, there has been little return on that investment and injuries look set to force the English champions back into the market.

Alexander Isak’s record £125m move from Newcastle headlined Liverpool’s summer spending but the Swede has been sidelined for at least two months with a broken leg.

Despite spending around £300m on strikers in the summer, Arne Slot’s attacking options are currently unknown with Mohamed Salah also absent for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Salah’s future remains uncertain following his public outburst over Slott, and if the Egyptian leaves, Liverpool will be in the market for a replacement.

Can Villa step up their title challenge?

Villa’s dreams of maintaining a challenge against the mighty Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race will depend on what they can do next month to strengthen Unai Emery’s side.

Hampered by financial viability rules, Villa could not spend freely in the summer.

However, Emery did wonders to inspire an 11-game winning streak in all competitions before Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat at Arsenal.

Despite the limited margin, Villa’s hierarchy managed to improve the squad significantly in the January window 12 months ago, when the loanees of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio almost fired them into the Champions League.

Semenyo prepared for City

Pep Guardiola’s men appear to have won the first major transfer battle of the month to secure Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

The Ghana striker has also attracted interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham after scoring nine times in the Premier League this season.

Semenyo has a reported £65m buyout clause in his contract, but this must be triggered before January 10.

City are not hiding as they aim to add extra firepower to what is already the Premier League’s highest scoring team.

However, goals from wide positions have been a problem for Guardiola.

Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Oscar Bob and Omar Marmus have just one goal between them in the Premier League so far this season.

Mainoo on the move?

Manchester United’s January campaign is likely to be defined by the future of Kobi Maino.

The England international, who shone in the Three Lions’ run to the Euro 2024 final, is yet to start a Premier League game this season.

Ruben Amorim does not appear to see Mainoo as compatible with captain Bruno Fernandes and both have been injured in recent weeks to severely limit United’s midfield options.

Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are also out of the Africa Cup of Nations, but Amorim is cautious on short-term signings.

“If we are not sure, if everyone is not aligned, it is better not to bring anyone and work with the players we have,” said the Portuguese coach. “We can’t make the same mistakes we made in the past.”

The sale of Mainoo, who was a product of United’s academy, would significantly help United’s periphery under financial viability rules to add another midfielder.

West Ham’s rescue mission

West Ham star in the barrel of exit from the Premier League for the first time in 14 years.

The Hammers are four points adrift of safety but are chasing other promotion-chasing sides in Nottingham Forest and Leeds.

A striker appears to be top of mind for Nuno Espirito Santo with Niclas Fuellkrug having already left to join AC Milan on loan.