January 20th
©IMAGO
The January transfer market is now officially open, with clubs across Europe looking to get deals over the line to enhance their squads for the second half of the season. Teams are already working tirelessly behind the scenes on identifying targets to sign or loan.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals in the market. A plethora of players will be unhappy with their lack of minutes, with their agents aiming to secure them a move to ensure first-team football for the second half of the season. The rumour mill is beginning to pick up pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories.
| Rumour | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
Left Winger
| Man Utd |
| 46 % |
 | Atlético Madrid |
| Premier League | LaLiga |
Saudi Pro League CEO Omar Mugharbel believes it’s ‘only matter of time’ until Vinicius Jr heads to the Middle East. Speaking to Marca, Mugharbel expressed his confidence that the Real Madrid star would head to Saudi. The Brazilian winger was a major target for Al-Ahli in the summer and Saudi clubs are expected to reignite their interest in future windows.
| Rumour | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
Right-Back
| Man City |
| 83 % |
 | AC Milan |
| Premier League | Serie A |
Rayan Cherki could be on the move in January with Liverpool one of the clubs interested in the talented winger. Lyon have reportedly agreed to allow Cherki to depart with a host of top European clubs monitoring his situation. AC Milan starlet Álex Jiménez is reportedly Real Madrid’s top target as they look to add a new right-back.
| Rumour | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
Centre-Forward
| Everton |
| 55 % |
 | Atalanta BC |
| Premier League | Serie A |
Meanwhile, Manchester City have made Raphinha their top target in the summer, according to reports in Spain. The Brazilian has been in outstanding form for Barcelona this season and it’s understood that Barca value him at around €100m. The departure of Raphinha could help raise funds for the signing of Benjamin Sesko with Barca reportedly interested.
