Which January goalkeeper transfer deals look like they could have the most significant impact?
Marc-André ter Stegen: Barcelona to Girona (Loan)
In the highest profile move of the window, Marc-André ter Stegen has left the Camp Nou to join Catalan neighbors Girona on loan until June 2026. After 423 appearances and a multitude of trophies with Barcelona, the 33-year-old found himself sidelined, losing his starting spot to Joan García at the start of this season and falling further behind Wojciech Szczęsny in the pecking order.
With only 90 minutes of Copa del Rey action under his belt this campaign, and Ter Stegen having been widely rumoured to leave the Spanish giants this season, Girona, looking to solidify their top-flight status, will benefit from Ter Stegen's world-class distribution and veteran presence.
It has been reported that Ter Stegen’s huge salary at Barcelona means that his parent club will continue to foot the bill for the majority of his salary, with Girona contributing a portion over the course of the contract.
However, only weeks into the loan, the German goalkeeper has been ruled out for some time with a hamstring injury which requires surgery. The most high profile move of the window - for sure - but also the unluckiest.
Stefan Ortega: Manchester City to Nottingham Forest (£500k)
Stefan Ortega’s trophy-laden three and a half year stint at Manchester City has come to an end as he makes a permanent move to Nottingham Forest. Sean Dyche’s side secured the 33-year-old’s signature for a fee believed to be worth up to £500,000, bringing a treble-winning shot-stopper to the City Ground. Ortega leaves Manchester as something of a cult hero, famously remembered for his historic save against Spurs’ Son Heung-min that helped secure City's fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Following injuries to John Victor and Matz Sels, Ortega will battle with Angus Gunn for the number one shirt. Forest's Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, highlighted Ortega’s winning mentality as a key factor in the pursuit. For Ortega, the move represents a new chapter where he can hopefully secure a consistent starting spot which Ederson prevented in Manchester.
His experience in the Champions League and high-pressure Premier League title races makes him something of a bargain signing for Forest as they push for a strong finish to the 2025/26 campaign.
Jonas Omlin: Borussia Mönchengladbach to Bayer Leverkusen (Loan)
Following an injury to number one Mark Flekken, Bayer Leverkusen have bolstered their ranks by securing Swiss international Jonas Omlin on a short-term loan from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Omlin, who served as Gladbach’s captain, saw his starting position compromised following a series of shoulder and tendon injuries. With Moritz Nicolas taking over the number one spot for his parent club, Omlin had yet to feature in the current campaign before the window opened.
Borussia’s Head of Sports Rouven Schröder commented that ‘Jonas is a very good character and an excellent goalkeeper who, partly due to injury, lost his status as our number one. A short-term opportunity has now opened up for him to take on a new challenge in Leverkusen, and we wish him every success.’
Daniel Peretz: Bayern Munich to Southampton (Loan)
The goalkeeping department has been inconsistently stewarded in recent seasons at Southampton, with Gavin Bazunu, Alex McCarthy, and, last season, Aaron Ramsdale sharing the number one shirt over the last few campaigns.
The Saints have turned to the Bundesliga for reinforcements, securing Bayern Munich’s Daniel Peretz on loan for the remainder of the season. The 25-year-old Israeli international spent the first half of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Hamburger SV but was recalled by Bayern to facilitate this move to the Premier League. Since joining Bayern from Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, Peretz has been viewed as a high potential talent, though he has found first team minutes hard to come by in Munich.
Speaking about the move, Peretz said ‘I’m really happy to make this move to Southampton, it’s a great club in a good league and I’m really looking forward to getting started. I want to help the team to get back in the Premier League. Although it’s a tough goal, I think it’s realistic. There are a lot of games to go.’
Sport Republic Group Technical Director Johannes Spors commented that ‘Daniel arrives with proven ability both domestically and internationally. He has played at the highest level and we’re delighted to welcome him here where he adds further quality and depth to our goalkeeping department.’
Christos Mandas: Lazio to Bournemouth (Loan with Buy Option)
Bournemouth have added Greek international Christos Mandas to their squad on a loan deal from Lazio, which reportedly includes an option to buy for roughly €18.5 million. The 24 year old arrives on the South Coast to provide competition for summer signing Djordje Petrovic, who has thus far maintained the number one spot.
Mandas’ breakthrough came in Italy, making 33 appearances for Lazio and earning caps for the Greek national team, but he saw his opportunities diminish this season following a change in management. One fun fact about the move is that Mandas becomes the first Greek player in Bournemouth's history.
Anthony Patterson: Sunderland to Millwall (Loan)
A stereotypical ‘good deal for all parties’, Sunderland’s homegrown goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has joined Millwall on loan until the end of the season. The 25 year old, instrumental in Sunderland’s rise back up the divisions, heads to South East London to reunite with his former head coach, Alex Neil. Number one Robin Roef’s fantastic debut season in the Premier League means that Patterson’s game time has been limited this season.
For Millwall, securing a goalkeeper of Patterson's caliber and Championship experience is a major coup. Patterson brings a Premier League promotion to The Den, and should Millwall maintain their top six spot this season, will undoubtedly be an asset in their bid for a spot in the top flight.
Melker Ellborg: Malmö to Sunderland (£3 Million)
Sunderland themselves reinforced the goalkeeper department at the Stadium of Light by signing Swedish youngster Melker Ellborg from Malmö FF for a fee of £3 million. The 22-year-old has signed a long-term contract until 2030, marking him as a possible future number one if Roefs’ strong campaign sees him earn a move elsewhere. Ellborg enjoyed a stellar 2025 in the Allsvenskan, keeping five clean sheets in just seven appearances and gaining experience in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Sunderland’s Kristjaan Speakman described Ellborg as a ‘modern goalkeeper’ who is ‘calm and composed in possession’. It will be interesting to see how he develops under Neil Cutler’s tutelage in the North East.
