The new year brings a fresh opportunity for clubs across the world to bring in new players. Here are just a few possible transfers for the coming months.
Cody Gakpo to Manchester United
The Premier League giants aren’t the only team in for the Dutch wonderkid, but they are the favourites to secure his signature. Gakpo has starred for PSV since breaking into the first team and an impressive World Cup campaign means a move away from his boyhood club is only a matter of time.
With Cristiano Ronaldo having had his contract terminated following his now infamous interview, Manchester United are looking to fill the void left by the 37-year-old forward. Although not an out and out goal scorer, Gakpo has an impressive 36 goals in 106 league appearances for PSV.
Hakim Ziyech to AC Milan
Moroccan winger Ziyech has been a rarely used player since making the move from Ajax to Chelsea in 2020 but his talent is unreliable. His reported frustration at a lack of playing time has led to speculation about his future, with AC Milan at the front of an ever-growing line of clubs hoping to sign him.
Ziyech has been pivotal for Morocco in the Qatar World Cup, helping them to wins against Belgium and Spain. AC Milan currently sit in second in the Serie A, eight point behind league leaders Napoli. Perhaps Ziyech can be the spark they need to win their second league title in a row.
Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, this deal is all but done, it’s just a matter of if the French forward willing to leave Leipzig for London in January or July. Nkunku has been one of the Bundesliga’s star players since making the move and Chelsea will be hoping he can continue his fine form and bring goals and assists to a faltering attack.
The 25-year-old has a reported £51.9 million release clause in his contract. If Chelsea were to meet that clause, it will be another expensive addition. Graham Potter will be hoping Nkunku can be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Josko Gvaridol to Chelsea
Chelsea and RB Leipzig seem to have a good relationship with the West Londoners hoping to raid the German side for yet another young star. Gvaridol is yet another players who’s impressed at the Qatar World Cup. Playing next to Dejan Lovren, he offers youthful exuberance to a sturdy Croatian Defence.
Thiago Silva should be considered one of Chelsea’s greatest ever signings and although he’s showing no signs of letting up, the legendary Brazilian can’t play forever. Chelsea’s consortium of owners has shown a willingness to invest, it’s unlikely Gvaridol will be strapped for cash should he make the move!
Joao Felix to PSG
Atletico Madrid president Gil Martin has all but confirmed Felix’s desire to leave Madrid, saying that the Portuguese winger’s relationship with Diego Simeone “is not good”. Felix made the move to Atletico from Benfica for a massive £140 million in 2019 but it never felt like a good fit for him.
Given the vast amounts of money involved, there are very few clubs that can even think about making a move for Felix so of course PSG are at the forefront of clubs being mentioned. With Neymar and Messi getting on in years, PSG will have to find players capable of filling their boots. Felix could be one of them.
Jude Bellingham to Liverpool
Bellingham is rare kind of footballer. Immensely mature for his age, having captained current club Borussia Dortmund on occasion this season but with the fearlessness that comes from being 19 years old. Liverpool are currently favourites to sign the midfielder and if they do, they could be set for the next 15 years.
Dortmund signed the young English midfielder from Birmingham City for just £15 million and he has come on leaps and bounds since moving to Germany. Liverpool will likely have to pay around 10x that amount to bring him to Anfield.
Dusan Vlahovic to Arsenal
With reported police investigations into past dodgy dealings, Juventus could find themselves in some serious trouble. The entire Juventus board recently resigned, and the coming storm could make it hard for them to keep their star players. Vlahovic was linked to Arsenal before making the move to the Old Lady.
Top quality number 9s have become a bit of a commodity as football moved on from the traditional big man up top. Now, it seems like everyone is after that Haaland type focal point. Vlahovic could add that ruthlessness to an already impressive Arsenal side.
Ruben Neves to Barcelona
This one may be a little tricky considering Barcelona’s well documented financial troubles but with Sergio Busquets confirmed to be leaving at the end of the season, they’re going to need to invest if they’re hoping to compete.
It’s no wonder that Neves has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, he fits that Busquets mould almost perfectly. A safe pair of feet just ahead of the back line with a supreme passing ability, not to mention a full understanding of football’s dark arts. Neves has done his time at Wolves, it’s about time he got a big move.
Harry Kane to Bayern Munich
The Bavarians may well be top of the Bundesliga but the sale of Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona last summer has been very noticeable. There are very few players that can replace one of the greatest goal scorers of all time, so Bayern are going to have to go big or go home. Reportedly looking to sign Harry Kane, that would be a huge signing.
The England captain is one of his country’s greatest ever players, he just doesn’t have the trophies to prove it. Bayern Munich are a club that almost guarantees silverware, a move would be a smart move for everyone involved. Kane will want the trophies his immense talent deserves.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Sporting CP
For the first time in his career, Cristiano Ronaldo is without a club. His return to Manchester United didn’t go as planned for anyone involved and his explosive interview was just confirmation of his displeasure. Having reportedly rejected around £200 million a season to play in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo wants to stay in Europe.
There aren’t too many clubs lining up to sign the 37-year-old forward so links to his boyhood club were inevitable. The move might be more romantic than logical but you wouldn’t put it past Ronaldo to make it work.
