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The January transfer window has kicked off and plenty of business lies ahead.
Teams across the league may look to the market for a whole host of reasons, with some looking for players that may make the difference in a relegation battle, while others (particularly in Manchester) begin a mass rebuild.
So, who would fit well and where? Who need to add a new piece to the jigsaw to bolster their fortunes in 2025? Those questions will be answered as I play the role as chief scout and recommended a new signing to every Premier league side.
Southampton- Ardian Ismajli
It goes without saying that Southampton have severely struggled this season under the now sacked Russell Martin, especially in the defensive department. Centre halves such as Jan Bednarek, Nathan Wood, and Taylor Harwood-Belis (though the former Manchester City defender has looked the best of a bad bunch in that backline) have struggled to make the step up to Premier league standard, meaning the Saints hold the unwanted status as the second worst defensive side in the league behind Leicester and Wolves.
New manager Ivan Juric brings a wealth of knowledge of Italian football to the south coast, and could seek to use that this window to look for new recruits.
Empoli boast one of the best defensive records in Serie A at the moment, sitting 12th but conceding just 21 goals, less than 4th place Lazio.
Leading that defensive unit is Albanian centre half Ardian Ismajli, who ranks in the top 1% of defenders in Serie A for clearances this season, and in the top 10% for interceptions, averaging 1.64 per 90.
Ismajli won’t be hard to get out of Empoli, and has a deal that currently expires in the summer, so Empoli may be happy to sell in order to gain some profit out of their in form centre half.
Ipswich Town- Hayden Hackney
Unlike Southampton, Ipswich have put up a good fight so far in the Premier league, as shown by their most recent result in a shock victory against Chelsea.
Keiran McKenna’s side will continue to battle bravely throughout the second half of the season, but may need more than just Sam Morsy and Lens Cajuste in midfield to keep them up.
Hayden Hackney continues to impress under Michael Carrick in Middlesbrough’s midfield, ranking in the top 1% of midfielders in the Championship for progressive passes and passes completed.
The Scottish midfielder also ranks in the top 7% for shot creating actions, showing is offensive prowess and energy he provides from deep.
The 22-year-old may cost a pretty penny to get out of Tyneside, but could be a worthwhile investment for the Tractor Boys, as even if relegation should be their fate and the end of the 24/25 season, a player of Hackney’s caliber could help return to the Premier league at the first time of asking next season.
Leicester City- Evan Ferguson
Leicester City currently hold the status as the worst defensive side in the league, conceding 42 goals this season in what can only be described as an abysmal centre-half roster with the lies of Wout Faes, Yannik Vestergaard and Conor Coady.
Though defensive depth is a necessity for Leicester this window, offensively they also remain blunt, especially since tricky winger Abdul Fatawu sustained a long-term ACL injury.
The Foxes continue to rely on 37 year old (soon to be 38 year old) Jamie Vardy as their main source of goals, and despite his iconic Premier league status, his current form won’t be enough to help Leicester stay up this season.
Evan Ferguson continues to remain out of favour at Brighton behind Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro, and a loan move to Leicester could help the Irishman return to form that saw him celebrated as one of the league’s brightest prospects.
Reports suggest the seagulls are willing to let him go on a loan basis, and a few months in the Midlands could be just what all parties need.
Wolves- Ben Godfrey
Similar to Leicester, Wolves have also really struggled defensively this season, after failing to properly replace Max Kilman after his sale to West Ham in the summer.
The West Midlands outfit have been heavily linked with RC Lens defender Kevin Danso, who plays at the heart of the joint best defensive side in Ligue 1 this season, conceding just 14 goals (the same amount as league leaders PSG).
However, it would be difficult to convince the Austrian defender to leave a Lens side battling for European football for a relegation battle, so the Wanderers may have to look in another direction for defensive reinforcements.
Former Norwich and Everton defender Ben Godfrey left England last summer for Europa league champions Atalanta, but things have not gone as he would have hopped, playing just 85 minutes this season. A departure from Bergamo could suit the 26 year old, and could offer Vitor Pereira valuable pace and experience in his backline.
