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As we head towards the half-way point of the season, the January transfer window is less than a month away. It is easily one of the most anticipated parts of the campaign as the fans wait in anticipation of some big, surprising moves. We saw many big names such as Alexis Sanchez, Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan, and Van Dijk move the last time around. Will we get to witness that again? Let's find out.
Here's a look at five players who could leave their clubs in January:
#1 Keylor Navas (Real Madrid)
Not the only goalkeeper in this list, Keylor Navas has found himself warming the bench this season since the arrival of Belgian international Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea in the summer.
In a recent interview, the Costa Rican lamented his situation, saying "I went from winning three Champions League titles to not playing".
Though Navas was Lopetegui's choice for the Champions League and Copa del Rey, Santiago Solari has confirmed since his arrival that Courtois is his first choice and will play in the league and the UCL.
The Belgian though has had a nightmarish start to his Real career, but still has the coach's faith. It seems as if Navas is battling Courtois's reputation than the player himself.
As a January move seems eminent, Juventus have been linked with the Costa Rican, hoping to provide some good competition for the current first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
Cristiano Ronaldo may also play a role in the transfer as the Costa Rican would be united with his former teammate, with whom he clinched three back-to-back Champions League titles.
For Real Madrid, losing the Navas may not do much damage as they still have experienced stopper Kiko Casilla and Luca Zidane at their disposal.
#2 Cengiz Under (AS Roma)
21-year-old Turkey international Cengiz Under is one of Europe's brightest young stars and it was only a matter of time before the Roma forward attracted attention from other clubs across the continent.
After moving to Roma in the summer of 2017, Under became the youngest Turkish player to score in the Champions League. He has four goals and five assists to his name so far this season, which is enough to attract the interest of numerous English clubs.
Current champions Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked to the Turkish attacking midfielder. Spurs have reportedly had a £32 million bid rejected by Roma and are now looking at a bid close to £45 million.
It is a little surprising that Under has managed to attract offers this high. The Premier League will certainly be a challenge that the youngster will relish but a price tag this high will also add pressure on him to perform and live up to the billing.
Under's final destination and price are yet to be determined but the player, who's made 10 appearances for his country since his debut in 2016, looks almost certain to move to the Premier League.
#3 Elseid Hysaj (Napoli)
Napoli right-back, 24-year-old Elseid Hysaj could well be on his way to Chelsea, as per reports in the English press. The Albanian has been solid at the back for the team from Naples since arriving from Empoli in 2015. He's played over 150 games from them and has twice finished as the runner-up in Serie A.
It is reported that Chelsea are looking to raid Napoli for the third time in half-a-year after Jorginho, arguably the best player for Napoli last season and coach Maurizio Sarri joined the 5-times English champions in the summer.
Elsied Hysaj's release clause is £44.5 million and despite his consistency for Napoli, he is yet to win a major honour.
Chelsea are confident they can land the fullback as he spent three very successful seasons with Sarri, albeit without winning a trophy.
The Blues fear that a two-year transfer ban is imminent and are in a hurry to sign Hysaj as a replacement for Davide Zappacosta. Things have been far from good for the Italian since his arrival last summer. He is expected to leave at the end of the season. Hysaj would definitely be a viable replacement for him.
#4 Matteo Darmian (Manchester United)
Expectations were high when Matteo Darmian arrived at Manchester United from Torino back in 2015 but the Italian's career at Old Trafford seems to be coming to an end.
After failing to break into the first team, Darmian has attracted the attention of numerous clubs in his native Italy, including Inter Milan and Lazio. Fulham, now coached by Italian Premier League-winning coach Claudio Ranieri, are also looking to get the fullback's signature.
Inter are reportedly unhappy with on-loan fullback Sime Vrsaljko who has had to face numerous fitness issues since arriving from Atletico Madrid. The Nerrazuri have been allowed to sign the Italian as his contract ends this season.
Meanwhile, Fulham, who splashed over £100 million this summer, only to find themselves at the bottom of the league, are looking to sign the defender on loan in January. They plan to convince him to stay after the summer.
After spending three difficult years in England, it is expected that Darmian will move back to his country and Inter look like they will beat other challengers to his signature.
#5 Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Easily the most surprising name on this list, Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak might move away from Atletico Madrid in January, although his contract runs till 2021.
According to Marca, Oblak is unhappy that he hasn't been offered a new, improved contract by the club since 2016. In his defense, he has all the right to ask for a new one. As of October 2, 2018, Oblak had more clean sheets than goals conceded for Atletico Madrid (72 clean sheets, 71 goals conceded).
With his consistency over the past few seasons, Oblak has cemented his place as arguably the world's best goalkeeper, which makes Atletico's unwillingness to offer him a new contract seem extremely daft. They feel that no club will be ready to pay his buy-out clause.
It has also been reported by the English media that Manchester United are looking to sign the Slovenian as a replacement for de Gea who allegedly wants a move to PSG in the summer. de Gea will be a free agent then so it makes more sense to get the deal done in January.
Oblak's current buy-out clause is £87 million and if United pay that much for him, he will become the costliest goalkeeper of all time. Will they be allowed to? That is a question only Diego Simeone can answer. He did confirm that the club and the player are in talks for a new contract but no announcement has been made so far.
Will Atletico be able to convince Oblak to stay? Only time will tell.
