We are less than three weeks away from the January transfer window and several top European clubs should be planning for potential transfers in and out of the club.
The Premier League were the biggest spenders last winter with a record £780.1 million paid on recruits and we should see plenty of transfer activity from them once more.
Chelsea are likely to go on another spending spree as they languish 12th in the table, while Manchester United may enter the transfer market for a new striker.
Arsenal may also want to add more quality and depth to their squad, while Liverpool could look to purchase a marquee holding midfielder missing from their squad.
Here are 10 Transfers to watch in January
Serhou Guirassy to Man Utd
The Red Devils spent big money on Rasmus Hojlund last summer, but the Dane has yet to open his goalscoring account in the Premier League after 12 appearances.
He netted five times for United in their recent Champions League campaign, but his lack of goals in the English top flight could force the club to spend on another striker.
Guirassy has been in excellent form for Stuttgart with 18 goals this term, and he is reportedly flattered by United’s interest. He has a low release clause of €17.5 million in his contract.
Andre Trindade to Liverpool
Liverpool were constantly linked with the Fluminense midfielder last summer but were unable to strike an agreement due to the Brazilian club’s determination to keep him.
Fluminense were in the knockout phase of the Copa Libertadores and did not want to lose their prized asset at a critical phase. They eventually went on to win the competition.
Andre should be permitted to leave this winter and the Reds are likely to make their move, considering Wataru Endo’s struggles from the holding midfield role this term.
Ivan Toney to Chelsea
Chelsea have spent more than £600m in the transfer market this year but they continue to remain in mid-table. The club are currently going through another mid-season slump.
They are currently 12th in the table, with west London rivals Fulham and Brentford ahead of him. This does not make for good reading and the Blues are expected to splash the cash on a striker.
Toney could be the answer to their striking woes. His ongoing ban for betting breaches ends on January 17. He could move across the English capital to join Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Casemiro to the Saudi Pro League
United need funds in January to invest in the squad and they could look into the winter sale of Casemiro, who has had a difficult second season. The Brazilian has been largely injury-prone.
The 31-year-old is touted to return from a hamstring injury before the end of the year, but we won’t be surprised if he accepts a mega-money contract from Saudi Arabia in the next transfer window.
The Red Devils are likely to welcome interest from the Middle East as the hierarchy would want to recoup most of the £60m fee paid to sign him from Real Madrid in 2022.
Jean-Clair Todibo to Man Utd
Nice’s Todibo was frequently linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but United did not have funds to pursue his signature after Harry Maguire opted against leaving the club for West Ham United.
The Frenchman continues to remain on United’s radar and a move could materialise in January if they can recoup decent funds from player sales. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake could be a game-changer.
Ratcliffe is anticipated to take control of sporting operations at United before January. This could improve the club’s chances of signing Todibo on loan as the British billionaire is also the owner of Nice.
Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich
Palhinha looked to be on his way to Bayern during the last transfer window. He underwent his medical and other formalities with the German champions only to be recalled by Fulham on deadline day.
The Cottagers were unable to find a suitable replacement in time and had no choice but to cancel the deal. The Portuguese went on to sign an improved contract, but he is anticipated to leave this winter.
Bayern are likely to return for his services with manager Thomas Tuchel said to be eyeing better defensive resolve in midfield. Palhinha is an ideal choice with his strong tackling and duel-winning ability.
Thomas Partey to Juventus
Partey’s future at Arsenal has been a big topic of speculation in recent months. He was linked with plenty of Saudi clubs and Juventus last summer, but the Gunners decided against his departure.
The Ghanaian is currently recovering from a thigh injury and it is left to be seen whether he will be with the Gunners beyond January. The club could be tempted to sell him to reinvest in another midfielder.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz have been linked. Neither will be easy to pursue in January, but Arsenal could splash the cash as they look to challenge for the league title.
Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle United
The Magpies are currently missing several first-teamers with injuries and this has contributed to their recent slump in the league. However, the biggest miss of them all is Sandro Tonali.
The Italian midfielder is banned from playing any competitive football until next season. In his absence, the Magpies could explore a possible loan deal for Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City.
The Englishman has been out of favour under manager Pep Guardiola as he does not suit his system. Phillips could get assured playing time in the centre of the park at Newcastle.
Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal
The Gunners have been linked with the Spaniard for some period of time. Zubimendi decided against leaving Sociedad last summer as he wanted to play Champions League football with them.
The Spaniard played a pivotal role in Sociedad finishing top of their group yesterday. Mikel Arteta’s side could return for him in January, but whether he is prepared to move remains a question.
He has a release clause worth €60m in his current Sociedad contract, but the midfielder has previously mentioned that the price does not matter if he wishes to stay at the club.
Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund
Sancho has been indefinitely suspended by United since his public fall-out with manager Erik ten Hag. He has no future at the club, having refused to apologise for his critical statement in September.
Dortmund are one of the clubs interested in re-signing him and there is talk of a swap deal with Donyell Malen. Sancho is most likely to leave on loan, possibly to his former club.
However, United may need to contribute a significant portion of his salary. For a permanent transfer, Sancho could expect a huge pay-off from the Red Devils to accept a wage reduction elsewhere.
