As the January transfer market is so short, strategy is everything. With only four weeks to finalise all deals, the clubs have to be perfect with their timing or risk seeing business collapse.
There's little time to spare, and many players at major clubs will have already considered their next step. Who will be able to leave their team soon? Watch the video below for five names to look out for.
1. Alvaro Morata
Juventus has already notified the Spanish forward that they don't intend to exercise the €40 million buy option in the summer of 2022. This is why Morata's departure in January is possible, and Barcelona are very insistent on having him. Morata accepted, Xavi is pushing, but everything will depend on Juventus and if they manage to find another top striker in time.
2. Matias Vecino
Inter are prepared to sell their midfielder as he's out of contract in June 2022. Flamengo approached him, but he wants to stay in Europe – and ideally Italy – if possible.
The Vecino deal will be a huge opportunity in the coming weeks.
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3. Anthony Martial
His will is very clear: to change clubs. After seven years, he wants to feel like a starter in his team again.
Sevilla has shown an interest in Martial, but Man United wants payment of the full salary and a loan fee. This has caused some difficulties, and some other clubs may try to enter the race.
4. Ainsley Maitland-Niles
His professionalism has always been excellent, but Arsenal have many players in his position and Maitland-Niles will likely leave the club because of this.
AS Roma are set to sign him on loan until June for a €500k loan fee, plus another €500k of add-ons included in the negotiation. Talks are at the final stages, and Mourinho wants him.
5. Philippe Coutinho
For months they have been looking for a solution – Barcelona want to find a club for Coutinho offering a very high salary.
Flamengo, for now, haven't made any offers for him, while Everton has been offered the opportunity to buy Coutinho this month. Evaluations are underway, but Coutinho has a serious chance to leave Barcelona.