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High-profile transfers generally don't tend to happen much in January. Teams are usually opposed to tampering with their systems halfway through the season. Stopgap solutions and potential impact signings are approached with caution in the January transfer window.
However, that is not a rule and several teams could be open to doing business in January. There have been some very good examples of great January transfer signings in recent years.
Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool and Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United are two examples of January signings who ended up having a galvanizing effect on the team. We saw plenty of high-profile deals go over the line during the summer transfer window.
Many European sides invested heavily in the summer and are thus unlikely to do the same in the January transfer window. Yet several big stars are expected to be on the move next month.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the biggest stars who could move in the January transfer window.
#5 Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)
After Jesse Lingard's outstanding loan spell at West Ham United in the second half of the 2020-21 season, it was clear that he deserves to play regularly. Unfortunately for Lingard, it doesn't look like it will work out for him at Manchester United.
The Red Devils have Bruno Fernandes playing the role of attacking midfielder and the Portuguese international is untouchable. Lingard might want to stick around and see if he will feature in new manager Ralf Rangnick's plans.
Lingard's current contract with Manchester United expires next summer. Newcastle United and West Ham United are all interested in the 28-year-old. If he doesn't extend his contract, the January transfer window will be United's last chance to cash in on him.
#4 Aaron Ramsey (Juventus)
Aaron Ramsey is one of the highest earners at Juventus. He reportedly pockets €7 million a year. However, the former Arsenal midfielder's move to Turin hasn't worked out to anyone's liking. He has not performed at the levels expected of him, earns way too much and has constantly struggled with injuries.
He has already missed close to two months of action in the 2021-22 season due to various injury issues. As a result, Juventus are reportedly willing to cut ties with him in January. As per reports, the Old Lady are so keen to get him off their books that they wouldn't mind letting him leave for free next month.
Leeds United are leading the race to sign the 30-year-old Welshman. Newcastle United and Everton are also reportedly interested in Ramsey.
#3 Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig)
Bolstering the midfield department is reportedly a priority for Manchester United's interim manager Ralf Rangnick. He wants to rope in central midfielder Amadou Haidara from his former club RB Leipzig in January.
The Malian international has a release clause in his contract with RB Leipzig which will come into operation next summer. But Manchester United are reportedly keen to offer €33 million and sign him when the January transfer window opens.
Haidara has previously expressed his desire to play for the Red Devils. In a 2019 interview, he said:
“My dream club is Manchester United. I will fight with all my strength to one day play for that club.”
Haidara is the kind of midfielder that United need right now. He is excellent at winning the ball back and his ball retention skills are also quite good.
#2 Ferran Torres (Manchester City)
Ferran Torres was the leading goalscorer at the recently concluded UEFA Nations League. He is currently sidelined with a fracture in his right foot. However, Torres is being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.
Reports claim that Torres is close to securing a move to the Camp Nou. Barcelona and Manchester City are nearing an agreement. The Cityzens have reportedly slapped a €60 million price tag on the Spaniard. Barcelona can only offer €45 million but they're optimistic about convincing Manchester City.
The two clubs have a good working relationship and that could help them in the process. Torres has impressed in his brief stint with Manchester City so far. In 43 appearances for the club across all competitions, the 21-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided four assists.
#1 Edinson Cavani (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Manchester United was always going to be bad news for Edinson Cavani. It is also unfair to the Uruguayan international, who did a stellar job in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo's arrival and Cavani's injury problems have reduced the latter's involvement to just eight games this season across all competitions. He has only started two of those. Although he will turn 35-years-old in February, Cavani is still a great striker.
Barcelona are without an out-and-out striker as Sergio Aguero and Martin Braithwaite are sidelined due to ailments. Luuk de Jong's form hasn't been inspiring either. Cavani is reportedly waiting to see if he is part of Ralf Rangnick's plans at Manchester United.
If he is not convinced, he will reportedly be keen to move to Barcelona. The Catalans will be keen to rope him in as he will be available for cheap since his current deal with Manchester United expires next summer.
