The 5 Biggest Transfers That Could Still Happen in the January Window
There is still plenty more transfer business to be done before the January window closes at 11 p.m. on this Monday night (February 2).
Transfer activity always increases as the deadline approaches as teams get their final chance to bolster their squads.
Here I list the five biggest names that could still be on the move before the transfer window closes until the summer.
Mario Balotelli
1 of 5
At the weekend the Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said, per the BBC, his striker Mario Balotelli had not been good enough in training to warrant a place in his side.
The Italian had been deemed as not even worthy of a place on the bench for Liverpool’s FA Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers.
It is an ominous sign for Balotelli that even in the absence of Daniel Sturridge, he has now fallen behind Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and converted striker Raheem Sterling in the Anfield pecking order.
Now that Sturridge is due to return from injury Balotelli will find it increasingly difficult to get playing time in the first team.
If Liverpool receive an attractive bid for Balotelli in the next week they are likely to allow him to make a quick exit from the club.
Mats Hummels
2 of 5
It seems implausible that Manchester United will not augment their defence in this transfer window.
As they already have a surplus of underperforming central defenders, United need some more composure and experience.
World Cup winner Mats Hummels would appear an ideal signing.
It has long been speculated United are interested in the German, and as Blid reports, via The Daily Mirror, Hummels recently showed frustration at being asked if he would move to Old Trafford.
His exit from struggling Borussia Dortmund looks likely this summer, but if United want to safeguard their place in the top four they could make a late and sizeable bid for him in January.
Juan Cuadrado
3 of 5
According to Simon Jones in The Daily Mail, Chelsea remain hopeful of signing the Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado during this transfer window.
The Colombian would add even more pace and verve to the Chelsea midfield, and he would be the ideal replacement for the possible impending departures of Mohamed Salah and Andre Schurrle.
The replacement of two underperforming squad members with a player who could make an immediate impact on Chelsea has an obvious appeal to Jose Mourinho, who could force through his arrival in the next week.
Saido Berahino
4 of 5
As it stands, the West Brom striker is the fifth leading scorer in the Premier League, and the second highest scoring Englishman after Charlie Austin with nine goals so far this season.
This run of form has, according to Sami Mokbel in The Daily Mail, led both Liverpool and Tottenham to make enquiries for the striker.
While the interested clubs value Berahino at around £10-12 million, West Brom are demanding closer to £20 million.
As the window prepares to shut if either Liverpool or Tottenham come back with an improved bid Berahino could still be on the move.
Danny Ings
5 of 5
The Burnley striker has settled quickly in the Premier League this season, and he has already scored seven goals in 19 games.
According to Adrian Kajumba in The Daily Mirror, this has sparked the interest of Tottenham Hotspur, who it is reported are considering making a £5 million bid for him before the January window closes.
The north London side need another striker to take the burden off Harry Kane, as Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado continue to struggle.
The departure of Ings from Turf Moor would seriously undermine Burnley’s efforts to stay in the Premier League, but Tottenham could test their resolve in the next week.