Everton- Jadon Philogene
Everton once again find themselves in the relegation fold in their final season at Goodison Park, and once again a lack of creativity and offensive quality burdens their season.
Summer signing Jesper Lindstrøm has failed to continue a goal or assist so far this season, and the likes Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil struggle to offer much from the wing.
In the summer, Aston Villa triggered the buy back clause of tricky winger Jadon Philogene, but since then the former Hull City man has only started twice and has failed to contribute a goal or assist.
Despite this, the Englishman contributed 18 goals and assists last season, and showed his technical ability wonderfully in the Championship. His creativity and directness could help steer the Toffees away from the relegation zone and ensure their first season at Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium is played in the Premier league.
Crystal Palace- Alfie Doughty
Last summer was a tough period for Palace, despite finishing the season on a high and lots of optimism ahead of Oliver Glasner’s first full season in the Premier league.
Winger Michael Olise departed for Bayern Munich, and replacements Eddie Nketiah, Ismalia Sarr and Daichi Kamada have failed to replace his creativity and numbers.
However, the Eagle’s front line has improved in recent weeks, with players such as Sarr and Mateta coming back into form in front of goal.
Uncertainty remains around the future of talented full back Tyrick Mitchell, as the Englishman’s contract expires at the end of the season.
Palace may wish to turn their attention to adding depth in the position and securing a long term successor for Mitchell, who may depart Selhurst Park at the end of the campaign.
In what has been a poor season for Luton Town, wing back Alfie Doughty remains a bright spark, contributing 4 assists this season and creating 5.92 shot creating actions per 90 from left wing back so far this season.
Doughty deserves to be in the top level of English football, and Luton may be tempted to cash in this January in order to rebuild and avoid relegation to League 1 in May.
Manchester United- Alvaro Carerras
Whether they want to admit it or not, Manchester United now find themselves in a relegation battle and face a real threat of being dragged down to the second tier of English football.
Ruben Amorim needs to move fast in this window and begin his rebuild as United look to climb to mid table, and needs to bring players in that will be able to fit into his new philosophy at Old Trafford.
Two key areas of Amorim’s system are his wing backs, who will form a back five when defending but in possession will be expected to offer width in attack and threaten rival full backs with crosses and overlapping runs.
Whilst Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can offer sufficient cover down the right, an injury prone combination of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia and an out of position Dalot won’t be able to offer effective services down the left.
Alvaro Carreras departed Old Trafford last summer after spending 2 years on the books there, enjoying loan spells at Preston North End, Granada and Benfica before joining the latter on a permanent basis.
The Spaniard would fit seamlessly into United’s wing back position, as displayed by his wonderful form there in the last year for Benfica.
The Red Devils sold the Spaniard for £5 million, but inserted a smart buy back clause of around £16 million that could, and should, be excersied this January.
West Ham- Joshua Zirkzee
West Ham continue to remain unfortunate in their striker recruitment, with summer signing Niclas Füllkrug struggling to keep fit and find form in English football.
This has meant throughout most of the season the Hammers have relied on Michail Antonio, but the 34 year old suffered an awful injury after a car crash in December that may leave him out until the end of the season.
Like Füllkrug, former Bayern Munich and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee has also struggled for form since joining Manchester United, recently being booed off the pitch at Old Trafford after being subbed off after half an hour against Newcastle.
Though it feels an exit from United makes the most sense for Zirkzee, it may not have to be an exit from England all together, despite his links to Juventus.
If Zirkzee can recreate the form he discovered at Bologna last season, West Ham could gain a versatile centre forward that could help them push up the table.
Brentford- Ben Sheaf
Brentford have had a mixed bag of a season so far, pulling off excellent victories at home against the likes of Newcastle, Bournemouth and Wolves but struggling away from home suffering bad losses against the likes of Aston Villa and Fulham.
