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The winter window is without a doubt less glamorous of the two transfer windows of the season. The big name multi-million signings are rarely seen during this time and yet this period is important. We’ve seen in the past how teams struggling have made some crucial signings eventually leading to a good finish at the end of the season.With just a few days left before the transfer window ends, things are expected to intensify especially in the La Liga with transfer embargos being placed on a few clubs. Here’s looking at five players who could leave Spain in this transfer window.
#1 Sofiane Feghouli(Valencia)
The Algerian has been the mainstay in the Valencia midfield for quite some time now but with his contract up at the end of the season, Los Che are expected to have a difficult time sorting this out. He is often hailed as a game changer and in the past has single-handedly won games for his side. Adding to that is the fact that age is very much on his side. Combining all that, Feghouli is an exciting prospect for any side.
For Valencia the options are limited. They could try and persuade Feghouli to sign an extension or let him go for free in the summer. The chances of the former happening look bleak and the only other alternative could be let him go now for a relatively low price.
Feghouli’s departure could make things worse for Gary Neville’s men who are struggling in the league right now.
#2 Nolito(Celta Vigo)
The Celta Vigo man has hogged the limelight for his brilliant performances this season. Having scored eight goals so far, he has taken his side up to fourth in the league table.
Luis Enrique has often been an admirer of the Spaniard and has made it clear that he wants to bring in his former disciple to the Nou Camp. But the Blaugrana face a stiff challenge from Arsenal who believe that the player could well lead them to the title.
Looking from the player’s point of view, moving to Barcelona could well be a step in the wrong direction. The reigning champions have a set forward line and with Nolito coming in, the competition is expected to get tougher. This could eventually lead to the new man getting very little game time and making no impact at all. Arsene Wenger’s men have often struggled for goals and a move to the Emirates stadium could work wonders for this forward.
#3 Ever Banega(Sevilla)
Unai Emery has played a significant role in developing this Argentine midfielder who in the past has disappointed many for not living up to his potential. In spite of the great work done by Emery, he risks losing him in this window.
Banega’s contract runs out at the end of next season and with hopes of a renewal all but over, it would be wise if Sevilla let him go before the transfer window closes. In that case, Sevilla will be getting a decent sum for their player and could also get in a new player in his place for a lesser price.
He has consistently performed well for Sevilla and was a key player in last season’s Europa League triumph. With him gone, Sevilla could well struggle. A number of Premier League clubs have expressed their desire to sign him and in this window, that could eventually come true.
#4 Marc Bartra(Barcelona)
The Barcelona defender faces a different kind of an issue right now. Luis Enrique doesn’t consider him good enough to start regularly while Vicente Del Bosque sees him as the perfect man at the back for the national side. Under such circumstances, it would be ideal for Bartra to leave Barcelona in this window.
In order to stake a claim and be fit for the Euros, Marc Bartra needs to play regular football and a move away from Spain could well guarantee that. The defender has in the past expressed his admiration for English football and it looks like he could be heading there.
Although not a regular for Luis Enrique’s side, Barta holds the key for Barcelona in the future. However, a temporary move looks imminent. The likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspurs and Inter Milan have expressed their desire to sign him and with a few days left to go, the race for Bartra is sure to get heated.
#5 Jese Rodriguez(Real Madrid)
Under Carlo Ancelotti, the young Jese Rodriguez was a revelation. His goals often led to Karim Benzema warming the Real Madrid bench. However, a threatening injury had an adverse impact on his momentum and since then, Jese has failed to find his place in the star-studded Madrid side.
He is completely fit right now and is raring to go. But Jese will find it extremely difficult to cement his place in the current side. The only way out for him to resurrect his career could be to move to a different club. However unlike his compatriot Marc Bartra, a permanent move away from Madrid is what he needs. Rodriguez needs to move to a lesser competitive environment where he could flourish without being burdened.
Liverpool have been without Daniel Sturridge for quite some time now and look likely to let him leave. A young Jese Rodriguez could well be the perfect replacement.
