Transfer Window January 2017: Who the fans want to bring in and get rid of

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal

In

Arsenal rarely do business in January, but the annual injury farce should force Arsene Wenger’s hand this year. While there are two positions I’d like to see filled-right back and deep lying playmaker-it is the latter which requires immediate attention due to the absence of Cazorla, Coquelin and Elneny. Miralem Pjanić is the player which crosses both attainable and sufficiently classy boxes as the replacements for the growingly fragile Spaniard. He has the exact skill set needed to pull the strings of this Arsenal midfield whilst also not afraid to get his hands dirty in defence. Juventus may not be easy to negotiate with, but it would be a shrewd signing for Wenger to see what is possibly to be his last season at the Emirates.

Out

On the other side of the revolving door, Arsenal really need to offload Per Mertesacker as well as Yaya Sanogo. The German’s contract is up in the summer and while he’s been a leading figure at the club for a long time now, his performances over the years have only depleted in quality. As for Sanogo, the less said the better about Arsenal’s own Bebe.”

Kabir Nagpal

Bournemouth

In

With Nathan Aké being recalled to Chelsea we need to sign a centre back as a matter of urgency. If we can’t tempt Aké back I’d like to see us go all in and try to tempt Lewis Dunk of Brighton across the south coast – he’s looking more assured by the game for the Seagulls and I think he could forge a very effective partnership with Steve Cook.

Out

If we can get a decent price for Lewis Grabban I wouldn’t be too disappointed to see the striker go – he’s failed to get even near our first team’s bench and would be better replaced with a younger and hungrier forward.

Simon Reed

Burnley

In

Robbie Brady – we have no pace on either wing, he is able to play full back up to left wing forward and is capable delivering a good cross which we are lacking

Out

Nobody to sell but Patrick Bamford should be allowed to go back to Chelsea from his loan early as he hasn’t had a sniff. He could do with regular football elsewhere and we could do with a new loanee who can contribute in his place.

Matt Lane

Chelsea

In

Chelsea have been taking the Premier League by storm only just being halted from their 14th straight win by a fit and balanced Spurs side. The 13 games that preceded it showed a team that have unified after a torrid season and reacted positively after the last straw being the 3-0 loss at Arsenal. It was hard to imagine how to improve the machine that Chelsea appeared to be but there remain fundamental changes that need to be made. With this transfer window it is the defence that needs to be improved after a poor showing by Azpilicueta and Victor Moses led to the loss at Spurs. A proper center back is needed such as Kalidou Koulibaly who has pace and experience and would work well in Conte’s system.

Out

Heading out the door for Chelsea would have to be Branislav Ivanovic as it’s time to put the Serb out to pasture. Eight years of dedicated and impressive service is threatened to be overshadowed by the horrible form that has plagued him the last two seasons. In any case, Victor Moses and Azpi are all the right wing-backs we’ll ever need.

Zaki Ahmed

Crystal Palace

In

Ben Davies is a signing we could really do with making. Pape Souare’s injury, Zeki Fryers’ general incompetence and Pardew’s lack of foresight means we’re woefully short at left back. We’ve made do up until this point by turning to both right backs, Martin Kelly and Joel Ward, but it’s the one position we must strengthen.

Out

As for a player who needs to leave the club, Jordan Mutch is that player. At £5m he’s one of the most expensive signings Palace have ever made but also happens to be one of the worst. In terms of performances and contribution to the club since he joined, he’s brought the square root of nothing. It’s high time we got rid.

Chris Hawes

Everton

In

We’ve already got one player who has been frozen out at Man Utd in Morgan Schneiderlin and I’d like another in the form of Memphis Depay. The Dutchman was signed with much excitement in 2015, but has failed to impress. Everton have had the habit over the years of turning careers around and if we could get the best out of him then it’s be a stunning deal. Yannick Bolasie’s long-term injury has left us short in the position and Depay could be exactly what we need.

Out

There are worse players at the club, but James McCarthy is one player that I’d look to move on. He had already lost his place with the signing of Idrissa Gueye, but things have been made even worse for him with the acquisition of Schneiderlin. His value would still be high and has shown himself in recently to be quite injury prone. Now would be a great time to get the highest price for a player who is now surplus to requirements.

