The 12 biggest transfers set to happen in the January window

Updated: 2 Nov 2023 09:49 GMT
6 min read

Emile Smith Rowe, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © ProShots

The January transfer window is just under two months away and already we are seeing a number of names linked with moves from their respective sides.

The last winter window saw the British record transfer smashed, with Chelsea continuing their brazen approach to the market, and a number of sagas unfolding amid lots of twists and turns. This upcoming January is set to be no different.

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There were plenty of players who failed to get their move away over the summer window and have remained with their current club. All are now looking for a new club to kickstart - or progress -their career.

Here FootballTransfers goes through the most notable names who are more than likely to move in the New Year.

Fabian Ruiz

Fabian Ruiz has been impressive at Paris Saint-Germain, but he is lacking in minutes with the French outfit. The midfielder has struggled for game-time under Luis Enrique despite them working together before and there have already been reports about a potential return to Italy, with Juventus linked. The Old Lady are now without Nicolo Fagioli and Paul Pogba for the rest of the season, with betting and doping bans respectively, and are looking to bolster their midfield. Ruiz is believed to be among their targets.

Andre

Andre is set to face off against Boca Juniors for Fluminense in the Copa Libertadores Final. In January it’s thought that the Brazilian will depart the club, with Liverpool, Fulham, and West Ham all reportedly keen. The player admitted that he was the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs, but he ultimately wanted to see out the season with his current club. A move this upcoming window seems inevitable, however.

Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea over the summer window. The attacker recently changed agents, to join up with the firm run by Kylian Mbappe. Players typically do this when a move is on the horizon, and with the Frenchman, it appears no different. The versatile forward may particularly be open to a move as Lyon contend a terrible start to their 2023/24 campaign.

Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney is set to return from his ban for breaching gambling rules in January. The Brentford striker has been extensively linked to clubs in the Premier League. The likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United have all been suggested as interested parties. His eventual sale, and the reports around it, could become one of the biggest sagas of the upcoming window, especially given that the Bees have set a whopping £100 million asking price of his head in the hope of keeping Toney until the summer.

Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made the surprising choice to bring in David Raya to compete with Aaron Ramsdale. The England international has been dropped to the substitutes' bench as a result and is lacking minutes. Chelsea are keen on acquiring another goalkeeper and there have been suggestions that Ramsdale would be open to a move away from the Emirates. The former Gunners No.1 is certainly one to watch out for ahead of January.

Eric Dier

Eric Dier is out of favour at a reinvigorated Tottenham. He is not getting game-time and wants to have minutes to stand a chance of featuring in England’s Euro 2024 campaign. Reportedly the Englishman is searching for a new club - with the likes of Roma keen on bringing him in, with Jose Mourinho previously working with the defender. Dier may be enticed by the Serie A especially, given the way some of the careers of his compatriots have gone there. What's certain is that his future is up in North London.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Real Madrid have been impressed with Kepa Arrizabalaga and there are suggestions that they are wanting to speak to Chelsea over a permanent deal.

The Spaniard joined Los Blancos on a loan deal over the summer to cover for the injured Thibaut Courtois and the club are, by some accounts, impressed with how he has done. He has already spoken openly about wanting to stay in Spain and all indications suggest that Real will look to secure him for the future.

Victor Roque

Barcelona signed 18-year-old striker Victor Roque from Athletico Paranaense for the 2024-25 season but it’s thought that the side could promote the Brazil ace to their first-team squad as early as next January. Deco, the club’s sporting director, said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that his move could take place sooner, but only if Barcelona can comply with La Liga's financial fair play rules. "We don't know yet if we can bring him or not, but if we can bring him in January, he would be to join the team, " he stated.

© ProShots - Vitor Roque could move to Barcelona as soon as January

Kalvin Phillips

Kalvin Phillips was adamant that he wanted to stay and fight for his place at Manchester City over the summer, but now that appears to have changed. Even when Rodri was out following a three-game ban, the midfielder failed to impress on the pitch. Newcastle and West Ham have been linked to the former Leeds star but it’s not clear yet whether Man City would entertain a loan. In any case, Phillips looks destined to leave the Eithad in the winter window.

Nico Williams

Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams has been extensively linked to Barcelona as his contract expires with his current side in June 2024. There have been reports that he has already agreed a deal in principle with the La Liga giants, but there are undoubtedly a whole host of clubs looking to snap up the attacker. It's thought Athletic are continuing to try and get him to sign a new contract but so far nothing has been secured.

Trevor Chalobah

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is another whose departure to another side seemed imminent. He ended up staying at Stamford Bridge but still is unable to secure game-time. Now reports suggest that he is set to be forced out of the club. Man Utd, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly hopeful of securing a deal for the 24-year-old. It’s been a long time coming for the youngster but he finally looks set to depart Chelsea for greener pastures.

Emile Smith Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe has been left out of Arsenal’s side this season and is even struggling to find himself on the team sheet for matches in the club’s domestic competitions. Everything points to a move away for the youngster. The attacker’s stunning form in the 2021-22 season means he will be not short of suitors in the upcoming window. It’s a sad end for the Gunners academy graduate but it’s now evidently clear that he is not among Mikel Arteta’s plans for the future.