Serie A clubs were busy today as they race to wrap up deals before the transfer window closes on Monday.
Youssef Maleh joined Cremonese on loan from Lecce, Genoa activated their option to sign Leo Ostigard on a permanent deal and Cyril Ngonge and Luca Marianucci left Napoli on loan moves.
Which transfers were announced in Serie A on January 31, 2026?
Football Italia takes a look at every confirmed transfer involving clubs from Italy’s top flight today.
Ostigard joined Genoa on a permanent basis for just €5 million, after impressing on loan so far this season. Ngonge joined Espanyol on loan for €2 million, whilst M’Bala Nzola joins Sassuolo on loan from Fiorentina.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Cyril Ngonge of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Torino FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Lecce saw two players leave today, with Frenchman Balthazar Pierret returning to his home country with Red Star FC in Ligue 2, and Maleh joining fellow Serie A side Cremonese on loan until the end of the season.
All Serie A transfers confirmed on January 31, 2026
Balthazar Pierret – Lecce to Red Star FC (Undsc.)
Sandro Kulenovic – Dinamo Zagreb to Torino (Loan €500,000)
M’Bala Nzola – Fiorentina to Sassuolo (Loan)
Leo Ostigard – Stade Rennes to Genoa (€5 million)
Luca Marianucci – Napoli to Torino (Loan)
Youssef Maleh – Lecce to Cremonese (Loan)
Stefan Mitrovic – Verona to Asteras Aktor (Loan)
Cyril Ngonge – Napoli to Espanyol (Loan €2 million)
Alessio Romagnoli is set to stay at Lazio after a chaotic final day of the Qatari transfer window saw the deal go from off, to on, to off again, in the space of a few hours.
Al-Sadd, where Italian Roberto Mancini now coaches, were close to completing the deal.
Reports from Manuel Baiocchini, and later confirmed by Gianluca Di Marzio, claim that the agreement between the two clubs had been reached, contracts had been signed but that there was not enough time for the Qatari side to file the transfer before the window slammed shut.
Therefore, Romagnoli will now likely return to Lazio, in strange circumstances.
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio after the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Romagnoli saga drags on, Al-Sadd pay the price
The sage was a complicated and drawn out one.
Originally, Al-Sadd were reported to be interested and Romagnoli interested in joining up with Mancini in Qatar.
Then, Lazio posted a sensational statement on their official channels to claim that no such transfer would be happening and that Romagnoli would stay at the club, where he is contracted.
Romagnoli said goodbye to fans at the end of Lazio’s draw with Lecce and was left out of the squad that faced Genoa on Friday – although he did watch on from the stands.
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: After the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Earlier today, it was reported that Lazio had finally accepted an offer from Al-Sadd for the centre-back and that the green light had been given, yet it was clear the Qatari side had to act quickly.
The Qatari window shut this evening, earlier than in other countries, and Al-Sadd and Romagnoli lost out because there was not enough time to get the deal done.
It now leaves a rather awkward situation where Romagnoli must return to the club he had said his goodbyes to, despite everything being in place for him to leave.
Antonio Vergara is the man of the moment at the minute in Naples.
Napoli are currently going through the motions as the Scudetto holders face a growing injury list, an awkward early exit from the UEFA Champions League and a real fight on their hands to retain the Serie A trophy.
However, if there was one silver lining amongst all these dark clouds it would be the impressive performances of Vergara.
The 23-year-old had not played a senior minute for the Partenopei before this season, and spent the last two seasons on loan with Reggiana in Serie B.
Despite this, it is Vergara who has won the heart of Naples in the last couple of weeks.
Vergara thrust into the limelight for Napoli but thrives
On Saturday, Vergara scored again, this time in Napoli’s 2-1 win against Fiorentina, that helped ease the pressure on the side after the disappointing Champions League exit. The Italian also assisted the other goal on the night, as he continues to impress.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
It is strange, though, that his opportunity was only really born out of the ongoing injury crisis in Naples.
Without the circumstances, it was unlikely Vergara was going to see much first team football this season and, at 23-years-old, he is moving past the point of being sent out on loan again and again but Napoli.
When Napoli have a full roster again, it will be interesting to see whether Conte rewards Vergara’s impressive run of form with more minutes, or if he falls back down the pecking order completely.
What does the future hold for Vergara?
Regardless of that, Vergara can only gain from his continued performances – in the sense that he may be able to convince another Serie A side to take a gamble on him – and Napoli may choose to cash in if he’s not deemed of the right level for the first team.
A move to a club like Genoa or Sassuolo could suit the Italian, where he would be able to get more game time than at Napoli and I would not be surprised if this was the case.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
We shall see what happens – and obviously it feels exceedingly premature to be having these sorts of hypothetical conversations about a player with just 12 appearances to his name for Napoli.
However, Vergara is winning the hearts of Napoli fans and impressing pundits, and right now he is a much needed breath of fresh air in Naples.
Napoli bounced back from their midweek Champions League exit to pick up an important three points in Serie A with a 2-1 win against Fiorentina.
