Jadon Sancho joins Dortmund on loan as Dier closes on Bayern move: transfer window – as it happened

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Okay one more story before I go:

Thank you for joining me for all the transfer craziness today. There have been a few rumours and stories so here are the top lines as a reminder:

Have a good rest of your Thursday.

“Eric Dier’s move to Munich is a huge surprise to me. I’m getting my le-Dier-hosen in a twist!” Peter Oh there with one of the best puns of the day!

Here is the latest football daily:

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is looking back to his former side Ajax for a striker, according to the Mirror.

The boss wants to sign Brian Brobbey but won’t be buying him in this window, instead he is looking ahead to the summer.

Is it a good idea? Get in touch and let me know.

There are some international tournaments on the horizon, check out this preview of the Asian Cup:

Burnley may be in the relegation battle but they can’t add too many signings to their squad in the transfer window, according to manager Vincent Kompany.

“I’ll be honest, there’s a big chance we do some strengthening in a couple of positions,” Kompany said ahead of playing Luton Town tomorrow night. “But I want to manage expectations in terms of what we can do at this moment in time.

“It will be difficult to bring in the real, immediate game-changers but I think we can always use a little bit of extra strength just in case something happens, players we think can help us.”

Photograph: Simon Dael/REX/Shutterstock

Racheal Kundananji is one of the most exciting players to watch and she has the attention of clubs this transfer window.

According to journalist David Menayo Zambia international Kundananji has interest from a National Women’s Soccer League team but her club Madrid CFF has rejected a €400,000 offer.

She reportedly has a €700,000 release clause on her contract which has another two years left.

Photograph: John Cowpland/AP

Arsenal are looking to make a move for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee with the Italian club reportedly wanting £50m for the 22-year-old, according to the Telegraph.

The Gunners are keeping tabs on the Netherlands youth international but a move in the January window isn’t likely. Arsenal are currently fourth in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool.

There’s a slightly complicated situation happening for Arnaut Danjuma at the moment. Lyon are interested in signing him on loan for the second half of the season, according to Sky Sports, and his parent club Villarreal are understood to have agreed to the deal.

But it requires Everton to cut their season-long loan with him short but the Toffees are reluctant to do so. They want to keep their squad in tact and want Danjuma to play this Sunday.

“Evan Ferguson should avoid Stamford Bridge like the plague, unless he wants his career to be sucked into a black hole,” Joe Stafford, a Wolves fan, said. “Chelsea might pay well, but they are a mess right now – as skilled as Poch may be as a manager, he needs a couple more years to turn the ship around. Ignore your Mr 10% and stay put – unless my team come knocking, in which case I’ll drive you up to Molineux myself!”

Chelsea fans may have their keys in their ignitions already …

Paul Townsend has emailed and he has caught my drift about the Brighton jokes. “Nice seaside, cool vibes, top football management, lovely team,” he said. “Not sure why Chelsea don’t just buy Brighton?”

Keep the jokes rolling in if you have any.

Here is a great interview to have a read of in a late lunch break:

Aston Villa manager Carla Ward has spoken on the WSL club’s transfer prospects in this window.

“We had seven defenders for four positions; we’re now down to five for four. I think it’s absolutely imperative we get a centre-half in this window,” she said.

“It’s something we’re now actively on the search for. It’s something that is really important that we try and get over the line because five for four is not something we want to be going into the second half of the season with.”

“As Chelsea get linked with another player, maybe it might be an idea to knit a team out of the five squads they have already got?” Kev McCready says. “This isn’t even moneyball, it’s the billionaire equivalent of someone buying Panini stickers knowing they’re never going to get a full set. Unless their aim is: a full set of full backs.”

Chelsea have spent an eye-watering amount of money since Todd Boehly took over ownership and they do have a bloated squad. But this could also be Mauricio Pochettino bedding in, he did come in with a huge squad and he may be playing chess with the pieces he has. All conjecture of course.

There are quite a few running jokes about Chelsea buying players from Brighton but the latest rumour will be one the Seagulls hope does not come to fruition.

