These are the five likely transfer of football players to check out in the January transfer window:
Nico Williams – Athletico Bilbao to Barcelona
Barcelona tried everything they could to prise Nico Williams away from Athletic Bilbao in the mid-year window, but ultimately they did not have the finances to make the move happen.
But six months later, and with a return to the renovated Nou Camp (and therefore a return to peak matchday income) on the horizon, there is a possibility that the Blaugrana could sign the winger of Ghanaian origin – enabling manager Hansi Flick to potentially field a terrifying front three of Williams, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.
Arda Guler – Real Madrid to AC Milan or Juventus
The versatile Turkish midfielder is one of the most promising young talents in European football, but Real Madrid’sstacked squad means he sees relatively little playing time.
A great option for the 19-year-old would be a loan move for the remainder of the 2024-25 season – with Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus reported to be the frontrunners.
Guler’s skill and creativity would be welcome at either club, but it is at Thiago Motta’s Juve that he would have the best chance to truly challenge for the Serie A title.
Victor Boniface – Napoli (via Galatasaray) to Manchester United or Chelsea
Currently on loan in the Turkish Super Lig with Galatasaray, Nigerian star Victor Boniface will be one of the most sought-after players in the winter transfer window.
A guaranteed goal-getter, there is not a team in Europe the Super Eagles player wouldn’t improve, but those most strongly linked are Manchester United and Chelsea.
The former are at the start of a revolution under Ruben Amorim, while the latter are much further in their development and could provide the platform for Boniface to take English football by storm.
Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig to Arsenal
Arsenal’s title tilt has mostly been hamstrung by a lack of sharpness in attack, as they have been unable to fully capitalise on the chances created by the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.
But if they can land Slovenian Benjamin Sesko (who has 76 senior club career goals to his name despite being just 21) from RB Leipzig, then their ‘actual goals’ to ‘expected goals’ ratio could drastically improve – and potentially bring them back into the title picture.
Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton to Real Madrid
This one may seem from left field – a player from hum-drum Everton going to reigning European champions Real Madrid? But Los Blancos have been hit by a major defensive injury crisis, and will certainly seek reinforcements in January.
Jarrad Branthwaite has been one of the Premier League’s best young defenders in the last couple of years, and could prove a great buy – both in the short and long term – for the Madrid heavyweights.
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