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The upcoming January transfer window could be quite a departure from the recent ones. Not a lot of high-profile moves usually happen in January for obvious reasons. Big teams will be wary of parting ways with their players halfway through the season as it could severely disrupt the harmony of their side.
Unless teams have specific problems to address and areas to strengthen, they are unlikely to do much business in the January transfer window. This year is a bit different because there are several high-profile players whose contracts are set to expire next summer.
As a result, the winter transfer window represents the final chance for clubs to cash in on such players and recoup some of their money as transfer fee. Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the biggest transfers that could happen in the January transfer window.
#5 Alexandre Lacazette to Inter Milan
Alexandre Lacazette's contract with Arsenal is set to expire next summer. He has fallen down the pecking order and working his way back into Mikel Arteta's setup seems highly unlikely at this point.
He will be allowed to enter into a pre-contract agreement with any club from January 1. However, Gazzetta Dello Sport (via The Daily Metro) claims that Inter Milan are willing to pay a fee and sign him in the January transfer window itself.
Lacazette has made just two appearances in the Premier League this season and he has come off the bench on both occasions. Lacazette has a lot of quality and could do well for a top team. Inter Milan have been on the lookout for a striker ever since letting Romelu Lukaku leave for Chelsea last summer.
But a move for Lacazette is contingent on the Nerazzurri getting Alexis Sanchez off their books.
#4 Donny van de Beek to Everton
There is a section of Manchester United fans miffed with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for not giving Donny van de Beek enough minutes. But the fact of the matter is that Van de Beek doesn't really fit into Manchester United's system.
He is not a holding midfielder and has not shown enough quality to displace either Bruno Fernandes or Paul Pogba from the starting XI. It's an impossible situation for the youngster as well . He has a lot of quality and is losing out on valuable time that could go into his development.
The 24-year-old reportedly wanted a move to Everton in the summer but it was vetoed by Manchester United. As per Corriere dello Sport (print edition, page 19, October 8, 2021), Everton are still interested in Van de Beek.
Manchester United should ideally look to raise some money that can be invested in a good defensive midfielder, which is the need of the hour at Old Trafford.
#3 Philippe Coutinho to Newcastle United
Philippe Coutinho was tearing it up for Liverpool in the Premier League when Barcelona came knocking for his services. The Brazilian international secured his dream move to Barcelona in 2018 but everything has gone south since then.
Coutinho's move has been filed as one of the worst transfers of the 21st century. He missed more than half of the 2020-21 season through an injury. The 29-year-old has been in poor form this season and Barcelona are likely to cash in on him this January.
According to Sport, Newcastle United are interested in signing the Brazilian international in January. The Tyneside club became one of the richest in the world almost overnight following a takeover by a consortium led by the Saudi Arabian government's sovereign wealth fund.
Coutinho has previously proven his quality in the Premier League and if he can stay fit, he could prove to be an inspired signing for the Magpies.
#2 Anthony Martial to Newcastle United
Anthony Martial has offered glimpses of his brilliance intermittently during his six-year stint at Manchester United. But the club's and the fans' patience is wearing thin owing to his inconsistency and apparent indifference on occasion.
Martial has been in poor form of late and has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United. The Red Devils currently have Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood who can play as the central striker; Martial has thus been deemed surplus to requirements at the club.
The Frenchman is still just 25-years-old and could revive his career at a different club. According to reports, Newcastle United have already initiated talks with Manchester United and the player's representative over a potential deal for Martial in January.
#1 Eden Hazard to Chelsea
Like Philippe Coutinho, Eden Hazard dreamt of moving to one of the Spanish powerhouses. And just like Coutinho, Hazard's big-money move to Real Madrid has only worked out to the benefit of Chelsea, who made a fat profit from his sale.
Hazard has struggled with injuries since joining Real Madrid in 2019. Although he has offered flashes of his genius, he has been nowhere near as decisive as he was during his Chelsea days.
According to El Nacional, Chelsea are now willing to offer Hazard a route back to the Premier League. The report claims the Blues have already entered into informal talks over a potential deal for Hazard.
With Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema firing on all cylinders in the new season, Real Madrid could be open to parting ways with Hazard. However, the report also claims that Real Madrid might ask for Reece James in return for Hazard.
But Real Madrid will need to pay a significant amount of money on top of Hazard if they're to have any chance of signing James. The 21-year-old is one of the most promising full-backs in the Premier League.
