One player each Premier League club should sign in January transfer window

James Wilson Updated: 07 Jan 25 10:15

The January transfer window is a notoriously difficult time for football clubs to complete new signings.

At the midway stage of the season, clubs are extra reluctant to compromise their league position by agreeing to sell key players to rivals.

This isn't to say deals are impossible, but often clubs are forced to pay over the odds to secure desired new players in January.

Although there is unlikely to be too much transfer movement in the Premier League in January 2025, we assess the area in which each Premier League team could benefit from strengthening and identify potential targets.

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Arsenal

(Striker)

Discussions surrounding Arsenal's need for a new striker feel perennial at this stage, but there is a clear reason for this.

The Gunners' stuttering title bid in 2024/25 could be largely attributed to a dwindling attacking edge, with Arsenal drawing too many matches in the first half of the campaign and outscored by rivals Liverpool and Chelsea.

At present there is too much of a burden on the brilliant Bukayo Saka to produce goals and assists, with the output of other attacking regulars Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard currently not at the requisite level for credible title hopefuls.

Germany international Havertz is a stylish footballer who has demonstrated his ability to lead the line to great effect at the Emirates, but the ex-Chelsea man is not a striker to entrust with hitting around the 20-goal mark to represent the team's main source of goals.

Perhaps it is time for Arsenal boss Arteta to bring in a bona fide natural goalscorer to help take this formidable Gunners side to the next level.

Potential transfer targets: Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP), Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus), Alexander Isak (Newcastle).

Aston Villa

(Winger)

One club who were able to pluck a gem in the January transfer window last year was Unai Emery's Aston Villa, with Morgan Rogers snapped up from Middlesbrough for £15m.

The signing of Rogers has proved a shrewd piece of business from the Villans, with the dynamic attacking midfielder's impressive impact at Villa Park rewarded with a first senior England call-up in November.

Faced with a taxing fixture list in light of their first ever involvement in the UEFA Champions League, Villa are likely to dip into the January market again this season having struggled at times to cope with the volume of games coming their way.

One area they have looked light in is out wide, a situation not helped by Leon Bailey's struggles with form and fitness so far in this campaign.

Villa have appeared to lack natural width at times this season, with Matty Cash and John McGinn having been deployed somewhat out of position on the flanks of late, and this is something Basque boss Emery is likely keen to address in the January window.

Potential transfer targets: Tyler Dibling (Southampton), Samuel Chukwueze (Milan), Semih Kilicsoy (Besiktas).

Bournemouth

(Left-back)

When it comes to plotting transfer business, the shrewdest clubs are always looking a couple of steps ahead.

This type of strategy when it comes to transfers is what has helped innovative clubs such as Brighton and Bournemouth punch above their weight in recent years, with a policy revolving around recruiting young players with high potential with a view to eventually selling them on for significant profit.

Bournemouth's signing of promising left-back Milos Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar in 2022 epitomises this ethos, with the 21-year-old Hungary international now attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League including Liverpool and Man Utd.

Given the forward-thinking nature of their transfer model, Bournemouth are already likely to be courting potential successors for Kerkez in the left-back position should they opt to cash in one of their standout performers this season in the near future.

Potential transfer targets: Julio Soler (Lanus), Fran Garcia (Real Madrid), Josh Doig (Sassuolo).

Brentford

(Right-winger)

Another of the Premier League's savviest clubs in the transfer market, Brentford may also be forced to contend with the departure of one of their key players in the coming months.

In Cameroonian Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford possess one of the most effective forward players in the Premier League with the 25-year-old seeming to improve his game with every passing season.

Mbeumo has impressively taken on Ivan Toney's talisman status at the Gtech Community Stadium following the striker's departure to the Saudi Pro League in the summer, to the extent that his regular output in front of goal has now reportedly alerted the attention of a number of the Premier League's leading clubs.

With Mbeumo's current contract at Brentford set to run out in the summer of 2026, the Bees board may be keen to sell their star man soon and could already be lining up possible replacements to soften the blow of the Cameroon international's potential exit.

Potential transfer targets: Nicolas Kuhn (Celtic), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven).

Brighton

(Centre-back)

A club famed for its outstanding recruitment, Brighton have earned over €450m in player sales in the past four years with talents including Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Marc Cucurella departing for big money.

