We asked AI to predict January transfer window 2027 signings – and it delivered one big surprise

The 2026 summer transfer window was one of the wildest in Premier League history, with clubs spending around £3.49 billion and five players changing hands for more than £100m.

Yet despite that extraordinary outlay, plenty of major clubs still have obvious gaps to address heading into the 2027 January transfer window.

With that in mind, Football Whispers asked AI to predict what could happen at the turn of the year, taking into account summer business, the players who almost moved and the positions that still need strengthening.

There were some fairly obvious predictions, but it believes there will be at least one surprise move.

Yankuba Minteh – Brighton to Liverpool

This was the strongest prediction. Liverpool wanted Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr and Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh towards the end of the summer as they looked for another attacking option following Mohamed Salah's departure, but neither move materialised.

Liverpool eventually added Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz, although neither is a natural right-winger. That leaves room for another move, and Minteh looks particularly logical given the Reds' previous interest.

Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler has also suggested the winger could look to fulfil his ambition of moving on after the first half of the season.

That makes a January approach from Liverpool a very plausible outcome.

Lamine Camara – Monaco to Chelsea

Chelsea's pursuit of Lamine Camara feels like a transfer that was postponed rather than completely abandoned.

The Blues sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125m before seeing a proposed £47m deal for the AS Monaco midfielder collapse late in the window.

Chelsea have subsequently been left short in midfield, particularly without the injured Moises Caicedo, and Camara was clearly identified as someone who could help fill that gap.

AS Roma's Manu Kone is another potential option, but AI predicts that Chelsea return for Camara in January and finally get their man for somewhere around a similar fee.

Alejandro Balde – Barcelona to Man Utd

Manchester United solved their midfield issues with a major rebuild during the summer but failed to address one of their most obvious weaknesses at left-back.

They pursued Newcastle United's Lewis Hall and other options without success, while the Englishman appears set to sign a new deal at St James' Park, making him likely unattainable once again.

That brings Alejandro Balde back into focus. United reportedly explored a loan deal for the Barcelona full-back during the summer, only for the Catalan giants to push for a permanent transfer.

With Balde's position seemingly less secure under Hansi Flick, another approach could be made in January. A loan including an option or obligation to buy could ultimately prove the solution.

Jean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace to Aston Villa

Aston Villa made huge changes to their squad over the summer but still have a question mark over how they replace Ollie Watkins.

Nicolas Jackson and Johan Manzambi arrived, but Villa also lost Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, on top of the England talisman, as part of a significant overhaul.

Mateta would therefore make plenty of sense. Villa were already strongly linked with the Crystal Palace striker late in the window, when reports suggested the player had even agreed personal terms.

With Mateta's contract running until 2027, January could be Palace's last realistic opportunity to secure a sizeable fee, with AI predicting a move worth around £30-35m.

Eli Junior Kroupi – Bournemouth to Arsenal

Arsenal strengthened almost every area of their squad in the summer apart from attack.

Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, and Christos Tzolis arrived, while Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard departed.

Eli Junior Kroupi would address that imbalance. Arsenal were interested during the summer and could return after the Bournemouth striker's impressive 2025/26, in which he scored 13 Premier League goals.

Bournemouth are unlikely to welcome a January approach, though Arsenal's need for another versatile forward could force them to pay a premium.

Endrick – Real Madrid to Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur‘s failure to add a recognised No.9 after spending more than £300m makes this an intriguing possibility.

Dominic Solanke remains the obvious first-choice option, while Richarlison was left out of Spurs' Premier League squad.

Endrick, meanwhile, could find himself short of opportunities at Real Madrid as competition for places and his recovery from injury complicate his route into the team.

A January loan would give the youngster regular football and give Spurs another attacking option. It is certainly one to watch.

Julian Alvarez – Atletico Madrid to Arsenal

And then there is the surprise.

Alvarez wanted to leave Atletico Madrid during the summer, with Barcelona reportedly his preferred destination, but Atletico refused to sanction a transfer.

Arsenal were one of the alternative clubs to emerge and could come back into the picture if the Argentine's situation deteriorates.

The more likely scenario remains a move for Kroupi, but Alvarez would give the Gunners a potent double attacking option and a proven goalscorer.

If his relationship with Atletico breaks down, a January blockbuster could suddenly become realistic.

AI's January transfer window 2027 predictions

PLAYER	PREDICTED TRANSFER	AI RATING
Yankuba Minteh	Brighton to Liverpool	Very high
Lamine Camara	Monaco to Chelsea	Very high
Alejandro Balde	Barcelona to Manchester United	High
Jean-Philippe Mateta	Crystal Palace to Aston Villa	High
Eli Junior Kroupi	Bournemouth to Arsenal	Medium-high
Endrick	Real Madrid to Tottenham (loan)	Medium
Julian Alvarez	Atletico Madrid to Arsenal	Surprise