January transfer the market is known to be difficult to beat. Even the most reputable recruiting teams struggle to navigate the minefield.
The winter market is generally one of desperation, of clubs looking to fix the problems that arose during the first half of the campaign. With teams loathe to lose their best and brightest mid-season, valuations often skyrocket.
However, there is still plenty of value to be discovered during the January window, with sought-after stars up for sale and players entering the final six months of their contracts.
Here are the offers at reduced prices that Premier League the parties could aim for January 2025.
Suitable clubs: Arsenal, Man Utd, Tottenham
Potential compensation: £15-20 million
Only Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland have seized more goals than Jonathan David in 2024. The Canadian international has netted 36 in 50 appearances during the calendar year – a sensational return considering he played for Lille.
David naturally attracted the interest of elite European clubs and the expiry of his current contract this summer means he is ready to discuss his future with other clubs this winter.
While they will be tempted to wait until the end of the season and sign the 24-year-old on a free, splashing the cash in January could guarantee the centre-forward’s signature.
Suitable clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd
Potential compensation: £20-25 million
Speaking of Canadian internationals whose contracts expire this summer, let’s mention Alphonse Davies. While Bayern Munich are desperate to tie down the left-back to new terms, there is a growing feeling that this could be the 24-year-old’s final campaign in Bavaria.
Real Madrid and Barcelona show significant interest in Davies, especially the formerbut the Premier League could prove an equally desirable destination for the defender.
Similar to David, the Bayern player will be available on a free until the summer, but a £20-25m investment in January could force a move. There are several Premier League sides crying out for left-back signings.
Suitable clubs: Arsenal, Man City
Potential compensation: Loan agreement
Barcelona’s ongoing battle to sign summer signing Dani Olmo – which is still not resolved despite the verdict of the Spanish National Sports Council for – leaves the Spaniard’s future up in the air.
Having dazzled since his £51million move to Catalonia, the Euro 2024 winner seems unlikely to leave the club on a permanent deal, but a loan deal could be sanctioned for the second half of the campaign if Barca’s bid to sign Olmo fails .
There are a number of Premier League sides who would relish the addition of the hugely talented Olmo in the closing months of the campaign, particularly the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City who have lacked creativity for long periods this season.
Suitable clubs: Man Utd, Tottenham, West Ham
Potential compensation: Loan agreement
Randal Kolo Muani quickly fell out of favor at Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique and now looks a far cry from the imposing and speedy centre-forward who ran riot with Eintracht Frankfurt. He has scored just twice in 14 appearances for the Ligue 1 champions this season.
Relegation in January is looking increasingly likely, and so are Manchester United and Tottenham expressed interest in signing a contract with the French national team player on loan until the end of the campaign.
Juventus are also considering a move, but the allure of the Premier League could prove too tempting for Kolo Muani, who could renew his career with one of England’s elite.
Potential clubs: Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd
Potential compensation: £12.5 million
With his contract also set to expire this summer, Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly willing to let Jonathan Taha, one of the key players during their outstanding 2023/24 campaign, leave the BayArena for just £12.5m during January. That’s cheap.
The tall centre-half may turn 29 this February, but he is in the prime of his years and was so close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer. Allegedly, Barcelona has also expressed interest.
Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd are among the Premier League sides currently looking for central defensive cover and £12.5m is a small sum for a player of Tah’s immense quality and consistency.
Suitable clubs: Aston Villa, Man Utd, Man City, Nottingham Forest
Potential compensation: 21 million pounds
Douglas Luiz earned a lucrative move to Juventus after a couple of impressive seasons at Aston Villa. However, after just six months in Turin, an exit could already be on the cards for the Brazilian midfielder.
With Juventus reportedly looking to recoup the £21million they spent in the summer – with several players heading to Villa Park as part of the deal – Luiz could be available for a bargain fee.
A return to Villa would not be out of the question, while Man City, who Luiz represented at the beginning of his career, could see the diminutive defensive midfielder as Rodri’s perfect replacement for the second part of the season.
Suitable clubs: Aston Villa, Tottenham, West Ham
Potential compensation: £35m or loan
Marcus Rashford’s public spat with Man Utd means the boyhood Red Devil could be leaving Old Trafford in January. Europe looks like a likely destination, with Italian clubs and Borussia Dortmund supposedly at the head of the line.
Rashford could be available for as little as £35m, which would be a steal if he can rediscover his best form. A loan swap until the end of the campaign also remains a distinct possibility.
West Ham, now managed by Graham Potter, did one of the clubs that are interested in the 27-year-oldwho could prove a shrewd signing in the right setting.
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