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La Liga and the Premier League are two of the most widely followed club football competitions in the world. Some of the best players in the world ply their trades in these two leagues. While La Liga is famous for its world-class technicians, the Premier League is renowned for its high-octane action.
Several La Liga and Premier League sides are looking to strengthen in January
With a great number of high-profile players set to become free agents next summer, a lot of business is likely to take place in January. Teams have also had enough time by now to assess their strengths and weaknesses and the winter transfer window is a great opportunity to do that.
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There are plenty of La Liga players who have been linked with a move to the Premier League this month. But let's take a look at five such players from La Liga who are likely to join a Premier League side this January transfer window.
Honorable mention - Keiran Trippier
Newcastle United are all set to announce the signing of right-back Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid. The ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano reported last night that the Magpies and Rojiblancos have shook hands over a deal worth €12 million.
Ferran Torres has already sealed a move from reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to La Liga giants Barcelona this winter transfer window.
#5 Sergino Dest (Barcelona)
Barcelona signed Sergino Dest from Ajax in the summer of 2020 for a sum in the ballpark of €25 million. The US international has shown glimpses of quality but he still has a long way to go. The Catalans haven't had much luck in the right-back position since Dani Alves left the club in 2016.
They've tried out players like Nelson Semedo, Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal but none of them have been able to replicate the heroics of the Brazilian. Alves is now back at Barcelona and should be able to fill in for the rest of the season.
In his official second debut for Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey against Linares Deportivo, Alves impressed immensely. He created as many as seven chances in the game and showed that he can provide serious competition to Dest.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old has failed to impress new Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez. Due to their financial woes, the La Liga giants are looking to offload several players and Dest is reportedly set to be shown the exit door.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with Dest. An injury to Reece James has forced the Blues to look for an alternative option and they will make an attempt to sign the Barcelona youngster.
#4 Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla)
Sevilla signed Youssef En-Nesyri from Leganes in the 2020 January transfer window. The Moroccan international has proven to be a reliable marksman for the Andalusians. He has scored 33 goals and provided two assists in 88 appearances across all competitions for Sevilla so far.
En-Nesyri is being courted by multiple Premier League clubs right now. Arsenal and West Ham United have been linked with the 24-year-old. The Hammers made an attempt to sign him last January as well but the move did not materialize.
Arsenal are reportedly looking for a long-term replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese international has had several disciplinary issues and was recently stripped of the captaincy by the Premier League giants.
Mikel Arteta is looking to bring in a long-term replacement for the 32-year-old and will look to sign En-Nesyri in January.
#3 Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)
Barcelona have been trying to offload midfielder Philippe Coutinho for a while now. The Brazilian international is one of Barcelona's most expensive signings but he has failed to deliver for the Catalans since arriving in 2018 from Liverpool.
The 29-year-old also missed the majority of the 2020-21 season through a knee injury. He has mostly been used as a substitute this term and it's quite clear that he is not a big part of Xavi's plans. Coutinho is among the players that Barcelona will actively look to axe in January.
Newcastle United are desperate to rope in some dark horses who can help them stay in the Premier League. Arsenal have also been linked with Coutinho and Barcelona might be willing to agree a cut-price deal for arguably their biggest transfer flop of all time.
#2 Alexander Isak (Real Sociedad)
Alexander Isak is without doubt one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe right now. The Swedish striker has scored 41 goals and provided seven assists in 112 appearances across all competitions for Real Sociedad since joining the club in 2019.
Isak had a rather underwhelming stint at Borussia Dortmund prior to arriving at La Real. He has since become a very exciting striker and has attracted interest from an array of top European clubs.
Arsenal are prominent among the clubs that are monitoring Isak. With Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likely to leave the club this year, Arteta is keen to sign a striker who could be at the club for the long-term.
As per the latest reports, the Gunners are in pole position to sign the 22-year-old. Barcelona are also interested in Isak but Real Sociedad do not want to strengthen their league rivals.
#1 Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)
Barcelona spent €140 million to sign Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017. The Frenchman has shown flashes of genius but his stay at the Camp Nou has been marred by injuries and disciplinary issues.
In four and a half years at the club, Dembele has made just 127 appearances, scoring 31 goals and providing 23 assists. His contract expires next summer and the club and the player's representatives have not been able to see eye-to-eye over the terms of a new contract.
Dembele reportedly wants a bumper wage package to sign a new deal and Barcelona cannot afford to offer him that due to their financial condition. As a result, the January transfer window represents the last chance for Barcelona to cash in on the 24-year-old.
Liverpool and Newcastle United are interested in signing the French forward with the latest reports claiming the former are favorites to land him in January.
