Joao Palhinha (Paul Harding, Getty Images)
One must admit that the Premier League is at its most competitive in 2023-24. While this increases the excitement level of the matches, it also necessitates squad investment. With the January transfer window quickly approaching, all 20 English Premier League clubs have an incentive to make a serious splash in the market. If expenditure is forgone, some team could be dragged into a fight for survival. With the proper recruitment, another club could kick on into Europe. The stakes are high during this January window, so intelligent player profiling is essential. Luckily, that's where I step in.
As I do prior to every window, I will be outlining a shortlist of players for each EPL club to consider this winter along with a spotlight on the singular signing that I would recommend.
Mohamed Simakan (Getty Images)
CB Mohamed Simakan
RB Leipzig (Bundesliga)
~$50 million
While I was initially skeptical on links to Mohamed Simakan, coincidence and recent developments have caused him to skyrocket up my list. With Ben White lacking in form and Takehiro Tomiyasu proving his ability on the left side of defence, a CB/RB hybrid in Simakan's mould is likely high on manager Mikel Arteta's wishlist. Simakan is very athletically gifted and he is one of the few defenders in the world with more running power than Ben White. His versatility and Champions League experience are both rare commodities in the market. While Simakan is most comfortable as a wide centre-back, many underrate his abilities in attack. As previously mentioned, his incredible running power would allow him to provide an overlap for Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side. In the 2022-23 UCL campaign, he created the highest threat through passes, carries, or dribbles of any player in zone 18 (the right side of the penalty box). For a physical duel monster, he is surprisingly adept at receiving on both feet and driving into space. Arsenal's attack-minded full-backs are often a liability against world-class wingers. The Frenchman would rectify this issue. Purchasing Simakan would provide Arsenal with the requisite defensive depth to challenge for the league by allowing Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber the proper recovery times.
OTHER OPTIONS: CM Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen/Bundesliga), CM Pascal Gross (Brighton /Premier League)
Aston Villa
CM Salis Abdul Samed
Lens (Ligue 1)
~$25 million
Aston Villa are in the midst of an incredibly impressive season. Unai Emery's early tenure with the Villans has been a resounding success. With a genuine chance to compete for Champions League football, or even the league title, January is a perfect opportunity to reinforce the squad. With Leander Dendoncker and Douglas Luiz attracting interest from elsewhere, Aston Villa are crying out for a contingency plan. Salis Abdul Samed has a similar profile to his Lens predecessor, Cheick Doucoure. As a conservative #6 option, Samed is a top player. His greatest skill is ball retention; he links up well with the back line, tying the seams between the first and second phase. Samed has a low centre of gravity, which allows him to excel on the half-turn, but he's also powerful in the duel. He boasts a very high ground duel success rate. In the second phase of play, Samed has the profile to excel in the physical Premier League, despite his diminutive frame. As a backup option to Boubacar Kamara in the late stages of matches, Samed's skills in and out of possession would be useful.
OTHER OPTIONS: ST Tammy Abraham (Roma/Serie A), GK Daniel Bentley (Wolves/Premier League)
Bournemouth
DM Eric Martel
Köln (Bundesliga)
~$15 million
Bournemouth are in excellent form under Spanish boss Andoni Iraola. Their ambitions are growing by the day. Under new ownership, Bournemouth's recruitment has been very savvy, and Köln's young defensive midfielder Eric Martel would be another intelligent signing. In Iraola's demanding out-of-possession structure, the likes of Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook are forced to man-mark the opposing 8s for an entire 90. Regardless of your respective opinion on Christie and Cook, depth should be secured in January. Martel is a phenomenal duellist for his age and his defensive instincts are unprecedented for a youngster. In the physically taxing Premier League, the German could easily hold his own with his sense of positioning and athleticism. While his passing statistics are not excellent, in Iraola's double pivot, Martel could be paired with a more progressive option to ensure that Bournemouth reap full advantage of his destroyer tendencies. In addition, Martel has great ball-striking; he is a long-shot threat from anywhere outside the box. Martel would likely become an instant starter with lots of room to grow in the Cherries' setup.