Young forward Antonio Vergara, only really in the squad because of the extensive injuries to Antonio Conte’s squad, impressed once again and was Football Italia’s Player of the Match with a goal and an assist.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Miguel Gutierrez of SSC Napoli celebrates with his head coach Antonio Conte and Juan Jesus after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli 2-1 Fiorentina – Player Ratings
Napoli: Meret 7; Di Lorenzo 6 (Olivera 5.5), Juan Jesus 6, Buongiorno 6; Gutierrez 7, Lobotka 6, McTominay 6.5, Spinazzola 6; Vergara 8 (Giovane N/A), Elmas 6.5; Hojlund 6
Best Napoli player: Antonio Vergara – The youngster once again shines after his impressive solo goal against Chelsea during the week. Tonight he scored a goal and assisted the other, effectively winning his side the three points.
Lowest Napoli rating: Mathias Olivera – Came on for the injured Di Lorenzo in the first half but struggled a little. Was not bad but struggled to get the better of his marker.
Coach: Antonio Conte 6.5 – Still working with a very limited squad, and off the back of an exhausting 90 minutes against Napoli during the week, the coach did well to secure the three points.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Best Fiorentina player: Manor Solomon – Scored Fiorentina’s goal and looked more dangerous than the rest of Fiorentina’s offensive players. Was not overly involved put did not put a foot wrong when he did have possession.
Lowest Fiorentina rating: Pietro Comuzzo – The young defender was disappointing this evening, in keeping with recent form. He struggled in his duels, both on the ground and in the air, and was beaten far too easily on more than one occasion.
Coach: Paolo Vanoli 6 – Set up his team well against the Champions but was unable to come away with anything to show for it. A decent display from the Viola coach, all things considered.
However, Palace are now reluctant to give the green light to any departure until they secure a suitable alternative up front, as per Sky Sport Italia.
The Premier League side are wary of weakening their squad mid-season, especially with limited time left in the window and a thin market for proven centre-forwards.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Crystal Palace FC and KuPS Kuopio at Selhurst Park on December 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Mateta unhappy as Crystal Palace block Milan move
The Eagles completed a loan move For Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand on Friday but the London club likely want a more substantial replacement before letting their star forward leave.
As a result, negotiations have slowed, leaving Milan waiting to see whether conditions can change in the coming days.
For the Rossoneri, Mateta remains a concrete target, but the deal now depends less on financial terms and more on Palace’s ability to solve their own attacking needs first.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on January 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
A breakthrough is still possible, though the situation has become significantly more complicated.
Mateta, meanwhile, is unhappy with the situation. Taking to Instagram to vent his frustration with a story featuring a very stroppy emoji.
AC Milan have secured the long-term future of captain Mike Maignan, with the goalkeeper putting pen to paper on a new contract that runs until June 2031.
In an official statement, the club confirmed they were “delighted to announce the renewal of Mike Maignan’s contract until 30 June 2031,” highlighting his leadership, reliability and importance both on and off the pitch.
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan celebrates his team-mates goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maignan signs new Milan deal
Since arriving in 2021, Maignan has grown into a cornerstone of the Rossoneri project, becoming captain and one of the most influential figures in the dressing room.
The France international has made 188 appearances for Milan so far and played a decisive role in the 2021-22 Scudetto triumph, later adding a Supercoppa Italiana to his honours.
Individually, he was also named Serie A’s best goalkeeper in his debut season in Italy, underlining the impact he made immediately after replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The renewal puts an end to speculation over his future, with several European heavyweights, such as Chelsea, previously linked with a move.
Instead, Maignan has chosen continuity, committing himself to the club’s long-term ambitions as Milan look to build around a core of experienced leaders and emerging talent.
Ademola Lookman’s future at Atalanta has suddenly become one of the hottest transfer sagas of the window, with both Fenerbahce and Atletico Madrid pushing to sign the Nigerian forward.
However, the negotiations have reportedly stalled over payment terms. Atalanta are said to want a larger portion of the fee paid upfront, while the Turkish side prefer a more staggered structure.
BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta runs with the ball away from Elia Caprile of Cagliari during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Cagliari Calcio at Gewiss Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Transfer battle erupts for Lookman as Atletico & Fenerbahce tussle
According to those same sources, via Sport Mediaset, Fenerbahce are reluctant to alter their proposed schedule and are now waiting on Atalanta’s final stance.
At the same time, Atletico Madrid have also struck an agreement in principle with the Bergamo club on a similar overall package.
The key difference appears to be the financial structure, with the Spanish side not facing the same demands regarding advance payments.
Despite that, the move is far from done, as the player himself has not yet fully opened the door to joining the Colchoneros.
BERGAMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC controls the ball whilst under pressure from Niccolo Fortini of Fiorentina during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The reports claim that Atletico’s proposed salary is nowhere near that of the Turkish Super Lig side, giving Lookman further food for thought.
With two clubs circling and negotiations running on parallel tracks, Lookman’s omission from the Atalanta squad has only fuelled speculation that an exit could be imminent. The coming days are likely to be decisive as all parties try to find a formula that works.