The Evening Standard are reporting the Blues are interested in signing young star Evan Ferguson. Ferguson, 19, has just signed a contract with Brighton until 2029 and the club are understood to not want to sell him. What are your thoughts on the potential move? Let me know via email or X – @rendellx.

Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters

So much news coming in at once now with Chelsea recalling David Fofana from his loan at Union Berlin.

The forward made 17 appearances for the German side and is expected to be loaned out for the second half of the season to Sevilla.

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall added: “We’re delighted to bring Emily to Arsenal and I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming her to our club. Emily has shown impressive development over recent seasons and her strengths in both phases will make her an important addition to our squad.

“At international level, the experience she’s built up gives her an excellent foundation to make the transition to English football.”

Arsenal will play Watford in the FA Cup on Sunday and are back in action in the WSL on 28 February against Liverpool.

USWNT defender Fox signs for Arsenal

New signing claxon! It’s one Arsenal fans expertly sniffed out themselves after spotting her in the background of pictures posted by the club. USWNT defender Emily Fox has signed for the Gunners from North Carolina Courage for an undisclosed length.

The star has won 39 caps for the US and competed at the 2023 World Cup.

“It feels amazing to have signed here,” said Fox. “When I think of Arsenal, I think of excellence, I think of a global organisation, I think of family. I think of pushing the standards of football and especially in the women’s game. It’s a huge honour to get the opportunity to represent this club and I’m excited to get started and play in front of our supporters.”

Photograph: Andrew Cornaga/AP

Thank you John, I’m back and I have a hot water bottle to fight off the chill in my flat.

First up we have some confirmed transfer news in the WSL …

Ok, Sarah is back on the scene and ready to take back the reins.

Bit of social media chat about this one. After Caicedo and Cucurrella, will Chelsea go back to Brighton? Ferguson has talent but has struggled a little this season to find his place in the Brighton team.

Ed with some more detail on that potential Onyeka plunge.

My colleague Ed Aarons has had a steer on Frank Onyeka, the Brentford player, who has been decent for Thomas Frank this season.

And the latest edition of Football Weekly.

Full story on Jadon Sancho here.

John Brewin

Hello there, minding the shop for Sarah. Contact me at john.brewin.casual@theguardian.com if you have any thoughts.

Updated at 08.00 EST

Right I am off for a spot of lunch, hungry business these transfers. I leave you in the very capable hands of John Brewin, see you in bit!

Sancho, who was part of the England squad who made it to the 2020 Euros final, played at Dortmund for four years until he signed for Manchester United in 2021.

During his time at the German club he scored 50 goals and made 64 assists. Since signing for United he’s scored 12 goals and last played for the Premier League side in August.

“Jadon is an absolute difference player and I’m looking forward to seeing him back in black and yellow soon,” says Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

“He knows this city, SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, our fans and our club. Even though he hasn’t played any competitive games in the past few months, we are sure that he will quickly settle back in with us, get into top form and use his qualities to help us achieve our goals for the season.”

Sancho, who had fallen out of favour under Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag, has said going back to Dortmund feels like home.

“When I came into the dressing room today, it felt like ‘coming home’,” he said. “I know the club inside and out, I’ve always been very close with the fans here, and I’ve never lost contact with those in charge.

“I can’t wait to see my teammates again, go out on the pitch, play football with a smile on my face, prepare goals, score goals and help qualify for the Champions League.”

Photograph: Dave Thompson/APSancho joins Dortmund on loan

Jadon Sancho’s loan move to former club Borussia Dortmund has been confirmed, he joins until the end of the season.

The England international makes the moves from Manchester United.

More to follow.

The biggest transfer news today is Eric Dier being in Bayern Munich for a medical to seal a move from Tottenham. Here’s all the details you need:

Have you been reading our weekly free women’s football newsletter, Moving the Goalposts? It brings you news from the sport around the world as well as exclusive columnists and interviews. This week’s is about how the sport needs to improve in Argentina, have a read and sign up below:

The signing claxon is going off again and this time for the men’s Championship. Sheffield Wednesday have signed Iké Ugbo on loan from Troyes.

