Should we say there are some outcast footballers who need a transfer this January? As the next transfer window approaches, it’s clear that some football players are desperately looking for an escape route from their current clubs.
Footballers who need a transfer this January
These are the outcasts who need a transfer this January. Let’s delve into the stories of these 10 players who are seeking a fresh start.
1. Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho, the 23-year-old winger, currently finds himself in the shadows, perhaps one of the most isolated figures in the footballing world. This isolation began when he made a controversial statement on social media in response to his coach, and his refusal to apologize only made matters worse. Startlingly, there are reports suggesting that he has even been omitted from Manchester United’s official squad photo for the season, which is quite astonishing.
The arrival of January can’t come soon enough for Sancho. He may be considering a return to Dortmund or even the possibility of being scooped up by Xavi, the “Mr. Fix It” manager, whether on loan or as a free transfer. At this point, it doesn’t really matter who expresses interest; what’s clear is that Sancho urgently needs to make a swift exit from Manchester.
2. Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips should have realized that his prospects at City were dimming when he didn’t get the nod, even with Rodri’s suspension. Pep’s preference for Rico Lewis in the midfield made it abundantly clear.
What sets Phillips apart is his self-awareness. During the recent international break, he openly acknowledged the necessity of more playing time to secure his place in the England squad. He recognizes that a significant decision about his future awaits him in the upcoming months.
It’s highly likely that Phillips is already exploring potential destinations for a January move. With the Euros on the horizon at the end of the season, missing out is not an option he’d be comfortable with.
3. Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire, the Manchester United center-back, is struggling to maintain his place in the starting lineup. Although he managed a full game against Brentford just before the international break, it’s evident that once Varane and Shaw return, Maguire will likely find himself relegated to the bench once again.
The 30-year-old was encouraged to depart over the summer, but he opted to remain. Regrettably, little has changed since then. Given the circumstances, it’s high time for him to seriously contemplate a transfer in the upcoming January window.
4. Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe, another English talent, finds himself on the outskirts of his current club- Arsenal. Unfortunately, his injury setback derailed his progress. Upon his return, it was clear that the team had shifted its focus. On the left flank, players like Martinelli and Trossard have taken precedence. In fact, Arteta seems more inclined to deploy Jesus in that role than to consider Smith Rowe.
The attacking midfield position is consistently occupied by the captain, leaving Smith Rowe with limited opportunities at best. His situation leaves him with mere scraps of playing time. Desperately seeking a fresh start, the young player needs a transfer in January, even if it’s just a loan move. It’s evident that he needs to depart from North London to revive his career.
5. Eric Dier
Eric Dier’s situation is equally remarkable. Surprisingly, he remains a Tottenham Hotspur player, despite not having set foot on the pitch this season. There are instances where he warms the bench, while in others, he doesn’t even make the squad. What remains consistent is his absence from the playing field.
Postecoglou’s clear preference is the center-back pairing of van de Ven and Romero, and despite the departure of Davinson Sanchez, Dier’s prospects haven’t improved. At this juncture, his chances of earning a spot in the Euros next summer are exceedingly remote. To enhance his prospects, a transfer in the upcoming January window is imperative.
6. Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper, is in dire need of a swift departure from Tottenham. His situation is so dire that many have forgotten he’s even a part of the Spurs roster. Nevertheless, he diligently attends squad training sessions each week, fully aware that the coach has no intention of calling upon him.
Lloris experienced a significant fall from grace – he was excluded from the club’s preseason tour, had his captaincy stripped, and was explicitly advised to explore transfer opportunities. The message couldn’t be any clearer. The fact that he continues to train shows he’s not ready to retire just yet, making a January move to a new club his most sensible course of action.
7. Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas, a three-time Champions League winner, is in a position where he urgently needs to secure a new club. It’s quite perplexing to see such a decorated goalkeeper sitting on PSG’s bench. The man has already achieved it all; it’s time to go where he can actively play and showcase his talent.
Navas seemed to relish his time at Nottingham Forest last season, and perhaps revisiting a move of that nature would be a wise choice. What makes this situation even more puzzling is that there were offers on the table for Navas in the summer, but he opted to decline them, perhaps with hopes of swaying the new coach. However, as events have shown, it appears that persuasion isn’t in the cards. So, Keylor, it’s about time to embrace those offers you turned down in the summer and explore new horizons.
8. Youssoufa Moukoko
Youssoufa Moukoko, the German-Cameroonian striker, made a sensational start to his career at Dortmund, achieving the distinction of becoming the youngest player in Bundesliga and Champions League history at the tender age of 16.
In the 2022-23 season, Moukoko enjoyed significant playing time, primarily due to Haaland’s departure and Haller’s extended absence due to injury. However, this season has presented a stark contrast. Thus far, he has only managed a mere 66 minutes of play across all competitions for Dortmund. The return of Haller and the summer signing of Fullkrug have limited his opportunities.
While suggesting that a young talent like Moukoko should consider leaving a club with Dortmund’s prestigious history might sound surprising, it’s a decision he genuinely needs. Approaching the age of 19, he must secure consistent playing time to prevent fading into obscurity.
Moukoko doesn’t necessarily require a high-profile transfer at this moment. What he needs is a move to a club where he can be a regular on the field. A loan move appears to be a highly promising option for his career at this stage.
9. Youri Tielemans
Discussing loan moves, Youri Tielemans is currently contemplating such a step just months after his move to a new club. At 26 years old, he made a free transfer to Aston Villa in June, but he has encountered difficulties in securing playing time. In a surprising turn of events, Unai Emery even opted to deploy a right-back, Cash, in the midfield instead of Tielemans in a match against Wolves.
Tielemans’ evident unhappiness is hardly surprising given the circumstances. It appears that he is actively seeking a transfer, with Galatasaray being a potential destination in the upcoming January transfer window. It’s clear that a change of scenery is essential for him to revive his career.
10. Malang Sarr
Concluding our list of football outcasts, we have Malang Sarr, who finds himself in an especially challenging situation. In a club as star-studded as Chelsea, the issue isn’t a lack of players but rather an abundance of talent. If you happen to fall out of favor, your prospects can quickly diminish.
At Chelsea, the surplus of centre-backs is so extensive that it’s highly unlikely Sarr is even on their radar. It wouldn’t be surprising if even the head coach, Pochettino, isn’t familiar with his name or appearance.
For the 24-year-old Frenchman, the solution is clear: he needs to make a departure from Chelsea in the upcoming January transfer window if he still harbors aspirations of continuing his footballing career.
The January transfer window offers these players a chance to revive their careers and secure the playing time they deserve.
Which other players do you think need a move in January? Share your thoughts in the comments.
