Jesse Lingard suffers Premier League snub, Wrexham miss out on deal and major change to January window in pipeline


Another transfer window is over and what a dramatic final day it was.

It was particularly dramatic for Jean-Philippe Mateta and Dwight McNeil, whose hopes of a move on deadline day were dashed.

Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on January 25, 2026 in London, England

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Despite wanting a move to Milan, Mateta remained at Selhurst Park.

Here we have all the fallout, including West Ham’s rejection of Jesse Lingard’s return, why Premier League clubs are pushing for a two-week window next year and Fulham’s summer plan to sign PSV Eindhoven frontman Ricardo Pepi.

No luck for Lingard

West Ham were among the Premier League clubs who rejected the possibility of re-signing Jesse Lingard in the final days of the transfer window.

Lingard made 16 loan appearances at the London Stadium in 2021, scoring nine goals and becoming a fan favorite.

The Pitch Prospect has been told Lingard would like to return to the Hammers but manager Nuno Espirito Santo preferred to push ahead with a move for former Wolves winger Adama Traore.

The 33-year-old is a free agent after spending the last two years playing for South Korean club FC Seoul.

It now looks likely that the former Manchester United and England star will join another overseas club.

Expected completion?

Premier League teams are prepared to push for a shorter January transfer window next year, according to The Pitch Prospect.

There is growing sentiment in boardrooms across the country that halving the traditional four-week window would ease the burden on managers at an already congested time of the season.