Five players major clubs will be rushing to sign in January

The summer transfer window closed earlier this month, putting an end to frantic transfer-related activities from clubs. However, there is another transfer window in January and clubs will no doubt look to strengthen in certain areas if they feel the need to.

It’s a common thing nowadays for up-and-coming superstars to be chased by a variety of clubs, and there is most certainly no shortage of young and potentially world-class players that are currently plying their trade in various leagues.

Let’s take a quick look at 5 players that will almost certainly be chased by some of the bigger clubs during January:

1) Jackson Martinez

The Colombian striker has been an absolute revelation for Porto, a club that seems to have a knack for discovering top-level talent from absolutely nowhere (Hulk, Falcao et al).

He was linked to Chelsea and Napoli during the summer transfer window, but a move never materialised. The big striker won’t come cheap although given that strikers like Falcao and Edinson Cavani are no longer on the market, Martinez would be an excellent signing.

He is an instinctive finisher and also a physical presence upfront. He would definitely be on the wishlist of several clubs that would want to bolster their attacking options.

2) Gianelli Imbula

The defensive midfielder is very highly rated in France and some have even compared him to former Arsenal and France midfield general Patrick Viera.

He is an extremely powerful player and is a presence in midfield. Despite that, he is an excellent player technically and has all the qualities of a top-class defensive midfielder.

The 20-year-old is still raw and will not feature in any big clubs’ immediate first-team plans should he sign for a big club (he might be loaned out), but he is definitely one to watch for the future and it wouldn’t be surprising if clubs entered into a bidding war to secure his signature.

3) Julian Draxler

The young German was linked to a few Premier League clubs during the summer including Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. He chose to stay with Schalke for now, but one wouldn’t be too surprised to see him move in January.

Technically able and extremely pacy, Draxler has an excellent reading of the game and an excellent final ball as well as the ability to shoot from distance. He has already been capped for Germnay, quite an achievement given the talent they possess. The 20-year-old won’t come cheap, but he would most certainly be a quality addition to any side.

4) Iker Muniain

The young Spanish winger has been dubbed the “Spanish Messi” due to his creative style of play. Muniain was linked to Manchester United and Arsenal during the summer, but the rumours died down.

Given the sheer talent he possesses he would be a good signing, although Bilbao wouldn’t part with their wonder-kid (who is a graduate of Athletic’s Youth Academy) so easily. The winger’s form was slightly mixed last season but there’s no doubting his talent. Should he express a desire to leave Athletic, many clubs would be interested in securing his signature.

5) Stephan El Sharaawy

The Italian forward has already drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He is extremely quick and likes dribbling around players and possesses a good passing range along with an eye for goal.

Milan wouldn’t necessarily want to sell him but as the old adage goes, everybody has a price. The versatile forward was linked to Manchester City on deadline day this year, but other clubs were also supposedly interested in acquiring him. He is definitely one to watch for the future and any club would be lucky to secure his services.