Goals have leaked through their midfield more than regular, with Christian Norgaard and Vitaly Janelt seeing a dip in form this season.
Ben Sheaf of Coventry City hasn’t seen any dip in his form however, as the former Arsenal midfielder continues to contribute good numbers on and off the ball. Sheaf contributes 2.64 tackles per 90, more than 78% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, and 8.02 progressive passes per 90 displays his precision and creativity on the ball.
Sheaf may be easy to get out of the Midlands also, as Coventry currently sit 14th, 10 points off the play offs. The midfielder is currently valued at just £7 million by TransferMarkt, but reports suggest Coventry hold him at a higher valuation around the £15 million mark. Even at that price, that could be an absolute steal for any Premier league side looking to add some grit and quality to their midfield.
Tottenham- Cameron Carter-Vickers
When both are fully fit and in form, Tottenham enjoy one of the best defensive partnerships in Christian Romero and Mikey Van de Ven, however both struggle with fitness, starting just 9 games together this season.
Playing understudy to both are Radu Dragasin and Ben Davies, who have struggled to provide sufficient cover in their absence, shipping 12 goals in their last four games including six at home to Liverpool.
Cameron Carter-Vickers continues to impress at Celtic, finally finding a home after failing to break through at Tottenham under Pochetino, where he was loaned to many teams in England, including Bournemouth, Swansea and Ipswich.
The American has worked under Ange before, and under his management could be tempted to a move back to North London.
A dynamic centre half, Carter-Vickers offers strength, pace and impressive aerial ability that could make him a perfect understudy to Romero or Van de Ven.
Brighton- Oleksandr Zinchenko
Brighton have once again been thoroughly entertaining this season, despite currently sitting just 10th after a disappointing December that saw the seagulls fail to pick up a win.
Despite a recent drop in form, Brighton have little room to improve, boasting one of the most well-balanced squads in the league with plenty of quality across the pitch.
Injuries to Pervis Estupinan and Ferdi Kadiouglu have seen them struggle for options at left back, missing their energy and offensive quality.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has dropped down the pecking order at Arsenal this season, as Arteta has changed his model full back into a tall, more physically dominant profile which has led Riccardo Califiori and Jurrien Timber to dominate the position.
Zinchenko has seen less opportunities and has recieved more criticism for his performances since this change in philosophy, so could be more suited to a system that uses traditional full back roles that use quicker, more technically gifted players that offer a lot going forward and at the back.
A move away from Arsenal to a system like Brighton’s could help rejuvenate the Ukrainian’s career, as well as offering Brighton some good quality cover and valuable Premier league experience.
Aston Villa- Donyell Malen
News broke on New Year’s Day that Aston Villa were pursuing the signature of Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, and personally I’m a big fan of this move.
Malen came through the Arsenal academy, but found limited opportunity at The Emirates, so moved back to his home nation of Holland in 2018 to sign for PSV. The winger impressed there on the wings and up front, scoring 55 goals and assisting 24 times in 116 games for The Boeren (according to TransferMarkt).
Since moving to Borussia Dortmund, Malen has kept steady numbers as injury has plagued his game time. In his last three seasons, 36g+a has seen him dip in and out of the side even when he’s fully fit, so moving onto pastures new to truly rejuvinate his career could be just what the forward needs.
Villa have lacked a prolific winger since Diaby left, as Leon Bailey has struggled in front of goal and Jaden Philogene has barely had a look in the starting line up.
Malen could add a new dimension to Villa’s attack, and could be the signing that helps propel Villa into European football.
Fulham- James McAttee
Fulham have been another one of the league’s entertainers this season, and Marco Silva has helped guide his side to 8th after 19 games.
The Cottagers have scored 28 goals, more than 3rd place Nottingham Forest, and players like Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith-Rowe and Harry Wilson continue to impress on the wings and in central areas.
One player that continues to be linked away from the club however is former Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira, as rumours about a potential move to Marseille continue to circulate.
