Start of a new year means an official start to the January transfer window in Europe. The window opens as the fireworks starts going off around the globe. And there could be some fireworks of its own in footballing terms as far as the transfer window is concerned. Traditionally a difficult part of the year to make big moves. But the very best in the market always find a way to make themselves better. going into the final half of the season, the going gets tough as the knockout rounds emerge. A smart move here or there could drastically change the whole dynamic of the club.
There has already been several high-profile transfers in January itself. Jesse March's Red Bull Salzburg has been raided by both Liverpool (Takumi Minamino) and Borussia Dortmund (Erling Braut Haaland) while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back in Italy with AC Milan. Just like the last decade, he has started this decade with a switch to the Milan-side. The are plenty of rumours which indicate towards some high-profile players switching clubs.
Transfer deadline day remains one of the most frantic and fascinating dates on the calendar. It has seen multiple transfers over the years. Although certain names like Giroud, Pogba, Torreira, Ake, Zaha, Werner don't make the cut, here are the top five transfers that could happen in the 2020 January transfer window:
Jadon Sancho, Borussia Dortmund:
Ever since his explosion to the scene last year, Sancho is tipped for a move back to England. He was the first player this season to score and assist 10 goals. Valued at just about €44.6 million, the young English winger has plenty of suitors in United, Chelsea and City. After Haaland's arrival to the signal iduna park, it is understood that the club will look for offers for its young gun. At just over 19 years of age, he is one of the top players to look forward to.
Gareth Bale, Real Madrid:
"Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order." Bale was already under intense pressure by Real fans because of a lacklustre season last time around. And he hardly endeared himself as he was seen celebrating with a flag displaying the above after Wales qualified for the 2020 Euros. He did score some important goals for the club over the years but they were too few and far between. Having turned down a deal from China in the summer, the 30-year-old winger could be on the move this time around with Tottenham keeping close tabs on their former star.
Thomas Lemar, Atletico Madrid:
The French international was the subject of a €60 million bid from Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in the summer of 2017. But the young midfielder decided to remain at Monaco. Arsenal also failed to lure Lemar in the 2018 January transfer window. He eventually moved to Atletico Madrid for a hefty fee of €52.7 million that summer. But he has been unable to hold a first team place under Diego Simeone. Lyon are reportedly the front-runners for the 24-year-old midfielder.
Edinson Cavani, PSG:
The Uruguayan international has been down the pecking order at Parc Des Princes. He is behind the new arrival Icardi, Mbappe and Neymar. You can judge this by the fact that he has scored only 3 goals for the club this season. Atletico Madrid and LA Galaxy are believed to be frontrunners in this chase. His contact us up in June and could be available for a decent prize in January. The 32-year-old is a proven goalscorer for both club and country over the last few years.
Christian Eriksen, Tottenham:
"Eriksen has fallen out of love with the club". The words of Darren Fletcher in a Football bulletin rounds up his situation at the club. His contract ends in the summer and is also showing no inclination towards signing a new deal. Chairman Daniel Levy may look to recoup some money in January rather than seeing him leave for free in the summer. Valued at around €51.4million, both Real and United are looking to seal a deal for the playmaker.
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