It’s that time of the year again folks, the January transfer window opens in 2 days! Who will go where? Who will leave? What drama in the football world do we have cooking up at the moment? As with most transfer windows there is a lot of information everywhere. Depending on your sources, some info out there is speculative, some is definite and then some very far-fetched rumors in between.
One of the biggest names that have been mentioned over the last 3 windows is Paul Pogba and his possible return to Juventus, or a chance at a new adventure with Real Madrid. The dynamic midfielder is unhappy at Manchester United as per the public announcement his agent made a few weeks ago; declaring it OVER in Manchester. The Frenchman has recently announced he is happy and is fighting with Man U, his recent inclusion in the starting 11 and form does prove that, but it’s only a matter of time until he is back on the bench and dreaming about somewhere with a bit more SUN.
Will Pogba move this winter? We doubt it. Will he move this summer? We think so.
There is also talk about Memphis Depay to Juventus; this is fairly recent speculation as the club needs a striker, with Napoli’s Milik or Llorente other options. There is a much higher chance he joins his former National coach, Koeman, at Barcelona, considering his deal fell through right at the previous transfer window. He was understandably upset about this and wants to join the Blaugrana as soon as possible. Depay does not only have flair and skills, he can change a game at any moment.
Tottenham’s Dele Ali will want to find a new club this winter to bring his career back on track. He was a star at a young age before falling out of Pochettino’s favor towards the end of his realm. Once Mourinho was hired, Ali started to perform again, scoring 8 goals and 4 assists last year. This year he has just 1 start in the Premier league and was pulled off early, in 4 appearances he has only played 77 minutes. Only aged 24, he still has time to get back to the early day form, in 2016/2017 he scored 18 goals and had 7 assists! Rumor has it, PSG, Everton, and wait for it, the Scottish league are possible outlets for the young lad. He needs to leave the London club, he is clearly not in his managers plans.
Diego Costa, the hot headed striker just had his Atletico Madrid contract torn up, by mutual consent, he requested this 2 days ago due to ‘’personal’’ reasons. We believe he just doesn’t want to fight for his spot, and form has been hard to come by with many injuries since he has been back in the Spanish capital. He did score 20+ goals 2 years in a row in the EPL, he has 2 this year in 7 games.
Mesut Ozil’s name has been spoken of recently with a number of clubs interested in the playmaking German, who has been axed from Arteta’s Arsenal squad this year. A player on a £350k per week salary who is not even training with 1st team, is disappointing and quite ****ing crazy. Ozil still has a lot to give, we see him in a starting 11 by next month. While he was still in the starting 11, he had the highest chances created, as usual. Check out some of his highlights from last season. It is surprising that Arteta left him out of the squad for this season.
Arsenal and PSG are rumored to be interested in Inter Milan’s Christian Eriksen, who has struggled to adapt to Serie A and the club recently confirmed they want to offload him. Like Ozil, Eriksen is a creative playmaker and given the right circumstances, can change the outlook of a game. If this is true, Arsenal will need to offload Ozil before taking on another substantial salary.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha might finaly get his wish on leaving the eagles. He has handed in transfer requests, but due to the high demand of the club $, he has not left. Ac Milan is in touch with the English side, interested in bringing Zaha to Seria A. He is on fire this year with 8 goals and 2 assists in 14 games and would be a smart investment on behalf of the current Serie A leaders.
Isco, the man we hear about EVERY transfer window dating back to his stellar season in 2016/2017. He might finally exit Zidane’s Real Madrid side, with fellow Spaniard, Arteta, Arsenals gaffer really wanting him in his side. Isco’s form has dropped over the last 3 years, as well as his playing time. A change of scenery could do him good, once one of the world’s best playmaking midfielders, now a bit part midfielder in a rebuilding Real Madrid side.
Inter Milan have sent Radja Nainggolan back to Calgliari for the rest of the season on loan. The tempered midfielder was also with Cagliari last season and was one of their best players. He needs to be a star where he plays, if not he does not perform, like with Inter.
Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez, the captain of Atalanta who has had a public falling out with his coach recently is set to leave the Italian side. He can play as a CAM and is very dangerously creative, and quick. He has 4 goals and 2 assists in what looks to be an OFF season for him, last year he finished with 7 goals and 14 assists. Roma and Inter Milan are rumored to want his signature, with his future looking like it will stay in Italy. He could fit in and thrive with almost any team.
This next one could be heartbreaking, depending who you support. Georgino Wijnaldum, fan favorite, is planning on deciding his future this week. The sturdy Liverpool midfielder has cemented his place in the starting 11 over the past several years, winning the EPL and UCL title over the last 2 years. Arguably one of the best players in the squad, no he does not score a lot, but watch him closely and see he does everything else. Barcelona, and his former Dutch coach Koeman really want him. To be honest he would slide into a CM or CDM position at almost any squad, he is THAT good!
Last but not least for today, Jadon Sancho the highly touted Englishman currently with Dortmund is set to return to the English Premier League. He probably will not go during this window, but in the next summer edition. Manchester United has been closely monitoring his situation for at least 2 years, other clubs interested; Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal. In 11 games so far he has 3 assists, far from the 17 goals and 16 assists he had last season in 32 appearances. Still only 20 years old, he is going to be a star for years to come at the right club environment.
That’s all for this edition, we will be back in the new year with more updates once the market opens, and starts to heat up.
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