The January Transfer Window So Far
It is now over a week into the January transfer window; a window which can make or break a club’s season.
Today we are going to be looking into what has unfolded so far and what we can expect to see in the upcoming weeks.
City on the move for potential star
Although not yet announced, it looks almost certain that Man City have completed the signing of 18-year-old Claudio Echeverri. A deal worth $14.5 million rising to a potential $23.5 million, it is clear City are on the move for their next big Argentinian star. Following in the footsteps of current super star Julian Alvarez, the Argentine resides at River Plate and has so far made four appearances this season – yet that isn’t where he has attracted his attention. The 18-year-old made the headlines and was deemed the next ‘Messi’ when finishing the U17 World Cup with five goals and was second in the race for the golden boot. European attraction was high, with praise from Barcelona manager Xavi and interest from El Classico rivals Real Madrid, it’s clear Claudio was the talk of the town amongst European recruitment however the Manchester side has struck first and with their European and World Dominance, as per Fabrizio Romano, City have put pen to paper with the wonderkid. Although the Cityzens will be made to wait to see their new star as he is to be loaned back to River Plate for their season. Afterall, who can really break into their team at the minute?
Spurs look to increase squad depth – or do they?
Ex Chelsea flop Timo Werner is on his way to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham; a loan which will see him stay at White Hart Lane until the end of the season. A chance for him to stake his claim in an ever-improving Spurs side, the German will look to make an instant impact since their inform Heung-min Son joins up with his South Korean Side for the Asian Cup soon this month. Werner, having only scored twice in 14 games this season for RB Leipzig, seems to fit in Ange’s plans. With his pace and hunger, the Spurs boss believes he can fit straight into his teams’ tactics. Provided he finds the form of his pre-Chelsea era, there is an agreement for the North London club to buy Timo for £15 million pounds.
A deal which can help balance the squad depth? So, you’d think, but as one enters from Germany, it seems another is on their way to West-Europe. Having only made four appearances this season Eric Dier appears to not fit Postecoglou’s style. Since not making the squad eight times this term, Bayern Munich are on the move to sign the centre half on loan, a deal seeing the England international link up with his ex-teammate Harry Kane. A good move for all parties.
Sancho to re-unite with ex club?
After being forced out of the Manchester United team early this season by manager Erik Ten Haag, Jadon Sancho needs game time if he still hopes to keep his dreams of being a superstar intact; where better to go than where it all started. Borussia Dortmund are hopeful of signing the winger on a sixth month loan and the deal seems to be all but done as the German giants CEO has since confirmed the deal to be on the table, however it is subject to ongoing agreements. United want a loan fee and an amount of wages covered, a good bit of business by the Red Devils. Sancho made 137 appearances last time out for BVB and was a fan favourite, if he can hit the ground running this move could be pivotal to his career.
Rumours
Currently sitting fourth just five points shy of top spot, Mikel Arteta is turning to the winter transfer window to bolster his ranks in hope of a turn of form and to rejuvenate their title chances. Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen has believed to have caught the Arsenal bosses’ attention and it has since been rumoured they are willing to pay the £34 million pound release clause in the right backs contract. Frimpong of the Netherlands, signed for the German league leaders in 2021 from Celtic and has made a total of 84 outings so far.
Gary O’Neil’s high-flying Wolves are in the market for a striker, recent rumours circulating is that ex-Southampton star Danny Ings could be their number one target. After joining West Ham last season from Aston Villa, Ings has managed to only hit the back of the net three times and as a result has only played on a handful of occasions this season. David Moyes is hoping to clear some of his wage budget and offloading the ex-England international could be the key. However, after a recent injury to Michail Antonio and with the loss of Muhammed Kudus to the Africa Cup of Nations, could Moyes put a spanner in the works for Gary O’Neil.
