5 Premier League players who need a January move

With the January transfer window now open, speculation over potential deals is set to go into overdrive over the course of the next few weeks. Here are five Premier League players who are in desperate need of a move this month.

 

5 Premier League players who need a January move

 

Donny van de Beek (Manchester United)

It is fair to say Van de Beek has been a serious flop. Having joined United from Ajax 18 months ago for £40 million, the Dutch midfielder has failed to force his way into regular contention. Interim boss Ralf Rangnick does not appear to be any more of a fan of Van de Beek than his predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, so he seems certain to remain on the fringes at Old Trafford.

However, Van de Beek has reportedly split with his agent and this could make a January move more complicated to force through as he works with new representation in any negotiations.

Van de Beek only started two Premier League games for United in 2021 but there is a chance Rangnick’s successor will want to take a look at him come the end of the season, making a January move tricky.

Perhaps a loan move, similar to Jesse Lingard’s switch to West Ham a year ago, would be smart for all parties in the case of Van de Beek, who has lost his spot in the Netherlands squad. Rangnick has indicated he would prefer to keep Van de Beek, however, so he could be stuck.

 

Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal)

Another big-money flop, Pepe is no longer a regular starter at Arsenal with Bukayo Saka now the usual selection on the right side of the Gunners attack thanks to his sparkling form.

The quality of Pepe is not in doubt. To earn his £72 million move to Arsenal – breaking the club’s transfer record in the process – Pepe had hit 22 Ligue 1 goals in the 2018-19 season for Lille.

Pepe will be on international duty with Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations this month, which offers him a chance to showcase his talent for potential suitors around the world. But if the Elephants have a deep run in the tournament – and they are among the favourites for the title – then sorting out a deal before the transfer window closes might be tough.

Pepe managed 10 Premier League goals in an up and down season last term but he has not found the net yet this campaign, with Mikel Arteta restricting him to just five starts in the league. Everton, Crystal Palace and – inevitably – Newcastle United have all been linked with Pepe.

 

Nat Phillips (Liverpool)

Phillips came of age for Liverpool last term as the centre-back helped to resolve a defensive injury crisis, but he has barely been seen this term. The summer signing of Ibrahima Konate, coupled with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez returning to fitness, means Phillips has only been on the bench in four Premier League matches this term.

Phillips proved last season that he is capable of playing in the top-flight and the 24-year-old would be a good signing for any team in need of reinforcements for their back line. A fractured cheekbone has kept Phillips out lately but he should be fit to move this month, with West Ham among the Premier League teams said to be interested in pursuing a January deal for the defender.

 

Dele Alli (Tottenham)

Antonio Conte has completed his assessment of Tottenham’s strengths and weaknesses, with Alli not a regular selection in the Italian’s XIs since taking charge of the club. Alli has long been linked with a move away from Spurs and the 25-year-old, who joined from MK Dons back in 2015, is at a crossroads in his career.

The 2016-17 season, when Alli hit a stunning 18 Premier League goals to announce himself as one of the best young midfielders in the world, is starting to feel like it was a long time ago. Alli is capable of hitting those heights again, but he needs a fresh start to recharge his batteries.

 

Nathan Ake (Manchester City)

Ake’s incredible goal line clearance in City’s recent defeat of Arsenal showed his fine defensive instincts, but switching off earlier in the same game had allowed Saka to strike the opening goal.

Pep Guardiola’s rotation means Ake has made eight Premier League appearances this term, but he is clearly behind Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones in the pecking order and might fancy a fresh start in January.

Ake’s ability to play at left-back as well as in the middle of the defence is valued by Guardiola and City, but 26-year-old might decide he wants to be a more regular starter somewhere else.

City are not exactly short of cash and they have already sold Ferran Torres to Barcelona this month, but allowing Ake to leave could help the Premier League leaders to fund a blockbuster summer move for a new elite striker such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane.

 

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