OTHER OPTIONS: CB Pascal Struijk (Leeds/Championship), ST Faris Moumbagna (Bodø/Glimt, Norway)
Brentford
Matt O'Riley (Getty Images)
CM Matt O'Riley
Celtic (Premiership)
~$20 million
With Ivan Toney's future in doubt and Bryan Mbeumo nursing a long-term injury, it would be easy to forget that Brentford have a significant need for an attack-minded midfielder. Since Mathias Jensen's injury in November, the Bees have lost four out of their five matches, a highly disappointing record for a team of their quality. Celtic's Matt O'Riley possesses many of the same skills that Jensen brings to Thomas Frank's midfield. His creative presence in midfield is dazzling to the eye, but the ex-Fulham player is much more well-rounded than many expect. He has excelled in a double pivot, as a deep-lying playmaker, or as the most advanced midfielder. Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou was smitten with O'Riley's versatility. O'Riley is aggressive off the ball and imaginative with it at his feet. Despite the Scottish champions' disappointing stint in the Champions League, O'Riley notched 3 assists in the group stage; only Bukayo Saka had more. Currently scoring just 1.4 goals per match, Brentford would do well to sign the midfield maestro to add to their current Danish contingent.
OTHER OPTIONS: RW Edon Zhegrova (Lille/Ligue 1), ST Marcos Leonardo (Santos/Brazil)
Brighton
RB Bafode Diakite
Lille (Ligue 1)
~$20 million
Roberto De Zerbi's aggressive game model has had a tangible impact on Brighton's bill of health. The ever-inventive Italian has experimented with certain players in a number of roles, but Brighton's disappointing autumn form serves as a reminder that versatile depth is still lacking in the squad. Lille's Bafode Diakite is a unique profile: athletic, powerful, adept at defending wide channels, and aerially dominant. His ball-carrying abilities from the back paired with his crouched stance add up to an elite defensive midfield profile in addition to his ambidexterity in the first phase. An over-reliance on technical ability has drastically diminished the athletic potential of the Seagulls' squad, particularly after Moises Caicedo's departure. Diakite is the exact player that De Zerbi should be targeting. He's a clear upgrade over young Jack Hinshelwood, but he has a lot of potential as a project player if Brighton were to persist with his development.
OTHER OPTIONS: LB Valentin Barco (Boca Juniors/Argentina), DM Adam Wharton (Blackburn/Championship)
Burnley
LB Maxim De Cuyper
Club Brugge (Belgium)
~$15 million
Despite their dominance in the English second tier, Burnley have failed to reinvent themselves in a bid to remain in the Premier League. As of now, Vincent Kompany's side are six points from safety and struggling massively to pick up points against low-tier opposition. While their summer transfer dealings were promising, the squad is still filled with several holes. Charlie Taylor is the only natural left-back in the squad, so a bid for young Belgian full-back Maxim De Cuyper would be sensible. Similar to Burnley's Vitinho, De Cuyper can operate on either side of the defence, though his wand of a left foot is best utilized to whip in crosses from the left-had side. With promising winger Luca Koleosho ailing, dynamism on the LHS is necessary for survival. De Cuyper has an extremely precise final ball in his locker. His bursts of acceleration are well-timed; it allows him to take on experienced defenders in 1v1 situations with a high degree of success. Among full-backs, he ranks in the 97th percentile for shot-creating actions and progressive passes. In order to maximize the two-man strike force of Zeki Amdouni and Jay Rodriguez, somebody needs to supply crosses into the box.
OTHER OPTIONS: CM Daniel Boloca (Sassuolo/Serie A), Perr Schuurs (Torino/Serie A)
Chelsea
ST Ivan Toney
Brentford (Premier League)
~$65 million
Despite a handful of impressive results this season and a much more clearly defined high-pressing style, Chelsea have often looked toothless against the dregs of the Premier League. Teams that successfully settle in a low block against Chelsea have been able to frustrate their attackers and nick results. If Mauricio Pochettino truly expects to challenge for European football, ball-striking and back-to-goal play in their front line are necessities. Ivan Toney is one of the most complete strikers in the Premier League and a must-have for the Blues. The likes of Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk lack the tactical intelligence to continue in this team; meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson is best served as a depth striker for transitional game states. An xG overperformer and ball retention machine is needed at centre-forward. Toney is an athletic freak of a striker, capable of a vast range of finishing techniques. He is also an underrated playmaker; his decoy runs open up space on the wings. For Chelsea to unlock their attacking potential, Toney must be the #1 option.
