The January transfer window is currently active; as teams frantically explore the market to secure a potentially season-defying transfer. Last season saw the Premier League breach the British transfer window for January splurging £815m with deals such as Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea for £107m. While, this January appears far more calm, there is always the potential for a late twist and here we take a look at which players will be centre of the spotlight over the next 22 days...
Jadon Sancho - Manchester United
This unsavoury relationship between Erik Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho started after the Dutchman publicly chastised the winger in a press conference over Sancho's poor application in training. The 23 year old responded claiming he was a "scapegoat" in a now deleted Instagram post which resulted in him being completely ostracised from his teammates and forced to train and eat alone until he apologised. The United faithful appear to have rallied in support of Ten Hag's decision, turning there backs on Sancho who has struggled to replicate his superstar performances in Germany that convinced United to splash £73m on him. The former Manchester City academy product has not featured for the Red Devils since late August and it seems the only viable option for him now is to end this nightmare by leaving. Borussia Dortmund have opened talks over a potential loan return for Sancho, the club where he scored 50 goals in 137 appearances, but negotiations have been slow between both clubs.
Likelihood of exit: 9/10
Trevoh Chalobah - Chelsea
The young centre-back appeared to have forced a U-turn on his Chelsea career when he impressed Thomas Tuchel and was given an opportunity in the team. Last season he made 18 league starts and continued to develop, but it appears Chelsea's hierarchy do not value the 24 year old as a long-term asset signing Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in recent transfer windows. The emergence of Levi Colwill since Mauricio Pochettino's appointment, saw Chalobah deemed surplus to requirements this summer and he almost joined Bayern Munich on loan on deadline day but he rejected the proposal vowing to fight for his place. Instead, a hamstring injury has kept him sidelined since August and it doesn't seem like the defender is going to get back into his manager's hands. His main issue with securing a move away this winter is his lack of fitness, given he is still injured.
Likelihood of exit: 3/10
Roberto Firmino - Al Ahli
The Brazilian isn't the only blockbuster Saudi summer arrival to have decided they want to return to Europe, after just five months in the Middle East. The 32 year old scored a hat-trick on his debut for his new club in August against Al Hazem, but has since gone 18 consecutive games without a goal. Initially, the striker's performances and attacking contributions for the team were encouraging under Matthias Jaissle, but he has not started a game since November 5 and it has become apparent recently his intent to leave Jeddah. Fulham and Sheffield United have been tenuously linked with signing the former Premier League star, but its unknown whether Al Ahli will be prepared to let Firmino go, as it shows a bad impression for Saudi Arabian football which they don't want jeopardising their project. Firmino certainly still has the quality to shine in Europe and it would signal a great opportunity to get back into the Brazil national team but only time will tell.
Likelihood of exit: 6/10
Rade Krunic - AC Milan
Last season Krunic was a key component in Stefan Pioli's midfield, starting 18 Serie A games and starring in the Champions League semi-final against Inter. He started the Rosseneri's opening five games this season, but has seen his inclusion dwindle over recent months as a result of new signings Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijani Reijnders emerging into the starting eleven. He has been an unused substitute in Milan's last six successive games and reports have emerged he is free to leave this January, deemed surplus in Pioli's plans. Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have submitted a £5m bid for the Bosnian international, but Sky Italia journalist Manuele Baiocchini announced today this bid was seen as not suitable by Milan. Fenerbahce are expected to return with an improved offer, as they will be eager to seal the deal before more interest arrives.
Likelihood of exit: 8/10
Aaron Ramsdale - Arsenal
The goalkeeper has embodied this new dawn at Arsenal since his £23m arrival in June 2021, transforming into one of the Premier League's best number one's and challenging Jordan Pickford's claim to number one spot for England. Every football fan was bemused when Mikel Arteta announced the signing of David Raya, as competition for Ramsdale, because the 25 year old hasn't put a foot wrong since joining the London giants. As expected, the idea has become a complete distraction and hindrance for two world-class goalkeepers with both their performances becoming inconsistent and shaky as result of the constant rotation. With Euro 2024 on the horizon, Ramsdale cannot afford to be second choice and with plenty of potential suitors a transfer away from the Emirates may be the most sensible solution. Chelsea need a new goalkeeper, but are restricted under FFP regulations and Newcastle need to solve their injury crisis in goal with Nick Pope suffering a long-term injury but its unclear the extend of these two clubs interest.
Likelihood of Exit: 4/10
Hugo Ekiteke - PSG
PSG splashed £35m on promising striker Hugo Ekiteke this season, after activating his obligation to buy clause in his loan deal. The 21 year old started 14 games under Christoph Galtier last season, but he has been starved of minutes this campaign under Luis Enrique featuring in just 58 minutes of action. West Ham and Newcastle shared serious interest in the Frenchman during the summer and could return this winter window with the proposition of taking the fringe number 9 on loan for six months. PSG underwent a complete overhaul this season signing long-term attacking targets Randal Muani and Goncalo Ramos which may suggest a change of intent with Ekiteke who looks surplus.
Likelihood of Exit: 6/10
Kalvin Phillips - Manchester City
Phillips £50m transfer to Manchester City has been a car-crash since day one. Initially, he was dubbed over-weight and unfit by Pep Guardiola and struggled to compete with Rodri or Ilkay Gundogan in the starting eleven. After just four starts for the treble winners last season, he was informed by his manager that he could leave this summer and attracted interest from Liverpool, West Ham and Newcastle. However, the 26 year old vowed to prove himself and stay which received applaud from Guardiola, but it has not changed his involvement in the team this campaign. After featuring just 89 minutes in the Premier League it is clear that Phillips needs to leave the reigning champions and find regular first team minutes this January. Newcastle and Juventus have emerged as the two potential destinations, but neither have shown concrete interest yet.
Likelihood of Exit: 8/10
Nordi Mukiele - PSG
The full-back joined the Parisians in a reported £16m deal including add-ons last summer, after four successful seasons developing at Leipzig. The versatile defender was utilised by Christoph Galtier last season, deputising at left-back and offering protection for Achraf Hakimi. However, he has featured just seven times in Ligue 1 under Luis Enrique this campaign and is in desperate need of first team action. FC Bayern are very interested in signing the 28 year old as a successor to Benjamin Pavard and are prepared to loan him for six months with an obligation to purchase at the end of the season for £25m. He arguably found his best form in the Bundesliga and the opportunity to join the German champions might be too good to ignore.
Likelihood of Exit: 7/10
Written by: Lewis Eadie
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