With the transfer window opening on 2 January, it remains to be seen whether clubs approach the market with more caution following a year of unprecedented financial loss.
Premier League sides will be able to do business with one another, as well as clubs from Germany and France, from Saturday, though the Spanish and Italian windows do not open until Monday 4 January.
There will be no extension for business between English clubs this time around, leaving a finite period of 31 days to complete deals. As the month ends on a Sunday, Deadline Day has been moved to Monday 1 February with the window closing at 11pm.
In spite of the economic hit of lost gate receipts since last March, it’s hoped that a number of high-profile transfers could still take place, not least because the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have clear areas in which they are looking to strengthen.
The champions have not wasted any time, with The Athletic reporting that they have already signed defender Stefan Bajcetic from Celta Vigo for €250,000. The 16-year-old may be one for the future, but he won’t be a solution to their more pressing concerns at the back with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip currently ruled out.
Much of the most significant business, including Paul Pogba‘s potential departure from Manchester United and Chelsea’s proposed bid for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, will wait until the summer. Nevertheless, there are still several big moves that could happen between now and February.
Diego Costa
Wolves and Arsenal have both been linked with the former Chelsea striker following Atletico Madrid’s announcement that his contract would be terminated early by mutual consent. Costa, 32, has only scored twice in his seven appearances in La Liga this season, but would be a quick-fix addition for Nuno’s side as they continue to struggle with the absence of Raul Jimenez.
Dario Sarmiento
Reports in Argentina claim Dario Sarmiento is likely to become Manchester City‘s first signing of the window. The Estudiantes winger won’t actually arrive at the Etihad until the summer – after his 18th birthday – but the paperwork should be completed in the coming days.
Divock Origi
There has been a lot of noise surrounding a potential move to Leeds for Liverpool’s out-of-favour cult figure Divock Origi. However, at present it seems to be just that – noise. A number of outsiders have talked up the Belgian’s chances of joining Marcelo Bielsa’s side, but nothing concrete has materialised yet.
Perr Schuurs
Calciomercato have suggested Liverpool are reluctant to spend big on a centre-back, especially with Van Dijk stepping up his recovery programme. Ajax’s Perr Schuurs, who is just 21 and had trials with the Reds as a youngster, is seen as a “best of both worlds” scenario who could come in for the remainder of the season, but then revert to being second choice when Jurgen Klopp has a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Milan Skriniar
Tottenham have not given up on their pursuit of Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar. The two clubs discussed a deal in the summer but the Nerazzurri refused to lower their asking price. Jose Mourinho has largely sidelined Davinson Sanchez and is still open to signing another centre-back, despite bringing in Joe Rodon in October.
Jadon Sancho
Widespread rumours persist that Chelsea have now joined the race for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho. Manchester United baulked at the Bundesliga’s side demands of over £100m last summer, but wherever he ends up, it’s known that the England international would prefer to be in his homeland after three successful years in Germany.
Jack Grealish
Manchester United are still monitoring Jack Grealish, but accept that Aston Villa are unlikely to relinquish the midfielder midway through the campaign. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bring in another attacking option, particularly one who can operate in a free role behind a lone frontman.
Julian Brandt
Arsenal are desperate to sign an attacking midfielder following the struggles of Nicolas Pepe and Willian out wide. According to Bild’s Christian Falk, the Gunners have identified Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt as one option, with the dressing room already getting excited at the prospect of the 24-year-old’s arrival. There is still a long way to go.
Follow i sport on Facebook for more Premier League news, interviews and features
More on the Premier League
- Sam Johnstone tells Sam Cunningham why he is finally ready to become a Premier League star
- The making of Timo Werner: How his father’s motivation and ‘scary’ power meant Chelsea star was always destined for the top
- Eric Dier reveals why he stormed into the stands to confront an abusive Spurs fan
- Daniel Storey: How to lose supporters and alienate Messi, by FC Barcelona
- An apology to Man Utd’s Jesse Lingard
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/353SHQm
Post a Comment