OTHER OPTIONS: CB Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace/Premier League), RB Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton/Championship)
Crystal Palace
Wilfried Gnonto (Getty Images)
LW Wilfried Gnonto
Leeds (Championship)
~$20 million
It seems like a given that Wilfried Gnonto will eventually move away from Leeds. After an impressive debut season in the Premier League, the Italian wonderkid has not set the Championship alight. However, his performances should not sway clubs from pursuing his signature. While Crystal Palace appear to be set for another season in the English top division, which should be considered a success, they have fallen into a state of static mediocrity. Outside of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, Roy Hodgson's side lack dynamism, especially on the left wing. The unpolished Brazilian Matheus Franca has shown flashes, but Gnonto would add a new level. Adept on the wing or down the middle, Gnonto is a supremely gifted athlete. On the left flank, he deceives his opponents with his shifty nature through feints and on-ball runs. He ranks in the 99th percentile among wingers for progressive carries. As previously mentioned, he also improves Palace's striker personnel, thanks to his penalty box movement. Crystal Palace rank 17th in the Prem for goals scored per match; signing Gnonto would rectify that.
OTHER OPTIONS: LB Ryan Giles (Luton Town/Premier League), DM Pierre Ekwah (Sunderland/Championship)
Everton
DM Kalvin Phillips
Manchester City (Premier League)
~$35 million
Despite their ten point deduction, Sean Dyche's Everton have been one of the surprises of the league season so far. Stemming from their physical prowess in all phases of play, the Toffees are muscling past oppositions with relative ease. However, if I were to pinpoint one spot of bother in the starting XI, it would be Idrissa Gana Gueye, who offers very little going forward and is not the physical specimen that he once was for Paris St. Germain. While Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips isn't excellent off the ball either, putting him in a double pivot next to Amadou Onana, an elite destroyer, would be an optimal role for the Englishman. Phillips is Rodri-lite at his best; because of the Spaniard's imperious form for Manchester City, Phillips has never gotten a look. Under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola and Marcelo Bielsa, Phillips is adept at receiving in the build-up and helping his team sustain attacking pressure. Given his poor form in a City shirt, he will be signed for a fairly cheap price; nevertheless, his profile as a playmaking 6/8 hybrid remains valuable.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Crysencio Summerville (Leeds/Championship), LB Luca Netz (Monchengladbach/Bundesliga)
Fulham
DM Florentino Luis
Benfica (Liga Portugal)
~$35 million
The defensive midfielder is arguably the most important position on the football pitch. Without an adequate anchor, squads lose control of the match and struggle to maintain possession. Thus, despite his shortcomings, Fulham's Joao Palhinha is attracting plenty of interest from elite clubs. If Palhinha departs West London, the Cottagers will lose the spine of their team and be dragged into a fight for survival. A quick reaction to any Palhinha pursuit would be to pivot to Benfica's Florentino Luis. Though Luis has lost his starting spot in Roger Schmidt's side, he is arguably the most adequate option to fulfill the void left by Palhinha's departure. At his peak, Luis was the perfect destroyer to complement Enzo Fernandez's deep-lying playmaking in Benfica's setup. After Enzo left for Chelsea, Luis was displaced. However, he is still great at halting transitions through tackles and challenges. He breaks up play through interceptions and blocks. A common misconception about Luis is that he is careless in possession. While he lacks the mindset to progress the ball (hence Fulham's links with Fluminense's Andre for the DM position), Luis cycles play well. On average, he completes 74 of 77 passes per match, which ranks in the 96th percentile for midfielders. Florentino Luis would be a flawless signing in case of a Palhinha sale.
