We're now roughly a third of the way through this season's Premier League as we approach the fixture-congested festive period. With only three points between Manchester City (1st) and Aston Villa (5th) as well as only two points between Luton (17th) and Burnley (20th), every team in the league will have reasons to strengthen in January. Here's a look at some players who should be considering moving on this coming window...
Jadon Sancho
After being seemingly unstoppable at Dortmund as a teenager, Jadon Sancho has unfortunately not been able to bring his Bundesliga form with him to Manchester. His lack of minutes has clearly caused friction with manager, Erik ten Hag, who made the decision in September to stop him from training with the first team.
Where to? - No one can deny that despite his lack of confidence at the moment, Sancho is still an exceptional talent, maybe a move back to Dortmund, where he is still adored by the fans, could give him a much needed lift. Conversely, if he was to stay in England he would suit West Ham or Aston Villa, where he'd get some minutes under his belt and still be playing European football.
Pedro Neto
Wolverhampton Wanderers this season have been the closest Premier League side to being a one man team - that man being Pedro Neto. The Portuguese winger currently sits joint top of the league's assist charts with eight, however this number could easily be doubled if Wolves had forwards that could finish their dinner.
Read more: Getting to know YOUR Premier League club before the start of the season - Wolves
Where to? - With Heung-Min Son playing a more central role under Ange Postecoglou, a player like Neto would be tailor made to take his place on the left wing. As statistically the quickest player in the league, the direct nature of Neto's dribbling would work perfectly in a Tottenham team which lacks pace and depth in attacking areas.
Kalvin Phillips
After helping his boyhood club, Leeds United get Premier League promotion and subsequent survival, Kalvin Phillips caught the eye of Pep Guardiola due to his consistent performances. At Manchester City, he has maintained that consistency but unfortunately it has been on the bench, making only two Premier League starts in as many seasons.
Read more: Will Kalvin Phillips come good at City?
Where to? - Nowhere, would you leave if you were getting £150,000 to sit on your backside every Saturday, while simultaneously being the teacher's pet of an England manager who calls you up regardless? That being said, if Phillips does decide in the near future that he wants to play football, a club like Everton would make sense. A no-nonsense leader with experience of a relegation battle, Phillips is exactly the type of player Sean Dyche needs right now.
Joel Matip
Since his move from Schalke in 2016, Joel Matip has possibly been one of the most underrated defenders in the League, often overshadowed by Virgil van Dijk beside him. However, at the age of 32 with a contract that ends in the summer, surely January would be the ideal time for the Cameroon International to bid farewell to Anfield.
Where to? - If he wants to stay in the Premier League, as a good ball playing centre back, a team like Fulham would be a good fit for Matip. On the contrary, if he fancies going back to the country of his birth, Hoffenheim are a side who need to strengthen defensively if they have European aspirations.
Aaron Ramsdale
While Mikel Arteta still maintains that Aaron Ramsdale is still in his plans this season for Arsenal, by signing David Raya and giving him more game time, I think we know who the real number one is at the Emirates. After a good 22/23 season, Ramsdale was knocking on the door of being England's number one but if he's got any aspirations of taking Jordan Pickford's jersey now, surely he has to move elsewhere.
Where to? - Ramsdale proved last season that he's one of the best shot stoppers in the league but he can be a liability with the ball at his feet. The 25 year old made his name at Sheffield United and Bournemouth and would be welcomed back in a heartbeat by both these clubs, however he may see that as too much of a downgrade. Of the current top ten Premier League teams, Brighton are the only team with goalkeeping issues but with Ramsdale's 'ball at feet' issues would Roberto De Zerbi really want him?
So there you have it, five players who absolutely NEED a move in January. I'm sure I've missed out plenty of names so please feel free to add your suggestions in the comments below...
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