James GordonThis article was first published on 1 December 2020 and has been updated.
The transfer window opens in early January (find out when here) and clubs across Europe have been preparing their cases since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the summer holidays, while the number of injured in the top leagues has increased.
ESPN’s editorial team brings you everything you need to know about the top teams and details the deals that lie ahead. Who’s going? Who’s coming?
Budget : Minimal, plus income from player sales.
Long term injuries at Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomes are not expected to occur this season. There is a shortage of experienced central defenders in Anfield, so Liverpool is looking for reinforcements.
The Leipzig Dyot-Upamecano centre is touted as the ideal replacement for Van Dijk and Gomez, but the French international will cost over £50 million in January – probably too much for Liverpool because of the financial implications – although there should be around £40 million available next summer. A loan or a cheap deal for an experienced defender can be a compromise to give manager Jurgen Klopp the reinforcements he needs. Brighton’s midfielder Yves Bissouma is also in pursuit. Sources told ESPN’s Julien Lauren.
Because Liverpool is more worried about injuries than most, Klopp wants to keep his team fit in January. But with a plethora of attack options, the club could listen to offers from strikers such as Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi, especially if the money raised could finance a move for the defender.
Georginio Wijnaldum’s contract expires at the end of the season and Klopp wants to keep the Dutch midfielder. Negotiations have not yet produced a positive outcome. — Mark Ogden
Budget : The only limit is UEFA’s financial restrictions on fair play.
Pep Guardiola said he would have liked to use an impact player this summer to replace Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, but the city couldn’t afford it. But he says they won’t move in January. Reports of injuries to Benjamin Mendy and the inability of Oleksandr Zinchenko to settle mean that they can also use the left flank as a cover.
Lionel Messi will remain in contact with the city until he signs a new contract with Barcelona. And while it is unlikely that he will travel to Etihad in the middle of the season, he could already start talks with clubs outside Spain in January and says he will decide on his future in the summer. Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez is another striker that City admires, but he could be worth around £80 million.
Erik Garcia has so far refused to sign a new contract before the end of summer, and Barcelona will return with a new offer after missing the defender. So far, the cities have held out at a cost of £22 million.
Agüero’s contract expires this summer, but the city hopes to conclude a new agreement soon. It is also reported that Fernandinho may be heading to MLS next summer if the 35 year old will not be offered a new contract. — Rob Dawson
Budget: GBP 20 million plus income from the sale of players.
Chelsea spent over £220 million in the summer. Manager Frank Lampard will therefore add his new signature to the existing team. The club’s recent bad form may force them back into the cash register.
What are the main goals?
West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice are a long-term goal for Chelsea, but don’t expect him to make a move in January. A deal for Rice is likely to be postponed until next summer and could be worth up to £80 million. January should be quiet in terms of newcomers to Stamford Bridge, although persistent reports indicate that Chelsea is looking to Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund amid Timo Werner’s troubles.
Who can go?
Olivier Giroud wants to make sure that football is played regularly elsewhere for Euro 2020, but Lampard is trying to convince the former Arsenal striker to stay. However, defenders Marcos Alonso, Emerson and Antonio Rudiger could all leave, while Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will let go if he receives a substantial offer for the unloved Spaniard now that Edouard Mendy is No1.
Are there any new contracts?
Thiago Silva was able to get a contract extension because he only signed a one-year contract with the Blues. The 36-year-old Brazilian defender impressed Lampard after his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. — Mark Ogden
A player they have to sign
Declan Rice, 21, West Ham. It probably won’t be in January given the amount of money the club has already spent, but the player who will immediately improve the club is West Ham’s Rice. He provides Chelsea with a reinforced defensive midfielder and, if necessary, a center-back, but his versatility won’t be so easy. -John Molyneux-Carter
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Stuart Robson is trying to figure out how to get Jadon Sancho out of his recent series of poor performances.
UNITED MAN
Budget: GBP 50 million
What does the team need?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted a central defender and a confirmed right winger, both positions having priority in January and the summer of next year. United are ready to host in January, despite the coronavirus pandemic currently affecting the club’s finances, but only if the right opportunity arises. Sources say United is confident in getting a work permit for Atalanta winger Amad Diallo for €21 million plus €20 million in additional payments agreed last summer to integrate the teenager into Solskjaer’s team.
What are the main goals?
Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho is still at the top of Solskjaer’s wish list, but there is no indication that the German club is prepared to lower its demands by £108 million in January. RB Leipzig defender Deyot Upamekano and Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish are also targets, but that can wait until the summer. Atletico de Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier has been tied up, although his ten-week suspension has complicated the situation. United have discussed the possibility of signing Norwich City defender Max Aarons, but believe that they may have to wait until the summer to build their interest, sources told ESPN.
Who can go?
Paul Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, says the midfielder wants to leave. Sources tell ESPN that Paulo Dybala and Federico Bernardeschi are among the players who have offered Juventus of Turin to land in Manchester United. But instead of trying to sign Pogba in January, Juve hopes to sign an agreement next summer.
United are ready to listen to offers from Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones, who have been excluded from the Champions League team. The third goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, is also looking for a move, but his future depends on the eventual departure of lent dean Henderson. The loan from Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua is coming to an end.
Are there any new contracts?
Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata could start talks with clubs outside England as early as January if their contracts did not include options for a year. — Rob Dawson
A player they have to sign
Dayot Upamekano, 22, RB Leipzig. Since Manchester United is one of the few clubs that has the financial means to make a name for itself on the market in January, it wouldn’t be surprising if they tried to draw a highly regarded, mobile and down-to-earth French central defender. — Thor Christian-Carlsen
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Shaka Hislop admits that he is surprised by the rumors circulating about Dele Alli at Real Madrid.
TOTTENHAM
Budget : Minimal, plus income from player sales.
What does the team need?
Jose Mourinho has repeatedly praised the quality of his team, which means that major changes are unlikely. Ideally, Spurs would like to have another central defender and perhaps improve their midfield options, but next summer it looks more like both. Nevertheless, President Daniel Levy’s fondness for bargains can hardly be ruled out.
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What are the main goals?
Spurs failed to reach an agreement with Inter Milan on Milan Skriniar during the summer and it remains Mourinho’s favourite option, even for £55 million. The captain of RB Leipzig, Marcel Sabitzer, and several other midfielders were also targeted.
Who can go?
The big question: What’s going to happen to Dele Alli? After only a few appearances, Alli has to decide whether to stay and fight for his place or try to find a replacement elsewhere – perhaps on a temporary basis – with a place in the English Euro 2020 team in the lead. Tottenham was able to end Gedson Fernandes’ borrowing spell and send him back to Benfica, as the 21-year-old has only appeared once this season.
Are there any new contracts?
The promoters are confident that Son Heung-min can be tied to a new contract, although time is on their side as the agreement runs until 2023. Danny Rose’s contract expires this summer, but he is not integrated into Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League or Europa League team. — James Ollie.
A player they have to sign
Sven Botman, 20 years old, Lille. One of the best central defenders in Ligue 1 this season, after joining Ajax last summer for 8 million euros. Bothman is only 20 years old, but he already has a lot of confidence in the ball (92% pass accuracy this season). The left back could fill the void left of Jan Vertonghen. — Thor Christian-Carlsen
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Janusz Michalic does not see Christian Eriksen returning to North London in the transfer window.
ARSENAL
Budget : Minimal, plus income from player sales.
What does the team need?
Eventually, Arsenal needed reinforcements in some areas, but Artete wanted two midfielders in the summer and only got one (Thomas Partey). He could try to give this position priority in addition to the promotion to the center-back if enough players with a respectable style can be promoted.
What are the main goals?
Arsenal saw their bid for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar rejected during the summer and retained their interest. According to some sources, Christian Eriksen of Inter Milan has also been offered, as he will be available for £15 million. However, it remains to be seen how fans will react to the signature of the former Tottenham Hotspur man, as Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund and Isco of Real Madrid are also connected.
Who can go?
In a perfect world, Arsenal would have transfer fees for Mesut Özil and Sokratis Papastathopoulos before their contracts expire next summer. Left-back Sead Kolasinac is likely to be available, while defender William Saliba, with a £27 million budget, could be lent to play regularly for the first team. The third round goaltender, Matt Macy, also qualifies for the match.
Are there any new contracts?