Kenneth Jarvis

Hull City

In

Hull City fans really do not have high expectations for this transfer window, despite new manager Marco Silva being brought in with the promise of money to bolster his squad. There isn’t one single player we need to sign per se, as all areas need strengthening. However, after a number of good Premier League performances have yielded little to no points in recent weeks, and with striker Dieumerci Mbokani away all month on international duty, a forward must surely be top of Silva’s wish list. Everton’s seemingly unwanted £13.5m Oumar Niasse is looking the most likely to be brought in on a loan deal.

Out

In terms of January exits, the club simply cannot afford to lose any players. With the smallest squad in the division and an ever-growing injury list, it’s not a case of needing to sell any player, it’s a case of frantically holding on to our better players if we are to have any chance of a ‘great escape’. With interest for both Robert Snodgrass and Abel Hernandez, it is absolutely vital we do not let either go during this window. This January is make or break for Hull City.”

Greg Whitaker

Leicester City

In

While overall squad depth isn’t a problem, Leicester are certainly lacking a centre-back or two, preferably a younger one too. Schalke’s Matija Nastasic is a rumoured target and with his Premier League experience and age, would make a brilliant signing.

Out

Wingers are not in such short supply, so letting Jeff Schlupp leave is sensible for both parties given he struggles to make the squad. If we can recoup some money from the academy product as well, it’s more money in the transfer kitty.

Helen Nutter

Liverpool

In

Joe Hart: While loath to go for such an obvious choice, it is in the goalkeeping department that Liverpool could do with strengthening. As long as Daniel Sturridge stays fit, Liverpool have enough attacking options. It would be a surprise if Jurgen Klopp signed a centre-half midway through the campaign, especially following Joel Matip’s return to training. He has plenty of midfield options. Neither Simon Mignolet nor Loris Karius have convinced. Hart is a Premier League winner with huge experience. The England No1 isn’t a long-term solution but for the remainder of the season, Hart would do nicely.

Out

Alberto Moreno: It’s difficult to envisage Jurgen Klopp selling any of his players in January considering the squad is quite small and already stretched due to injuries and Sadio Mane’s AFCON departure. However, if Klopp was to sell one player perhaps it would be Moreno. The Spanish full-back’s attitude has seemingly been good in training but it’s pretty clear Klopp doesn’t fancy him. Following Joe Gomez’s return from injury, perhaps Klopp could be tempted to sell Moreno and use the funds to buy cover elsewhere.

Kieran Beckles

Manchester City

In

Manchester City have been rather inconsistent defensively this term and hence have been linked with a plethora of defensive players this window. One player who would truly make the difference to the Pep Guardiola system is David Alaba. The Bayern Munich man played under Guardiola for the last three seasons and has developed into one of the best defenders in world football. Capable of playing at left back and centre back, as well as in midfield, the 24-year-old would be an excellent addition to the Blues’ ranks.

Out

A player who should be sold by Guardiola is Spanish winger Jesus Navas. With the likes of young stars Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and now Gabriel Jesus occupying the wide positions, it seems the World Cup winner is unlikely to see many minutes on the pitch. The 31-year-old has been a true servant to the club since his arrival in 2013, but it seems that his time could soon be up, with former club Sevilla rumoured to be interested.

Jordan-Luke McDonald

Manchester United

In

Alex Grimaldo: Jose Mourinho has made it quite clear that United are set to go without this January ahead of a busy summer spree. But if he was to make one purchase it would be in the left back slot, as 19-year-old Timothy Fosu-Mensah should be given a chance to inherit the right-back position from Antonio Valencia. Mourinho doesn’t seem taken with Luke Shaw, and while Daley Blind and Mateo Darmian have been impressive it’s stll a position that he looks likely to address.

Personally I’d like to see Shaw given another chance. But 21-year-old Alex Grimaldo has been hugely impressive for Benfica this season, scoring twice and contributing two assists in 12 games, while he possesses the attacking intent and risk that United fans love to see in their full-backs. Patrice Evra’s January arrival proved just how beneficial a January transfer move can be, but it’s more likely than United will wait until the summer to do their bidding on their potential players.

Out

Memphis Depay: Right player, wrong time. Undoubtedly talented, Depay’s confidence is now completely sapped and he needs a new start. Mourinho and United, having found a rhythm and with the Premier League so tight, can’t afford to wait and see if Depay comes good, so they might as well cash in. As United proved with the imminent sale of Morgan Schneiderlin, they’ll be out to get as much of the £25 million they spent on Depay back as possible, too.

