Biggest January Transfer Need for Top Clubs
The January transfer window is still only a speck on the horizon, but there's no time like now to speculate about what Europe's biggest teams will do when the market reopens.
Over the next few months, managers across Europe will be evaluating their squads to determine where, or if, reinforcements are needed.
Here, B/R looks at the transfer needs of 13 top European clubs ahead of the January transfer window.
AC Milan
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Milan specifically addressed one area of concern in the transfer window, signing three strikers including Carlos Bacca. However, the Rossoneri started the season light in midfield after failing to strengthen.
According to ESPN FC, Milan were close to signing midfielder Roberto Soriano from Sampdoria on deadline day, but the deal fell through because of time constraints.
The Rossoneri are reportedly still interested in Soriano, as noted by SB Nation's Siren's Song Blog. According to that piece, however, Napoli are also in the hunt. The writer, Conor Dowley, noted: "Soriano would be well worth getting into the side if (Napoli) can manage it, and he could be a player the club comes to rely on for a long time if things break right. They just have to sign him first."
The same applies to Milan, who remain short of bodies in midfield.
Meanwhile, B/R's Sam Lopresti has written that Milan should consider another move for Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel this winter.
Arsenal
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Francis Coquelin was a revelation for Arsenal last season in midfield. After returning from a loan spell with Charlton Athletic, the Frenchman slotted straight into the Gunners' squad and performed shockingly well in a defensive-minded midfield role.
His emergence limited Arsenal's need for another holding midfielder but only somewhat. Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are both on the wrong side of 30, and whenever Coquelin misses any game time, manager Arsene Wenger is short on quality options.
That means the Gunners really ought to look for another defensive midfielder in January, but don't hold your breath. Wenger is notoriously parsimonious in his transfer dealings, and unless a perfect situation presents itself, it's hard to see him making a deal of any kind.
Atletico Madrid
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Atletico Madrid have an immediate need to boost their central midfield. Fortunately, the club has already agreed to a deal that will take Matias Kranevitter to the Estadio Vicente Calderon after River Plate compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in December (h/t ClubAtleticoMadrid.com).
In that sense, Atletico have already taken care of their biggest transfer need ahead of the January window. However, Los Colchoneros could consider further midfield signings in addition to the 22-year-old Kranevitter.
B/R's Karl Matchett provided an overview of the player, noting:
"Playing in the centre of midfield, Kranevitter serves a dual role: He protects the defence by way of his positional play and willingness to make defensive interventions, but he also instigates attacks from deep rather than simply looking to lay the ball off to his midfield partners.
At 22 he'll be far from the youngest face at Atleti—Jose Gimenez, Saul, Oliver Torres, Luciano Vietto and Correa are all younger—but he will be a considerably less experienced alternative to the current incumbents of the central midfield positions, Tiago and Gabi.
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Meanwhile, Atletico's sporting director, Jose Luis Caminero, told the club's official website: "He is a midfielder with a great potential. He is a player that fits perfectly with our idea of strengthening the group with quality and youth. He is very competitive, which will be great to increase the level of our team when he joins it in a few months."
Barcelona
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Because Barcelona are under a transfer embargo, the Catalan club could not register any new players this summer. However, Barca did conclude deals to sign midfielder Arda Turan and winger/right-back Aleix Vidal.
Both players will be able to play for the club in January, and both will fill needs within the squad. So, in that sense, Barcelona have already addressed two areas of concern.
In addition, though, Barcelona might consider signing another wide forward to replace Pedro, who left the club for Chelsea at the end of the summer window. Or, as B/R's Jason Pettrigrove has noted, Barcelona could sign a left-back to provide depth and competition for Jordi Alba.
Bayern Munich
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Bayern Munich strengthened considerably in the summer, notably signing midfielder Arturo Vidal from Juventus and rising star Douglas Costa from Shakhtar Donetsk. The Bavarians also added promising youngsters Kingsley Coman (on loan from Juventus) and Joshua Kimmich (from Stuttgart).
But following the departure of Dante to Wolfsburg, and because of the long-term injuries of Javi Martinez and Holger Badstuber, manager Pep Guardiola is still short of options in central defense.
To that end, B/R's Clark Whitney has suggested Schalke center-back Kaan Ayhan as a potential target in January.
No reports have linked the player with the club, but according to Whitney, Ayhan would represent good value for Bayern.
Borussia Dortmund
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has started the season in blistering form, scoring 14 goals in 14 games for Borussia Dortmund in all competitions. The problem for Dortmund is that Aubameyang is the only dependable striker in the squad.
Sure, Thomas Tuchel's side can expect goals from elsewhere. Henrikh Mkhitaryan showed stellar form at the start of the season. Marco Reus, too, appeared to be nearing his top level again, but he's injury-prone.
Thus, it would make sense if Tuchel and Dortmund signed another striker to serve as Aubameyang's backup—and possibly even push the Gabon international for playing time with the first team.
Chelsea
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It's been a strange start to the 2015-16 season for Chelsea, who have lost four times already in the Premier League and taken just eight points from their first eight games. Those are shocking totals for a team that coasted to the title just last season, and the root of Chelsea's problems have come at the back.