The Seagulls seemingly have an endless conveyor belt of young players coming through the door at the Amex, but despite the influx of gifted youngsters from all over the globe, one constant presence in the team has been club captain Lewis Dunk at the heart of defence.

This will not forever be the case, however, with Dunk now past his prime years at the age of 33.

There will come a point in which Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler will be forced to phase the six-time England international out of the starting XI and introduce fresh blood, with the identification of the next big thing at centre-back likely to be a focus of the club's recruitment analysis at present.

Potential transfer targets: Vitor Reis (Palmeiras), Maxime Esteve (Burnley), Martin Vitik (Sparta Prague).

Crystal Palace

(Attacking midfielder/winger)

One club who are likely to be particularly keen to be active in the January transfer window is Crystal Palace, with Oliver Glasner's side enduring a difficult first half of the Premier League campaign.

Ending last season in sensational form to secure a top half finish, Palace were expected to be a force to be reckoned with again in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign under highly-rated Austrian figurehead Glasner, who was reportedly courted by Bayern Munich over the summer.

The Eagles conversely began the new season by failing to win in their first eight Premier League games, with the departure of influential creative midfielder Michael Olise to Bayern seemingly taking its toll.

France international Olise contributed 10 goals and six assists in the Premier League last term, and without him Palace have looked extra reliant on the exceptionally gifted Eberechi Eze to make things happen in the final third.

Although Palace have picked up of late, with summer signing Ismaila Sarr finding his feet, extra depth and competition in this area could be what is required to help the South London club kick on in the second half of the season.

Potential transfer targets: Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Jhon Arias (Fluminense), Miguel Almiron (Newcastle).

Chelsea

(Centre-back)

Boasting a squad with such vast depth that they are capable of essentially using two entirely different teams for their participation in the Premier League and UEFA Conference League, you could be forgiven for assuming Chelsea will not be on the lookout for new players in January.

Restraint and caution are not words commonly associated with the Chelsea board since the installation of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022, however, with the Blues forking out over $1bn on new signings.

It can therefore be expected that Chelsea will seek to upgrade their squad in the off-season with Enzo Maresca's side currently looking capable of mounting a surprise Premier League title challenge.

Should the Blues ought to go for the jugular and search for a new recruit to strengthen their title bid, they could be wise to acquire a new option in central defence.

Academy graduate Levi Colwill has excelled at left centre-back this term, but with his first choice partner Wesley Fofana susceptible to picking up injuries and Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo yet to establish themselves as consistent starters, the club could seek to bring in a new top class centre-back.

Potential transfer targets: Ilya Zabarnyi (Bournemouth), Abdukodir Khusanov (Lens), Tomas Araujo (Benfica).

Everton

(Striker)

A quick glance at Everton's goals for and against columns in the Premier League table is all you need to understand why the Toffees are dwindling near the bottom of the division.

No Premier League goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets than Everton and England number one Jordan Pickford, who is protected by a robust centre-back partnership of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.

It is undoubtedly at the other end of the pitch where Everton's main problems lie, with striking pair Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto notching just three Premier League goals between them so far in this campaign.

With ex-Udinese hitman Beto being linked with a return to the Serie A and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, a new reliable goalscorer up front appears in urgent order for the Toffees.

Potential transfer targets: Hamza Igamane (Rangers), Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Evan Ferguson (Brighton, loan).

Fulham

(Striker)

One team who do not appear in urgent need of squad reinforcements in January are Fulham, with the Cottagers having spent the majority of the campaign in the top half of the Premier League under Marco Silva.

The Portuguese manager has made Fulham a very difficult team to beat, with the West Londoners having held both Arsenal and Liverpool to draws recently.

Although not an overly pressing concern, one area which look Fulham may look to strengthen in the not too distant future is up front, with current first choice striker Raul Jimenez now 33 years old and in the final year of his contract.

Fulham's recruitment department may therefore be prioritising the acquisition of a new main man up front to help take the club to the next level in the Premier League.

Potential transfer targets: Evan Ferguson (Brighton, loan), Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord), Tolu Arokodare (Genk).

Ipswich Town

(Right-back)

It's difficult to pin down only one problem area for Ipswich Town ahead of the January transfer window, with Kieran McKenna's side having largely toiled to get to grips with the demands of the Premier League in the first half of the season following their promotion.

Ipswich have struggled at both ends of the pitch to find themselves under severe threat of an instant return to the Championship.