Negotiations with Shkodran Mustafi for a new contract have stalled, but the club hasn’t given up hope yet. They are also looking for an extension of Folarin Balogun’s contract, as the contract of the promising teen striker expires at the end of the season. -James Ollie
A player they have to sign
Rodrigo de Paul, 26, Udinese. The Italian club are not new to the transfer market and it would be very convincing to sell their number 1, but there is no doubt that the creativity and versatility of the Argentine midfielder in the last third year will improve a team that is struggling to create opportunities. — Thor Christian-Carlsen
Europe
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Shaka Hislop says Georginio Wijnaldum’s signature on a free transfer would be very beneficial for both parties.
BARCELONA
Budget : In theory nothing, unless the players are for sale – although exceptions can be made for players whose contract expires and can be signed cheaply.
What does the team need?
Barca coach Ronald Koeman has made it clear what he wants: a central defender and a central vanguard. It’s a good starting position, but this team also lacks players who are able to play in Koeman’s 4-2-3-1 formation in a two-man center field. However, it is likely that this area will be affected next summer.
What are the main goals?
Financial restrictions have prevented Barca from signing Manchester City defender Erik Garcia and Lyons striker Memphis Depay this summer. They’re both gonna try again. If they can’t come up with a deal for Garcia, they’ll sign it next summer, when his contract expires, for nothing. In the meantime, they may be looking for a short-term solution to replace the injured Gerard Peake, although there are few options and the memory of the money wasted on Jason Murillo two years ago still lingers. The future of Depay will depend on Barca’s ability to find other players.
Who can go?
Junior defenders Firpo and Samuel Umtiti are on the market, while the club reportedly listens to loan offers for midfielders Ricky Puig and Carles Allen in anticipation of their recent injuries. Brazilian midfielder Matheus Fernandes is in overdrive and in attack, Martin Braithwaite could leave if there is interest, although the Danish striker insists that he wants to stay and prove himself. Winger Ousmane Dembele continues to struggle with injury problems and his refusal to renew his contract after 2022 means that Barca may consider offers given the risk of losing him for nothing after 18 months.
Are there any new contracts?
The biggest one is Messi. The striker could be in talks with clubs outside Spain in January and is still looking forward to leaving the club. As for the talks with Barca, the Catalan club has until the 24th. Wait until January, when a new president is elected, to sit down with him. Results and achievements in the field and in the project will be essential to involve Messi. In addition, four players signed new contracts in October (Piqué, Marc-André ter Stegen, Frankie de Jong and Clement Lenglet), but Barca wants to keep Dembele for another year – to protect his value like no other – and also give the young An Fati new conditions regarding his high position in the team. — Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens…
A player they have to sign
Javi Martinez, 32, from Bayern. Barcelona currently has no president, no operational board of directors, and even a long-term sports strategy…. are not ideal conditions for launching an attack on the transfer market. A return to Spain for the Bavarian midfielder would provide experience, presence and coverage in the centre and midfield, at least in the short term. — Thor Christian-Carlsen
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Ale Moreno explains why Gareth Bale is returning to Real Madrid after a loan from Spurs.
PROPERTIES MADRID
Budget : No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. They prefer to wait until next summer in the hope that the club will then be in a better financial situation and have players of the calibre that can really improve the team.
What does the team need?
An alternative to Karim Benzema in the central defense as Luka Jovic and the underused Mariano Diaz seem to lack confidence. Otherwise the team is strong, with options in defense, in midfield and beyond. The issue of adequate reinforcements for defensive midfielder Casemiro is still on the table, but the club seems in no hurry to resolve the issue.
What are the main goals?
Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe remains the dream signature of President Florentino Perez. With the expiration of Mbappe’s contract in 2022 he might be on hand in the summer of 2021, but not before. Madrid is desperately trying not to antagonize the PSG in this trial. The chase of other players, such as Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, has been hindered by the budget cuts of the club after COVID.
Who can go?
Isco used to want to stay and fight for his place, but now he finally seems to have accepted that he would be better off elsewhere. A top Premier League club would be the favorite destination if an acceptable offer is received. Jovic is linked to a move to Wolves and can be released.
Are there any new contracts?
Captain Sergio Ramos’ name is on everyone’s lips… His contract ends in the summer. The most likely scenario is that after all this noise, a two-year contract will finally be signed. Decisions also need to be taken regarding Luca Modric and Lucas Vazquez, who are both out of service in June. — Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez.
