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We're midway through the January transfer window and time is running out for clubs to get their business done. While January isn’t an ideal time for player trading, clubs do scramble during the mid-season to bolster their squads ahead of the remainder of the season.
It also presents a perfect opportunity for players who aren’t playing regularly or need a move to rejuvenate their careers. Here, we will take a look at six players who need a January move to revitalize their careers.
#6 Pedro
The 32-year-old has started just seven matches in all competitions for Chelsea, playing only 312 minutes of Premier League football this term. So, it is quite clear that Pedro does not fit into Frank Lampard’s plans. With Chelsea planning to add another winger, it makes it even more difficult for Pedro to force his way into the starting eleven.
The Spaniard is now in the final months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and his time at Chelsea is certainly drawing to a close. Clubs in America are reportedly queuing up to sign the former Barcelona ace.
#5 Victor Wanyama
The Kenyan international, who came close to sealing a move to Belgian side Club Brugge in the summer, before the deal broke down, has started only one game in all competitions for Tottenham Hotspur, featuring for just 23 minutes during two substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Wanyama joined Southampton from Celtic in 2013, and he starred for them over three years, before his £11m move to Spurs. The Kenyan was an important figure in the Spurs midfield in the 2016/17 season but has struggled with injuries of late.
With the 28-year-old struggling to even get on the Spurs bench, he has been linked with a move back to his former club Celtic. However, the growing injury list at Spurs might hinder his chances of a move.
#4 James Rodriguez
The star of the 2014 World Cup surely needs a move to revitalize his career. The Colombian’s two-season loan stint at Bayern Munich came to an end in the summer with the Bavarians unwilling to make his deal permanent.
Since his return to the Santiago Bernabéu, James Rodriguez has played only 435 minutes of football, making just seven La Liga appearances. Out of the seven appearances, he has started in just four. Of course, niggling injuries have played a part, greatly hampering his abilities.
Although a move seems unlikely, James has been linked with a move to Everton where manager Carlo Ancelotti is eager to be reunited with the player with whom he had relative success during his time with the Spanish giants. Moving outside the world’s biggest football club could help Rodriguez concentrate on rediscovering his best form and kick-start his faltering career.
#3 Ivan Rakitic
Once a key man in Barcelona’s midfield, the Croatian has struggled for playing time this season with the arrival of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax. In his fifth season, Rakitic has started just seven league games with a total of 677 minutes under his belt. He spoke of his dismay over his limited opportunities earlier this season in an interview with Moviestar.
"How can I enjoy myself. How would my little daughter feel if they took away her toy? Sad. I feel the same. They have taken the ball from me. I feel sad."
Barca had hoped Rakitic would leave in the summer but he decided to stay and fight for his place at the Camp Nou. With his path to the first team blocked, it is time Rakitic considers his options again. Surely a move away beckons?
#2 Emre Can
The midfielder joined Juventus on a free transfer from Liverpool in 2018 but things haven’t gone according to plan for him in the Italian Serie A. Can admitted earlier in the season that he was “shocked and furious” after being left out of the Champions League squad. The German international made 37 appearances and scored four goals for Juventus last term, but under Sarri, he has spent most of this season on the bench playing just 279 minutes of first-team football. He’s only started two matches and has been a sub in another six.
It is clear the former Liverpool man does not convince Sarri enough and therefore a move away would surely benefit the midfielder moving forward.
#6 Marcos Rojo
The Argentine, who moved to Old Trafford in 2014, has only managed nine appearances in all competitions during the current campaign. With just 120 minutes of Premier League football and a solitary start to his name, Marcos Rojo looks devoid of any self-belief in his abilities at present.
Rojo was heavily linked with a move to Everton last summer but the move never materialized, due to a long-term injury to Eric Baily and Smalling’s loan move to AS Roma. With the emergence of Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe, United aren't desperate to hold onto Rojo anymore.
The defender is a high earner on the United wage bill, and it seems that a move away may be in the best interests of both parties, as the out-of-favour star seeks regular football.
