Dramatic January Transfer Window 2025 Insights

No Deal: The Premier League Transfers That Didn’t Happen in January 2025

The January transfer window is often full of surprises, dramatic last-minute negotiations, and unexpected twists. Clubs scramble to strengthen their squads, aiming to secure signings that will give them an edge in the second half of the season. However, while some deals are successfully completed, others fall apart due to financial disagreements, club politics, or late negotiations.

This winter was no exception. Several high-profile players were linked with moves to Premier League clubs or even exits to foreign leagues, only for the deals to collapse at the final moment.

In this article, we take a deep dive into the biggest failed transfers of the January 2025 window—the moves that didn’t materialize, the reasons behind them, and what it means for the players and clubs involved.

1️⃣ Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool to Real Madrid 🇪🇸🚫

The Transfer Saga

One of the biggest stories of the transfer window revolved around Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s vice-captain and one of the most creative right-backs in world football. His contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, meaning he could leave on a free transfer in just a few months.

Real Madrid saw an opportunity. They submitted a £20 million bid in early January, hoping to secure Alexander-Arnold before his contract expired. Liverpool, however, rejected the offer immediately, unwilling to let go of a key player in the middle of the season.

Why Didn’t the Transfer Happen?

1. Liverpool’s Stance – The Reds were unwilling to sell their vice-captain mid-season, especially with Champions League qualification still on the line.

2. Trent’s Future Uncertain – While Trent hasn’t signed a new contract, he has also not publicly committed to leaving.

3. Real Madrid’s Waiting Game – Madrid are reportedly confident they can sign him for free in the summer, rather than paying Liverpool now.

What’s Next?

The situation remains uncertain, but all signs suggest Trent could leave Anfield in the summer. If Liverpool fail to convince him to sign a new contract, Real Madrid may finally get their man.

2️⃣ Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa to Arsenal 🔴🚫

The Transfer Saga

Arsenal’s search for a world-class No.9 led them to make a surprise bid for Ollie Watkins late in the transfer window. The England international has been in red-hot form for Aston Villa, helping them compete for a top-four finish this season.

With Arsenal struggling for goals, manager Mikel Arteta was keen to bring in a reliable striker, and Watkins fit the bill perfectly. Reports suggested Arsenal offered between £45m-£60m, but Villa rejected the bid outright.

Why Didn’t the Transfer Happen?

1. Villa Had Already Sold Jhon Durán – Just before Arsenal’s bid, Villa had agreed to sell backup striker Jhon Durán to Al-Nassr. Selling Watkins would have left them short of options up front.

2. Timing Issues – Arsenal made the offer too late in the window, giving Villa no time to find a replacement.

3. Villa’s Ambitions – The Midlands club is pushing for a Champions League spot, so weakening their squad mid-season made no sense.

What’s Next?

With Arsenal still in need of a No.9, they could return for Watkins in the summer transfer window. Villa will likely demand a higher price, especially if they qualify for the Champions League.

3️⃣ Matheus Cunha – Wolves to Nottingham Forest 🌳🐺❌

The Transfer Saga

Matheus Cunha has been one of the Premier League’s most exciting forwards this season, delivering impressive performances for Wolves. His form attracted interest from Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest, but it was Forest who were reportedly willing to break their club record to sign him.

Despite this, Wolves refused to sell. Instead of leaving, Cunha signed a new contract, which now includes a £60m release clause.

Why Didn’t the Transfer Happen?

1. Wolves’ High Valuation – The club didn’t want to lose their star forward unless they received a huge fee.

2. New Contract – Cunha decided to commit his future to Wolves, signing a contract extension.

3. Forest’s Struggles – Nottingham Forest’s relegation battle may have made the move less appealing for Cunha.

What’s Next?

The new contract means a summer transfer is still possible, but any club will have to pay his £60m release clause.

4️⃣ Alejandro Garnacho – Man United to Chelsea/Napoli 🔵🔴❌

The Transfer Saga

Manchester United’s financial struggles meant they needed to offload players before making new signings. Reports suggested they were willing to sell Alejandro Garnacho, one of their most promising young attackers.

Chelsea and Napoli were both linked, but no formal offers were made. In the end, Garnacho stayed at Old Trafford.

Why Didn’t the Transfer Happen?

1. United Were Testing the Market – The club was not actively pushing for a sale but wanted to see how much Garnacho was worth.

2. Chelsea Didn’t Need Him – The Blues already have several wingers, making a move for Garnacho unnecessary.

3. Napoli’s Alternative Signing – Instead of Garnacho, Napoli signed Noah Okafor on loan from AC Milan.

What’s Next?

Garnacho remains at United, but if the club needs funds in the summer, a transfer could still happen.

5️⃣ Christopher Nkunku – Chelsea to Bayern Munich/Man United 🔵🔥❌

The Transfer Saga

Christopher Nkunku only joined Chelsea last summer, but reports suggested he was unhappy with his limited playing time. This led to speculation that he could move to Manchester United or Bayern Munich.

Chelsea, however, set a £65m price tag, which ultimately scared off potential buyers.

Why Didn’t the Transfer Happen?

1. Chelsea’s High Asking Price – Neither Bayern nor United were willing to meet the £65m valuation.

2. Chelsea’s Depth Issues – With Chelsea already struggling for goals, they didn’t want to lose Nkunku.

3. Nkunku’s Lack of Game Time – He hasn’t featured much, but Chelsea still believe in his potential.

What’s Next?

If Nkunku continues to be frustrated with his playing time, he could push for a summer move.

Conclusion: Will These Transfers Happen in the Summer? 🌞🔄

While these January deals didn’t materialize, many of them could still happen in the summer transfer window. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ollie Watkins, and Matheus Cunha could be on the move once clubs have more time to negotiate deals.

The biggest question remains: Will Premier League clubs regret not making these moves earlier?

Which "no deal" transfer surprised you the most? 👀💬 Let us know in the comments!