New Delhi: January feels like exciting time for any football fan as it mixes the craziness of the silly season with all the on field drama. This means the opening of the January transfer window, a period ripe with speculation, potential deals, and big decisions. While the focus is usually on immediate reinforcements, January is also significant for players whose contracts expire in the summer, allowing them to negotiate free-agent deals with foreign clubs.
A good free transfer is always appreciated no matter how huge the club is. Juventus have made a reputation of signing quality players on a free while Robert Lewandowski’s move to Bayern Munich is still looked as one of the best free transfers of all time. While the players join in the summer, the beginning of January is when they are officially free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any club of their choosing.
This year, the Premier League faces some major potential losses. Key players from top teams could be on the move, shaking up the league’s landscape. At the same time, clubs in England’s top flight have their sights set on talent from abroad, looking to strengthen their squads with smart signings. Here’s a breakdown of the transfer stories set to dominate the headlines this month.
Superstars that could be on the move?
Several high-profile Premier League players are entering the final six months of their contracts, making them eligible to negotiate free-agent moves with foreign clubs. While some of them might still stay with their clubs and agree on a new deal between now and the end of the season, as of right now some of the biggest stars of the league are free to enter negotiations with other clubs and current league leaders Liverpool will be sweating over the future of three of their biggest stars.
Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, remains one of the league’s most prolific forwards, boasting 16 goals and 11 assists this season despite his age. Losing a Kop idol of Salah’s stature would undoubtedly leave a void both on and off the pitch. While the club have made their first offer to their star, there still lies a huge disparity between what the club is offering and what Salah wants. With various Saudi Arabian clubs looming, any hesitation from Liverpool could see his glorious time at Anfield come to an end this season.
Next up for the club is academy boy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who at 26 is entering the prime of his career and has already achieved everything he can at his boyhood club. The full-back has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, a club with a history of snapping up marquee free agents, and reports in Spain claim that the scouser has already agreed on a move to join fellow Englishman and good friend Jude Bellingham in Madrid.
🚨🔴 Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have now received new contract proposals by Liverpool. 📝
Nothing done yet, but talks are ongoing, reports @TheAthleticFC. pic.twitter.com/EZQ6JaMGb4
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 8, 2024
With the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Antonio Rüdiger on their roster, Los Blancos could easily add Alexander-Arnold to their ranks. Meanwhile, club captain Virgil van Dijk, appears the most likely to stay, however the club and the player are still far off in terms of agreeing on an extension. Despite whispers of interest from other clubs, Van Dijk’s importance to Liverpool’s defensive setup and leadership on the pitch make him a candidate for an extension.
Moving form the Champions elect to the defending champions, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is facing an uncertain future as well. Persistent injuries have limited the 33-year-old midfielder to just 16 games this season, and City’s struggles in the Premier League and Europe have raised questions about their squad’s longevity. With the rise of the Saudi Pro League and MLS as destinations for aging stars, De Bruyne could be tempted by a lucrative move abroad.
Son Heung-min, Tottenham’s captain and one of their all-time greats, is another player whose future is in flux. Spurs may trigger a one-year option to extend his stay, but it remains to be seen if Son will seek a new challenge after eight years in north London. He is already a club legend in North London and the only star remaining from the 2018/19 squad that reached the finals of the UEFA Champions League, which could motivate him to seek pastures new.
Smart buys that can be available for free
While the above mentioned players are bonafide superstars at their clubs, there are various players that aren’t as big as those mentioned but are all quality players of their own accord. Clubs looking to bolster their squads without breaking their wage budget can target players with expiring contracts or those in uncertain situations. From prolific goal scorers to solid defenders, there are several players that can prove to be a shrewd signing for any club.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Everton striker, fits this mold. Although his goal return has diminished since his prolific 2020/21 campaign, the 27-year-old England international could be an astute acquisition for teams needing a reliable target man. Similarly, Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood, who has notched 10 goals this season, has emerged as a surprise package. At 33, Wood could offer short-term firepower to a club aiming for European qualification.
Amad Diallo, Manchester United’s 22-year-old winger, is another intriguing case. Diallo has flourished under Ruben Amorim in a 3-4-3 system, showing versatility and flair on the right flank. Although United hold a one-year option to extend his contract, rival clubs will undoubtedly monitor his situation closely. While talks of the Ivorian being offered a new contract is imminent, he could be tempted by another offer if United don’t hurry up. His teammate and former captain, Harry Maguire is another option who could be available for next to nothing.
🚨 Nottingham Forest are in talks with Chris Wood over a new contract to stop him leaving on a free transfer in the summer.
(Source: @MailSport) pic.twitter.com/UjaLXoD7dS
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 16, 2024
Defensive reinforcements are always in demand, and Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace is one of the league’s most promising left-backs. At 25, Mitchell could be an excellent addition for a top club looking to strengthen its backline. Similarly, Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton offers versatility and experience, making him a valuable asset for teams needing defensive depth.
Veterans like Thomas Partey and Callum Wilson also remain on the radar. Partey, 31, has struggled with injuries at Arsenal but still possesses the quality to contribute at a high level. Wilson, meanwhile, is a proven finisher when fit and could be a valuable signing for a club seeking an experienced striker. Partey’s teammate Kieran Tiery has already been confirmed to be looking for an exit an can be a good signing for any mid table club, if he manages to put his injury issues behind him.
Talent that could come into the Premier League
🚨(🌗) | @GraemeBailey: Alphonso Davies is open to a Premier League move this summer.
Liverpool are amongst the clubs interested. Manchester United also interested. pic.twitter.com/v1tbM5BHha
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) December 27, 2024
Premier League clubs aren’t just dealing with potential departures; they are also exploring options to bring in fresh talent from abroad. With several high-profile players out of contract this summer, the January window could set the stage for major moves. Like Liverpool, Bavarian outfit Bayern Munich also stand to lose three of their stars on a free as of right now if they don’t offer them new deals.
The Bundesliga club have three of their stars in Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, and Leroy Sané in the final six months of their contract and all have been linked with Premier League clubs. Davies, 24, is one of the best full-backs in the world, combining pace and technical skill. Kimmich, 29, is a versatile midfielder who could be a transformative signing for any top team, while Sané, 28, has unfinished business in England following his stint with Manchester City.
Another Bundesliga talent, Jonathan Tah, could also be on the move. The Bayer Leverkusen defender, 28, has attracted interest from several Premier League sides, thanks to his physical presence and aerial dominance. In France, Jonathan David has emerged as a prime target. The Lille striker, 24, leads Ligue 1’s scoring charts with 11 goals in 15 appearances and has been linked with a move to England. His teammate, Angel Gomes, could also make a return to the Premier League, where he previously played for Manchester United’s academy.
As the January transfer window approaches in a couple of days, quite a few Premier League players have less than six months remaining on their contract, which makes them free to agree a move for the summer. Dive in to find out who are these names! Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
