Every transfer window takes on its own themes and storylines. This January market is being dominated by talk over Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Enzo Fernandez and there’s always that urge for new drama and exciting names.
With that in mind, we have decided to take a look a some sub-plots taking place in the backdrop at big clubs this winter and have assessed some situations that could open up over the course of the year…
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Joao Palhinha
One of the league’s most consistent performers this season, Fulham know they have an absolute gem in this 27-year-old Portuguese international and absolutely do not want to lose him.
He joined in the summer for £20m and the Whites have had a great season - at their current rate they might even have a chance of qualifying for European football. He’s loving his role in the team but we should be anticipating knocks at the door in the summer.
His consistency is almost unrivalled across the league for players in this position and it is understood that Liverpool and Tottenham are two of the clubs casting an eye over him at the moment. Liverpool had him on their radar even before his switch to Craven Cottage.
Kalidou Koulibaly
There are figures around Chelsea bemused by his levels since arriving in a £33m deal, and while the club do not doubt Koulibaly's qualities, there is reason to start to believe this move might not work out long-term.
There are intermediaries that have been checking on his potential availability and that might become interesting.
Most of the narrative around Koulibaly and his future is being driven from Italy but recent checks with contacts suggest there is reason to believe he might yet leave in the summer.
Chelsea have been busy recruiting in the defence but might not be finished yet. Their interest in Josep Gvardiol has not totally gone away and this situation might yet become more open.
Jack Grealish
This one still needs to fully unfold as Grealish is working hard to make sure this £100million City move works out - but it’s worth being aware that the club have a constant eye out for ways to keep evolving.
Rafael Leao is a player they like but so too is Bukayo Saka. Neither are attainable in this moment but that may change later in the year, depending on contract talks.
One idea being mooted is that Grealish could even end up going in the opposite direction to either of those players.
Again, this is early days and not active right now, but if we are on the lookout for surprising deals - this would be right up there.
Dusan Vlahovic
At the end of this season Juventus must face up to the realities of their problems on and off the pitch and as part of that may have to part with one or two big names.
Vlahovic is one of those and the Premier League is likely to be his next destination. There is a growing resentment towards the English top flight for the consistent captures of top talent and the overwhelming wealth that has swarmed into the league, yet Vlahovic is believed to be keen on the prospect from a footballing standpoint if the exit door at Juve opens up.
Chelsea are currently considering a future No.9 - as are Manchester United. Arsenal attempted to sign the player previously and may re-enter the conversation given their rise in status this campaign.
Wilfried Zaha
It is not too much of a surprise that he might join a new club, given his contract at Crystal Palace expires in the summer. This is more a case of where he could turn up next, that is the twist.
Zaha will surely have opportunities in this league and he would prefer a club in the top seven but those possibilities are not clear yet and in the meantime he has been receiving interest across Europe. Insiders indicate that he would genuinely consider playing on the continent if he decides to take the step away from Crystal Palace.
Recently there has been interest from Marseille and a switch to France could certainly be on the cards, although in Germany there are a couple of options that might open up too. At the age of 30, this is a pretty exciting time to consider the next phase.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know