Greg Wakeman

Middlesbrough

In

Middlesbrough’s creative options are limited to the inconsistently maverick Adama Traore and the simply inconsistent Gaston Ramirez. Matchwinners both but each with a tendency towards off days. The man Boro need therefore is out-of-favour Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu to provide an upgrade on current personnel. If he proves unobtainable, then Bojan from Stoke would provide some much-needed attacking guile.

Out

There is a lot to be said for Jordan Rhodes’ goal-scoring record. But Aitor Karanka either doesn’t rate him, or doesn’t think he’ll work in Karanka’s preferred system (a view with which I agree). Either way, he would be valued highly by Championship clubs and so Boro should cash in now – for £10/11million – rather than risk him losing value in the summer.

Charles Walford

Southampton

In

Saints should look to sign Sebastien Haller from FC Utrecht this month. Of course if Jose Fonte does leave, a replacement for him in defence will be the priority, but we’ve looked so light up front. Haller would offer strength, aerial threat and hold-up play; three things that we’ve badly missed this season in the absence of Graziano Pelle.

Out

None at all…

Luke Osman

Stoke City

In

One player Stoke must bring in this transfer window is Malaga’s holding midfielder Ignacio Camacho. The Malaga midfielder is ideal for us at the moment, as apart from Glenn Whelan we have no one who can hold the midfield together. Watching Camacho a lot this year has shown me he is the ideal fit, as he has been key to Malaga’s upturn in form. He cancels out the opposition attacks great with his quality anticipation and also offers a good range of pass. Someone like Joe Allen or Giannelli Imbula playing next to him would be great for pivot for us to build our team around.

Out

One player who should leave the club in the upcoming window was our summer loan signing Wilfred Bony. His five-month spell has been extremely unsuccessful having only scored twice during the campaign and being pretty inefficient with his all round general play. Not only has he been poor on the pitch, the Manchester City loanee is the highest paid player on our books earning a staggering £120,000 a week if you believe the papers. It’s an expensive price to pay for someone who doesn’t even get game time off the bench.

Rory Watt

Sunderland

In

Trying to strengthen and improve against a backdrop of financial frugality will be an almost impossible task but this is the challenge that awaits David Moyes during January. However, if the Scot can have only one wish granted in respect of new arrivals then surely it would be a player to slot into the midfield area. An ideal candidate would be Everton’s James McCarthy. It is likely that the Republic of Ireland international will now be superfluous given Ronald Koeman has secured the services of Morgan Schneiderlin for £24million. However, it would still likely take a sizeable offer to persuade the Merseyside club to sell and that will be a major stumbling block for the Black Cats.

Out

One way in which Sunderland could generate funds for their transfer kitty is by selling those with a significant market value. Unfortunately, these are a rare breed on Wearside but if we had to point the finger at one in particular it would be Jeremain Lens. The Dutchman is currently with Fenerbahce on loan and given his lack of desire whilst he wore the red and white plus his recent remarks around hoping his parent club are relegated, Lens will not be a miss. Yet the fact that he has impressed whilst with the Turkish side means Sunderland can still command a reasonable sum for his signature.

Graeme Atkinson

Swansea

In

Swansea are desperate for a central defender to replace Ashley Williams – someone with authority, as we miss his leadership the most. Although for the future it may be a step in the wrong direction, John Terry would be exactly the defender we need now.

Out

As for players that need to go, Ki Sung Yueng is probably the worst of a bad bunch – I can’t believe he was top goalscorer a few years back! No reason to keep him.

Chris Carra

Tottenham Hotspur

In

As confirmed by BBC MOTD’s panel of strikers last Sunday, Vincent Janssen is broken. Having thrown the best part of £20m at AZ Alkmaar for the Dutchman in the summer, it’s unlikely Levy will be compelled to spend more. But Spurs need a forward who can do more than just score penalties. Moussa Dembélé from Celtic?

Out

Need to sell? Nobody…

Steve Towells

Watford

In

We are leaking silly goals so the need for a defender is a must. A bit of experience at the centre is a must so I would send for John Terry as he would get things organised.

Out

When China offered us a heap of cash for our striker Odion Ighalo a few months ago I thought: ‘You need to double that’. Now if they offered half that I would offer to pay the plane fare myself.

