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The January transfer window is now well and truly open, and we’re expecting another flurry of activity as the big-spending Premier League clubs look to bolster their squads before the February 1st deadline.However, it won’t all be one-way activity, and there will be a number of stars that trade the glamour of Premier League football for pastures anew. Clubs will need to make sacrifices in order to get their new recruits, especially as spaces are limited to 25 registered players per squad. With Financial Fair Play matters to consider too, we might see just as many players heading out of the exit door as stars that arrive through the entrance.Here are some of the names you can expect to make their Premier League bows over the next month or so, along with where they could be headed.
#7 Mauro Zarate- West Ham United
It looks set to be a relatively quiet month at the Boleyn after owners David Gold and David Sullivan silenced suggestions of multiple signings. However, the Hammers are believed to be interested in Bournemouth target Stephan El Shaarawy, which could pave the way for Mauro Zarate to leave the Premier League in pursuit of another challenge.
The Argentine star has shown his worth this season in spite of limited playing time. Nevertheless, with Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho all ahead of him in the pecking order, Slaven Bilic would have no problems sanctioning a move, especially if it allows the Hammers to complete the signing of their number one target.
Malaga has been rumoured as a potential destination for the 28-year-old. Either way, his future looks set to be away from Upton Park and the EPL.
#6 Bafetimbi Gomis- Swansea CIty
After a tremendous start to the season, Bafetimbi Gomis has become a forgotten man in recent weeks. The 30-year-old is now reportedly weighing up his options, and his club are seemingly happy to let the Frenchman depart.
Qatar could well be a shock destination as Lekhwiya monitor the situation with eager eyes. A move to the Middle East would at least provide the former Lyon man with a fantastic pay day. Meanwhile, the prospect of becoming one of the league’s biggest stars will sound appealing too.
Even if he doesn’t join the Qatari champions, a move away from the Liberty Stadium looks likely.
#5 Lazar Markovic- Liverpool
Serbian midfielder Lazar Markovic has already spent the last six months on loan at Turkish side Fenerbahce, and it seems almost certain that the 21-year-old will be joining the Istanbul club on a permanent basis at some point in January. And the Reds could be set to suffer a huge loss on their £20m signing.
Previous manager Brendan Rodgers clearly paid over the odds for the former Benfica man, and Jurgen Klopp is reportedly willing to accept a bid of well under half of what his predecessor spent just 18 months ago.
Will we ever see the youngster return to the Premier League at some stage? After a disappointing spell at Anfield, the odds are certainly slim.
#4 Gabriel Agbonlahor- Aston Villa
Sorry Aston Villa are in desperate need of goals as they somehow try to mount a bid for the great escape. But it seems that manager Remi Garde has absolutely no faith in club captain Gabby Agbonlahor. Having played just a few seconds since the start of November, it looks as though the 29-year-old’s two-decade affiliation with the club is coming to an end.
Agbonlahor has played just seven times in this term, failing to increase his tally of 73 league goals for the Villans. With a departure looming, a number of overseas clubs are preparing to swoop, with Greek side AEK Athens considered one of the frontrunners.
Without being a world beater, the striker has been a steady Premier League player for over a decade. It’s just a shame that his career at Villa Park is ending with such a whimper.
#3 Sadio Mane- Southampton
Speculation surrounding Sadio Mane’s potential departure was quite strong during the summer, with talks of a potential move to Old Trafford being mooted at several stages. However, Manchester United now face stiff competition from Bayern Munich, and we could well see the Saints star trade the Premier League for Bundesliga action at some point in January.
Ronald Koeman and the club have played down rumours of Mane’s pending exit, but the player’s recent conspicuous behaviour suggests that he could be preparing himself to force their hand.
The allure of football at the Allianz Arena would be hard to resist. If a serious bid is tabled, we could see the Senegalese attacker wearing the famous red and blue before the winter window closes.
#2 Ander Herrera- Manchester United
It’s been a turbulent campaign for most of Louis van Gaal’s squad in 2015/16, but nobody looks more disillusioned with life at Old Trafford than midfielder Ander Herrera. The Spaniard has fallen out-of-favour in recent months and, in truth, his departure from the Premier League looks imminent.
The 26-year-old has shown glimpses of brilliance during his 18-month stay in England, and there will be a number of potential suitors monitoring the situation with eager eyes. Rumours of a potential switch to Italian champions Juventus have gained momentum in recent weeks, and it would not be a surprise if Turin is his next destination.
Manchester United are unlikely to recoup the entire £28.8m fee paid for his services in the summer of 2014, but Van Gaal seems more than happy to cut his losses. Furthermore, the likes of Marouane Fellaini and David De Gea could be subject to overseas interest. Whatever happens, it’s set to be a rollercoaster month at the Theatre of Dreams.
#1 Eden Hazard- Chelsea
The champions have suffered a torrid campaign in 2015/16 and their Premier League crown was virtually surrendered before the title race even began. A number of notable stars have struggled throughout a difficult first half of the season, but none have been as disappointing as last year’s PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard. Could it be time for the Belgian to make his Stamford Bridge exit?
A change of manager at the Santiago Bernabeu will inevitably fuel further speculation about a move to Real Madrid. If the Blancos don’t make the 25-year-old the first signing of Zinedine Zidane’s reign, then PSG could be another potential suitor.
Despite a poor six months, Chelsea could still cash in by commanding a tidy fee for the attacking midfielder. Perhaps letting him leave now could help Guus Hiddink rebuild the fallen champions too.
