In January the rumor mill runs into overdrive, as you’ve already seen countless deals being shut down or speculated during the opening week of the transfer window reopening.
Hopefully this list will help clear the murky waters for you, as ProSoccerTalk picks out our top 20 players you should watch during the January transfer window, which opened on January 1 and will slam shut at midnight on January 31. Here’s where you can find all the details as to how the window works in the Premier League.
(MORE: Latest Transfer Rumor Roundup)
From clubs in the Premier League and across Europe, these players are either wanted because of sensational form so far this season, a falling out with their current manager or just fancy a change of scenery. This time of year usually doesn’t provide the best value for money, but there’s certainly some gems out there.
Keep this list of elite soccer stars handy throughout the month of January, as many will surely be on the move to some of Europe’s biggest teams.
Let the fun begin!
1. Iker Casillas
Having lost his place in the Real Madrid starting lineup last season under Jose Mourinho, it was all meant to be so different this season for Casillas when new boss Carlo Ancelloti arrived. But Diego Lopez is still the number one as Casillas has been firmly rooted to the bench. Captain of the Spanish national team and Madrid, Casillas said last year he may leave Real to further his career and it seems as though Manchester City and Arsenal are willing to offer him an escape route. On his day, the best ‘keeper in the world.
Price: $15-20 million
2. Edin Dzeko
In the starting lineup at the moment due to Sergio Aguero’s injury, Dzeko has been in and out of the City team this season. How much more of this can he take? Manuel Pellegrini likes the Bosnian forward, but surely he wants to be playing regularly before the 2014 World Cup this summer. With top clubs across Europe clambering to snap him up if City let him leave, the bustling striker won’t be short of options.
Price: $25 million
3. Juan Mata
Sulking at Southampton after being substituted, Spanish international Mata is becoming increasingly frustrated by his role at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho. The 25-year-old is a magician capable of unlocking any defense, but Chelsea has the likes of Oscar, Willian and Hazard to do that. Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and Inter Milan are all ready to snap him up.
Price: $38-42 million
4. Diego Costa
This man has terrorized defenses in Spain for the last year and this season, he’s already scored 19 goals in 17 La Liga matches for Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian born forward made the big call of switching his national allegiance to Spain, and the 25-year-old will surely be at the 2014 World Cup. Diego has a release clause of $47 million and has long been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal, who could both do with a top striker. Who will make the move?
Price: $47 million
5. Fredy Guarin
Highly rated central midfielder from Inter Milan, the Colombian terrier gets stuck in and could become a key cog for any Premier League side in the engine room. He’s get a great strike on him, plus his style would suit the rambunctious midfield battles in England. Chelsea are sniffing around but don’t be surprised if others make a bid.
Price: $15-20 million
6. Adam Lallana
Southampton’s captain and leading light, Lallana led the Saints to an impressive start to the PL season. He’s since gone on to win his first England caps and performed admirably against Chile and Germany. Many of England’s top clubs are trying to snap him up, but it will take a lot of cash to steal the Englishman’s silky skills away from St. Mary’s. Manchester United are interested, as are Liverpool but Lallana seems happy at Saints... for now.
Price: $25-30 million
7. Fabian Schar
FC Basel performed superbly in the Champions League and young Swiss defender Schar is set for a massive future on the European stage. Chelsea and Spurs are interested as the 22-year-old is comfortable on the ball and loves to step into midfield. Ball-playing center backs are a valuable commodity these days.
Price: $20-25 million
8. Jackson Martinez
Chelsea have been tracking FC Porto’s Martinez for quite some time, as the pacey attacker is full of goals and gives defenders a torrid time. He has a knack of popping up to score crucial goals and his tremendous athleticism seems him as the perfect PL player. Mourinho loves to raid his old club Porto, too.
Price: $35-40 million
9. Jeremy Menez
Following his move from AS Roma in 2011, Menez has struggled to get into the team ahead of PSG’s growing band of stars this season. Menez is available on a free transfer in June, but he could be a seriously good pick up for any team looking for a pacey winger who can get to the byline and deliver delicious crosses. Bargain.
