Representative image.
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The New Year is here. And as January begins, so does the mid-season transfer window for Europe's top leagues.
Take a look at some of the likely transfers that might occur in this window:
Marcus Rashford
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Until he moves to another club, or definite news comes out of United that he isn't moving, Manchester United's Marcus Rashford will likely dominate the transfer headlines.
Having been essentially exiled by new manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford himself has stated his desire to seek a new challenge. The success of Anthony Elanga and Scott McTominay's moves away from the club might have been a factor for this, aside from him being frozen out of the squad, with Amorim demanding more from him.
PSG are reportedly interested, with them missing star-power in their forward line following Mbappe' departure. Besides that, most clubs have downplayed any interest in the Englishman, but will likely make their moves later in the month.
Reports suggest that a loan with Obligation/ option to buy might be the likely deal for him in January.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Following the long stand-off between him and his parent club Napoli, Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen missed out on a move to a big club, and settled for a loan to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
The move, however, seems to be a temporary one. And with the club now looking to move him out of their wage list soon, the asking price might drop enough to tempt clubs from around Europe.
Again, PSG are rumoured to be interested, as are Man United, who view this as a market opportunity to secure a good, experienced forward for cheap, and perhaps replace Rashford in the forward line. However United's league position but be a deal breaker for the 26-year-old.
Chelsea too are said to be looking at him, but their bloated squad might likely deter Osimhen.
Ederson
Atalanta's Ederson.
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Manchester City are in desperate need of a defensive midfielder to replace the injured Ballon d'Or winner Rodri. And Atlanta's Ederson seems to be the answer the have found.
However, they aren't the only suiters of the Brazlian. Manchester United are also linked with him. Further, it might be unlikely he will move in January unless a big offer comes, since Atlanta is amidst a title race with Napoli and Inter Milan in the Serie A.
Viktor Gyökeres
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Swedish breakout star Viktor Gyökeres seems to be on the transfer list of every top club, given his sensational numbers as well as a reported agreement to let him leave for €60-70m, despite having a release clause of €100m.
Again, Man United seem the perfect destination, given that he only stayed at Sporting CP this season believing Amorim will too. But the transfer fee and United league position might be a deal breaker.
Arsenal, who are reportedly also looking for a forward, might make a play for him after missing out on a large amount of attackers in the previous windows.
PSG too might try to strike a deal with the Swede, with their confidence in the Portuguese league having grown following the success of Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves.
Álvaro Fernández Carreras
SL Benfica's Álvaro Fernández Carreras.
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Another player linked to Man United, the Carrington graduate, who left under Erik ten Hag, has a buy-back clause that allows the red side of Manchester to get him back for €20m, as opposed to his release clause of €50m for other clubs.
Desperately in need of a Left back given Luke Shaw's injuries and Tyrell Malacia unable to break back into the team, this seems like an inevitable deal for the club.
Randal Kolo Muani
Randal Kolo Muani.
Credit: Reuters Photo
With limited numbers in at PSG, Randal Kolo Muani is another forward that might switch colours mid-season, most likely on a loan, according to reports.
Man United are a name linked to him, alongside Arsenal.
Casemiro
Manchester United's Casemiro.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Reports have emerged from both South America and Saudi Arabia that Casemiro is keen on leaving Man United in January, and Saudi Pro League clubs are also looking to get him there.
Since Amrim arrived, Casemiro too has gotten minimal minutes, with Manuel Ugarte preferred to him. And United are likely to be happy to let him go given his significantly declined ability and massive wages.
Dani Olmo
FC Barcelona's Dani Olmo.
Credit: Reuters Photo
FC Barcelona signed Dani Olmo in August for around €55 million but with ben the club unable to meet La Liga's wage cap, the attacking midfielder was registered for the first half of the season only.
The four-month allowance is set to expire at the end of the month and Barcelona have lost appeals to provisionally register him. As such, unless the Catalan club can pull out another financial lever, Olmo could leave on a free.
Again, Arsenal and Man United are keeping tabs on the situation, as Olmo will be perfect the #10 position under Amorim at United and a brilliant back-up/competition for Martin Ødegaard.
Ben Chilwell
Chelsea's Ben Chilwell.
Credit: Reuters File Photo
Frozen out of the squad, with manager Enzo Maresca clearly announcing that the left-back isn't in his plans, Ben Chilwell is most likely to secure minutes for himself through a loan.
Besides Man United, clubs from the second half of the PL table will also be suitable destinations for the English national.
Joshua Zirkzee
Man United's Joshua Zirkzee.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Having faced a very difficult time at Man United following his move from Bologna, Joshua Zirkzee is reported to already be ready to move out of the club, with Juventus manager Thiago Motta looking for a reunion through a loan move for the Dutchman