The January transfer window is now open, and while this isn’t the summer free-for-all, there will be plenty of fodder for switch-em-up conversation.
Below is our list of players we seem most likely to be discussing over the coming days and weeks. Consider them not necessarily the top talents, but the tops in “transfer intrigue” factor.
This is list of realistic targets for movement, not a wish-list of players who look like high-value targets for moves from a relatively smaller club to a bigger one. Everton’s Marouane Fellaini is a good example. I am sure some bigger clubs would love to see the big Belgian international, in such dominant form so far in the 2012-13 season, go up on the “for sale” shelf. But he seems committed to Goodison Park for now, with a high-profile move perhaps more likely for this summer or next.
That doesn’t mean he won’t move in January, but the odds seem far, far higher for the following fivesome:
Demba Ba, Newcastle – The Senegalese striker has not been the force that he was a year ago, but that hasn’t stopped Chelsea from putting significant chips into the DB stakes. He seems likely to move from St. James Park; it seems not a matter of “if,” but one of “where” and “when” and “how much.”
Theo Walcott, Arsenal – This is a case for brilliant timing. His recent form – perhaps spurred by the tutelage of training partner Thierry Henry? – and overall performance in the 2012-13 campaign is a case study maximizing value at the best moment. His contract is up this summer, so Arsenal will see some financial return only through a move in January.
Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan – A supremely talented Dutch international who seems supremely unwanted by his club, where he has been cast down to forgotten man status, as we talked about just yesterday.
Fernando Llorente, Atletico Bilbao – A Spanish international striker whose marriage has soured with his La Liga club. Plus, and his contract is up this summer, which means Bilbao would be smart to bust a move now.
David Villa, Barcelona – What an embarrassment of roster riches the Catalan giants have when this guy, a high-scoring Spanish international, cannot get games. Villa lost his place a year ago after breaking his leg and just hasn’t regained his place. Perhaps a loaner rather than an outright buy?
Plus five more on our “monitor list:”
Lewis Holtby (Schalke), Wilfred Zaha (Crystal Palace), Adrian Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Dieumerci Mbokani (Anderlecht) and Younés Belhanda (Montpellier).