The forward spent the first half of the season on loan to Cardiff City.

Sheffield Wednesday are currently 22nd in the Championship.

A worrying story here:

I have a rumour that will make Chelsea fans very happy, Sam Kerr has reportedly extended her deal until at least 2025.

The Australia captain, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, signed for Chelsea back in 2019 and has since won four consecutive Women’s Super League titles and the Golden Boot twice.

Her deal with the club ends in the summer but according to ata football she is staying put.

Photograph: Isabel Infantes/PA

A great piece of news from Manchester City:

“He [Eric Dier] was a stalwart of the early Poch years and a steal at the price we got him for,” Robin emails. “His flexibility was also his downfall – with his obvious best position being CB, but he desperately wanted to be a DM. He’s been too slow for the past few years (and associated managers systems) but a wonderful servant of the club.

“Munich is a wonderful move for all parties. Reunited with golfing buddy Kane, a slower league and better system for him to thrive in – and he’ll no doubt be speaking fluent German by Easter.”

I first have to commend the brilliant pun in the subject line of your email Robin – “an en-dier-ly good move”. 10/10, no notes on that.

Dier’s move also seems to be the best for all parties, you’re right. Things just aren’t happening for him at Spurs at the moment but time will tell if the move works out for him.

Beeeep! That is the sound of the new signing claxon and it’s coming from women’s football as Bayern Munich have signed Japan international Momoko Tanikawa. The 18-year-old has been immediately sent out on loan to Rosengård for the rest of the season.

Francisco De Sá Fardilha, FC Bayern Women technical director, said: “Momoko Tanikawa is one of the best young players in the world. She’s already a big part of the Japan national team, one of the best teams in the world. Momoko is technically very versatile, is two-footed.

“She knows how she can come out on top against top players and is very flexible in her position. Although she’s an attacking midfielder, she can play in any position up front, including as a centre-forward.”

Former England player Wayne Rooney has sent his love to Sven-Goran Eriksson after the ex-England boss revealed he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Rooney wrote on X: “Sad news this morning. Thoughts are with Sven Goran-Eriksson and his family. A brilliant coach and a special person. Loved and respected by everyone. We’re all with you Sven, keep fighting.”

If you missed the story this morning, you can read it here:

Here’s a good piece to get your teeth into on a Thursday morning:

William has emailed and said: “Surely it’s Haaland to Madrid for £Xm and then Mbappé to City on a free with an £ Xm signing on fee?”

Now that would be a turn up for the books. As much as that would be entertaining I don’t know if I see Mbappé in the Premier League.

Updated at 05.56 EST

Who are the best women’s footballers in the world? We have a piece counting down the top 100, as chosen by a wide range of people from the sport, and today’s edition has the list up to number 11. I thought Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw would be higher on the list, she’s had great form at Manchester City and helped Jamaica reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Anyway, have a look at the list here:

Do you want all of the top rumours in one place so you can easily digest them? Well we have just the piece for you, have a read of the rumour mill:

Eric Dier’s move to Bayern has been rumoured over the past week and a move away from Tottenham isn’t surprising. He has had less minutes since Ange Postecoglou took over and the England international will want to be playing, especially if he wants to fight for a Euros spot this summer.

Tuchel has confirmed Dier is in Munich, presumably for a medical, so the news could be confirmed later today. Any more updates I will let you know.

Is it a good move for Dier? I think so but let me know your thoughts.

Photograph: Vince Mignott/EPATuchel: Dier is Munich

Some breaking news for you, Eric Dier’s move to Bayern Munich is almost done, according to manager Thomas Tuchel.

“From experience, we know things can go wrong in the final seconds,” he said. “He is Munich and we try to finalise the deal and find another alternative in the defensive position in our squad. But I’d like to wait before the ink has dried. You’re right he is in the city.

“I think that he is more or less a specialsit in the central defensive role. He’s played as a holding midfielder in the past. He can play as part of a back four and three at the back so we can fre up Goretzka in midfield so he doesn’t have to switch between playing as a No 8 and being deeper.

