Top Three Transfer Targets for January
What transfers are most likely to happen come the opening of the transfer window
January of every new year marks new beginnings for many but new signings for clubs around the globe. Though most blockbuster deals go down in the summer, the January transfer still is a time for teams to assess their wholes in their squad and fill them mid-season. In today’s post, I will go through the top three targets over this window that could be making big moves soon.
1. Christian Eriksen
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Christian Eriksen moved to Inter Milan from Tottenham Hotspur just one year ago; however, now the Dane is looking more and more like an outcast every day. Milan manager Antonio Conte has already called for his departure as soon as possible, so a January move is extremely likely. With that being said, what clubs are interested? Old boss Mauricio Pochetino has already contacted a potential move to his new job at Paris Saint-Germain. This offer is the most likely destination for Eriksen as the French club can not only afford his wages but guarantee him playtime that he lacked in Italy.
Another likely option for Christian Eriksen could be a return to his first club Ajax. Eriksen spent three seasons playing in Amsterdam at the start of his career, so going back to play for the Eredivisie side would be a relatively easy move for him. The last club that has inquired into Eriksen is Wolves. Having played the majority of his career in the Premier League, Christian Eriksen is no stranger to the style of play in England. Wolves have good midfielders now but lack creative spark, which could be exactly what Eriksen could provide. With the window open, time will tell how long it will take for someone to come swoop up the Danish outcast where Christian Eriksen can once again reach his top form.
2. Dele Alli
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Another outcast at their club, Dele Alli, was thought to be Tottenham’s star kid for many seasons. Now, with the Englishman creeping up on his mid-twenties, the clock is ticking for Dele Alli to prove himself once again as he has in the past. He was a regular starter under Mauricio Pochetino at Spurs. Still, with Jose Mourinho at the helm, he has fallen in favor of Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, and the new signing Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Though he has crept down the depth chart at Spurs, the club still would entertain loan offers for Alli as a revival of his career at another club could prove beneficial upon his return.
Now for the teams interested in a move for Dele Alli. Like Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli has been in the mind of new Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochetino as he looks to bring in some familiar faces. Other than that, the Englishman has only been linked to a move to fellow Premier League side Everton. The Toffees could definitely use midfield depth. With Alli and James Rodriguez's potential creative partnership, Everton could really set themselves up with one of the better midfield duos in the league. Dele Alli is one of England’s best midfield talents, and his recent drop in minutes and form is disappointing. With the Euros coming up, Alli will want to pick it up if he is to cement a spot on the England team.
3. Papu Gomez
picture via fanpage.it
Last we go to Italy, where Atalanta forward Papu Gomez is seeking an immediate exit after entering his seventh year. Gomez has taken it as far as to be training solely by himself, separate from coaches and teammates. If there is ever a way to seek out a move, it isn’t this one. Nevertheless, the Argentine is a wanted man, specifically in the Italian Serie A, with three clubs to contact Atalanta over a potential move. Inter Milan looks to bolster their squad and bring in another attacking option, preferably once Christian Eriksen is offloaded. AC Milan has also shown interest as the club requires midfield options on the attacking side.
Last, from Italy, Juventus is the last club to have inquired into the 32-year-old. The Turin side already has many attacking options available to them but are always looking to bolster their numbers by acquiring shorter deals like Papu Gomez. They already possess an Argentinian attacking midfielder in Paulo Dybala, but adding one more could never hurt. For now, Gomez continues to space himself from his current club and will most likely secure the move he desires this January; the only question is to where.
The January transfer window is not always filled with massive, expensive deals; however, this year could see a wrinkle in that trend. These three players need new challenges and changes of scenery to either revive or further progress their careers. A January move for them could be exactly what they and the clubs interested in them need to finish out the season strong.