The January transfer window is just two weeks from opening and teams around Europe have already laid down their plans to sign players and complete the missing piece in their squad puzzle. Amongst all the transfers making the headlines, we take an in-depth look at the Dimitri Payet – Anthony Martial swap deal, Julian Draxler, Ederson Moraes and Joao Cancelo’s rumoured move in January.
Dimitri Payet – Anthony Martial swap deal
Ladbrokes’ odds of Anthony Martial and Dimitri Payet swapping clubs has come down as both Manchester United and West Ham are looking to bring in fresh faces in January.
Experts say – Given the recent shift in odds, the British media has started to accept the possibility of this swap deal happening sooner rather than later. While Martial is struggling to break into Jose Mourinho’s starting XI, Payet has been in good form individually but is playing at a below par team this season.
SK’s take – The deal may seem appealing as Payet would bring flair and quality to United’s play and Martial could play with more freedom given he would not have the burden of succeeding for Manchester United on his back. However, despite all of that, this rumour is a mere fantasy and is unlikely to be completed.
Chances of this swap deal happening – 3/10
Julian Draxler to Atletico Madrid
The German international has been in the headlines since being banned from Wolfsburg and most of the top European sides are ready to make an offer. According to Marca, Atletico Madrid are the latest team to register their interest as Diego Simeone looks to add a new spark to his under-performing side this season.
Experts say – Marca are convinced that Atletico have the funds and immediate need to bring in a flair player like Draxler to Vicente Calderon. Antoine Griezmann and Yannick Carrasco have shared most of the goal-scoring burden and need some assistance going forward.
SK’s take – Atletico Madrid’s timing of signing Julian Draxler seems perfect as the club are sweating over the prospect of losing Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United next summer after reports suggest a big bid is being readied by the Red Devils.
Draxler could be an ideal replacement for Griezmann as the German international also likes to operate from the left wing and support the centre-forward and has an eye for the goal as well.
Chances of this transfer happening – 5/10
Ederson Moraes to Manchester City
Latest reports from Portuguese media have confirmed that Benfica have put Manchester City’s no. 1 target Ederson on the transfer list and the goalkeeper will available for €20-25 million.
The Sun had reported a story last week claiming that City had sent their scouts to watch Ederson in action and were very impressed with the Brazilian’s presence in the box. City are expected to complete the transfer in January after Claudio Bravo’s uncertain start to the season.
Experts say – Sky Sports are convinced that Pep Guardiola wants a new goalkeeper in January and is even prepared to let go Claudio Bravo after just 6 months. Valencia and a few other La Liga sides are ready to offer Bravo an escape route which would free up the space for City to complete Ederson’s signing.
SK’s take – Having seen Bravo struggle to adapt to Guardiola’s playing style, it would not be surprising to see the Chilean quit the Premier League after a brief stint. Bravo is not a keeper who seems comfortable when pressed by the opposition and is a nervous figure when balls are sent in the box.
Ederson has earned a reputation for himself of being one of the best keepers in European football and at the age of 23, he is at the right time to join a bigger club and prove his worth. On paper, it looks an ideal January transfer for both Manchester City and the Brazilian keeper.
Chances of this transfer happening – 7/10
Joao Cancelo to Barcelona
Barcelona are ready to shell out €30 million in order to bring Valencia's Joao Cancelo to Camp Nou, according to Sport. The right-back position has been a problem for Luis Enrique ever since Dani Alves left for Juventus, and at 22, Cancelo is seen as the perfect candidate to fill the role in the long term.
Experts say – Luis Enrique’s team have gone through an inconsistent start to the season, much of which is down to their leaky defence. The right-back slot has been a spot of bother for Barcelona as both Sergi Robert and Aleix Vidal have failed to nail down that position since Alves’ exit. Barcelona have reportedly been chasing right backs for the last few months and Cancelo could just be the right player.
SK’s take – Barcelona have been known to sign the best players from La Liga in recent years and Cancelo is certainly the brightest right back option for the Catalan club to go after. Having failed to lure the likes of Hector Bellerin, Matteo Darmian, and Stephan Lichtsteiner, we expect Barcelona to complete Cancelo’s transfer in January.
Chances of this transfer happening – 7/10
