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With the winter transfer window just over a month away, several players could be on the move in January. If the 2021 summer transfer window is anything to go by, the upcoming one promises to be a cracker.
With several new managerial appointments, including Antonio Conte at Tottenham Hotspur and Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, clubs will be on the lookout for new recruitments. On that note, let's take a look at the five midfielders who could be on the move in January.
5. Ross Barkley
Since his move to Chelsea in the 2018 winter transfer window, Ross Barkley has failed to nail down a regular starting spot at his new club.
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The Englishman established himself as one of England's finest young midfield prospects during his stint at Everton. After joining the Toffees as an exciting teenage talent, Barkley completed the first permanent move of his career to join Chelsea for a £15.12 million fee.
Barkley's move to a big club seemed to be the logical next step in his career at the time, and many expected him to fulfill his potential at Stamford Bridge. However, it was not meant to be. The Englishman has been constantly in-and-out of Chelsea's squad without ever establishing himself in the starting XI. He has had to deal with recurring injury problems as well.
Ahead of the 2020-21 season, Ross Barkley was sent out on loan to Aston Villa. He enjoyed a flying start with the Villans, scoring a goal in each of his first two appearances for the club. However, his goal contributions dried up soon after. In 24 appearances for Aston Villa, Barkley scored 3 times and provided a solitary assist.
Ross Barkley is certainly excess to requirements at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel. It wouldn't be surprising if the Englishman is shown the exit door in January.
4. Isco
Following his 2013 move from Malaga, Isco was dubbed the next big thing for Real Madrid and Spanish football.
Much like Barkley, Isco has not yet managed to reach his incredible potential. At 29, the Spaniard is expected to be at the peak of his footballing powers. Isco was also touted to be the man to lead Spanish football, following the passing of the baton from Spain's golden generation.
However, Isco has been criminally underwhelming for both club and country. He struggled to nail down a starting spot under Zinedine Zidane and has also failed to impress current boss Carlo Ancelotti. Isco is seemingly behind Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Marco Asensio in the pecking order.
In the 2021-22 season, the Spaniard has managed to register only six appearances for Los Blancos— four of them from the bench.
Isco could well be on the move in the upcoming transfer window in search of more first-team minutes elsewhere. The likes of Arsenal and Juventus are said to be interested in the Spaniard's signature.
3. Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho, till date, remains one of the highest earners at Barcelona despite severely underperforming for the Blaugrana.
Barcelona broke the bank in the 2018 summer transfer window to secure a club-record €135 million transfer for their latest Brazilian recruit. Coutinho made the move to Camp Nou amid huge expectations, as was tipped to be the man to replace Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
However, the Brazilian has fared well below expectations. Coutinho has looked like a shadow of his former self during his three-year stay in Catalonia. Unfortunately for the Barcelona faithful, his best performance since signing for the Cules came against his own club.
On loan at Bayern Munich for the 2019-20 season, Coutinho scored a brace to complete Bayern's 8-2 demolition job of Barcelona in the Champions League quarters.
The Brazilian has been afforded more game-time in the 2021-22 season to make a case for himself. However, Coutinho has only managed a single goal and no assists in 11 appearances for the Catalan club. Considering Barcelona's financial situation, they may move Coutinho on in the upcoming transfer to try and recoup some of their losses.
With new owners at the helm, Newcastle United has emerged as a potential destination for the former Liverpool man.
2. Franck Kessie
Franck Kessie is regarded by many as one of the finest midfield prospects in world football at the moment. Some of Europe's biggest powerhouses, including Manchester United, PSG and Real Madrid, are interested in the AC Milan midfielder's signature. The Ivory Coast international could potentially trigger a bidding war in the upcoming January transfer window.
Manchester United could prove to be a likely destination for the talented midfielder. The Red Devils have a gaping hole in the middle of the park due to the lack of a proper defensive midfielder in the squad. If United are to challenge for titles this season, they need a midfield enforcer like Kessie to provide much-needed defensive cover.
According to several reports, the Ivory Coast international could cost upwards of £50million. However, that is a reasonable price in a highly inflated transfer market.
In less than four full seasons at San Siro, Kessie has already racked up 196 appearances. He has registered a tally of 32 goals and 15 assists for the Rossoneri.
1. Donny van de Beek
When Donny van de Beek moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2020, he was one of the most sought-after names in world football.
A year later, the Dutch international has featured mainly in a bit-part role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. While the likes of McTominay and Fred have nailed down regular starting places despite average performances, Van de Beek has been forced to watch from the sideline.
Van de Beek's situation is somewhat of a tragedy, as the Dutchman still remains one of the most talented midfielders in world football right now. Van de Beek was one of the star performers of Ajax's remarkable 2018/19 season, when they won the domestic double and reached the semi finals of the Champions League.
The 24-year old's preferred position is at No. 10, which is currently occupied by Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese completed the move to Old Trafford just six months before Donny's arrival and has made himself an indispensable component of the Manchester United team.
Although the Dutchman can still provide some value in the No. 6 or No. 8 role, he has failed to gain Ole's trust and could well be on his way out this January. If the Manchester United board decides to persist with Ole until the end of the season, Donny will be one of the favorites to jump ship in January.
