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The January transfer window is just as important as the summer window. Teams often use the second window to correct the mistakes and complete any incomplete business in the summer window. The January window offers players the chance to press the reset button on their seasons and most importantly, their careers.
Some senior players have clearly overstayed their welcome at their clubs. January offers them the chance to salvage the remaining years of their careers.
Here are three players who need a move in January.
3. Gareth Bale
Isn’t it strange to think that Gareth Bale is a 4-time UCL winner, yet most Real Madrid fans would sell him tomorrow? Unfortunately for Bale, he has not lived up to the standards set by Cristiano Ronaldo and that’s where everything went wrong. With the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner leaving for Juventus, Bale was meant to take his place, instead, the Welshman found himself in the physio room frequently. On top of that, rumours began to circulate about how isolated he was from the rest of the team, often placing golf higher on his list of priorities as opposed to his football club.
Last summer, Bale’s mega move to China failed to come to fruition as Zinedine Zidane pulled the plug. This came as a shock to everyone as the Frenchman had spent months upon end slating the Welshman. The 30-year-old has lived out a dream in Spain, but that dream has quickly turned into a nightmare that he now needs waking up from.
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2. Nemanja Matić
Brought in as one of Jose Mourinho’s disciples, Nemanja Matić has not found the same favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Back at Stamford Bridge, the Serbian was hailed as one of the best midfielders in the world for his consistently solid performances. Matić was often labelled as the brick wall, as he would shield the defence while initiating attacks simultaneously. However, we have not seen that side of the midfielder at Old Trafford.
This season the out of favour 31-year-old has only made three Premier League appearances. Granted he’s had a few niggles but even in the times he’s been fit, Ole has not deemed him worthy of a United shirt. On top of all that, the Serbian has fuelled rumours of an exit by liking an Instagram post linking him with a move to Tottenham. And why not? He would get to link up with his mentor Jose Mourinho again.
1. Granit Xhaka
From Captain fantastic to an outcast, Granit Xhaka’s fall from grace has been exponential. After explosively clashing with the supporters during a disappointing draw with Crystal Palace, the Swiss international has not been seen in a matchday squad since. Xhaka has been scapegoated by the media and fans for Arsenal's poor form this season. Even Unai Emery himself has expressed uncertainty over whether the 27-year-old will ever play for the Gunners again.
In his three years at the club, Xhaka has always been branded as not good enough due to his rash tackling and poor positioning. Rumours suggest that both the Milan clubs are interested in taking on the former Arsenal captain in a loan deal to the end of the season. In the summer, all parties concerned would then reassess what’s best for the future. A change of scenery would be the best thing possible for Xhaka’s reputation and his family’s wellbeing.
