Five Major Transfer Stories of the Day

The winter transfer window is finally here and clubs are already looking to strengthen their squads as they enter into the business end of the season. The winter transfer window over the years has seen some really good signings like Marcelo to Real Madrid, to some really pathetic ones just like Fernando Torres’ switch to Chelsea football club. It’s that time of the year again and with some big names signings already been done, let’s look at the best transfer stories of the day.

5. Patrice Evra

The rumor has it that the former United left back wants to join the club back after a good spell with Juventus. The veteran though, is highly unlikely to be signed by the Manchester based club as he is already 34 and lacks the pace and physicality to play at such level. Crystal Palace are leading the race for the French wing back and could add a good depth to the Sam Allardyce’s squad.

4. Jose Fonte 

The Southampton captain has given a transfer request and is one of the finest defenders in the Premier League. Claude Puel has been keeping him out of the first team since the transfer rumors have been swirling in and it won’t be surprising if he leaves the club in this transfer window. The veteran defender was a key player in the Portugal’s squad that won the Euro last year and can last atleast 2-3 years at top. Manchester United are in for the Portuguese defender but it’s highly unlikely to go through, given the amount of center backs United already have. West Ham are the other team reportedly in for the Southampton man but going from Southampton to West Ham will be  step down for him. If a good offer from a decent team comes up, he is most likely to leave by the end of the window.

3. Ivan Rakitic

The Barcelona midfielder reportedly wants out after being left out of squad vs Bilbao in Copa del Rey and then finding himself on the bench against Villareal. The Croatian midfielder is quite unhappy with the lack of playing time. Manchester City are reportedly plotting a move for the Croat as they already have got a midfield crisis due to injuries and suspensions as well as AFCON. Barcelona won’t give away their main player so easily, but if the player is willing anything can happen and possibly if Rakitic is sold that may open the door for Delle Ali or Coutinho to join the Catalan club.

2.Virgil van Djik 

The best center back in the Premier League so far and yet another example of Southampton’s eye for emerging talents. The Dutch defender is the hottest property in England at the moment and Liverpool, Arsenal and the Spurs all want him. He has been in sensational form this season, his positioning, tackling and strength have been beyond words and the tremendous heading ability adds an icing to the cake. He has scored many important goals for Saints and has been their best player along with Jose Fonte, his partner in crime. He is more or less likely to leave Southampton maybe in this window or in the next one and most probably it’s going to be Liverpool yet again.

1. Dmitri Payet

The Frenchman has shockingly asked the club to sell him and is refusing to play as West Ham are reeling at the 13th position in the Premier League after what was expected to be their best season after a successful transfer window. The aim was to repeat the success of last season and try qualifying for Champions League and that looked within reach after they signed Andre Ayew and Feghoulli in the summer transfer window, strengthening the squad a lot but after a horrible start to the season they find themselves long off from the European dream. The player looks more or less likely to leave and Marseille has reportedly bid 20m for him while Chelsea and Manchester United are plotting a move for him too. It’s going to be really tough to change Payet’s mind now and we’ll probably see him in a new jersey by the end of January.