Opinion: January Transfers — My Five-a-side Squad to Leave Before the Deadline

By: Anthony Tazbaz

Image Credit: Nelson Ndongala

The 2024 January transfer window is nearing a curtain call and many big names remain subject to rumours linking them to a variety of clubs. With many top targets already signed with other clubs — Jadon Sancho, Timo Werner, Radu Dragusin, Gift Orban and Donny van de Beek to name a few — only a handful of additional players should see themselves move to a new club within the next nine days.

Below, I wrote my bold predictions regarding the top five transfer targets — which could be assembled for a five-a-side team, hence the title — and a likely move for each of these players before the transfer deadline on January 31 at 18:00 EST. These predictions first begin with the goalkeeper and end with a forward.

Goalkeeper

Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal FC)

Aaron Ramsdale is arguably the best goalkeeper available. The Arsenal shot stopper is unhappy after being relegated to the back-up position following David Raya’s arrival from Brentford FC last summer. Ramsdale’s minutes dropped considerably, despite having a solid 2022-23 season, which was his second as a starter at the club. This season, the 25-year-old Englishman appeared in only 10 matches in all competitions, including five in the Premier League. Moreover, his transfer value dropped from €40m in June 2023 to €28m today, which is the same amount that Arsenal paid for his arrival.

In December, Ramsdale was rumoured to move to Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves), according to Transfermarkt. However, such a move seems less likely after goalkeeper José Sá returned to solid form, which translated into a series of wins and an ascension into the mid-table. Other possible destinations in need of a goalkeeper could include London rivals Chelsea FC, as well as Newcastle United, who are without Nick Pope due to a long-term injury. However, Ramsdale ultimately may not experience such as move, with Newcastle having identified free agent David de Gea and AC Monza’s Michele di Gregorio as Pope’s replacement.

Ultimately, Aaron Ramsdale may go on loan somewhere for the remainder of the season with a possible purchase option. A Premier League club in the lower mid-table that could afford him — even without a purchase option — should pounce on the opportunity. Ramsdale would bring high quality goalkeeping talent and experience for a club that needs to pick up wins and avoid relegation. However, barring a long-term injury or a goalkeeper absolutely wanting out of a club, goalkeepers typically do not move in January. While a loan would be plausible, Ramsdale may have to stay as a back-up until the end of the season and move to a club aiming to reconfigure their squad in the offseason. From a financial perspective, he would at least keep his £3,220,000 salary.

Defender

Leny Yoro (LOSC Lille)

The 18-year-old centre-back is currently regarded as one of the top prospects available among Europe’s top five leagues. Yoro is currently experiencing a breakout season in Ligue 1, in which he raked in 17 appearances — totalling 1,408 minutes — and scored two goals. In all competitions, Yoro made 23 appearances, which also included three UEFA Conference League group stage matches and two qualifiers for the competition at the beginning of the season, where he scored another goal.

His defensive awareness and positioning off the ball, his ball control and his rapid pace are quite noticeable skills for viewers. Scouts from various clubs have also taken notice of his skills, with the young defender linked to major clubs, particularly Liverpool FC Manchester United. Although Transfermarkt predicts only a 25% chance of moving to Liverpool — who lost centre-back Joel Matip to a season-ending injury — Manchester United have emerged as the likely destination for the young defender.

As the rumours suggest, Manchester United seems to be the preferred destination for Yoro. His ability to play under pressure and excel against big clubs such as PSG is a strong asset for a club with a demanding fanbase. To that end, Lille could be willing to cash in on a big transfer, particularly when considering his strong form and potentially inflated asking price, for which United could pay. His €25m value suggests that Lille may look at selling him for a fee near €40m-€50m by the January 31 deadline. However, whether a transfer seems likely in the imminent future or in the summer, expect more clubs — such as PSG, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich — to join the race for the U21 French international.

Midfielders (2)

Amadou Onana (Everton FC)

The 22-year-old Belgian international looks poised to move away from Goodison Park in the near future. In what many see as a crucial piece to succeed the “golden age” Belgian national team from the 2010s, Onana may soon play with some of the best talent at the club level. Despite Everton facing the possibility of relegation amid a 10-point deduction and another possible minimum five-point deduction, he is having a breakout season at the club. With this being his second season at the club, Onana has become a standout player when discussing interceptions, and balls recovered. His awareness in the midfield constitutes a major factor in Everton’s winning record (they sit towards the bottom of the table due to the 10-point deduction). The Belgian international also managed to net one goal in 17 Premier League matches and one goal and an assist in four EFL Cup matches.

Several clubs, especially in the Premier League, have garnered a keen interest in the midfielder. Such clubs include Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle – all of which expressed a considerable desire in bolstering their midfield. Arsenal, who positioned themselves as the initial favourites to land Onana, have slightly fallen in the odds of acquiring Onana, at least in January. Elsewhere, Barcelona have also demonstrated an interest in signing the defensive midfielder. This interest has gained traction particularly due to Gavi’s long-term injury. Barcelona could use another defensive midfielder to fill the void left on the bench, especially following the departures of Franck Kessié to Saudi Arabia and club legend Sergio Busquets who, along with Jordi Alba, joined Lionel Messi at MLS’s Inter Miami last July (Luis Suárez followed suit in December).