Branislav Ivanovic has become a scapegoat for continued poor performances at right-back, but the Blues have issues throughout the defense.
It was no secret that Chelsea were interested in Everton center-back John Stones in the summer. Just after the window closed, Phil Lythell wrote at ESPN FC:
"Even if the situation does stabilise, there is still reason to bring in another defender due to the absence of any alternatives in the first-team squad after Baba Rahman and Kurt Zouma. The little known Papy Djilobodji has been secured from Nantes, though it remains to be seen how he will cope with the step up from Ligue 1 to the Premier League. Any doubts over his performances could mean the pursuit for John Stones will be resumed.
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Chelsea's slow start to the season has only underlined the club's need for defensive reinforcements in January.
Juventus
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Like Chelsea, Juventus started the season in uncharacteristically poor form. The Bianconeri failed to win any of their first three Serie A matches and have claimed only eight points through eight games.
A number of factors have contributed to Juve's slow start, but the biggest area of concern has probably been the midfield. Following the departures of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal in the summer, the Bianconeri were light in this area.
Manager Massimiliano Allegri made key signings to address any deficiencies, but injuries to Sami Khedira (a new signing) and Claudio Marchisio (a returning veteran) have hurt the team in its most vulnerable spot.
Khedira has already returned to the first team, but the German has a long history of injuries. Marchisio will undoubtedly play a major role for the Bianconeri as well, but early-season injuries showed just how narrow the margins are for Juventus in midfield.
Perhaps another midfield signing in January is warranted.
Liverpool
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The sacking of manager Brendan Rodgers has thrust Liverpool into turmoil. Former Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp is the hot favorite to replace Rodgers, per BBC Sport, but no matter who takes the reins at Anfield, the new manager could have a tough task on his hands.
That's because recent reports have linked playmaker Philippe Coutinho with an exit this winter. According to Spanish paper Sport (h/t Daily Express and Daily Mirror), the Catalan club is lining up a move for January,
Whether or not Barca need Coutinho is beside the point for Liverpool. The Reds cannot afford to lose a player of Coutinho's influence and creativity. If the Brazilian leaves Anfield this winter, it would be difficult to see Liverpool challenging for a top-four finish.
That might be a pipe dream anyway, but losing Coutinho would represent a major blow for Liverpool. This January, Liverpool's first goal should be holding on to the Brazilian.
Manchester City
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Finding fault with Manchester City's summer 2015 transfer window is nearly impossible. The Sky Blues strengthened impressively by spending heavily.
Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Nicolas Otamendi all joined in big-money deals. Fabian Delph's signing added depth to the midfield.
The Manchester Evening News called City's window a "classic." ESPN FC gave the club an A+ rating. No other Premier League club received that grade.
Manuel Pellegrini appears to have the strongest squad in the Premier League, and thus City must be favored to reclaim the title from Chelsea.
If the Sky Blues have a slight need, however, it might be at full-back. Bacary Sagna, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy are all at least 30, and Aleksandar Kolarov hits the milestone birthday in November.
Perhaps City could use a bit of new blood in that position.
Manchester United
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Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw suffered a double leg break last month in his side's 2-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League. The injury was heartbreaking for Shaw, who faces a long fight to return to the pitch. For United, it also exacerbated some existing problems with the back line.
As United's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal this past weekend showed, the defense has depth issues. Manager Louis van Gaal had to start Ashley Young at left-back, and although Young performed well for United last season in various roles, he was overwhelmed in this instance.
With Shaw out for the rest of the season (at least), Van Gaal may very well look for help in the transfer market. According to the Daily Star, United are interested in a move for Leeds United's Charlie Taylor in January.
Paris Saint-Germain
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Like a few clubs on this list, Paris Saint-Germain have a large squad with few obvious holes.
That said, the Ligue 1 champions might have a few ideas about where to strengthen this winter. Near the end of the summer window, B/R's Andrew Gibney noted that PSG might regret not signing Nabil Fekir from Lyon.
This makes some sense. A poorly timed injury, suspension or both could potentially leave PSG somewhat light in the creative areas. An addition like Fekir would give the Parisiens depth.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Johnson noted at ESPN FC that PSG would be wise to bring in a younger central midfielder to begin learning Thiago Motta's role. At 32, time is not on Motta's side, and the eventual transition could go more smoothly if PSG can manage to bring in a player before the need becomes too great.
Real Madrid
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Real Madrid, simply put, have depth throughout the squad. Manager Rafael Benitez is spoiled for choice in nearly every position.
That said, it's hard to imagine a club like Real Madrid standing still in the transfer window this winter. However, considering the strength in depth that the squad offers, Los Blancos might have to wait and see if any needs arise this fall.
In the summer, Real wanted to sign goalkeeper David De Gea from Manchester United. The deal fell apart, and De Gea has signed a new contract with the Red Devils. But Real Madrid's transfer history suggests the same rumors might start back up once the calendar turns to 2016.
All that is to say: Stay tuned.