The Brazilian has spoke openly about a potential move to Ligue 1, and how it was a disappointment that the move failed to materialise. Should the transfer complete this January, Manchester City midfielder James McAttee could make the perfect replacement.
The former Sheffield United midfielder picked up just 26 minutes of league action for Manchester City in the Premier league in 2024, a confusing stat given their midfield crisis and horrific form they experienced throughout November and December.
Players like Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Jadon Sancho have all discovered excellent form since departing City, and new opportunities in West London could help McAttee make a name for himself in the Premier League.
Bournemouth- Harry Amass
Like Fulham, Bournemouth have been thoroughly entertaining this season, and Iraola’s side find themselves pushing for a European spot.
The South coast outfit have assembled themselves a youthful, but well balanced squad that currently has little room for improvement. However, the Cherries may struggle to keep told of top assets at the end of the season or even this January, with talented left back Milos Kerkez being linked with a move up North to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.
Though it may be difficult to sign the Hungarian this window, many clubs may be looking at the full back in the summer, and Bournemouth may look to get their replacement sorted now.
Manchester United left back Harry Amass has found game time difficult to come by this season, despite his clear talent and United fans favouring the youngster being given a chance after an impressive pre-season last summer.
Amass is a talented prospect that offers a lot going forward, with a sharp left foot and good pace. With a new system that may not suit him as the left hand side will see wing backs rather than full backs, a move away from Old Trafford may help Amass if he wants to established himself in the Premier league.
Signing a player like Amass would be a classic Bournemouth signing, bringing in a relatively unknown young player and developing them into a top talent, much like they have done with Kerkez.
Manchester City- Randal Kolo Muani
Manchester City haven’t needed to rebuild since Pep Guardiola entered his job in 2016, but now in what will be his 9th year at the club in the summer City once again face a mass rebuild in order to become title challengers once again.
Though the discourse continues to revolve around a midfield rebuild- and rightfully so, as players like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva continue to decline- The Citizens need much more than that, as Haaland fails to have a sufficient understudy since Julien Alvarez departed in the summer.
Former Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani has struggled for form in Paris since he signed for PSG in September 2023, and reports suggest the Parisian outfit are willing to depart with the striker as early as this January.
If PSG are willing to play ball with City, a loan move could suit all parties as City will gain backup for Erling Haaland, Kolo Muani could discover form he found in the Bundesliga and PSG can ship deadwood they won’t want in their squad.
Despite his downturn in form, Kolo Muani earnt a move to the French capital after an electric season in 2022/23 that saw him pick up 26g+a in 32 Bundesliga games. Should he be able to recapture his form, City could have a great new signing on their hands.
Newcastle- Kevin Danso
Like Spurs, Southampton and Wolves, Newcastle are a side that may be entering the January market in search of a new centre half option. Though Botman, Schar, Burn and Kelly offer great cover in that department, injury problems between them all mean depth remains scarce for Eddie Howe.
Wolves and Newcastle have both been linked with a move for RC Lens defender Kevin Danso as mentioned earlier, and it may be a move to the Champions league-chasing Newcastle the defender may prefer rather than a relegation-battling Wolves.
As previously discussed, Danso has impressed in France one again this season, leading the joint best defence in the league. Averaging a solid 2.71 aerial victories per 90 and 1.92 blocks per 90, Danso looks set for a top move eventually, whether that’s this January or in the summer.
Chelsea- Tolu Arokodare
Enzo Maresca’s first season at Stamford Bridge has gone excellently, even if his side now slowly fade out of the title race conversation after a disappointing end to December.
As was the case with most sides in the top six, it was difficult to recommend a signing when the squad remains so solid and any major signings, which Chelsea may need in summer if they want to become firm title challengers, rarely happen in January.
One area the Blues could improve at is striker, as Nicolas Jackson continues to dip in and out of good form and the young and inexperienced Marc Guiu fails to supply truly sufficient cover at this moment in time, though this will probably not be the case in two or three years time.
Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare could be a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed in Belgium, with the striker notching 17 goals and assists in 20 games so far this season.
