With the January transfer window drawing near, we’re about to witness one of the most exciting times in football. A period in the season some managers despise, whilst others relish the opportunity to improve their squad.
A period of rumours circulating left, right and centre, it seems every friend and his dog is getting some inside scoop on random transfer dealings. I myself was convinced by the neighbour’s dog last January, that a Premier League team was going to take a chance on Championship star Kemar Roofe. Though looking back he was probably just after the burger in my hand.
A time of failing New Year’s resolutions, each and every year we succumb to outlandish rumours, believing the likes of Gareth Bale has been spotted wandering around Doncaster. When in reality it’s just a guy buying milk who’s sporting a top knot.
Just as we do with Christmas, transfer fever hits and we immerse ourselves in the time of year, all culminating with Jim White and his yellow tie. Our very own deadline day Santa Claus, though we get to enjoy the milk and cookies ourselves on our own sofas.
I’m going to dive deeper into each team’s performances this season and suggest some additions to each Premier League team for this upcoming window. Players who are desperately needed to salvage one side’s season or further improve another. Starting with the five below, who do you think your team needs?
Arsenal
It’s clear where Arsenal’s frailties lie this season. With an attack that’d scare the majority of Europe, they come unstuck time and time again at the back. A low in confidence striker looks forward to playing Arsenal and the addition of David Luiz this summer was a slice of pure stupidity. With a history of erratic defending, he joins a defence criticised for the exact same.
Maybe out of the club’s price range, but with little game time this season, Samuel Umtiti could be a player to change the club’s fortunes. A World Cup winner at just twenty-six, he’s certainly not shy of experience and he could make the perfect partner for David Luiz of Sokratis in the centre of defence. It may not rectify all of the club’s problems for the remainder of the season but with the promising William Saliba returning from loan this summer, they can start building a defence for the future.
Jack Grealish is another to take into consideration. A creative spark who can feature wide left or through the middle, offering the team some variety to utilise the quality of Alexandre Lacazette or Mesut Ozil, in a correct manner. Though the Villa captain’s value is soaring as he carries his side through the Premier League this season, he’s someone you could certainly build a team around to.
Aston Villa
Though still tilting in and out of the relegation zone, Villa have been very impressive at times this season. Not scared to attack a team, they’ve scored only one fewer than Arsenal and two fewer than Manchester United.
However, defensively is where they’ve looked troubled. Dean Smith’s men have thrown away an unrivalled thirteen points from winning positions so far. In fact, they’ve scored first against four established top six teams and walked away with just a single point.
Ben Gibson, a current outcast of the Burnley squad, could help solve this issue. The £7m rated man has barely featured for the Clarets since signing in 2018. Lots of experience, at only twenty-five, he has plenty to offer at this level.
Wesley has started every league game this season, scoring four goals, offering his team an outlet up top. However, a team needs options, someone to make a difference from the bench or trusted to rotate now and then. Huddersfield took a chance on Karlan Grant last January, scoring four goals in the Premier League. Currently on 11 for this season, his pace and impact from the bench could prove influential in the relegation battle ahead. He knows how to score goals, with evidence of doing so at the highest level. Certainly worth a chance.
Bournemouth
Another side who could quite easily be dragged into a relegation battle this season. Bournemouth find themselves only one point from safety, with one win in the last ten. The Cherries certainly have a reason to be worried.
Struggling to break down the ten men of Crystal Palace in their previous away fixture, they’ve been lacking some flair, which long term absentee David Brooks brought last season. Harry Wilson has impressed this season and offers that spark, but has little influence at times playing wide right. A change in formation is needed for Bournemouth, with someone who can play off Callum Wilson.
Scoring over forty goals in the last three seasons from midfield, it’s a baffling thought as to why no one has taken a chance on Blackburn’s Bradley Dack. A tenacious player and the current catalyst of Blackburn Rovers, he has the ability to pick the ball up in key positions and can score and create goals. With the creativity of Ryan Fraser and Harry Wilson, he could be a pivotal and affordable addition.
Alternatively, Eddie Howe could look past his home-grown philosophy and look at Olympiakos wide man, Daniel Podence. Someone who impressed on both occasions against Tottenham in the Champions League, his skill and work rate really stood out, who would allow Harry Wilson to feature in a more central role. However, little is still known about the Portuguese winger, especially any price tag.
Brighton
With Anthony Knockaert out on loan at Fulham, the Seagulls lost their most creative midfielder last season, accumulating six assists more than any other. The likes of Aaron Mooy and Leandro Trossard were brought in to compensate for this loss, though Lewis Dunk is the club’s joint-top assist provider.
So far, new manager Graham Potter is still experimenting with his side and unsure of his best XI. At present he seems to be trialing a set up with two wingers, though the likes of Pascal Gross and Aaron Mooy have had to feature in unfamiliar roles. With Jose Izquierdo still unavailable and Alireza Jahanbakhsh pretty much surplus to requirements, a natural wide man is needed.
I mentioned Daniel Podence previously and again seems like a perfect fit. Jose Izquierdo made a real impression last season, something Podence could replicate with his skill and trickery. A hard worker though still unknown, from what I’ve seen in each of his Champions League games this season, he possesses all of the attributes to be successful in English football.
Burnley
After two not so impressive performances at Turf Moor and last weekends thrashing against Tottenham Hotspur, a normally reliable Burnley defence looks in trouble. But where do the problems lie?
Phil Bardsley was exposed throughout against Manchester City, but Burnley defend as a unit and that means everyone in the team playing their part. But with an ageing team, they’ve been very susceptible to the counter, with the midfield offering little in terms of protection. Highlighted by Son Heung-Min’s breathtaking solo effort on the weekend. It may not be Sean Dyche’s style, but a mobile and physical midfielder could make such a difference.
He may be far from full fitness but Victor Wanyama is available. A powerhouse midfielder, he has great stamina and is always on alert to get his side back in possession. A transfer that would not likely not break the budget, he knows the Premier League and maybe Sean Dyche can awaken the Kenyan machine.
I mentioned Phil Bardsley before and though Matthew Lowton is available for selection, maybe it’s time for someone to take a chance on Rangers defender, James Tavernier. Another who will likely not break the bank, his pace and exceptional crossing ability would see him fit into the team perfectly. A lot of similar traits to former defender Kieran Trippier who excelled under Sean Dyche.
You’ve heard my suggestions, who do you think would make a great addition to your club this January? Just don’t listen to your dog.
