Transfer deadline day LIVE: Fulham try to loan Armando Broja from Chelsea as window closes
Clubs in the Premier League and across Europe made last-ditch moves before the January transfer window slammed shut
Transfer deadline day came and went as the January window slammed shut and Premier League clubs raced to try and complete last-minute deals ahead of the 11pm deadline.
Armando Broja’s future was still yet to be decided as the window closed as Chelsea reportedly agreed a loan deal to send the striker to Fulham, who could do with some goals over the second half of the season, but no official confirmation had landed by the time the deadline passed. West Ham duo Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals’ exits to Lyon and Real Betis respectively were in a similar situation.
A relatively quiet transfer deadline day mirrored the January window as a whole, with financial restrictions stopping Premier League clubs splashing the cash too much. Crystal Palace swooped for midfielder Adam Wharton in a reported £22m switch from Blackburn to mark the biggest Premier League move of deadline day, as the talented 19-year-old cost an upfront fee of £18m with a potential £4m of add-ons.
Burnley completed loan deals for two defenders as Montpellier’s Maxime Esteve and Lorenz Assignon from Rennes signed until the end of the season, while Nottingham Forest signed goalkeeper Matz Sels from Strasbourg and striker Enes Unal joined Bournemouth on loan from Getafe, with an obligation to buy.
Follow the live blog for all the latest news, rumours and updates in the transfer market and find the latest football betting odds and tips here.
Done deal! Burnley sign Rennes defender Lorenz Assignon
Burnley have signed defender Lorenz Assignon on loan from Rennes until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old right-back has made 60 appearances for the Ligue 1 side and will help sure up the Clarets back-line.
“I’m really happy, it’s been a long day and it’s been a day of hard decisions but I’m very pleased to be here,” said Assignon.
“I had a number of clubs to choose from but I spoke to the manager and straight away knew that I wanted to be here.
“I’m ready to go. It’s the best league in the world and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”
Done deal! Rangers complete loan move for Oscar Cortes
Rangers have announced the signing of Colombian winger Oscar Cortes from French side Lens.
The 20-year-old joins on loan for the rest of the season with Rangers holding an option to buy him in the summer.
The Light Blues are reported to have rebuffed interest from Galatasaray in Ridvan Yilmaz after missing out on an immediate bid to sign left-back Jefte from Fluminense, with the Brazilian’s loan club APOEL Nicosia reportedly intent on keeping him until the end of the campaign.
Reports from Italy also claimed Hellas Verona were set to launch a bid to sign striker Cyriel Dessers.
Done deal! Isaac Hayden leaves Newcastle for QPR
Championship strugglers QPR have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Isaac Hayden on loan from Newcastle for the rest of the season.
Hayden has been out of favour on Tyneside for the last couple of years and spent last season at Norwich. He made 10 appearances for Belgian side Standard Liege during the first half of this campaign.
The ex-England Under-21 international brings significant Premier League experience, having played more than 100 times in the top flight, and hopes he can help preserve Rangers’ status in the second tier.
“It is obvious to see the position the club are in at the moment,” he said on the club’s official website. “But it’s a challenge that I feel I can add some value to, on and off the pitch - be an experienced player and be a leader to try and help the club stay in the league.
“Everyone knows what the Championship is like but if we can get a consistent run of performances, hopefully the points will come.
“I’ve looked at the squad and there are some really good players in it. There is definitely enough there but it is about us proving that on a matchday when it counts.”
Jesse Lingard latest move set to be confirmed
Bit of a surprise move here. Jesse Lingard will join FC Seoul in South Korea on a two-year deal, according to Sky Sports.
After playing for Manchester United for the early part of his career, Lingard has turned out for West Ham and Nottingham Forest in the last couple of seasons. He hasn’t had a club since the summer but is now headed to South Korea, it seems.
Mason Holgate ‘ready to go’ at Sheffield United
A bit more on that Mason Holgate move to Sheffield United. The Everton defender has been on loan in the Championship with Southampton this season but that has been terminated to allow him to make the temporary switch to Bramall Lane.
The 27-year-old centre-back has spoken about the move to the Blades.
Holgate said: “I’m delighted to be here and to finally get it over the line. I’ve been waiting all month to get it sorted, obviously involving three teams, it is a little complicated but now we’ve got it to this point, I cannot wait to get going.
“I feel good, sharp and ready to go. This is the best league in the world that’s why everyone aspires to play in it, I’ve played in it a bit now and hopefully I can come in and help the boys.
“Chris (Wilder) has faith and believes in me, he has told me what he thinks I can add to the team and I think I can do that so it makes sense to make this happen.”
Done deal! Mason Holgate joins Sheffield United on loan
Another deal that has been in the pipeline is now officially confirmed. Everton defender Mason Holgate will be joining Sheffield United on loan for the rest of the season.
Typically moody announcement video on Twitter/X from the Blades as well
Done deal! West Brom sign Celtic winger on loan
Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has joined West Brom on loan for the remainder of the season.
The Republic of Ireland international told the Baggies website: “I think the deal has been rumbling on since the start of the window, so I’m just happy to get it over the line.”
Chelsea and Fulham still in talks over Armando Broja deal
The main deal we’re keeping an eye on for the rest of the evening is Armando Broja’s potential loan move.
Fulham have reportedly agreed a loan fee with Chelsea for Broja, The Independent understands, and will pay their West London rivals £750k. He has arrived at the Cottagers’ training ground to try and get the move over the line.
The deal includes a penalty fee of up to £4m if Broja does not play a specified number of games, as Chelsea look to ensure their asset isn’t stuck on the bench, and these negotiations are proving one of the final hurdles to completing the deal before tonight’s deadline.
Chelsea had initially sought £50m for a permanent transfer but could not find a suitor.
ICYMI: Rogers makes Villa switch
Aston Villa have completed a move for Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough, with the forward having impressed in the Sky Bet Championship so far this season with seven goals and eight assists to his name.
The 21-year-old arrived at Villa Park after Middlesbrough finally succumbed to an offer in the region of £16million.
Rogers will now line up in the Premier League to help Unai Emery’s side pursue a spot in Europe come the end of the season.
Done deal! Kieffer Moore departs Bournemouth on loan
Kieffer Moore has sealed a return to Ipswich after he signed a six-month loan deal with the Championship club.
Bournemouth have allowed the Wales international to depart on a temporary basis after he started only twice under Andoni Iraola during the first half of the campaign.
Moore previously spent 18 months at Portman Road and, while he failed to score in 11 appearances in 2017, he returns with plenty of Championship and big-match pedigree.
He told Town TV: “It’s great to finally get it over the line because it’s been a long time coming during the window.
“I remember my first spell here and I’ve gone away and worked very hard on myself during that time, so I’m delighted to be back and can’t wait to get going.
“I was really excited when I spoke to everyone here and now I just want to meet the group, get out on the pitch and contribute.”
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