While Arsenal remain a prime candidate to land Onana and Barcelona wish to add a piece to a depleted midfield, Newcastle may ultimately become the destination for the Everton midfielder. Similar to Barcelona, Newcastle desperately need to fill the gap left by Joelinton’s season-ending injury suffered in December. Despite Newcastle perhaps needing to pay handsomely — perhaps above his €50m value — Onana would be a perfect piece to not only fill the gap, but bolster Newcastle’s midfield in the long run. If Newcastle were to become a viable contender to win the Premier League and excel in the UEFA Champions League – whereby they finished in fourth place in their group – starting with an Onana signing could help the club attain such feats. However, if Newcastle fail to secure the signing, the Belgian may rather fancy a move to Arsenal, Barcelona or another prospective club looking to add Onana as part of an ambitious project.

Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)

Of all players and as of writing, the defensive midfielder is most likely to leave in January. The out-of-favour Englishman featured in only four Premier League matches, only a third compared to last season (which is also very low for a player of his caliber). In Champions League, however, Phillips made four appearances — totalling 127 minutes — and scored one goal in a 3-2 victory against Red Star Belgrade. However, Phillips is better known for controlling the tempo of the game, which he has failed to accomplish on a consistent basis since arriving from Leeds United in July 2022 for €49m. A departure — most likely as a loan — could revitalize his ailing career.

Phillips was one of the best transfer targets since the start of the month. Since the window opened, clubs from each of the top five leagues inquired about his services. In Spain, it was Barcelona; in Germany, Bayern Munich came calling; in France, PSG were willing to pay for his acquisition; and in Italy, Juventus were prepared to lure him to fill Paul Pogba’s absence and pursue a Scudetto. However, Newcastle and West Ham United emerged as the favourites to sign the Englishman.

As of writing, West Ham are on the verge of finalizing a deal for Phillips. The deal will likely be a loan for the remainder of the season. However, a buy option may be plausible, particularly for West Ham following the departure of Declan Rice to local rivals Arsenal. Expect West Ham to confirm the signing shortly!

Forward

Armando Broja (Chelsea FC)

Born in England, the 22-year-old forward is one of Albania’s star players. After moving to Stamford Bridge on July 1 2022, following a loan to Southampton FC while still being a Chelsea academy player, the Albanian international has yet to crack the lineup. In 2022-23, Broja appeared in only 18 matches, totalling 465 minutes. In that span, he scored one goal and added one assist, both of which occurred within his 15 Premier League appearances — a slight underachievement following his six goals scored and one assist provided during his season on loan at Southampton (2021-22). This season, his numbers are not much better. Although he appeared in 18 matches, he has yet to produce meaning results in the final-third, scoring one goal and adding an assist in Premier League action and adding a goal in his only FA Cup appearance this season.

With Broja valued currently at €28m, a €2m drop from just over a year ago, Chelsea is reportedly worried that his transfer value could dip below that, which may exercise the club to consider a sale or at least a loan. Considering Chelsea’s roster of forward — notably Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and a near return of Christopher Nkunku from injury — Broja may indeed be the odd man out. With Chelsea not competing in the Europe nor for the Premier League title or a European position, it may be wise for Chelsea to at least loan Broja to a club where he would obtain minutes equivalent to that of a starter; it would not make much sense for Chelsea to keep a currently struggling player that would fit into long-term and only play him during cup matches.

Therefore, loaning him would be the most viable option. Acclaimed jounralist Fabrizio Romano stated that the Albanian international may be on the verge of a move out of Chelsea. According to Transfermarkt, potential targets include Wolvers, as well as London rivals Fulham FC and West Ham United. However, these moves do not seem all too likely, considering Wolves may exercise fiscal restraint to stay within financial rules, West Ham United switching course to try and pursue Callum Wilson — unlikely, but not impossible — and Fulham FC only having an 18% chance at signing Broja.

However, Fulham’s emergence as a possible target may indeed materialize into a move to Craven Cottage, especially after Chelsea have qualified for the EFL Cup final and Fulham lost to Liverpool in the other semifinal. This would avoid any possible hinderance towards Chelsea winning its first title since the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup. Newcastle may also become a club to watch in the Broja sweepstakes should Wilson sign with West Ham. Ultimately, Broja may opt for more playing time elsewhere, but only for the short-term. Clubs such as Fulham and Wolves would likely take that option via a loan for the remainder of the season, perhaps with a buy option following the season’s end. On the other hand, West Ham may as well be counted out of the race at may fancy a medium- to long-term solution for their attack. Beyond these clubs, Broja may well be a viable candidate for any club looking to bolster their attack, especially considering that he remains one of the best forwards available in the winter market.

Comment your thoughts on potential transfer targets. Will they leave before the January 31 deadline or during the summer transfer window?