The winter transfer season in European soccer is an exciting time. The window opens for most leagues on New Year’s Day and will remain open until the final day of January. Expect multiple European transfers over the next 30 days.
After a memorable 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the European domestic season gets back underway over the festive period. The English Premier League kicks off on Boxing Day, with the other top European divisions resuming shortly after.
Read on for our Transfer window preview!
Who Will Be the Big Spenders This January?
January is set to be a huge month for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to add to his squad to maintain a Premier League title push. The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League table after a stunning season so far.
After the recent takeover, Newcastle United is now among the richest clubs in world soccer. They have splashed the cash under Eddie Howe, and the Magpies are being linked with a whole host of top players this winter.
Staying in the Premier League, the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City are always looking for the right deal. Jude Bellingham was outstanding for England in Qatar, and the former Birmingham City player has been linked with a move back to England. Liverpool and Man City are reportedly the frontrunners for his signature.
The world’s biggest clubs, such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, could also be busy in January. Those three – among many others – are looking to get their hands on the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023.
Who Is on the Move?
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham is the talk of the town after his impressive performances for England at the 2022 World Cup. As mentioned, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been heavily linked with a move back to England, with Liverpool and Man City among the favorites.
Bellingham has upped his game since leaving his boyhood club Birmingham for Dortmund, turning himself into one of the world’s best midfielders. It is only a matter of time until Bellingham gets his big-money move. Anyone making soccer predictions on where Bellingham will go, knows he’s going to be paid.
Azzedine Ounahi
There were several memorable moments during the 2022 World Cup soccer competitions, and the emergence of Azzedine Ounahi was right up there. The Angers ace played a pivotal role for surprise package Morocco in the heart of the midfield, guiding his nation to a World Cup semi-final.
Naturally, Ounahi has now been linked with the world’s best clubs. The 22-year-old is not shy of suitors, with the likes of PSG and Barcelona reportedly ready to battle for his signature. However, maybe staying and gaining more experience at Angers until the end of the 2022-23 season will be his best option.
Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister is another player who will benefit from a great World Cup. Mac Allister was excellent for Argentina as they went on to lift the trophy in Qatar. The midfielder, who will turn 24 on Christmas Eve, is also having a fine season for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Mac Allister could stay on English soil, and Chelsea is the current favorite to snap him up. But when discussing the transfer window preview, Tottenham Hotspur, PSG, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid are also allegedly keeping an eye on the Argentina World Cup winner.
Christian Pulisic
United States international Christian Pulisic has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this winter. Pulisic has struggled to nail down a starting place under Thomas Tuchel or Graham Potter in recent times.
Pulisic could opt to stay in the Premier League, with big-spending Newcastle a genuine option. Manchester United has also reportedly shown interest, while Juventus are keeping tabs on the playmaker. Our transfer window preview suggested he’ll be on a new team within the month.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo also starred in the World Cup. The 23-year-old scored three goals for the Netherlands and was a big player for Louis van Gaal’s men.
Gakpo’s stock has risen, and the PSV Eindhoven man looks likely to make a move away from his native Netherlands this winter. The likes of Man United, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Arsenal could be ready to bring the young Dutchman to England, though Barcelona is also said to be interested.
European Soccer Ready to Return
Despite plenty of off-field controversies, the World Cup in Qatar turned out to be excellent. Some have even suggested that it was the best World Cup ever.
Now the nations and players have returned from Qatar; we can now get back to domestic matters. Arsenal is the surprise leader in the Premier League, while rivals Barca and Real are set to battle for La Liga. Napoli, Bayern Munich, and PSG are top of their respective leagues as we enter 2023.
A ton of cash will be thrown around in this transfer window, and it will be fascinating to see where the world’s best players end up by the time the window slams shut at the end of January.
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