Although the Tractor Boys have found goals difficult to come by on the whole, there are a number of attacking players who have demonstrated their ability at top flight level - namely the impressive Liam Delap up front, Omari Hutchinson and Sammie Szmodics.

It is perhaps in defence where the most alarming problems lie, with Harry Clarke having found life difficult as the understudy to the injured Axel Tuenzebe at right-back.

Potential transfer targets: Josh Acheampong (Chelsea, loan), Kosta Nedeljkovic (Aston Villa, loan), Bali Mumba (Plymouth Argyle).

Leicester City

(Centre-back)

Like Ipswich, Leicester City have found life tough in the top flight thus far after being promoted as Championship winners last term.

The Foxes' struggles have already seen Steve Cooper replaced by Ruud van Nistelrooy in the managerial dugout, with the possibility of an immediate return to the Championship looming large.

January therefore represents a critical month for Leicester if they are able to orchestrate a successful survival bid, with Dutchman Van Nistelrooy likely to be backed with new signings to help improve the team's fortunes.

Centre-back appears a priority position to strengthen for Leicester, with the Foxes in urgent need of tightening up in defence having been on the receiving end of a number of heavy defeats so far this season.

Potential transfer targets: Victor Lindelof (Man Utd), Joyskim Dawa (FCSB), Rav van den Berg (Middlesbrough).

Liverpool

(Left-back)

In what has been a sensational first half of the 2024/25 season on all fronts for Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot, it has become increasingly clear where the relative weak spots in the side are.

There are lingering question marks over the central striking position, with Darwin Nunez continuing to misfire in front of goal and Diogo Jota often sidelined through injury, but arguably it has been at left-back where the Reds have looked weakest so far this term.

Andy Robertson has been one of Liverpool's top performers for a number of years as a key figure in the club's success under Jurgen Klopp which brought the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles to Anfield, but the Scotland captain has made some costly mistakes this term and no longer looks the player he once was.

With Greece international Kostas Tsimikas unable to usurp Robertson as Liverpool's number one option at left-back in his four years at the club, manager Slot is likely to be looking for a new left-back to come in whether it be in January or in the summer as the Reds target the biggest honours both domestically and in Europe.

Possible transfer targets: Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Leif Davis (Ipswich Town).

Manchester City

(Defensive midfielder)

Although there are no shortage of problem positions for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola at the moment, it wouldn't take a football genius to acknowledge the impact the ACL injury suffered by Rodri has had on the reigning Premier League champions.

Without a direct back up for Ballon d'Or winner Rodri in a deep midfield position, City have looked increasingly vulnerable in the middle of the park and notably susceptible to being caught out in transition.

Recruiting an established holding midfielder equipped with the attributes to both control the tempo of matches with the ball and the athleticism to make interceptions and cover the ground when City are countered on could be a big step towards Guardiola stabilising the team's alarming decline in form this season.

Potential transfer targets: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Ederson (Atalanta), Samuele Ricci (Torino).

Manchester United

(Left wing-back)

Although reports suggest new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim will not be provided with a significant war chest to add to his squad in the January transfer window due to PSR constraints, it would be a surprise if the Red Devils didn't dip into the market for a new player or two to support their new figurehead.

Amorim's new-look 3-4-2-1 set up involves a number of specialised roles which require particular attributes, with the wing-back positions one of the most conspicuous examples.

The ex-Sporting manager utilises wing-backs on either flank who are charged with providing width and dynamism to the team, with the in-form Amad Diallo having shone as a right wing-back under the auspices of the charismatic Portuguese.

At present, United have a dearth of options for the left wing-back role with Luke Shaw continuing to struggle with injuries and his deputy Tyrell Malacia not long back to full health following an extended lay-off himself.

This lack of available left-backs has seen the naturally right-sided Diogo Dalot deployed in this position on a number of occasions, and it would come as little surprise should Amorim seek to plug this gap in his squad in the January window.

Potential transfer targets: Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth), Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich).

Newcastle United

(Right-winger)

Arguably boasting two of the most threatening left wingers in the Premier League on their day in the form of Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, Newcastle cannot claim to have such a luxury of resources on their opposite flank.

With loyal servant Miguel Almiron having fallen out of favour on Tyneside, Jacob Murphy has emerged as Eddie Howe's first pick on the right flank with Gordon also utilised in this position this season.

As much as Murphy is a trusted operator and Gordon is capable of playing on the right wing, neither appear ideal options in this position if Newcastle are to find themselves back in contention for UEFA Champions League qualification.

