The Most Likely Transfers to Happen in January According to Reports

It looked certain that after his very successful loan spell at West Ham last season that he was going to part ways with his boyhood club Manchester United in the summer. Lingard, however, wanted to fight for his place, which hasn’t gone to plan with no starts in the league this season, and only eight substitute appearances, meaning if he has ambitions of getting into the England World Cup squad, he would want to find first-team football.

Lingard’s contract expires in the summer, making him eligible to sign a pre-contract with clubs in January and risk United losing him for free, making it likely United would want to cash in on him in January. Lingard has many suitors both in England and abroad, making it likely he will choose a team based on promises of game time such as West Ham United.

Potential destinations: West Ham

Anthony Martial’s agent has recently come out stating that his client would like to leave United with the opportunity for game time being reduced. He has only played seven league games this season, starting only twice and has only produced one goal in his 210 minutes of Premier League football last season.

At the end of the 2019/20 season, Martial was a very valuable player, as he was off the back of 17 goals and six assists in the league, and a potential partnership with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood looking to be formed.

However, over the last 18 months, not only has his form declined, but his physical attributes looked to have taken steps back. His burst of pace which was a massive attribute of his seems to have gone with all the injuries that have stacked up for him over the last few years.

It just looks like this honeymoon is over for him and United, and it seems for the best now.

Potential destinations: Spurs, Everton, Lyon, PSG

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being stripped of the captaincy by Mikel Arteta and his form over the past two seasons disappointing compared to his huge contract, it could be likely Arsenal will be willing to let Aubameyang go in January.

With a reported wage of £350,000-a-week, Arsenal will most likely have to let him go with a small transfer fee, and may have to cover some wages, but may be willing to just rid themselves of the former captain.

Arteta’s summer transfers suggested he is trying to go with a youthful approach, and with Aubameyang at 32 years old and potentially a dressing room problem, Arsenal might try and go after a younger striker in January.

With the Gabon man most likely displeased with being stripped of captaincy, it might become a mutual decision where both sides will be looking for a possible transfer in January. Either way, he needs to go.

Potential destinations: Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Inter Milan

It was a surprise in the summer when Chelsea decided to keep a hold of Ross Barkley with it most likely ending up with him on the bench. This has panned out with him, he’s only started one Premier League game all season, whilst only making just three substitute appearances. It was clear in spells with Aston Villa last season that the talent with Barkley was still there, it's just about making it consistent and avoiding injury.

With his high wage, a loan option will be the most likely, Barkley will want this to prove he can potentially be a part in Chelsea’s future plans. Chelsea will want this so he can raise his transfer value enough that they can get a good price for him in the summer. With clubs like Leeds United and Burnley interested in the midfielder, there are definitely clubs willing to give him first-team football.

Potential destinations: Aston Villa

Dele Alli has been out of favour at Spurs for around two years now, with it now being three managers that have not favoured him in their starting XI. With only one goal in the past two seasons in the Premier League, and that being a major reason for him being regarded as one of the best youngsters in the league a couple of years ago, it doesn’t make sense for Spurs to hang onto him.

Alli clearly needs a new start with a team built to his needs, as his best position is playing just behind a striker, making late runs into the box, and scoring goals - something he hasn't done for years now. Recently he has been moved back into central midfield or out wide where he has been asked to be creative which isn’t his game. With Spurs not looking to get in a way of a move, and big clubs such as PSG and Aston Villa linked to his signature, there are many suitable situations where Alli can try and revive his career.

Potential destinations: Aston Villa, PSG, Everton