Price: $10-12 million
10. Ander Herrera
The Athletic Bilbao man nearly joined Manchester United last summer but the deal fell through. A midfielder general who loves to spray the ball around, Herrera would be an automatic starter at Old Trafford and his qualities are much needed in David Moyes’ midfield. His price should drop considerably in January, will the Red Devils dive in for a second time?
Price: $30-35 million
11. Javier Pastore
Like Menez, this man has struggled to force his way into PSG’s starting XI after the likes of Cavani, Lavezzi and Ibrahimovic have turned up. Pastore, who PSG bought for $60 million in 2011, is hoping to be in Argentina’s squad for the 2014 World Cup and must be playing regularly. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are lurking, could he be the final piece in the jigsaw?
Price: $25-30 million
12. Yohan Cabaye
The leader of Newcastle’s French revolution seemed to be on his way out of St. James’ Park this summer when he walked out of training and his teammates. But after being disciplined by the club he’s stuck around and Cabaye has produced some stunning displays and added important goals for the Magpies. Arsene Wenger is a long-term suitor, will Cabaye move to the Emirates or possibly Manchester United?
Price: $25-30 million
13. Nemanja Matic
Chelsea let this man leave in Stamford Bridge for Benfica in the move that brought David Luiz in the opposite direction, but the deep-lying Serbian playmaker Matic has turned into a star. Pulling the strings for Benfica, his eye for a pass and ability to break up play see him sought after in the window. Both Chelsea and Manchester United are again vying for his services.
Price: $32-35 milion
14. Koke
Atletico Madrid have a whole host of stars, but 21-year-old Koke is perhaps their prized possession. He has a release clause in his contract according to many reports, which is much disputed, and varies considerably. But what isn’t in doubt is his talents on the pitch as the playmaker is an assist king and pops up just behind the forwards in devastating fashion.
Price: $30-60 million
15. Shinji Kagawa
Just what is going on with the Japanese international at United? With the Red Devils looking for more creative midfielder across Europe, it seems as though Kagawa’s time is up at Old Trafford. He hasn’t done much wrong during his time in English soccer but it seems like a move back to the Bundesliga could be in the cards.
Price: $20-25 million
16. Dimitar Berbatov
Fulham’s Dimitar Berbatov celebrates his goal against Tottenham Hotspur during their English Premier League soccer match at White Hart Lane in London March 17, 2013. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS
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The supremely skillful yet slightly erratic Bulgarian forward could be a bargain for someone in the window, as Fulham are sitting perilously close to the relegation zone in the Premier League. Berbatov, 32, has shown his class with Manchester United and Tottenham in the past, and it seems as though Arsenal may pounce to snap him up for next to nothing to bolster their attack.
Price: $4-5 million
17. Mohammed Salah
The young Egyptian winger is another of Basel’s star performers and he’s highly-touted to go right to the top. Salah, 21, is comfortable on either wing and tore Chelsea apart in the Champions League earlier this campaign, plus former Egyptian and USMNT head coach Bob Bradley is a massive fan. Liverpool are said to be watching him, alongside many of Europe’s elite.
Price: $15-18 million
18. Kevin De Bruyne
It hasn’t quite happened for the Belgian winger at Chelsea this season, after playing several times at the start of the year he’s hardly featured of late. Constant questions about De Bruyne’s absence has irked Mourinho and he’s ready to ship the powerful winger out of Stamford Bridge. Wolfsburg want to buy him, while Atletico Madrid are interested in a loan deal.
Price: $37 million
19. Thomas Ince
The son of former Manchester United, Inter Milan and England midfielder Paul Ince, Thomas has set the Championship alight with some dazzling wing play this season. Ince, 21, is ready to play in the Premier League after spending his entire career in the lower divisions initially on loan from his old club Liverpool. The England U-21 winger has the desire to succeed in the PL.
Price: $8-12 million
20. Eliaquim Mangala
Another star from FC Porto, Mangala was rumored to be heading to England in the summer but he opted to stay at Porto. At just 22 he’s already carved a name for himself as one of the most talented central defenders in Europe, that’s probably why Chelsea Manchester City and Barcelona are chasing him. He has pace, strength and a cool head, everything you need from a central defender.
Price: $36-40 million