Dermot Quigley

West Bromwich Albion

In

One player we need to buy is Tom Cairney (Fulham) because we are seriously lacking creativity in the midfield area, Fletcher and Yacob together is too defensive in terms of a partnership.

Out

One player we need to sell is Saido Berahino, it looks increasingly like he will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season so we should pocket the £12m or so now and move on.

Nathan Bliss

West Ham

In

I believe that West ham need to sign a striker and Michy Batshuayi is the man that needs to be brought in. Yes, we did miss out on him in the summer but we might be able to get him on loan given that he is not playing at Chelsea. With all of our other strikers underperforming (with the exception of Andy Carroll), we need another option up front who will add a new dimension to the team. Batshuayi is a good finisher and he might be able to take advantage of the numerous chances created by Dimitri Payet.

Out

We need to sell Sofiane Feghouli as he has not made an impact on the team and with Sam Byram coming back, the RAM/RW position will be Michail Antonio’s. Feghouli has only started one Premier League game this season and with Roma being interested, it is a good opportunity to sell.

Zakir Hasan

SCOTTISH PREMIERSIP

Celtic

In

I think Celtic need to sign a number 10 playmaker in the winter market and Henri Lansbury of Nottingham Forrest ticks all the boxes. Having had a taste of Champions League football under Brendan Rodgers, the idea is to get there again next season and improving the squad with someone of Lansbury’s pedigree and experience would go a long way towards achieving that target as well as giving the team the impetus to seal the domestic treble in the second half of the season.

Out

As for departures, I think Nir Bitton should be sold. He’s a good player but he’s been overtaken by Stuart Armstrong this season and with the imminent signing of Kouassi Eboue (and possibly Lansbury), there’s not enough opportunities for him at Parkhead so it makes sense to cash in on him.

Ameen Rabbani

Rangers

In

The one player Rangers need to sign in this window is a proper ball-winning midfielder. We already have Jordan Rossiter but he’s struggling with injury and we need that position filled because it will help the overall balance of the side. The midfield has been a problem area all season, and the ball winner would add to the signings of Jon Toral and Emerson Hyndman and improve the overall quality in that area.

Out

The one player that I feel should leave is Michael O’Halloran. He signed last January for £500k and quite frankly has been a poor signing. Amongst the fans, people often call for him to start, but in my opinion, it’s a case of him becoming a better player because he’s not playing. For the way we play, he lacks the football brain and the intelligence to really succeed here, so I’d be happy if he was sold and we got some of that money back for him.

Jamie Currie

THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Aston Villa

In

Aston Villa have to sign a midfielder, and the number one choice must be Conor Hourihane from Barnsley, who has recorded 11 assists and scored five goals this season already. Villa desperately lack quality in centre midfield, with Ashley Westwood and Gary Gardner both not stepping up. Hourihane is also out of contract at the end of the season, so Villa could pounce for a cut price fee.

Out

There isn’t a player we need to sell, this is due to players at AFCON and contracts for players like Alan Hutton, Mark Bunn and Libor Kozak all expiring at the end of the season anyway.

Tom Waller

Newcastle United

In

There are a number of positions that Newcastle United should strengthen in January but the most pressing is the need for some creativity in the midfield position. This has become glaringly obvious throughout Jonjo Shelvey’s suspension. We have so far been linked with a few players, none of which have raised my eyebrows but I trust the manager to get the right men in.

Out

In terms of who I would sell, the simple answer is no one, we have a good squad and I don’t want to lose anyone. Mind, if an offer came in for Jack Colback or Paul Dummett I would struggle to say no!

Tim Cunningham

Norwich City

In

One player that City have been linked to in recent weeks is Barnsley’s dynamic midfielder, and captain, Conor Hourihane. At the ripe age of 25, Hourihane is yet to taste Premier League football, and thus represents exactly the sort of “young and hungry” type that we should be looking at. Numerous injuries have left us short in midfield and the acquisition of Hourihane – who has been one of the stars of the Championship season so far – would fill the void alongside Jonny Howson perfectly.

Out

In terms of January departures, Robbie Brady would be at the top of my list to go. Alex Neil and the board have made it clear that they will be pursuing a strict “sell to buy” policy throughout the window and Brady is our most sizeable asset to raise funds. His form has been inconsistent to say the least so far this season and with Matt Jarvis returning to fitness I don’t think we’ll miss him too much – any offers of £10 million plus should be hastily accepted.”

Alec Blatherwick