A player they have to sign
Olivier Giroud, 34, Chelsea. A short-term replacement for Benzema, the Chelsea striker, whose contract ends next summer, certainly has the experience and pedigree to make himself useful to the Spanish giants. Although he didn’t score any goals in the league, he still scores for his country. — Thor Christian-Carlsen
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Jan Aage Fjortoft responded for Bayern Munich by replacing Leroy Sane with Bayer Leverkusen on several occasions.
MUNICH BAVARIA
Budget : Minimal. Bayern Munich has been frugal in summer and will have a tight budget this winter.
What does the team need?
Depth. Without a real summer break after winning the mini-tournament in Lisbon in August, Bayern had the busiest schedule in the Bundesliga. Important players such as Joshua Kimmich, Alfonso Davis and Lucas Hernandez have had to deal with injuries, while others have also been on the sidelines. We have reached our limit, said the Bayern bus Hansi Flick at the end of November.
What are the main goals?
To strengthen their defense (and prepare for the departure of David Alaba and possibly Jerome Boateng), Bayern would be in the running for Upamekano, but a move will only take place in the summer. Portuguese midfielder Thiago Dantas has already been signed this summer and the 19-year-old can play in the first team from January.
Who can go?
Alaba’s contract ends in the summer. The Austrian international has been chosen by the club for its exorbitant wage demands, and a new deal in Bayern seems unlikely after the public debacle. The nineteen-year-old striker Joshua Zirkzee could look elsewhere for playtime when he fell in the pecking order with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Robert Lewandowski in front of him.
Are there any new contracts?
Boat and Alaba are only under contract until the end of the season. While the winner of the 2014 World Cup may still decide to stay, Alaba seems ready to go. Leon Goretzka, Niklas Süle and Corentin Tolisso are bound until 2022 and are next on the agenda. Goretzka has become an influential figure in FC Bayern’s midfield over the past 18 months. Süle has yet to recover from an external ligament injury in 2019 and could be part of a major reconstruction of the Bavarian defence next summer. -Stephen Wersfeld
A player they have to sign
Mohamed Simakan, 20 years old, Strasbourg. The French central defender could also be deployed on the right and possibly play in the defensive midfield. It will probably be available for a fee, which is also available in the difficult January market. — Thor Christian-Carlsen
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Steve Cherendolo says that Salzburg coach Jesse Marsh would be a good choice for Borussia Dortmund.
DORTMUND BURUSSIA
Budget : Minimal. With a tight budget this winter, there is no money for large transfers.
What does the team need?
This team has the right depth, but Dortmund is struggling with injuries and is at the top of their game on both sides. There is a huge gorge behind Rafael Guerreiro on the left, and Thomas Meunier’s signature on the right in summer is far from impressive.
What are the main goals?
Dortmund currently has no major goals for the winter.
Who can go?
Midfielder Tobias Raschl, 20, will try his luck elsewhere, as he hasn’t been able to get any minutes for Dortmund. With the club still involved in three leagues and the usual hiccups to get back in the race for a Champions League place, it is likely that they will keep their remaining players. Sancho is tied again, but the club is holding on to its 120 million euro value.
Are there any new contracts?
Several contracts expire in 2022 and talks are ongoing with Thomas Delaney, Axel Witsel, Mo Dowd, Dan-Axel Zagadu and Manuel Akanji. But some will leave Dortmund in the summer when the club continues to rebuild. With the resignation of Lucien Favre, the search for a master coach to succeed Klopp could be more important for the future of the club in the long run than the negotiations with the players. -Stephen Wersfeld
A player they have to sign
Joakim Mehle, 23, Genk Racing. The hardworking Danes could fight for a place on the right flank or even return to the other side. Physically strong, good in crosses and combinations, it should be available for about 15 million euros. — Thor Christian-Carlsen
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Mina Jouki explains why Paulo Dybala could have gotten a pay rise at Juventus.
JUVENTUS
Budget : Minimal, depending on the income from the player’s sales.
What does the team need? The midfielder remains the club’s weak point. Arthur, who arrived from Barcelona to draw with Miral Pjanic, has had a hard time so far. The team generally lacks quality on the ball in midfield.
What are the main goals? Manchester United’s main target remains Paul Pogba, Juve’s former partner in midfield for the signing of Andrea Pirlo, but the chances of him arriving in January are slim. Hakan Calhanoglu could arrive from Milan, but it is unlikely that the Rossoneri will want to strengthen their direct rivals for the title.