OTHER OPTIONS: RW Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn (Rapid Wien/Austria), DM Andre (Fluminense/Brazil)
Liverpool
DM Joao Palhinha
Fulham (Premier League)
~$60 million
Liverpool are firmly entrenched in the Premier League title race and have a genuine chance to exceed expectations and lift the chalice in 2023-24. However, one can't help but identify a key weakness in Jurgen Klopp's squad. Failed pursuits for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in the summer have left Liverpool with Wataru Endo as their only true #6. Endo is a solid player, but he is neither athletic nor technical enough to maximize the Reds' potential. Links with Fulham's Joao Palhinha are very sensible. Palhinha is the most similar player to prime Fabinho, who was excellent during Liverpool's PL- and UCL-winning campaigns. Palhinha is technically limited, but he sweeps up play incredibly well. Very few have his pinpoint accuracy in ground duels and commitment to stopping transitions. He would be an effective shield for a back line that already contains Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Even more crucially, a sitting 6 would liberate Dominik Szoboszlai to play further forward; the Hungarian has been shoehorned into a roadrunner box-to-box role that hasn't allowed him to excel. Palhinha to Liverpool would elevate the club from side characters to title protagonists.
OTHER OPTIONS: CB Hiroki Ito (Stuttgart/Bundesliga), CB Maxence Lacroix (Wolfsburg/Bundesliga)
Luton Town
Trevoh Chalobah (Getty Images)
CB Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea (Premier League)
~$25 million
As Chelsea's spending spree has gotten even more extravagant, their academy players have been forced out of the squad. Trevoh Chalobah has been nursing a knock, but his path to the first team looks to be quite complicated upon his eventual return. A loan opportunity could suit him as well as it would for relegation-battling Luton Town. Many tipped Luton to look hopeless in the Premier League, but they have been the most impressive of the promoted bunch, mainly due to a phenomenal job by manager Rob Edwards. Still, as things stand, the Hatters would be going back down to the second tier. Chalobah's versatility and defensive nous would be incredibly useful for the final months of the season. Capable of doing a job in defensive midfield, at right-back, or at centre-back, the Englishman is a plug-and-play option all over the pitch. He is quick and has a good passing radius. With Elijah Adebayo, a man mountain of a striker, in the last line, Chalobah's long balls forward would suit Luton's transitional scheme. Chalobah's greatest skill is his 1v1 defending. Due to experience in the middle and on the right of defence, he blocks wide and central channels very well. With Tom Lockyer's future in doubt, a new defender is needed. Chalobah is arguably the best option if Chelsea decide to loan him out.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Tyrhys Dolan (Blackburn/Championship), DM Ben Sheaf (Coventry City/Championship)
Manchester City
RW Johan Bakayoko
PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)
~$60 million
Because of Manchester City's stranglehold on English football in recent years, any slight stumble is unprecedented and cause for immense panic. While it is accurate that City's defense has not been up to par, Pep Guardiola's side have also struggled at breaking down low blocks. Without Kevin de Bruyne's incisiveness, the lack of playmakers in City's front line has become evident. Dutch winger Johan Bakayoko was very close to signing for Brentford in the summer, but after a key role in PSV's invincible league run so far and a Man of the Match performance against Arsenal in the Champions League, his stock has skyrocketed. Most people focus on Bakayoko's ball-carrying threat, because of his pace and body manipulation. However, Guardiola would likely be more interested in the creative element of his game. Armed with a terrific final ball and weight of pass, Bakayoko shares many similarities with Bukayo Saka. Eredivisie skeptics will deny Bakayoko's ability, but the truth is that he is one of the best U21 generalist creative threats in the world.