Strong, pacey and good instinct in front of goal, Arokodare is a similar profile to Samu Omoridion who the West London outfit pursued in the summer before he moved to FC Porto, so a move could easily materialise for the Genk striker this January.
It may cost a pretty penny to make Genk consider a move though, as the Belgian league leaders have seemingly ruled out a move from other European interest.
Nottingham Forest- Josh Maja
Forest continue to provide one of the stories of the season, as the Midlands outfit continue to push for a Champions League spot, which still doesn’t sound normal to iterate.
And once again, a side that’s performing so well across the board is difficult to improve, especially given the little major business that gets completed in the January window typically.
Chris Wood epitomises Forest’s form this season, as the striker has been absolutely fantastic and has rejuvenated his career, not only improving in front of goal that has seen him pick up 11 goals in the Premier league but in his all round game also.
However, as Forest look to move on Taiwo Awoniyi, better striker cover could be important as a big injury to the Kiwi could derail their season. West Brom striker Josh Maja has been in great form this season, scoring 12 goals in all comps in a West Brom side that continues to push for promotion back to the top flight.
The Baggies signed the striker on a free in the summer, and may be happy to turn a profit on the former Sunderland striker should a top flight team like Forest move in on him.
Arsenal- Matheus Cunha
It’s been a tricky season for Arsenal who would have hoped to be firmly be in a title race and perhaps even top of the table by now, but Mikel Arteta’s side continue to lag behind leaders Liverpool.
Though the Gunners have plenty to boast about this season and lots of area of strength, the striker position continues to be a problem, as Kai Havertz has struggled as the central number nine and Gabriel Jesus looks like a player they will need to move on from if they want to become league champions.
Arsenal have also struggled for cover for Martin Odegaard when he has been absent from the starting line up, as players like Havertz, Trossard and Merino have struggled to fill that role.
Someone who could fill both roles well is Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, who has impressed throughout his career as a central striker or in the number 10 position in midfield.
Cunha has become crucial for Wolves this season, and has entered some excellent form, dragging his side through games with his technical skill and relentless work rate. He’s also added more numbers to his game, picking up 14 goals and assists in 20 games, 10 of which being goals. Considering his xG sits at a lowly 4.1, scoring 10 shows his excellent form in front of goal and how high his performances have been this season.
Wolves have been a selling club in recent years, as shown by the sales of Pedro Neto and Max Kilman last summer, but allowing Cunha to depart could be the fatal blow that sees the Wanderers return to the Championship after 7 seasons in the top flight.
Liverpool- Ryan Flamingo
Liverpool have been very impressive this season as Arne Slot has guided his side to the top of the table in his first season in English football. With an efficient yet entertaining brand of football being instilled at Anfield, activity may be limited for the Reds as there is little room for improvement.
The league leaders may need to prepare for more departures in the summer, as the issue of Mo Salah’s, Virgil Van Dijk’s and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contracts that expire in the summer continue to drag on. One figure that continues to be linked away from the club is experienced centre half Joe Gomez, who was reportedly close to joining Newcastle last summer. Should Gomez decide this season will be his final with Liverpool, a replacement will be key to ensure whatever happens next season, depth is maintained to allow Slot’s side to compete for all four major trophies they can.
Dutch centre half Ryan Flamingo could be the solution should Gomez depart after what will be 10 years with the club. Flamingo currently plays for PSV and at just 22 years old, could be an excellent acquisition for a player Slot will surely be familiar with.
Strong, agile and intelligent, Flamingo excels on the ball as well as off it. He creates 1.89 shot creating actions per 90, plays 6.42 progressive passes per 90, and averages 77.78 passes per game. Being strong on the ball is not only key to a centre half in an Arne Slot system, but can build on his ball playing abilities even more under the wing of Virgil Van Dijk, assuming the Liverpool captain signs a new contract before the end of the season.
The January window will surely be filled with many twists and turns, and with so much at stake as ever, it’ll be interesting to see who moves quickly and who saves their business till the end.
