January transfer The market is notoriously difficult to dominate. Even the most reputable recruiting teams have difficulty navigating the minefield.
The winter market is generally about desperation, with clubs eager to resolve the issues that arose in the first half of the season. Because teams hate losing their best and brightest in the middle of the season, ratings often skyrocket.
However, there is still plenty to explore in the January window as coveted stars go up for sale and players enter the final six months of their contracts.
Here are the cheap deals Premier League teams could be aiming for in January 2025.
Suitable clubs: Arsenal, Man Utd, Tottenham
Possible fee: £15-20m
Only Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland scored more goals than Jonathan David in 2024. The Canadian international scored 36 in 50 appearances in the calendar year – a sensational achievement considering he played for Lille.
David has naturally attracted interest from Europe’s top clubs and, with his current contract expiring this summer, he will be available to discuss his future with other clubs this winter.
While the temptation will be to wait until the end of the season and sign the 24-year-old on a free transfer, the centre-forward’s January signing could be guaranteed.
Suitable clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd
Possible fee: £20-25m
Speaking of Canadian internationals whose contracts expire this summer is Alphonso Davies. As Bayern Munich desperately tries to tie the left-back to new terms, there is a growing feeling that this could be the 24-year-old’s last season in Bavaria.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are showing strong interest in Davies, particularly Davies, but the Premier League could prove an equally desirable destination for the defender.
Much like David, the Bayern man will be available on a free transfer in the summer, but a £20-25m deposit in January could force a move. There are several Premier League teams crying out for reinforcements at left-back.
Suitable clubs: Arsenal, Man City
Possible fee: Loan agreement
Barcelona’s ongoing battle to sign Dani Olmo in the summer – still unresolved despite the Spanish National Sports Council’s decision – leaves the Spaniard’s future uncertain.
Having been underwhelmed since his £51million move to Catalonia, the Euro 2024 winner seems unlikely to leave the club on a permanent deal, but a loan deal for the second half of the season could be approved should Barca attempt The attempt to sign Olmo failed.
There are a number of Premier League teams who would be keen to sign the extremely talented Olmo in the final months of the season, particularly the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City who have lacked creativity for long periods this season.
Suitable clubs: Man Utd, Tottenham, West Ham
Possible fee: Loan agreement
Randal Kolo Muani quickly fell out of favor at Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique and now looks a far cry from the imposing and speedy center forward who made his mark at Eintracht Frankfurt. He has scored just two goals in 14 appearances for the Ligue 1 champions this season.
A January exit is looking increasingly likely and both Manchester United and Tottenham have expressed interest in taking the France international on loan for the remainder of the season.
Juventus are also considering a move but the allure of the Premier League could prove too tempting for Kolo Muani, who could rebuild his career with one of England’s elite players.
Possible clubs: Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd
Possible fee: £12.5m
With his contract also expiring this summer, Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly ready to let Jonathan Tah, one of the key performers of the remarkable 2023/24 season, leave the BayArena in January for just £12.5m. That’s a bargain.
The towering centre-back could turn 29 this February, but he is in his prime and was close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer. Barcelona have also reportedly expressed interest.
Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd are among the Premier League sides currently looking for central defense cover and £12.5m is a bargain for a player of Tah’s immense quality and consistency.
Suitable clubs: Aston Villa, Man Utd, Man City, Nottingham Forest
Possible fee: £21m
Douglas Luiz earned his lucrative move to Juventus after several impressive seasons at Aston Villa. However, after just six months in Turin, an exit could already be in the cards for the Brazilian midfielder.
With Juventus reportedly looking to recoup the £21m they spent in the summer – and several players moving to Villa Park as part of the deal – Luiz could be available for a cheap transfer fee.
A return to Villa wouldn’t be out of the question, while Man City, who represented Luiz at the start of his career, could see the diminutive defensive midfielder as the perfect Rodri replacement for the second half of the season.
Suitable clubs: Aston Villa, Tottenham, West Ham
Possible fee: £35m or loan
Marcus Rashford’s public row with Man Utd means there could be an exit for the young Red Devil from Old Trafford in January. Europe appears to be a likely destination, with Italian clubs and Borussia Dortmund reportedly at the front of the queue.
Rashford could be available for as little as £35 million, which would prove a bargain if he is able to rediscover his strongest form. A loan move until the end of the campaign remains entirely possible.
West Ham, now managed by Graham Potter, are one of the clubs interested in the 27-year-old, who could prove to be a shrewd signing in the right environment.