The January transfer window finally sparked into life when Manchester City signed Ivorian powerhouse Wilfried Bony from Swansea City for an eye-watering £25m – but will this be the biggest signing this month? Probably not, as a host of Europe’s top clubs are looking ready to make their mark in the mid-season window.
Here are four other potential transfers that could eclipse the £25m paid for Wilfried Bony.
Edinson Cavani – Paris SG
The 27 year-old Uruguayan striker still has three years to run on his contract in the French capital, but this hasn’t deterred a host of Premier League clubs being linked with El Matador. Paris SG boss Laurent Blanc has added fuel to the fire by stating there will be sales in the January window as the Champions League hopefuls look to balance the books.
Cavani made his name in Naples alongside current team mate Ezequiel Lavezzi – the pair turned Napoli into Serie A contenders with Cavani banging in 74 goals in 108 matches during his time there. El Matador, despite his troubles in Paris, has kept up his impressive goals to games ratio by netting 24 goals in 46 appearances.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker is at his best when he is the attacking focal point, so trying to share centre stage with Zlatan always appeared to be a thankless task. Cavani would thrive at a club like Liverpool who are looking to fill the glaring hole left by Luis Suarez but the price tag could prove a stumbling block with Arsenal and Manchester United perhaps a more realistic destination.
Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund
Jurgen Klopp’s troubles at Dortmund could be about to worsen as Marco Reus is on the verge of a January exit. The 25 year-old German International has averaged a goal every two games from midfield and has put Europe’s top clubs on red alert by indicating his time at Dortmund is drawing to an end.
Nevertheless, the German club are planning to stand their ground in an attempt to hold onto their star man until the end of the season. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United are all reportedly interested in signing the 25 year-old.
Chelsea appear to be at the head of the queue of Premier League teams and Dortmund would be keen to negotiate a deal involving Andre Schurrle heading in the opposite direction.
While Reus’ destination is unknown at this time, one thing is for certain and that’s the transfer fee would certainly be north of £20m.
Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli
The former Real Madrid striker is at the top of Brendan Rodgers’ shopping list as he looks to bolster his front line. The 27 year-old Argentine moved to Napoli just 18 months ago but the signing of Manolo Gabbiadini from Sampdoria suggests that Higuain might be eyeing the exit door with Liverpool and Arsenal as front runners for his signature.
The 6ft1 Napoli front man looks tailor made for the hustle and bustle of the Premier League and almost guarantees a goal every two games. Higuain, though, looks happy in Italy after scoring the winner against Lazio at the weekend that moved his side up-to third and suggested that his immediate future, at least, looks to be in Serie A.
Napoli shelled out 40m Euros for the Argentine just 18 months so would look to at least recoup that fee – which could price Liverpool and Arsenal out of a move in the January window.
Luka Modric – Real Madrid
Another big money move could see Luka Modric switch the Spanish capital for a return back to the Premier League with Chelsea and Manchester United interested in the diminutive midfielder.
The Croatian play maker is currently injured but reports have suggested his wife is unhappy in Madrid and would welcome a move back to England. Louis Van Gaal has plenty of transfer funds, should he need it, so paying the £35-40m transfer wouldn’t be a problem. However, Real Madrid would be reluctant to sell Modric at this stage of the season with La Liga and the Champions League all delicately balanced.
