Entering the exciting January with the transfer window reopened, the Premier League team managers will be active in looking for useful addition(s) to their squads. We witnessed success of January inputs in the past: Evra and Vidic in 2005, Rodallega to Wigan in 2009, Andrei Arshavin arriving in London in the same year; and of course, there are ones that don’t work too and cost up to 50 million (you know who he is)!
This year, Tevez has already got his suitcase packed, and Anelka is ready to enjoy some dim sums in his tenth club of his career. Here the Linesman reveals who else is likely to join them out the door next month.
1. Jermain Defoe
Having fallen behind Adebayor and van der Vaart, his January exit is further motivated by Euro 2012, a competition he has never played in as he was omitted from selection in 2004 and England couldn't qualify in 2008. Defoe is not a stranger to January transfer, having left and re-joined Tottenham in 2008 and 2009 respectively. It will be no surprise if they are going to cash out on Defoe, even though Harry Redknapp has reiterated his desire to keep him.
Potential destinations: Newcastle United, Sunderland
2. Gary Cahill
Owen Coyle has already surrendered in keeping Cahill's service. A developed centre back who is ready to shine in the top flight, Gary Cahill will also be motivated by attracting the attention of Fabio Capello, as his position in the Euro 2012 squad is already threatened by the emerging Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.
Potential destinations: Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal
3. Andrei Arshavin
He possesses the game-changing flair and finishing touch that every Arsenal fans love to see. This season, though, the Russian has found himself fallen behind Gervinho in selection and seems to have lost the passion in football as a substitute. Gervinho’s January absence may block a potential transfer, but a move back home could be hard to resist for the Little Giant.
Potential destinations: Zenit St Petersburg, Anzhi Makhachkala
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| Those were the days..... |
4. Nigel De Jong
The Dutch midfielder had played an important role to aid Manchester City last season to clinch the FA Cup winner and qualify for Champions League. This season, he has fallen out of Mancini's favourite as the Italian prefers a more attacking approach. With only 6 league appearances (3 starting) under his belt, it is definitely frustrating for De Jong, although Yaya Toure's absence in January would give him more playing time. Nevertheless, he may still look to elsewhere if his contract talks with Manchester City break down.
Potential destinations: Real Madrid, Arsenal, QPR (loan), Liverpool
5. Alex
He has fallen out of AVB's plan, given his lack of pace to play in the high defense line. Bosingwa was inserted as the emergent centre back in the Spurs game over him, suggesting he has no future in Chelsea. The powerful defender, though, is still at his peak age, armed with thundering long shot ability. There is every chance that he could leave England to look for regular playing time, including back to Brazil.
Potential destinations: Arsenal, Juventus, Santos
6. Fernando Torres
Will Abramovich admit that he has spent 50 million on the wrong player? Torres showed a sign of recovery with his brilliant goal vs Manchester United, though minutes later missing an open goal. Since his goal and red card in the victory against Swansea in late September, Torres has failed to score a single league goal, even failed to enjoy the victorious moments of Chelsea, when he was spotted not celebrating after the final whistle vs Manchester City. Although Chelsea will be missing Drogba and Kalou in January, the under-fired striker is not untouchable. His huge salary pay could be the only obstacle.
Potential destinations: Barcelona (swap deal with David Villa)
7. Bobby Zamora
Martin Jol has repeatedly denied a bust-up with Zamora, insisting the forward is too jaded for selection. Surprisingly, despite the embarrassing defeat against Manchester United (which Zamora did feature for 5 minutes), Fulham showed their ability to live without him, grabbing four points from Bolton and Chelsea. It is widely believed that Zamora’s exit will only be a matter of time. Interest from Tottenham has further enhanced the possibility.
Potential destinations: Sunderland, QPR, Tottenham, Newcastle
8. Christopher Samba
The fans have seen enough, so does Samba. The Blackburn captain saved the team from relegation last season with clinical performances, which attracted Arsenal's interest this summer. After deciding to stay at Ewood Park, the only bright side that Blackburn has seen this season was the 4-3 thrilling win against Arsenal. The temptation of European football can be irresistible to pull Samba away from the team he has been for five years.
Potential destinations: Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham, QPR
9. Niko Kranjcar
One of the most underrated midfielders in Premier League. He followed Harry Redknapp to Tottenham in 2009 but has been displaced by Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in his favourite positions. In February, he took advantage of Bale's injury and scored two magnificent winning goals in consecutive matches, but still failed to establish himself in the team. He is desperately looking to depart in search for regular football, something the Croatia national team would be more than happy to see.
Potential destinations: Sunderland, QPR
10. Roman Pavlyuchenko
Another Spurs striker who fails to break into first team. He has enjoyed a good Europa campaign, as well as scoring the winner against Sunderland, but regular football is all he is looking for, common among participants of Euro 2012. Rumours have been everywhere, but Harry Redknapp is unwilling to let go of anyone until he has found a replacement.
Potential destinations: Anzhi Makhachkala, QPR, Lokomotiv Moscow
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| Who will leave? Who will stay? |
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