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Ian Darke, ESPN.com writer
Football’s Christmas rush in England will soon give way to frenzied transfer talk as the January window opens. Premier League clubs will be hoping for a signing or two to get them challenging for titles and trophies, qualifying for a spot in a European competition or perhaps avoiding the relegation drop at the end of the season.
But it is a difficult market. Unless clubs break the bank for established stars, only players who are surplus to requirements are likely to be available.
So, against that backdrop, who is the one player each Premier League player should sign in the January transfer window? Here are my suggestions.
Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres of Portugal‘s Sporting CP has scored 47 goals in 47 league games since joining from Coventry City in 2023, and in November he netted a hat trick in the Champions League against Manchester City. The striker might be the missing piece in the Gunners’ trophy-chasing jigsaw puzzle, though his signature would surely cost around £60m.
Aston Villa
Central midfield is becoming a problem. Would Villa be tempted to bring back Douglas Luiz, who has had a difficult time since moving to Juventus? Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham is on their radar, too.
Bournemouth
Some extra cover in defence would come in handy, and a loan move for someone like Chelsea‘s excellent teenager Josh Acheampong would suit all parties. Judging by his composure on the ball and his recent European debut, Acheampong is already good enough for the Premier League.
Brentford
Thomas Frank’s team are having a fine season, but left-back is a possible weak spot. The possible solution? Callum Doyle, on loan at Norwich from Man City, is a tall, talented natural left-footer who helped Leicester to promotion last season. He’d give Brentford better balance until Rico Henry returns from long-term injury.
Brighton
To help shore up a leaky defense, Brighton could consider signing Andreas Christensen. Barcelona are open to offers for him, and as an ex-Chelsea man, he’d be oven-ready for the Premier League.
Chelsea
Manager Enzo Maresca has a well-stocked squad, but the club like the look of Ipswich striker Liam Delap. It’s easy to see why. The 21-year-old forward fits the Blues’ model of signing young talent. The question is whether he would enjoy being Nicolas Jackson‘s understudy at Stamford Bridge.
Crystal Palace
The club are likely to lose centre-back Marc Guéhi sooner or later, so they need to start thinking about a replacement. Southampton‘s almost-certain relegation would surely mean central defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be available.
Everton
The Toffees are desperate for one thing: goals. They should consider asking Norwich if the Championship’s 15-goal top scorer Borja Sainz is available. His dynamism would add some spark to a struggling attack.
Fulham
In the middle of a wonderful season, Fulham might want to add depth to the squad. They are reportedly closing in on a loan deal for young Brighton striker Evan Ferguson to improve their options up front. However, they might also wish to scout the likes of West Brom striker Josh Maja or Barca’s Ansu Fati for additional help.
Leicester City
With a defence that allows too many chances, Leicester have an obvious interest in Barcelona’s Christensen, but I wonder if Brighton would listen to offers for centre-back Lewis Dunk. Tottenham’s Ben Davies is the type of experienced defender who could help Leicester stay above the relegation zone.
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Ian Darke reveals the players that he thinks Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool should sign in the January transfer window.
Liverpool
Despite the departure of Jurgen Klopp, new manager Arne Slot has Liverpool on top of the league with strong performances week-in and week-out. Of course, it never hurts to have a bit of cover for your squad, and with doubts over whether Mo Salah will re-sign, the Reds might consider a deal for Brighton’s Joao Pedro, a proven scorer who can play anywhere across the front with grace and pace.
Manchester City
The club’s worst run in 14 years has underlined the need for a significant rebuild. The injured Rodri has been badly missed, so a defensive midfield anchor is the No. 1 priority, though City might make three signings. Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi could be a target — he rebuffed Liverpool‘s advances in the summer only to recommit to his LaLiga side — but even better would be Joshua Kimmich, who is out of contract at Bayern in the summer. City are also big admirers of Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães.
Manchester United
Fulham fans will hate the very suggestion, but their superb left-back Antonee Robinson would be a perfect fit for Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation. As a wing-back, the United States international would dash forward with Olympian speed to set up chances.
Newcastle
Foiled at every turn in the summer transfer window, the Toon have long been trying to sign a right winger, even though Jacob Murphy sometimes fills the role well. Manager Eddie Howe would love to sign someone as good as Dutch international Xavi Simons, on loan at RB Leipzig, or Jeremie Frimpong, who was such a big factor in Bayer Leverkusen‘s title win last season. More affordable transfer options might be Plymouth’s Morgan Whittaker or Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, on loan to Sheffield United from Crystal Palace.
Nottingham Forest
They’re having a stellar season but might want some insurance in case of injuries. I think they should consider the versatile Ethan Ampadu at Leeds — he can play defence or central midfield — or Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba. Forest are also looking at former Everton defender Ben Godfrey, who is out of favor at Atalanta.
Southampton
The Saints look doomed to relegation, so Ivan Juric has his work cut out after replacing the sacked Russell Martin. They should be realistic, though, and put the emphasis on players who will help win them promotion next season. Coventry’s fine midfield man Ben Sheaf would fit the bill, as would QPR’s Sam Field.
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Tottenham
Spurs have never really replaced Luka Modric or a peak Christian Eriksen in the creative department, and they might have got wind of the fact that Barcelona’s money problems might mean Dani Olmo — such a star at the Euros — could conceivably be available. Signing a veteran such as Koke, no longer an automatic pick at Atlético Madrid, could be worth an enquiry if they are to better anchor the midfield.
West Ham
The Hammers are having a disappointing campaign despite splashing the cash in the summer. The midfield lacks pace and drive. Jobe Bellingham, Jude’s brother, is on the radar of several clubs and could pep up the Hammers’ pedestrian midfield efforts.
Wolves
A defence that has conceded a league-high 40 goals needs plugging and organizing. Manchester United veteran defender Jonny Evans is perhaps the kind of man they need for the job, but whether he would leave United for a big relegation fight is doubtful. Signing Ben Godfrey (see Forest) is also part of the conversation.