“We’re still focusing on other positions and we’ll see if anything else happens.”

Jadon Sancho’s loan move to Borussia Dortmund from Manchester United feels as though it has been in the works for months but it’s understood the only thing left to do is announce the move. Sancho has had an underwhelming move to United and has fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag.

A move back to Dortmund could kick start a revival to his form. For all the details have a read of the story:

The headline news in women’s football is Wales manager Gemma Grainger leaving her role to take charge of Norway’s national team.

She spent three years in charge of Wales but leaves with immediate effect to take up her new position.

“I had no intention to leave Cymru, but I have been offered an unexpected opportunity that I could not turn down and it has been extremely difficult for me to get to this point. I hope you know the decision to leave has not been taken lightly,” she said.

“I truly believe this team is ready to take the next steps and qualify. I’m confident the team can continue to build and grow from this point forward. Cymru will forever have a place in my heart, diolch am bopeth (thank you for everything).” Read the full story:

“Mbappé is just going to keep signing one-year contract extensions at PSG,” Kevin Wilson says. “I don’t think he’ll ever leave, and the “will-he, won’t-he” move to Real is just the biggest tease in transfers.”

It’s all the drama though Kevin, I just love it. Was that a Gavin and Stacey reference this early in the morning? Absolutely. I may have re-binged it this week. But I think Mbappé will eventually leave and Real Madrid is one of the only clubs I can see him moving to.

Updated at 05.01 EST

Tottenham have confirmed Timo Werner’s loan but Ange Postecoglou’s transfer window isn’t done there, according to the Independent.

They are on the hunt for a number eight and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is at the top of their wish list. Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has remained relatively tight lipped over whether the England international will stay or go but has spoken highly about his player.

When asked if he has spoken to Gallagher about transfer rumours, the manager said: “If you want to ask me if I was talking with Conor about this situation, yes. Like all the players when some rumour happens, always it’s good to have a good conversation with the player, like Ian Maatsen, or different players like this, Andrey Santos.

“I think always it’s important for us, the coaches, to have very clear and very direct, honest conversations with the players. It’s healthy to have these type of relationships.”

Photograph: Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock

“Doesn’t Erling Haaland has a €175m release fee that kicks in this summer?” Dara O’Reilly emails. “Which is still FAR TOO MUCH MONEY, but in this bonkers environment is something you think Real Madrid could look at and think “fair enough.””

Morning Dara, Spanish outlet AS are reporting Haaland has a two-tiered release cause that comes into effect this summer. Others, like Forbes, report the £170m release clause is for other Premier League clubs and so Real Madrid could buy Haaland for around £86m. I just can’t see City wanting to let him go.

Updated at 05.01 EST

Some sad news to bring you, former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson says he has around a year to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Eriksson told Swedish Radio P1: “Everyone can see that I have a disease that’s not good, and everyone supposes that it’s cancer, and it is. But I have to fight it as long as possible. I know that in the best case it’s about a year, in the worst case even less. Or in the best case I suppose even longer. I don’t think the doctors I have can be totally sure, they can’t put a day on it.”

Eriksson was in charge of England from 2001-2006 and most recently was a sporting director for Swedish club Karlstad.

Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Updated at 05.01 EST

Haaland’s Man City contract ends in 2027 so even if the striker was interested in a move the price tag from the club could be huge. But then Mbappé isn’t going to be cheap, unless Real Madrid sign him when he is a free agent in the summer.

I don’t know if I see Haaland’s move to Real Madrid happening, but who knows. Stranger things have happened!

Preamble

Hello and welcome to today’s transfer live. There are a myriad of rumours and speculation having around but one of the top stories is Real Madrid’s interest in Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

The Norway international is reportedly on the Spanish club’s radar as they are growing doubtful that Kylian Mbappé will join them from Paris Saint-Germain, according to AS.I will bring you more on that shortly as well as any breaking news and top line rumours.

And don’t forget to get in touch about your thoughts on the transfer window and anything else that comes to mind. All I can think about this morning is how cold it is, I have two blankets and two pairs of socks on. You can get in touch via email and X – @rendellx.