At this time of year it is customary to look at the clubs in the Premier League and speculate wildly about how certain players will definitely boost their chances of glory / a possible European qualification / save them from relegation (delete as applicable). Many of the January transfer window rumours never actually come to fruition – and many clubs wait until the summer to do their main recruiting business. But there have been a few big names linked with moves next month and here are some potentially exciting deals.
Kevin Strootman – Roma to Manchester United?
The Dutch midfielder has been on United’s radar for years but could this January finally be the time he makes his move? There are a few favourable factors that could make the switch more likely. Firstly, Louis Van Gaal is now in charge and is a noted Strootman fan. Secondly, United have already suggested that they are ready to spend a lot of money to erase the memories of last season. And thirdly, thanks to United’s cross town rivals, Roma are now out of the Champions League so the pull of the eternal city may not be as strong.
United are suddenly back in the top four and if LVG wants to push their Premiership title credentials, a marquee signing such as this would certainly alarm their closest rivals.
Paul Pogba – Juventus to Manchester City?
The sky blue side of Manchester now get linked with every big name going, in the same way that Chelsea did a few years ago – and United before that. The French goal scoring midfielder has also been linked with a move to Arsenal but if he is to go anywhere during the window it is more likely to be City who has the money to tempt Juventus to part company with their heavily prized asset.
Edinson Cavani – PSG to Arsenal?
Cavani really came to prominence at Napoli before his big money move to Paris Saint-Germain a year ago. With a goal every two games for the French champions, Cavani has really made the most of an excellent group of teammates to take his game to the next level.
But he will always be at least only number two at PSG with Ibrahimovic the talisman. And with PSG seemingly looking to shake up their collection of Galacticos, a move to Arsenal would be beneficial for both sides.
Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea?
Another one of the seemingly never-ending transfer rumours, this move may be more likely to happen in the summer. Reus, after missing the World Cup by suffering an injury on the eve of the competition, is now out again until into the New Year.
Injury worries aside, this would be a great signing for Chelsea – even with their already star-studded line up. Mourinho insists he is not interested but sometimes certain people higher up the chain at Stamford Bridge get their way so don’t be surprised if the goal scoring midfielder is lining up for the Blues before too long.
Wilfried Bony – Swansea to Liverpool?
A more recent rumour, Bony swapping South Wales for Merseyside sounds plausible. Liverpool are in dire need of their season being kickstarted and with Sturridge out injured, they have looked nothing like the team that came so close to the title last season.
A lack of invention and spirit has been mentioned but a lack of goals has been just as bad. There have been calls for Divock Origi to come in early but snapping up the Swans’ Ivory Coast striker would be a great move for Liverpool seeing that their Balotelli gamble has seemingly backfired.
