The January transfer window has officially opened for the Premier League, signaling a time when clubs aim to strengthen their squads and secure their best players from rival teams. While the winter window is typically targeted by clubs seeking to rectify poor summer recruitment or alleviate injury concerns, it also offers the potential for significant player movements. With the transfer window now in full swing, let’s take a closer look at the star players likely to be at the center of transfer interest this month.
The Potential Big-Money Move: Ivan Toney
One player who could command the biggest January deal is Ivan Toney, who is valued at £80 million. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have shown keen interest in signing the prolific striker. While Toney’s eight-month suspension for breaching the English Football Association’s betting regulations will end on January 16, he has been training during this period and will be match-fit and ready to contribute to a new team right away. However, Brentford, Toney’s current club, may prioritize Premier League survival over a lucrative transfer deal, especially with their top scorer Bryan Mbeumo out with an ankle injury.
Although it seems unlikely, there is a small possibility that Kylian Mbappe could leave Paris Saint-Germain this month. The 25-year-old French forward’s contract expires at the end of the season, making a move plausible. Real Madrid is the leading contender for Mbappe’s signature, but they may face competition from Premier League clubs with strong financial resources such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Manchester United. The allure of acquiring Mbappe as a free agent in the summer may be too great to resist for these English clubs.
Jadon Sancho is currently enduring a difficult spell at Manchester United and is eager for a swift exit from Old Trafford. Banished from the first-team squad after a public disagreement with manager Erik ten Hag in September, the 23-year-old winger is likely to be offloaded. Borussia Dortmund, his former club, is considering a loan move, while there is also interest from the Saudi Pro League. However, any transfer involving Sancho represents a financial risk for Manchester United, as they are likely to incur a significant loss on their original £73 million investment due to his high wages.
The Financial Decision: Conor Gallagher
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher has been a key figure in manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans this season, starting in 19 of the team’s 20 league games. However, contractual complications may lead to his potential offloading. Tottenham, Newcastle, and Crystal Palace are among the clubs interested in the England midfielder. With 18 months remaining on his deal, Chelsea could raise approximately £50 million by selling Gallagher. This influx of funds could then be reinvested in securing a striker like Ivan Toney or Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Given Gallagher’s status as a homegrown player, any transfer fee received would be considered pure profit and highly beneficial for Chelsea’s compliance with the Premier League’s financial regulations.
Manchester United has chosen not to trigger the one-year extension in Raphael Varane’s contract, which expires in June. As a result, the French defender can potentially agree to a summer move to a non-Premier League club this month. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and the Saudi Pro League have expressed interest in Varane. Despite being only 30 years old, Varane’s injury record and high wages have deterred Manchester United from offering him a contract extension. As a result, a transfer this month appears likely.
Although Victor Osimhen recently signed a contract extension with Napoli, reports suggest that it includes a £120 million release clause and a gentleman’s agreement allowing him to depart if triggered. Arsenal and Chelsea have long admired the Nigerian forward, who will be busy leading his country’s campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations. Napoli is keen to retain Osimhen, and his international commitments may prevent a move this month. However, if his release clause is met, a transfer could be on the cards.
The Dispensable Asset: Kalvin Phillips
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that he would not impede a potential transfer for Phil Foden this month. Since his £42 million arrival from Leeds in 2022, the England midfielder has been restricted to only a handful of appearances. Newcastle, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain have all expressed interest in acquiring the 28-year-old. Of the potential transfers this January, Phillips’ move appears to be one of the more likely ones to materialize.
João Palhinha recently inked a new five-year contract with Fulham after a planned move to Bayern Munich fell through in the summer transfer window. However, Fulham could face another challenge in retaining the Portuguese midfielder. Bayern Munich remains interested, and rival Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle are also considering a move for a new midfielder. With varying budgets, each of these clubs could finance a deal for the tough-tackling 28-year-old this month.
Since losing his No. 1 spot to Brentford loanee David Raya, Aaron Ramsdale has fallen out of favor at Arsenal, and his chances of securing a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad hang in the balance. While Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta does not wish to part ways with Ramsdale this month, a substantial offer may prompt a transfer. Newcastle, in particular, seeks a new goalkeeper due to Nick Pope’s long-term shoulder injury, making a loan move to St James’ Park a potential solution.
The Potential Alternative: Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke’s impressive form this season, with 12 goals in 19 Premier League games for Bournemouth, has attracted interest from West Ham, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Although Bournemouth is under no obligation to sell players this month, they could secure a significant profit on Solanke, having purchased him from Liverpool for £19 million in 2018. However, the decision to sell Solanke would need to be carefully weighed with Bournemouth’s Premier League safety as the primary concern.
The Pursuit of Relevance: Sergio Romero
Sergio Romero, having left Manchester United in July 2023, has been a free agent, yet he remains in no hurry to find a new club. Despite summer interest from Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Saudi Arabian clubs, the former Manchester United goalkeeper has yet to commit to a new team. Nonetheless, both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have shown interest in securing his services. While it is unlikely that Romero will return to Old Trafford to cover for André Onana during the Africa Cup of Nations, his return to action this month appears increasingly probable.
As the January transfer window progresses, clubs in the Premier League and beyond seek to bolster their squads and fulfill specific requirements. Whether it is the potential for blockbuster moves, financial decisions, or the pursuit of renewed relevance, the transfer window offers a thrilling period for fans and players alike. Only time will tell which star players ultimately secure their deserved transfers and add a new chapter to their careers.