OTHER OPTIONS: DM Joao Neves (Benfica/Liga Portugal), CB Leny Yoro (Lille/Ligue 1)
Manchester United
DM Mats Wieffer
Feyenoord (Eredivisie)
~$35 million
Manchester United are in turmoil. Their performances have been unconvincing since August and they are clearly years away from competing for league titles. For as flawed as the Red Devils have been all over the field, it is obvious that their midfield is not up to par. 18-year old Kobbie Mainoo has been United's only competent deep-lying midfielder this season. While Mainoo undoubtedly has a bright future, Erik Ten Hag cannot stunt his wonderkid's development by giving him the sole onus of receiving in the build-up. Feyenoord's Mats Wieffer has been a favourite of mine for a long time. Wieffer has all the tools to develop into a world-class midfielder. He's a monster in the duel with his strong frame, but like the best Dutch footballers of old, his footwork is dainty under pressure. Wiefffer's excellent close control and turning radius are trademarks of a holding #6 in a possession-based side. Unlike the likes of Scott McTominay, Wieffer shows for the ball in the build-up to allow for fluid progression. Wieffer is not an immediate superstar in Ten Hag's set-up. He still struggles to handle rampant runners in transition. But he has the skillset to improve in that domain. For his price and potential, Wieffer to Manchester United is a no-brainer.
OTHER OPTIONS: CM Maxence Caqueret (Lyon/Ligue 1), CB Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice/Ligue 1)
Newcastle
Marcin Bulka (Getty Images)
GK Marcin Bulka
Nice (Ligue 1)
~$25 million
Newcastle's frustrating exit from the Champions League has been the storyline of their season so far, but phenomenal starts from Aston Villa and Tottenham have threatened the Geordies' chances at returning to Europe's premier competition. Another obstacle to Newcastle's campaign has been Nick Pope's shoulder dislocation, which will keep him out for a majority of the season. Newcastle have only won a single game in the five matches since Pope's injury, so a new goalkeeper should be high on the wishlist. Marcin Bulka has been a large part of Nice's impeccable defensive form in Ligue 1. With Pope's shortcomings in possession, Bulka could supplant the Englishman as soon as next season. The Pole is the perfect profile to man between the sticks: 196 cm, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and an instinctive shot stopper. Bulka is a graduate from Chelsea's Cobham academy and he spent time with Paris St. Germain. He would be acclimated to the big stage of a stadium like St. James' Park.
OTHER OPTIONS: DM Youssouf Fofana (Monaco/Ligue 1), RW Kerem Akturkoglu (Galatasaray/Super Lig)
Nottingham Forest
CB Sam Beukema
Bologna (Serie A)
~$25 million
Nottingham Forest have been oft-criticized for their lack of organizational management. Their recruitment policy has resembled that of a club opting for quantity over quality. Cutting out some deadwood and shoring up the back line should be a priority in January. With Nuno Espírito Santo, a proponent of the 3 at the back formation, arriving soon to replace manager Steve Cooper, a well-rounded centre-back like Sam Beukema would be a smart option to pursue. Under Thiago Motta's tutelage, Beukema, who was already a strong 1v1 defender, has drastically improved with the ball at his feet. His line-breaking passes allow Bologna to progress through the second phase quickly. The Dutchman is a leader of the back line, as he is very intelligent in regards to timing his movements into midfield and when to settle in the penalty box. $25 million would be a bargain for a player that would instantly become Forest's best centre-back.
OTHER OPTIONS: ST Joel Piroe (Leeds/Championship), LB Archie Brown (Gent/Belgium)
Sheffield United
ST Danny Ings
West Ham (Premier League)
~$10 million
Usually I'm not quick to rule any clubs out, but Sheffield United are clearly the weakest team in the English top flight. Chris Wilder's appointment has made them more solid at the back, but the Blades simply do not score enough goals. Cameron Archer is a talented striker, but as of late, he has been utilized more through the wide channels and less so as a direct #9. Sheffield United should prepare for a return to the Championship because of the growing differential between the club and survival, but they still need to recruit the right personnel. Danny Ings' poor form at West Ham has made him a burden to young Divin Mubama's development; the Hammers would be inclined to cut him loose. It's been a serious drop-off for the former 20-goal scorer. Stints at Aston Villa and West Ham have not inspired much confidence in his goalscoring abilities. However, we must not forget that the Englishman was once a potent poacher in a two-man strike force with Southampton. Alongside Archer, Ings' calm demeanour in front of goal and his quick instincts are exactly what Wilder needs for Premier League safety. If the club can shoulder his wages, Sheffield United should try for Ings on a temporary deal.
