It’s that time of the season again: the January transfer window. The world’s best clubs have already reassessed what’s needed to make a second-half season push. But are they willing to splash the cash?
Here are five of the best players that could move this winter window for exorbitant transfer fees.
Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United)
Will Viktor Gyokeres follow his former boss to Manchester United? While Ruben Amorim is still gauging his offensive weapons at Old Trafford, he knows Gyokeres is a goal-machine.
The Red Devils need a dependable striker to provide at least 20 goals a season. Gyokeres already has tallied 24 goals and four assists in just 21 games this season. His output makes even Erling Haaland jealous; after all, Gyokeres put a rare hat-trick against Guardiola’s side in the Champions League.
Gyokeres’ contract expires in June 2028. While maintaining a $125 million release clause, the Red Devils could snatch him now for nearly $74 million.
Then perhaps Sporting teammate and talented winger Pedro Goncalves could reunite with both Gyokeres and Amorim this summer.
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen to Real Madrid)
Last month, we asked if Florian Wirtz would be the next Toni Kroos at Real Madrid. Los Blancos are missing a certified versatile midfielder with a creative spark.
While 21-year-old Wirtz is not a like-for-like replacement for his fellow compatriot Kroos, he’s got tremendous upside. He’s delivered 14 contributions in 21 matches this season (9 goals and 5 assists).
The German midfielder might have been a self-proclaimed Barcelona fan growing up. But he’ll be forced to change his El Clasico allegiances soon enough. The $159 million asking price is prohibitive, but Real President Florentino Pérez gets what he wants, usually at the right price. And he’s not waiting on this one: Wirtz’s contract expires in June 2027. And given Ancelotti’s mercurial season, Wirtz’s boss, Xabi Alonso, could join him.
Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad to Manchester City)
Defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi has already rejected multiple Premier League club offers over the summer to stay in Spain this season. Liverpool came the closest. But how long can the 25-year-old remain loyal to Real Sociedad?
Manchester City is in dire straits due to the absence of 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, having endured a month-long winless streak. Unfamiliar with the losing side of things, Pep and the team will want to finish the second half of the season with some reassurances. Zubimendi is at the top of the Spaniard’s list. But it’ll cost the Cityzens $63 million.
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao to an EPL juggernaut: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, or Spurs?)
Everyone felt certain that Nico Williams was headed to Barcelona last summer after the Euros. But the 22-year-old Athletic Bilbao standout decided to stay home. That was prescient since Raphinha and Yamal have stepped up for the Blaugrana so far this campaign. Instead, the Spaniard is likely headed to the Premier League.
Williams’ contract expires in 2027 and contains a release clause of $58 million. Could we soon see the youngster flying down the wing under Premier League lights?
Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig to Arsenal)
RB Leipzig center-forward Benjamin Sesko remains on Arsenal’s radar for a potential transfer this winter window. The Slovenian goal-scorer was linked with a $69 million move to the Emirates last summer but declined the move allegedly over fears he’d be back-up to Kai Havertz.
Arteta’s main target is Alexander Isak, but the Swede’s $145 million price tag goes above and beyond what Arsenal is willing to pay. Sesko already has seven goals and three assists so far this season but is known to undergo spells of inconsistency. However, his speed, clinical finishing ability, and strength in the air set him apart.
Sesko’s compatriot and friend, NBA star Luka Doncic, occasionally offers him advice. Doncic, a Real Madrid graduate, probably advises the 21-year-old to keep developing his game and dream even bigger: playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
