The January transfer window is speedily coming upon us, and it is the time to speculate over which of the biggest soccer players might change teams in this mid-season transfer window. January moves are trickier in action. Many players are reluctant to change midway through a season, and many teams are reluctant to sell a key player at a volatile stage. As a consequence, transfer fees are often inflated in recognition of this. In the same realm but on the other end of the spectrum; there are a host of big names that are coming to the final six months of their contracts. In this regard, a player can pre-sign for a different club (as long as they are from a different league) or simply run down their contract and leave for free in the summer. Some clubs however might be reluctant to see a prized asset leave for nothing, so might cash-in for a reduced fee for an immediate January transfer. So which players might we see make that early move? Find out below.
Which Soccer Stars Could Move Clubs In January?
Kylian Mbappe – (To Real Madrid, Liverpool, Man City or Barcelona)
One of the biggest stars in soccer at this moment, the 22 year-old has already won four league titles, various league cups and a FIFA world cup. This is quite some feat for a 22 year-old, something that many players would be happy to have won throughout a whole career. For clubs and country in all competitions, Mbappe has already scored 189 goals in 297 matches. Seeing how young he is, expect that to quadruple by the end of his sporting career! As a result, it is no surprise that Mbappe is one of the most sought-after stars in soccer. Heads turned after Mbappe’s world-record transfer to PSG in 2017, rumored to be around €145 million plus €35 million in add-ons, rendering him the most expensive teenager of all time. Five years later, we have seen him run his contract right down and looked straight at the exit door. Real Madrid even tried to test PSG earlier in the summer with a €220m bid for the French superstar. Despite an excessive offer for a player with only a year left on his contract, PSG rejected it. Mbappe has indicated that his future lies elsewhere, but perhaps PSG remain confident that they can convince him to change his mind. Madrid (or another side) could test PSG once again this January though. Some money is surely better than nothing? Time will tell, but it is likely that by the summer Kylian Mbappe will be plying his trade elsewhere.
Jesse Lingard – (To West Ham, Newcastle or Barcelona)
Prior to his West Ham loan, it might’ve been strange to see Lingard on a list of stars, underneath Kylian Mbappe. That West Ham half-season has surely saved his career, however. For a season and a half Lingard had looked below-par, citing personal issues as a contributing factor. We haven’t forgotten the mega-season in the lead up to the 2018 World Cup that got everyone speaking about the Englishman; the talent is certainly there. It just seems like Jesse cannot break into this Manchester United team. Bruno Fernandes is a mainstay in the side, with Donny Van de Beek as the ‘CAM’ role backup. Sitting as the third choice attacking midfielder isn’t good for Lingard as he enters the last age of possibly the last big move of his career. Turning 30 in a matter of days, Lingard will surely be seeking game-time elsewhere, especially if he wants to break into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Qatar world cup in 2022. So where could he go? It is very possible that Moyes and West Ham will return with an offer for Lingard, possibly at a cut price £15 Million. Newcastle have also been touted as a potential destination. The newly-financed club do sit bottom of the league, but have been armed with significant amounts of cash to bolster their squad this January. Lingard could be just one of many new recruits. Barcelona are more of a longshot, mostly due to their financial woes. Years ago it might have been laughable to see Lingard linked with Barcelona, but now it would be an understatement to say that he would significantly improve their squad.
Paul Pogba – (To Real Madrid, PSG, Barcelona or Juventus)
Paul Pogba’s Manchester United career has been something of an enigma. There is no doubt that the talent is there; United certainly look a stronger, more creative side with him in the middle of the park. However, it is the lack of consistency that has been the main topic of conversation for the entire duration of his time in Manchester. There was a lot of excitement when Pogba returned to the club in 2016, yet he has never been a mainstay in the side. Injuries have blighted significant periods of his time here, but we cannot ignore many fallouts with various managers. Having been criticized for a lack of effort and commitment, it might be time for United to finally let their French maestro leave. Former club Juventus have been touted as potential suitors, while PSG could certainly afford him and a return to France might be enticing. Pogba has spoken long-term of his Real Madrid dream, so it is likely he will leave, it is just a matter of when and where.