Although most of the Premier League’s contingent is gearing up for the World Cup in Qatar, the hierarchy at a number of clubs will be assessing their options heading into the January transfer window once the feast of international football is finished.
For many of the league’s bigger clubs, the re-opening of the transfer window provides an opportunity to add in key areas, alongside increasing any chances of finishing in the upper echelons of the table and maybe even mounting more of a serious title challenge in the process. Of course, most clubs have different objectives, but at the higher end of the division and for some of the bigger sides in the league, qualifying for Europe and challenging for the title is the talk of the town. There is evident work to be done for many sides, too. For example, while David May thinks Manchester United can match City under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils are a long way off it at this moment in time. January, though, provides an opportunity to further close the gap on their city rivals and add to the steady progress already made under Ten Hag.
With transfer speculation rife and a number of interesting rumours emerging in England’s top flight, let’s assess some potential January additions for some of the Premier League’s bigger clubs.
Manchester United linked with a few
Despite David May’s predictions seeming a tad over the top to some, there is growing optimism that they’ve finally found the right man in Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. While Premier League odds at 40/1 might tempt some into backing United for an unexpected title win, a top-four finish at 5/6 is probably more realistic. A successful January window will certainly improve their chances, too. United are currently linked with Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive right-back Jeremie Frimpong, Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, PSV starlet Cody Gakpo, and long-term target, Frankie De Jong.
City might make a move or two in January
Manchester City’s squad is in great shape, although there are rumours suggesting that Pep Guardiola could be tempted to dip into the market in January, but keeping hold of Bernardo Silva is likely to be a priority. Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as a potential replacement for Silva, although the Toon Army will be desperate to hold on to their talented midfield maestro. City have also been linked with Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, Antonio Silva from Benfica, and Napoli sensation, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Liverpool need something from somewhere
Like most of the football world, Liverpool’s abysmal start to the Premier League campaign has undoubtedly shocked Jurgen Klopp. The debate will rumble on as to where exactly the issues lie, but signings appear to be on the cards in January. The Reds are already being linked with the likes of Youssoufa Moukoko from Borussia Dortmund, Benfica defender Antonio Silva, Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, Flamengo’s João Gomes, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes.
Arteta wants more bodies in at Arsenal
Although Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have made a fantastic start to the Premier League campaign, there is growing concerns that the Gunners’ relatively thin squad could struggle to maintain the good form it’s showing should injuries mount up during what is a gruelling season. As such, Arsenal are linked with a number of January additions, including Palmeiras youngsters Danilo and Endrick, Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk, Villarreal winger Yeremy, PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo, and Brighton’s Leandro Trossard.
Conte will be desperate for signings
After making a number of notable acquisitions over the summer, more was expected of Antonio Conte’s Tottenham side. While Spurs have made a solid start overall, performances have divided opinion. Antonio Conte enjoys a January arrival, too, with the likes of James Madison from Leicester being mooted, alongside Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, Juventus’ American midfielder Weston McKennie, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka.