England international Gordon is at his blistering best when running infield onto his right foot from the left, and Newcastle could really do with a new recruit on the right wing to balance out the threat the Scouser consistently provides.

Potential transfer targets: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Johan Bakayoko (PSV), Nicolas Kuhn (Celtic).

Nottingham Forest

(Striker)

The surprise package of this Premier League campaign, Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest may have their eyes set on European qualification ahead of next season.

One of the stars of this formidable Forest side has been New Zealand international striker Chris Wood who has earned Nuno's charges many valuable points with his prolific goalscoring.

Wood is not getting any younger at 33, however, and with understudy Taiwo Awoniyi having struggled for form under the management of Nuno, Forest may be keen to recruit a new alternative to their New Zealander up top before next season.

Forest pushed hard to bring Feyenoord hitman Santiago Gimenez to the City Ground in the summer and it might not be long before they go back into the market for some fresh blood in attack.

Potential transfer targets: Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord), Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Manfred Ugalde (Spartak Moscow).

Southampton

(Striker)

New Southampton manager Ivan Juric will be deemed a miracle worker should he mastermind a path to safety for his employers who currently prop up the Premier League table.

The Saints have proved the whipping boys of this Premier League season thus far, with Russell Martin's expansive style of play having come undone against the best sides in the country time and time again.

Ex-Torino boss Juric is now charged with restoring order at the St Mary's, with the January transfer window offering the Croatian an opportunity to add to his squad.

Although it is at the back where Southampton's shortcomings have been most conspicuous in the Premier League, perhaps a more pragmatic tactical set up under Juric can help address this with the Saints boasting some undoubtedly talented players in this area including Aaron Ramsdale, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Kyle Walker-Peters.

It could therefore be more wise to identify a new focal point in attack with Southampton crying out for a reliable goalscoring option up front to provide the team with fresh confidence and impetus.

Potential transfer targets: Emmanuel Latte Lath (Middlesbrough), Danny Ings (West Ham), Callum Wilson (Newcastle).

Tottenham

(Left-sided defender)

A squad already looking relatively light considering Tottenham's participation in the UEFA Europa League on top of domestic commitments, injury problems have magnified the lack of depth to Spurs' squad.

Ange Posteocoglou's side have been left particularly short in defence, with injuries suffered by first choice centre-back partnership Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven resulting in the Spurs rearguard looking rather makeshift in some important fixtures.

Ben Davies filled in valiantly at centre-back before falling victim to injury himself, whilst summer signing Archie Gray has been deployed out of position as a centre-back.

It would therefore come as welcome respite for under pressure Postecoglou to add a new defender or two to a ranks, with a left-sided option perhaps ideal to provide some added cover for Destiny Udogie at left-back.

Possible transfer targets: David Hancko (Feyenoord) Omar Alderette (Getafe), Milan Skriniar (PSG).

West Ham

(Striker)

It has been far from an ideal first half of the season for new West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, with the Irons languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table having been unable to find any form of real consistency.

One glaring problem area has been in the central striking position, with high-profile summer signing Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund struggling thus far to make an impact at the London Stadium with just one Premier League goal to his name, albeit the Germany international has been blighted by injury.

An unfortunate serious injury suffered by Michail Antonio has weakened West Ham's striking options further, with this news perhaps forcing the hand of the club's board ahead of the January transfer window as the Hammers eye an improved second half of the campaign.

Potential transfer targets: Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Evan Ferguson (Brighton), Yuri Alberto (Corinthians).

Wolves

(Central defender)

Defensive fragility has been the notable Achilles' heel of Wolves so far this season in the Premier League, with the Black Country club conceding the most goals in England's top flight in the first half of the campaign to find themselves in relegation danger.

Wolves' troublesome start to the season has seen Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira replace Gary O'Neil in the Molineux hotseat, and with the ex-Porto boss renowned for prioritising defensive discipline he is likely eager to strengthen this area of the squad in the January window.

Boasting high quality operators in the final third such as Brazilian talisman Matheus Cunha and on-loan Norway international striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, Wolves do possess an attacking edge, but if they don't urgently address their shortcomings in defence their six-year stay in the top flight will be brought to an abrupt end.

Potential transfer targets: Kevin Danso (Lens), Daniel Ballard (Sunderland), Ben Godfrey (Atalanta).

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