New Delhi: The January transfer window offers clubs a crucial opportunity to adjust their squads as they push for silverware, secure European qualification, or avoid relegation. While the mid-season market is notorious for inflated prices and hasty deals, it often sees the transfer of high-profile players whose situations have reached a tipping point. Many iconic transfers have taken place in January with the likes of Fernando Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Fernandes all joining Premier League clubs in the winter window.
This year’s window is no different, with several stars facing uncertain futures due to contract situations, form, or limited opportunities at their current clubs. These five players represent some of the most intriguing storylines to follow. Whether they stay or go, their futures will have a ripple effect on their current and potential new clubs, making this transfer window one to watch.
5) Matheus Cunha (Wolves)
🚨 PSG are prepared to spend €80M on Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, who has also been targeted by Manchester United and Arsenal.
(Source: Fichajes) pic.twitter.com/hABbFnOYxO
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 29, 2024
Wolves’ Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, scoring seven goals and assisting four in his last 11 league games. Having signed from Atletico Madrid for a fee that could rise to £35m, Cunha’s form has turned heads, especially at clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle. He was the sole shining star for Wolves under Gary O’Neil and his goals have been crucial for the club with him scoring in all of Wolves’ wins this season.
Wolves face a tough decision: sell Cunha while his market value is soaring or keep the dynamic attacker to strengthen their battle against relegation. With 16 goals in 2024 alone, his departure would leave a significant void at Molineux. The club wouldn’t want to sell their star considering the form he’s in and how important he can be to their survival but with clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United sniffing around the Brazilian, it’ll be a huge challenge for them.
4) Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion)
🚨 Chelsea are eyeing a move for both Liam Delap and Evan Ferguson as they look to provide competition for first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson.
(Source: @talkSPORT) pic.twitter.com/sSXSMVfA6T
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 31, 2024
Once hailed as the future of Irish football, Evan Ferguson’s progress has stalled after a bright start at Brighton. The 19-year-old striker still possesses immense potential but has struggled for consistent form and minutes this season. His physicality and finishing ability make him an attractive prospect, with clubs reportedly considering “buying the dip” on the player who was valued near nine figures a year ago.
Ferguson may not come cheap, but a move to a club willing to develop his raw talent could reignite his trajectory. For Brighton, letting him go now would be a gamble, but it might also provide the funds to strengthen their squad for a European push. A lot of clubs have been linked with the Brighton youngster and with competition for places high at the Seagulls with Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter, and Brajan Gruda, all competing for starting spots, a move away from the Amex could do the youngster a lot of good.
3) Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United)
🚨 Manchester United want to offer Joshua Zirkzee + €30M to Napoli in exchange for Victor Osimhen! 🤯
The Italian club are open to negotiations for the striker.
(Source: @mattinodinapoli) pic.twitter.com/NElJNngqKW
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 18, 2024
Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee could be one of the surprise movers this January. The 23-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance at Manchester United but remains inconsistent, leading to speculation that he might be moved on. He looks frustrated and out of place at the club and has been made the scapegoat of Manchester United’s bad form this season. Ruben Amorim’s arrival was expected to turn his fortunes at the club but that hasn’t been the case so far.
He was subbed off at the half an hour mark during Manchester United’s latest defeat to Newcastle to jeers from the United faithful and that could be the final straw for the young Dutchman. He has cut a sorry figure at Old Trafford for most of his tenure and even a temporary move away can help him regain the confidence that earned him Serie A’s young player of the year award last season. The question remains, which club will take the gamble this winter after his struggles at Manchester United?
2) Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)
🚨 Atletico Madrid are showing strong interest in Ben Chilwell and are keen on a potential deal for the Chelsea full-back in January.
(Source: @Ekremkonur) pic.twitter.com/SbVn3zY46h
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 3, 2024
Ben Chilwell’s career at Chelsea has hit a roadblock under manager Enzo Maresca, who has used the left-back sparingly this season. The Italian had made it clear that he doesn’t see Chilwell as a part of his plans when he came in and the 28-year-old has played just 45 minutes in the Carabao Cup and is reportedly looking for a way out of Stamford Bridge. Signed for £45m from Leicester in 2020, Chilwell’s contract runs until 2027, but his high wages make a permanent move less likely in January.
Juventus, West Ham, and Manchester United have been linked with the England international, though a loan deal seems the most practical option. For Chilwell, a fresh start could reignite his career as he looks to reclaim his place in Gareth Southgate’s plans. He is still an excellent option to have and his attacking abilities are second to none in his role. He’ll make an excellent addition to any team that uses traditional full-backs rather than inverted ones.
1) Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
🚨 Ruben Amorim is willing to allow the departures of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Christian Eriksen on loan in January.
(Source: @GiveMeSport) pic.twitter.com/YI5czjnDm1
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 1, 2025
Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United continues to dominate headlines as the forward admitted recently that he is “ready for a new challenge.” The 27-year-old, who has been with United since childhood, has struggled for form over the past 18 months despite an impressive career tally of 138 goals in 426 appearances. He seems to have fallen out of favour with new manager Ruben Amorim and hasn’t made an appearance for the club in their last four games despite being fit.
While his talent remains undeniable, Rashford’s hefty wages and inconsistent performances could make him a risky acquisition. Linked with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and several Saudi Pro-League sides, a move in January might hinge on whether United can find a suitable replacement to bolster their struggling attack. Although it is reported that the club need to sell in order to fund any incomings this window so we could actually see Rashford departing his boyhood club this January.
The transfer window is now officially open and clubs are free to sign players for this entire month. Dive in to find out the five Premier League players that could be on the move this January! Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
