January Transfer Window: Chelsea and Man Utd outcasts among those in need of New Year move
The January transfer window is fast approaching, and with the rumour mill starting to kick into gear, we look at five players who need a move in the New Year, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus stars all making the cut.
Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
There were flashes of brilliance last season, but this term Matheus Cunha has truly come into his own. It was a nervy start for the attacker in the Midlands. He joined initially on loan from Atletico Madrid, with the move then made permanent for €50m. It was a hefty price tag to justify - but now he’s starting to. Wolves have been the embodiment of that meme where a beautifully drawn horse deteriorates panel by panel this season, being largely kept afloat by their attack while their defence is something right out of the Titus Bramble handbook.
At the heart of their goals is Cunha, with seven so far this season, as well as three assists. Much like Alexander Isak at Newcastle, he feels a class above his current club. As a second striker, he’s the complete package: energetic, a superb ball carrier, and clinical in front of goal. There’s a chance his form may dip in the second half of the season, so it might be wise for him to seek a move sooner rather than later.
Christopher Nkunku was once arguably the Bundesliga’s standout player, scoring for fun without even needing to operate as a traditional No.9. Naturally, Chelsea were enticed, convinced the Frenchman could inject creativity - and most importantly, goals - into their attack. A long-term injury derailed his debut season at Stamford Bridge, and subsequent campaigns have been underwhelming at best. But the blame doesn’t rest entirely with Nkunku. It’s tough to perform well when you’re not being played consistently.
A French international, Nkunku’s drop to Chelsea’s “B Team” has been a bitter pill to swallow. It’s hard to imagine that starring in Europa Conference League fixtures against the likes of Servette and FC Noah was what he envisioned when leaving RB Leipzig. He desperately needs an exit. Manchester United have been linked, but a move seems unlikely. A return to Paris Saint-Germain might just be the reset he needs.
Tyler Dibling is the latest English prospect making waves in a struggling side. Naturally, therefore, it’s our duty - as a media outlet - to speculate about his next move away. But If Southampton remain in the relegation zone by January, his future will definitely become a serious talking point.
With his youth, nationality, and limited Premier League experience, Dibling could command an inflated transfer fee. And this could potentially be a financial lifeline for the Saints to bolster their survival bid.
Douglas Luiz’s move from Aston Villa to Juventus was seen as a watershed moment. It was a rare case in this day and age of a Premier League player, in the prime of his life, being poached by a European club. But Luiz’s time in Italy has been far from ideal.
A dreadful pre-season was followed by a nightmare start, with the Brazilian conceding back-to-back penalties against Leipzig and Cagliari. A long-term injury soon compounded his struggles. What was meant to be a shrewd move has so far been a misstep and now he wants to return to England. We’re sure he won’t be short on suitors either.
Heavy is the head that wears the price tag. Antony’s €95m transfer from Ajax has come to symbolise Manchester United’s recent recruitment failures, and more than likely was a key factor in Erik ten Hag’s downfall. Many have called it one of the worst misuses of funds in not just football but history. Antony’s output of 12 goals and five assists in 88 games has been underwhelming, though flashes of brilliance have occasionally surfaced.
Ironically, one of his best performances came - and don’t laugh - in United’s 7-0 drubbing by Liverpool. Antony looks out of his depth at a top-tier club, with his price tag lingering over him like a heavy shadow. A January move to Ligue 1 or Serie A might offer him a chance to revive his career.
This article was provided by FootballTransfers
