The List | 10 Players In The January Shopping Window
The List | 10 Players In The January Shopping Window
Not enough time on pitch or too good for their current surroundings these are players we think could be making a move this winter.
It hardly seems like any time at all since the summer transfer window slammed shut and the season began. Now it is all systems go again as we gear up to the January transfer window being opened. Players are looking for moves for various reasons - perhaps they are not playing enough or perhaps they are playing too well and think they can do better.
There are also the clubs who are desperate to get some new blood in of course, either to boost their title challenge or push for a European spot - or even to avoid the dreaded dog fight that is the relegation battle. With that in mind, we've taken a look at the ten players who could well be on the move this January.
Karim Benzema - The forward has been linked with moves to both Arsenal and Chelsea since the summer and has had a hit and miss first half of the season to say the least. To put it simply, he does not score enough given the chances he is given. If the likes of Luis Suarez or Ramadel Falcao had the opportunities the Frenchman did, they would be getting a hat-trick every game.
Angel Di Maria - Since the arrival of Gareth Bale, it has become clear that Di Maria is no longer one of the first picks at the Bernabeu. Yes, he is still a good squad member and offers plenty when he plays. But that being said, if the club want to bring another forward in this winter, they need to free up a place in the squad and also some funds. The sale of Di Maria would do this.
Demba Ba - Chelsea fans simply despair when it comes to the Senagalese forward. Ba misses more than he scores and against Sunderland saw a complete mis-kick turn into an own goal. That about sums up the forward and since moving from Newcastle he's looked like a little fish in a huge pond, and someone who is well out of their depth.
Edin Dzeko - Manchester City have four world class forwards and it seems that Super Sub Dzeko is the one who looks least like getting a chance. Even when he is bang on form, the forward will not get ahead of the likes of Sergio Aguero or Alvaro Negredo. Dzeko has finally had enough of false promises and will be hot property this winter.
Ashley Young - The forward is, if the media are to be believed, about to be one of the first casualties of David Moyes' reign at Old Trafford. Since the 4-1 derby defeat, Young has not started a league game and looks to be on his way out of the club. Moyes needs to raise funds and free up some squad space, and cannot afford to carry passengers. So far Young has failed to live up to his potential so where he will go is anyone's guess.
Juan Mata - Clearly Jose Mourinho does not like the playmaker. No amount of pleading from the fans or the media seems to get Mata into the starting eleven, especially when the likes of Oscar and Eden Hazard are both fit and it seems that Mata would happily accept a move away from the club now, even if it is just on loan. A move to another Premier League side is highly unlikely, but one to a La Liga side could well be on the cards.
Javier Hernandez - The Mexican is simply not getting the time he needs on the field. Everyone would agree that Hernandez is too good for the bench, yet Moyes seems to prefer playing Danny Welbeck over Little Pea. Atletico Madrid have expressed an interest and we expect the forward to jump at the chance of a move.
Shinji Kagawa - The winger has been linked with a move back to BVB and it seems that would be best for all parties. United could possibly get a swap deal going and bring in a much needed midfielder and Kagawa could return to a club and manager, not to mention a set of fans, who appreciate exactly how good he is.
Leighton Baines - Baines was a target for David Moyes in the summer and United are expected to try again for the full back come January. Quite if he would want to move away from Everton, who are flying this season and have just beaten the Champions at Old Trafford, remains to be seen. However a chance to move to a giant club such as United and improve his World Cup chances may be too good to miss.
Koke - The young star looks like he is on his way to Manchester United with rumours the club is prepared to break his £16 million buyout clause this winter. The 21 year old is one of the best young talents around and is lighting up La Liga. Should Moyes and United land him, he will be a joy to watch and a huge coup for the defending Champions.
Who else do you think may make a move in the winter transfer window?