The European winter transfer is officially open. We have already witnessed some transfers in the last few days; Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to AC Milan, Erling Braut Haaland joined Borussia Dortmund, Mario Mandzukic moved to Al-Duhail, and Takumi Minamino transferred from RB Salzburg to Liverpool.
In this article, TOP SOCCER BLOG looks at some other 10 likely transfers before the end of the 2020 January transfer window.
1. EDINSON CAVANI
PSG’s club record scorer is not having it easy this season due to injuries, lack of form, and the arrival of Mauro Icardi. With 2020 Copa America in sight, the Uruguayan is seeking more playing opportunities elsewhere. Atletico Madrid are the most likely destination for him as Atletico manager, Diego Simeone is reportedly interested. Cavani’s playing style fits perfectly with that of Atletico, and it is very likely that this transfer will happen.
2. WILFRIED ZAHA
With Chelsea’s transfer ban having been lifted, the Blues are ready to splash the cash once again. They are keen on adding more firepower to their forward line, and with both Jadon Sancho and Timo Werner unavailable in the current transfer window, Chelsea may go all-out to sign Zaha from Crystal Palace.
3. OLIVIER GIROUD
Giroud has seen fewer minutes on the pitch this season as he finds himself behind Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi in the Chelsea pecking order and with his eyes set on making the squad for EURO 2020, France’s number one striker is seeking a move elsewhere for regular game time. The likes of West ham, Crystal Palace, and Rangers have been credited with an interest in the World Cup winner while a move back to France is also possible.
4. CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
With his contract running out at the end of the season, the Dane is free to start speaking to other clubs from January. Eriksen is unlikely to commit to a new deal at Tottenham and will seek to move elsewhere. He isn’t short of admirers as the likes of Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, PSG, and Manchester United are following his situation. Manchester United and Inter will be his most likely destinations should he move in the current transfer window.
5. DANI OLMO
Having struggled to breakthrough from the academy into Barcelona’s first team as a youngster, Olmo secured a transfer to Dinamo Zagreb. Since then, he has raised his profile, especially with some eye-catching displays in the 2020 UEFA Champions League this season. He has reiterated his desire to move away from Dinamo in the current transfer window. Barcelona and Chelsea are in a hot battle to sign him, and both clubs have reportedly already submitted bids for him.
6. ARTURO VIDAL
Vidal has shown his frustration with his limited games at Barcelona this season. The Chilean is keen on moving on this winter, and Antonio Conte is interested in adding him to his ranks at Inter Milan.
7. EMRE CAN
Alongside Mario Mandzukic, Emre Can is the other senior player that was dropped from the Juventus Champions league squad by Sarri. Both players expressed their displeasure afterward— and Mandzukic has already moved to Al-Duhail (in Qatar)— Can is also expected to follow suit. Unlike Mandzukic, he won’t be short of options in Europe. And with both Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay injured, Manchester United could swoop for him.*
8. NATHAN AKE
Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, and Manchester City are struggling at the heart of defence this season and would all be interested in making reinforcement in that area during the current transfer window. Not many reliable centre-backs will be available in January. Nathan Ake fits the mould of a defender who can play at the highest level, and Bournemouth will struggle to keep hold of him beyond January. His former club, Chelsea, have a buy-back clause in his contract.
9. BEN CHILWELL
One of the main contributors to Leicester City’s impressive season so far. Although Leicester are not ready to let him go, interest from both Manchester City and Chelsea is increasing. Manchester City’s left-backs Zinchenko and Mendy are struggling with injuries while Chelsea’s Marcus Alonso and Emerson are out-of-form. With the Blues’ transfer ban having been lifted, they are ready to lure Chilwell away from Leicester.
10. PEDRO
The Spain international has struggled with injuries and form this season and finds himself behind Willian, Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi, and Mount in the Chelsea pecking order. Pedro is reportedly keen on a move back to Barcelona while a move to the MLS is also on the cards.
Written by Muftaudeen Abdullahi Ishola
