With just days until January’s transfer window opens, it promises to be a huge month after a stunning 2022 FIFA World Cup with many stars eying up moves.
January is often a relatively quieter month for transfer activity than summer but with this transfer window coming off the back of the first ever FIFA World Cup to be held mid-season, there is huge anticipation of a busier January transfer window than ever before.
With many players now in the shop window for huge-money moves following a memorable World Cup, clubs will be spoilt for choice given the huge scouting opportunities that had been afforded by the in-season break alongside time to firm up transfer plans for January.
On that note, here are five players worth watching out for during the January transfer window.
Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
After unexpectedly emerging as one of the best goalkeepers at the World Cup with three clean sheets – against Croatia, Canada, Spain and Portugal, Morocco’s Yassine Bounou has earnmarked himself as a strong transfer target in January.
Sevilla’s current struggles as they sit in the La Liga relegation zone also means that several Premier League clubs will be more attractive for the Moroccan, who certainly has the potential to be a solid goalie for a club like Leicester or Aston Villa.
The only potential negative against Premier League clubs swooping for Bounou is that he hasn’t really been in solid form at club level this season with 31 goals conceded in 16 appearances, although his experience and World Cup displays suggests that he can still deliver at the right club.
Bounou therefore will be one to keep an eye on next month because he could easily stay at Sevilla but after his World Cup displays, he surely has to be a decent contender for a Premier League move.
Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)
Having produced several stand-out performances across the World Cup, Croatia’s centre-back – Josko Gvardiol has established himself as a huge defensive talent at just 20 years-old, who is already linked with several clubs across Europe.
Ball control immediately springs to mind as one of Gvardiol’s biggest assets because unlike many defenders, he has an exciting energy when on the ball and in his passes with view of advancing forward to create attacks for his teammates or conduct solo runs to trouble the opposition.
Off-the-ball, Gvardiol has also proven a surprise despite his inexperienced age because he showed little fear in taking on quality players like; Kevin De Bruyne, Neymar and Lionel Messi defensively with strong results which underlined why he is rated so highly across Europe.
Chelsea even unsuccessfully attempted to sign Gvardiol in the summer but now his reputation and transfer price is rapidly on the rise, I can foresee a fierce rivalry for his services with only few top clubs affording his transfer fee unless a surprise contender emerges to sign him.
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
Having established himself as one of Argentina’s emerging stars with a breakthrough World Cup campaign which earned him the Young Player Award, Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez definitely is a player worth keeping an eye on in the transfer window.
Famed for his playmaking central midfield role and versatility in movement, dribbling, pace and press, this 21 year-old is already well on his way to becoming the next Kevin De Bruyne if he can continue to mature his game under the right manager who can extract the best out of him.
Fernandez though has a reported £105m release clause in his Benfica contract and only joined the Portuguese club in June, whilst his international debut followed in September, so I am intrigued as to which clubs are willing to splash the cash at that price in the mid-season transfer window.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle are all thought to be in the running for Fernandez but I do hope that those clubs consider such a move wisely, given that the former trio already boast decent midfield selections unless they plan to move certain midfielders on.
Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)
Heading into the World Cup, nobody had really heard of Azzedine Ounahi yet this 22 year-old Morocco midfielder has unexpectedly put himself in January’s shop window as a quiet contender for a Premier League move.
With incredible ball control, stamina and fast movement, Ounahi even managed to evade the mind of now ex Spain manager, Luis Enrique who found himself apologising for forgetting the midfielder’s name following La Roja’s shock exit to Morocco in the Round of 16.
Ounahi’s small physical stature though could put teams off him but I wouldn’t be surprised if a Premier League club takes a punt on him, because not only is he a young midfielder but he also has the skills which many teams would relish having as a tactical option in midfield.
Angers’ domestic struggles in Ligue 1 amidst tension with supporters also makes a move an attractive prospect for Ounahi, who will be eager to continue his progression with view to fighting for better results and trophies.
Quite frankly, Ounahi could end up anywhere in Europe but I just can’t see him staying at Angers after a stunning World Cup for the 22 year-old.
Joao Felix (Portugal)
Currently linked with several Premier League clubs as he looks to reignite his form after a frustrating season at Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix will be a serious name to watch out for next month after showing better form at the World Cup for Portugal where he netted once and provided two assists.
One of Felix’s best qualities has been his positioning and movement which has the potential to trouble defences if left unmarked, whilst getting involved with intelligent attacking moves into the box which is something that many Premier League clubs will be looking for in January.
It is therefore little surprise that he is heavily rumoured with multiple teams but I do expect him to look to join a club capable of fighting for titles, so Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United seem best-placed to land the Portugal international at present.
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