We’re midway through the 2023/24 Premier League season, which means the January transfer window is now open!
Dipping into the market mid-season is often seen as a desperation move, with clubs turning to panic buys in attempts to turn around their seasons.
It’s considered a less than ideal time to do business, with inflated prices and teams refusing to let go of their star players midway through the campaign.
Nevertheless, some of the most iconic signings in Premier League history have been done in January. Liverpool snapped up Virgil van Dijk in 2018, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining Arsenal that same year.
Manchester United brought in defensive duo Nemanja Vidić and Patrice Evra in January 2006, whilst Manchester City signed legendary Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Džeko in Jan 2011.
So big business is possible to do this month, will we see similar this time around? Here are five big moves we could potentially see this January…
1. Ivan Toney to Arsenal
With his ban from the game set to end on January 16th, Ivan Toney is hot property once again and several top teams in the league are eyeing up his signature. But no team has been linked to the Brentford striker more than Arsenal in recent weeks.
A move won’t be straight forward for the Gunners, because the Bees have reportedly set an eye-wateringly high price for their forward man, rumoured to be north of £100 million.
After all, with Bryan Mbeumo, who started the season so strongly with seven goals in 15 games, out for the foreseeable with an ankle problem, Thomas Frank will be keen to hold onto his star-striker, who bagged 20 goals in the league last season.
But Arsenal need goals, with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz yet to set the league alight in front of goal and a tight title race in front of them, we can see them digging deep to get this one done.
2. Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle United
It hasn’t been easy for Kalvin Phillips at Manchester City, with limited game time and harsh criticism from Pep Guardiola regarding his fitness.
It means the England international is expected to be on the move this January, with a number of clubs interested in bringing him on board.
The most likely of those clubs to sign him is Newcastle, who have struggled with a lengthy injury list all season, as well as a ban for summer signing Sandro Tonali.
The way teenager Lewis Miley has settled into the first team at just 17 years old could mean Newcastle hold onto their cash and look to strengthen elsewhere, but Phillips remains a viable option for the Toon.
3. Aaron Ramsdale to Chelsea
With David Raya seemingly cementing his position as Arsenal’s number one, Ramsdale has found himself short on game time. Mikel Arteta insists the pair are in competition, but it’s clear the Spaniard favours his compatriot between the sticks.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the capital, Chelsea’s own summer signing, Robert Sánchez, is currently out with a knee injury, meaning the Blues could be tempted with a bid for the Englishman.
It would be a statement move from Chelsea, although financial restrictions could play a part, and Arsenal may not want to lose a player to a Premier League rival.
This one is probably unlikely, at least this month anyway, but stranger things have happened.
4. Timo Werner to Manchester United
Goals have been at a premium this season at Old Trafford, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them dip into the market for some added firepower upfront.
One of the names being floated around as a possible target is current RB Leipzig and former Chelsea striker Timo Werner.
The German didn’t set the world on fire during his brief spell at Stamford Bridge, but a lack of game time this season suggests RB Leipzig are willing to let their man go, and United are in need of attackers to ease the pressure on Rasmus Højlund.
5. Michael Olise to any ‘Big 6’ Club
There’s little doubt that Michael Olise has turned some heads recently. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the hottest young talents in the league at Crystal Palace and, naturally, is now getting interest from the top teams.
Olise has notched five goals in nine games already this season, so it’s unlikely Palace will want to let him go midway through the season, but a significant bid could test their resolve.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all understood to be keen, but it would take a hefty price to prize him away from Selhurst Park.
Any big potential transfers you think are a possibility this January? Let us know over on the socials @JDFootball, where you’ll find all the latest news and opinions!
Check out our JD Football blog page, too, where we’ll wrap-up all the big talking points from the transfer window at the end of the month!
