Martinelli completes Al-Hilal medical as Sancho eyes Dubai move and Obi heads to Willem II on loan

Gabriel Martinelli has completed his medical ahead of a £60m transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, marking one of the more significant late departures from the Premier League this window. The Brazilian winger’s move comes after a summer in which English top-flight clubs collectively spent over £3.3bn — a new record — with more than half of Premier League sides breaking their own transfer records.

Among the window’s headline deals, Manchester City completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for £125m, while Liverpool paid £120m for Bradley Barcola — four of the Premier League’s five most expensive transfers ever were recorded in this single window.

Jadon Sancho, released by Manchester United at the end of June, is attracting interest from an unexpected destination. Dubai-based Arabian Falcons — managed by former Liverpool and England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and featuring ex-Leicester City Premier League winner Danny Simpson as a player-coach — are preparing a formal approach for the winger. Sancho has been without a club since his United departure and no deal has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, United striker Chido Obi is set to join Eredivisie side Willem II on loan, subject to registration. The Denmark Under-21 international made eight senior appearances under Ruben Amorim during the 2024-25 campaign but did not feature last term, making the bench only once. Obi was more prominent at academy level, scoring 20 goals across 37 appearances in all competitions and helping United reach the FA Youth Cup final.

Looking further ahead, Manchester United are already reported to be planning a significant defensive overhaul next summer, while Liverpool are said to be monitoring Lamine Camara as a potential midfield target. Neither move is imminent, but both reflect the ongoing squad-building ambitions at two of England’s biggest clubs as attention gradually shifts toward the January window.