The January transfer window is just days away, and while Jim White’s yellow tie is no longer going to be brandished all over our screens, the potential deals to be done could be extraordinary in the coming weeks. Many big moves are already being touted, or rumoured to be agreed in principle for the summer window, meaning January could see big name replacements being lined up, or with the injuries and Covid impact piling up, clubs may look to re-enforce or stockpile talent ahead of a busy second half to the season. Likewise, with AFCON on the horizon, many sides will be losing key players and again may look to fill these gaps. So, brace yourself for another 4 weeks of rumour, speculation and chaos as we enter the January transfer window, and see the next Bruno Fernandes, Fernando Torres and Van Dijk level moves over the 31 days of January.

In this post, we have picked out 3 of our most likely movers, and players who I believe could create the biggest impact with a potential domino effect that could follow. If you have any other players you think could be on the move, let us know on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and tell us who you’ve got your eye on.

Kieran Trippier

First up, in a deal that surely must be done over summer, and could be a signing we look back on in 5 years time as the starting point of a new era for Newcastle United, is Kieran Trippier. Newcastle have taken the lead in the race for Trippier, after Manchester United decided against a move in the summer for the right-back. Newcastle look pretty weak all over the pitch, and must be sensible and realistic in January, as despite becoming the wealthiest club in England, they simply cannot go and sign a whole new starting XI and must instead build up in phases, with the likes of Trippier and Tarkowski now, and then the Mbappe signings in a few years time. So, Trippier to Newcastle is a signing I expect to see happen in the opening weeks of the window, as Newcastle will look to strengthen quickly, and are unlikely to have to contend with a long drawn out negotiation for the Englishman as it seems highly likely he will agree terms quickly to join Howe’s new project. We have seen how Trippier is a quality Premier League player, and working with Simeone in Spain will have only developed him further, so I expect him to come into Newcastle, and really become a leader for the side as they build up and become a force in the Premier League for years to come.

Anthony Martial

Next up, is a player who will be on his way out of England, as his career never reached the potential it could have, in Anthony Martial. The Frenchman has been reliable but not outstanding in his time at Manchester, and after falling down the pecking order with the arrival of Ronaldo, Sancho, Cavani and development of Greenwood and Rashford, he is maybe down to 5th or 6th choice in his position, and now reaching an age where a move needs to happen. His agent has come out and stated he wants a move in January, while Rangnick has been clear that the players who want out can speak to him any time and he will make it happen, therefore I foresee a move elsewhere in Europe for the striker. His options are plenty, as sides in Italy have expressed interest, Barcelona have just lost Aguero and Monaco could look to bring him back where he first shone. It will be a massive loss for United financially, however after he has failed to take his chances and really push on to the level expected, he is at serious risk of dropping off and being paid to sit at home if this continues. Therefore, I can see United trying to cash in as much as they can, and maybe going as low as £15million for the striker who will make a fairly quiet departure from English football to rebuild elsewhere. I think whoever gets him in Europe will be getting a bargain, but English football hasn’t worked out for him, and his style of play will not work in Rangnick’s vision for the club.

Dušan Vlahović

The final player who could be on the move, is one that I really don’t know where he will end up, but could potentially create a huge domino effect for the summer, and that is Fiorentina striker Vlahović. The Serbian has been a goalscoring machine in Serie A, netting 33 goals in 2021 (to date), equalling the record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in Serie A. As a result, most top European sides have expressed an interest in the forward, as most are hunting for a new striker, or will be in the summer. Juventus, Manchester City, Real Madrid and PSG have all shown interest, however it is interest from two other clubs that could be the most dramatic. Tottenham Hotspur were interested in the summer, and will renew their interest in January, which could be the final piece of the puzzle that allows Kane to leave the club in the summer, thus creating potentially huge repercussions. Likewise, Dortmund showing interest could again signal the move of Haaland which most expect in the summer, however investing in a replacement at this stage is a very Dortmund thing to do. Personally, I would love him to move to either Dortmund or the Premier League, as the ‘easier’ route of Juventus will not provide the challenge of another league, Dortmund would be great for development of this gem, and the Premier League would be greatly improved if a striker of his quality was to arrive. Whatever happens with this one, the fallout and potential from this move could be huge.