The January transfer window is around the corner, which will attract many clubs to get deals done. Some clubs will be looking to offload unwanted stars, while some might seek reinforcement to cement their aspirations for the rest of the season. Although the clubs may have their reasons for wanting to move on a player, some have just fallen out of favor for one reason or another.
In the current footballing economy, such a transfer would be a lopsided one in terms of who it benefits, as the selling club may have to accept a cut price rate for what once may have been an expensive acquisition. Similarly, the buying club may also have to entertain overpaying or paying a premium to land the target they so desperately seek to bolster their ambitions. Some such transfers that could happen this January window.
At Extra Time Talk, we take a look at some of the changes we could see occur in the January transfer window.
Jadon Sancho
The talented Englishman is looking for a way to back Dortmund for the second time in his career from Manchester. After leaving the City Academy to gain first-team experience back in 2017, Sancho is seeking a way back 6.5 years on in a similar fashion. Having fallen out with Head Coach Erik ten Hag, Sancho has been looking in from the outside with little change to their relationship.
The forward has much to offer to any team that seeks an explosive and expansive winger who can play across the frontlines. His best season saw him contribute to 33 goals back in 2019/20, which ultimately sparked United’s interest. However, Sancho has failed to shine similarly since his move back to Manchester. He managed nine goals and assists in 22/23 with 0.48 expected goals and assists per 90 to back up his talents. However, his consistent inconsistency has left him wanting to quit Old Trafford to salvage what could be a long and prosperous career.
Kalvin Phillips
Newcastle United has not been as potent and scary as they were back in 2022/23. After crashing out of the Champions League earlier this month, they have been a shadow of their old self. A midfield shake-up could prove helpful in revitalizing a talented squad, and Kalvin Phillips seems to be the man they want. The English midfielder won the treble with Manchester City last year and was integral to Leeds during his time with the club. With that said, the English international has not managed to shoe his way into Pep Guardiola’s system.
Phillips’ debut campaign in the premier league was his best to date in terms of his defensive output. Kalvin attempted 74 tackles alongside 45 interceptions and boasted a respectable pass completion rate of 82% with an XAG of 3.4. While he has yet to match those numbers, it is proof that there is a player who can contribute at a high caliber.
Ferran Torres
Ferran Torres may be an enigma to most. Although highly talented, his goal production has never surpassed 10 in a single season. In fact, his combined goals and assists tally has never breached double digits. Nevertheless, he has been part of three domestic championship-winning teams. One reason could be a highly respectable if not exceptional shot creation rate. He has never recorded a shot creation output of less than 1.5 per 90, with his peak coming in the current season with Barcelona at 4.07.
Tottenham has been linked with Torres, but amidst conflicting rumors and reports, whether they make a move in January or in the summer is yet to be confirmed. Should another team realize what Torres offers to an attack, Spurs may come to rue their decision to wait on the Spaniard.
Hugo Ekitike
The London clubs may set to enter a bidding war to secure the services of talented Frenchman Hugo Ekitike. West Ham has the second worst attack in the top half of the league, whereas Palace boasts the third worst attack in the bottom half of the league. Both teams could use the extra firepower to secure a firm footing and match their end-of-the-year ambitions. Hugo Ekitike could be the man to lead the line for both sides.
Ekitike secured his big-money move to PSG last season, and put up seven goals and assists in his debut campaign for the Parisian giants. However, this season has been far from smooth sailing for the young forward with just one appearance in the league. Should he secure a temporary or permanent switch to London, he would hope to replicate his 10-goal output to rekindle his form and shun the doubters.
Eric Dier
Once touted as one of the best defenders in the league, Eric Dier has witnessed an embarrassing fall in his stature. After representing England at World Cups and Euros, and donning the lily-white jersey under the Champions League nights, Dier is set to exit the Spurs sooner or later. José Mourinho will be hoping to link up with him at Roma as he hopes to bring in the Englishman to partner Chris Smalling, Deigo Llorente, and Gianluca Mancini.
Dier is known for his combative spirit and that is depicted in his defensive numbers, having contributed over 40+ tackles and interceptions in each of his last five seasons barring the present season. His peak defensive contribution came back in 2017-18 where he contributed to 109 tackles and interceptions. While defensively sound, he is no slouch with his passing as he has maintained a pass accuracy of over 80% in each of his past five seasons.