OTHER OPTIONS: DM Tim Iroegbunam (Aston Villa/Premier League), GK Viktor Johansson (Rotherham/Championship)
Tottenham
Tafekusa Kubo (Getty Images)
RW Takefusa Kubo
Real Sociedad (La Liga)
~$55 million
Ange Postecoglou's high-flying Spurs are the darlings of the season for the Premier League neutral. However, long-term injuries to two of their most crucial players, James Maddison and Mickey van de Ven, have halted Tottenham's brief title aspirations. However, with each club in the top 4 expressing significant flaws, there is no reason that the Spurs of September cannot return. For this to occur, the creative void experienced by Maddison's injury must be filled. Dejan Kulusevski is far too inconsistent to mimic Maddison's G/A contributions, but Japanese star Tafekusa Kubo could be an option. Kubo is a versatile option on either flank or in the #10 role. In transition, Kubo stretches the back line with his pace. In a possession-oriented game state, he slides into the half-spaces to supply his team with a third phase numerical advantage. Despite his lack of explosiveness compared to some other wingers, Kubo is a threat in 1v1 situations regardless. Postecoglou has already proven to be one of the better offensive tacticians in the Premier League; signing Kubo would elevate Spurs to a new level.
OTHER OPTIONS: CB Kevin Danso (Lens/Ligue 1), CM Benjamin Bourigeaud (Rennes/Ligue 1)
West Ham
DM Lucas Gourna-Douath
Salzburg (Austria)
~$15 million
Lucas Gourna-Douath has been tipped for a Premier League move for a long time, despite his tender age of 20. The Frenchman is a prototypical defensive midfield prospect. Those who follow Fabrizio Romano's transfer musings will know that David Moyes was interested in signing Amadou Onana when the now-Everton stalwart was plying his trade at Lille. Gourna-Douath is almost an exact replica of Onana's profile. He is very physical and a perfect complement for a box-to-box player in a double pivot. While West Ham appeared to have invested the money from Declan Rice's sale wisely, Mohamed Kudus and James Ward-Prowse are not defensive midfielders. Since Rice left for Arsenal, Moyes' side have been vulnerable in transition. Gourna-Douath solves that issue. He stops counter-attacks with well-timed tackles and his acute game sense. Among midfielders, the French youngster ranks in the 99th percentile for interceptions per match. He is a freak athlete and could easily develop into a world-class sitting #6. Signing him from Salzburg is essentially guaranteed money upon a future sale as well.
OTHER OPTIONS: LB Adrien Truffert (Rennes/Ligue 1), LW Nicolas Gonzales (Fiorentina/Serie A)
Wolves
ST Joshua Zirkzee
Bologna (Serie A)
~$40 million
Gary O'Neil has proven to be an excellent tactician in his stints at Bournemouth and Wolverhampton. However, Wolves still struggle to fill the net. Their striker scouting has been shoddy at best in recent years. Luckily, there is a future superstar on the market, currently tearing up Serie A with overperforming Bologna. Joshua Zirkzee is Ivan Toney-esque: a tall striker with a range of finishing techniques in his locker. He moves like a ballerina, despite his 6'2 frame. Zirkzee is also similar to Toney in that he is excellent with his back-to-goal play. He links up very well with his teammates and retains the ball to a high standard. His development has been unique: rejected at Bayern Munich to reinvented in Italy. Bayern's buyback clause could cause problems for Wolves if they pursue him for the centre-forward position; however, if the English club can secure Zirkzee's signature quickly, O'Neil will have a genuinely world-class striker for half the price of most current "elite" #9s.
OTHER OPTIONS: LW Martin Terrier (Rennes/Ligue 1), DM Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge/Belgium)
ALL STATS COURTESY OF FBREF
NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED
THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BETWEEN DECEMBER 19-DECEMBER 21
Comments
Post a Comment