Who can go? Again, it is unlikely that this will happen in January, but serious questions remain about the future of Dybala, which seems to have no place in Pirolo’s system. Maybe one for the summer, but we think he and Bernardeschi are part of an exchange agreement for Pogba.
Are there any new contracts? Negotiations on Daibala’s future are ongoing, but the two parties remain far apart. Potential expansions for veterans Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon will probably also be discussed. — Andrew Cesare Richardson
A player they have to sign
Jorginho, 28, Chelsea. The Series A champions lack what Pirlo brought to the team as a player: a central midfielder, calm and deep, who can dictate the pace of the match. In the absence of the 60 to 80 million euros needed to sign someone like Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes, Jorginho, who rarely plays for Chelsea, could be an excellent option in the short to medium term if a deal is made. — Thor Christian-Carlsen
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Jürgen Klinsmann says Stefano Pioli discovered that he played the players of Milan.
AC MILAN:
Budget : Minimal.
What does the team need?
Milan is still rebuilding, but their recent motto of signing talented young players, as well as a veteran who brings experience, seems to be working.
What are the main goals?
The new Milan is not looking for big names, but for players who can lead the club into the future. They are looking for appointments that serve a purpose and have managed to find them over the years. Marseille’s Florian Tauvin could be one of them, while reports indicate that Milan in Lyon is watching Depay.
Who can go?
Calhanoglu is linked to a move to Juventus and a number of other clubs in Europe, but Milan hopes to keep him at least until the summer. The young goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has not yet written a new contract, which expires this summer, but Milan is convinced he will stay.
Are there any new contracts?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a name on everyone’s lips and Milan hopes to extend the contract of the 39-year-old who has shone so far this season. Milan is also interested in a permanent loan for Diogo Dalota, but will have to convince Manchester United to let him go. — Andrew Cesare Richardson
A player they have to sign
Ozan Kabak, 20, FC Shalke. Milan needs some defensive reinforcements and will not pay dearly for the signature of the young Turkish international. De Schalke are in difficulties and offers of around €25 million are likely to be accepted. Kaback made an impression in the Bundesliga and was able to get the job done. -John Molyneux-Carter
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Janusz Michalik is considering the possibility of Lionel Messi joining Maurico Pochettino at PSG.
PSG
Budget : Minimal. The pandemic has hit the club hard and the first two instalments of the national television rights have not yet been paid this season. Expect Leonardo’s sports director to look for markets because he can’t spend hundreds of millions.
What does the team need?
A new manager to start with. Thomas Tuchel was fired on Christmas Eve, now Mauricio Pochettino is in line. Tuchel was looking for a central defender last summer and asked Chelsea to supply him with Rudiger, but Leonardo objected and signed defensive midfielder Danilo Pereira instead. Pochettino may think differently, but PSG could still be a short defender if they have to face Danilo in the central defense with all the other positions taken.
What are the main goals?
Alaba Bayern would certainly be an option because his agent, Pini Zahavi, is close to Leonardo. The Austrian International saw its contract terminated in June, which ended the negotiations with Bayern. Other clubs will be interested in Alaba, especially because he is available for transfer, but PSG thinks they have a chance. They are also chasing two midfielders, Houssem Aouar in Lyon and Ismael Bennacer in Milan, but neither will arrive in January. Can Pochettino practice his magic with former players like Eriksen or Alli? And maybe even bring Messi or Depay?
Who can go?
PSG has to move its players in January to make up for the summer. Winger Julian Draxler could be redeemed at a reduced price, while the club will listen to offers for Idrissa Gueye after Yeats’ contract has already been terminated.
Are there any new contracts?
This is a priority for the French champions and they have reached a crucial point with the expiration of Neymar and Mbappe’s contracts in June 2022. The club is working on its expansion and despite the resumption of activity at FC Barcelona, Neymar wants to stay while Mbappe is still undecided, with Liverpool and Real Madrid showing interest. Angel Di Maria and Juan Bernat have had their contracts terminated in June 2021 and Leonardo is quietly optimistic. — Julien Lawrence
A player they have to sign
Calidou Coulibaly, 29, Naples. While the Parisian Saint-Germain needs more than cosmetic changes, the Senegalese central defender will immediately strengthen the defense. Koulibaly brings not only ball quality, speed and power, but also experience and presence in a somewhat messy and disharmonious team. A single issue will cost 70 million euros. — Thor Christian-Carlsen
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James Gordon
