As the Premier League pauses for the final international break of 2024, the leading clubs are already drawing up battle plans for the upcoming January transfer window. While star players represent their countries, recruitment teams plot the moves that could make or break their domestic and European ambitions.
Reds on Top, Blues Exceed Expectations
Table-toppers Liverpool are riding high under new boss Arne Slot, despite minimal summer additions. However, injuries to goalkeeper Alisson Becker, forward Federico Chiesa, and midfielder Harvey Elliott have the Reds eyeing midfield reinforcements. Third-place Chelsea are also punching above their weight thanks to the maturation of their £1 billion youth movement under Enzo Maresca.
City and Arsenal Off the Pace
Reigning champions Manchester City find themselves in the unusual position of playing catch-up, five points adrift of Liverpool. The loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to an ACL injury has left a gaping hole in midfield. Arsenal sit fourth but lack a consistent goal-scoring threat, with Kai Havertz carrying too heavy a burden up front.
“Arsenal stood aside while Galatasaray sealed a loan deal for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.” – Anonymous source
United and Spurs Stuck in Midtable
Further down the table, Manchester United and Tottenham are hoping January provides a shot in the arm. United, who recently sacked Erik ten Hag and replaced him with Rúben Amorim, need a dynamic midfielder to implement the new manager’s 3-4-3 system. Tottenham’s inconsistency under Ange Postecoglou screams out for quality additions, particularly in midfield.
- Liverpool eyeing Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi to bolster midfield depth and quality
- Man City could battle the Reds for Zubimendi as a Rodri replacement
- Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich seen as an ideal January target for Chelsea
- Arsenal desperate for a proven goal scorer like Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres
Top January Targets
With holes to fill and ambitions to realize, here are some of the names that could be on the move in January:
- Martín Zubimendi: Liverpool and Man City could duke it out for the Real Sociedad midfielder
- Benjamin Sesko: The RB Leipzig striker remains firmly on Arsenal’s radar
- Viktor Gyökeres: Sporting’s scoring sensation is seen as a game changer for the Gunners
- Carlos Baleba: Brighton’s 20-year-old midfield engine is a top Man United target
The January transfer window rarely disappoints when it comes to drama and intrigue. With the Premier League title, top four places, and European qualification all on the line, expect the Big Six to open their wallets in pursuit of second-half reinforcements. When the window slams shut, a few key moves could prove the difference between glory and unfulfilled potential.
