10 potential January La Liga transfers

Mahmoud Ghellai 23:22 21/12/2016
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  • There will be no shortage of cash lavished on top stars during the January transfer window and here, Sport360 has rounded-up 10 players who could be on the move this New Year.

    Which of these players are most likely to leave?

    Join the conversation and let Sport360 know your thoughts – get in touch using #360fans on Twitter and Facebook.

    1. JOAO CANCELO (Valencia) to Barcelona – €30 million

    With Alex Vidal failing to perform as Dani Alves’s replacement, Barcelona have been forced to use Sergi Roberto, a central midfielder by trade, as their right-back. Although Sergi has filled in admirably, Luis Enrique is expected to dive into the transfer market for reinforcements with Cancelo believed to be at the top of his wishlist.

    It’s not hard to see why either as he’s been impressive since coming on loan from Benfica (he has since moved permanently to Valencia) and has already received four caps for Portugal since August, scoring three goals.

    The only hold up in any potential deal is that Los Che sporting director Suso Pitarch has recently been quoted saying that Cancelo has ruled out a move until at least the summer. With Sergi playing well, could they hold off until then?

    Probability meter: 4/10

    Joao Cancelo.

    Joao Cancelo.

    2. JAMES RODRIGUEZ (Real Madrid) to Chelsea – €89 million

    When James moved to Real Madrid in 2014, he was considered the new crown jewel in a Galactico line-up that included Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Isco. After a strong start, the Colombian international has been plagued by injury and inconsistent form.

    Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has so far quelled any notion of James leaving, repeatedly stating that he is an integral part of his first-team plans. Bale’s recent injury was expected to allow James to shine, but the Colombian has failed to make use of his opportunity.

    If James was to leave, the reported fee would normally be a stumbling block for any team, especially in January, but Chelsea could be in a unique situation to purchase the midfielder should Oscar’s transfer to China go through.

    Probability meter: 9/10

    James Rodriguez.

    James Rodriguez.

    3. GEOFFREY KONDOGBIA (Inter Milan) to Valencia – €21 million

    Kondogbia has fallen way down the pecking order since joining Inter Milan and is said to be available during the transfer window. Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly interested in securing his services, with some believing the free transfer of John Obi Mikel to Marseille will free up the necessary room for Chelsea to make a bid for the French international.

    With N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic potential obstacles to the starting line-up, Kondogbia may perhaps be better off going to Valencia where he would have a secure starting role and could potentially help Los Che out of the relegation zone.

    Probability meter: 5/10

    4. EDUARDO CARVALHO (Chelsea) to Atletico Madrid – undisclosed

    Eduardo was a part of Portugal’s Euro 2016 winning team and moved to Chelsea on a one-year deal during the summer from Dinamo Zagreb. Behind both Thibaut Courtois and Asmir Begovic, he is yet to make an appearance this season but Diego Simeone may offer him an escape.

    With Atletico keeper Jan Oblak believed to be injured for four months with a shoulder injury, Simeone’s men are in need for a steady presence between the sticks while they challenge in both La Liga and Champions League competitions.

    Probability meter: 7/10

    5. DARIJO SRNA (Shakhtar Donetsk) to Barcelona – undisclosed

    The 34-year-old right-back is still considered one of the most solid defenders in Europe despite his age. With Barcelona unhappy with Vidal, the possibility of bringing in Srna could be the perfect option while they wait to make a move for Cancelo next summer.

    Pep Guardiola is also said to be interested, having tried to sign the former Croatia captain for Bayern Munich and Barcelona during his tenures at both clubs. Srna may rescind his contract to facilitate this move and, with his Champions League eligibility, the possibility becomes even more intriguing to Barcelona.

    Probability meter: 8/10

    6. LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona) to Hebei China Fortune – €250 million

    OK OK OK. So this is about as far-fetched as Guardiola leaving to coach in China this summer but the numbers being reported are just astronomical and can’t be ignored.

    Coached by ex-Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, the Chinese Super League side are said to be offering the Argentine captain an incredible €100 million a year after-tax salary.

    This has come on the heels of a reported breakdown in contract negotiations between Messi and Barcelona over wages, although one would expect that even these life-changing numbers wouldn’t quite turn Messi’s career path to the Far East.

    Probability meter: 1/10

    Lionel Messi.

    Lionel Messi.

    7. STEVEN N’ZONZI (Sevilla) to Manchester City – €30 million

    The French international has been incredible so far this season with Juventus, Chelsea and Manchester City all highly impressed with the bruising midfielder.

    Although he is cup-tied for the Champions League, the loss of Ilkay Gundogan has seen Guardiola search for replacements and it appears he has earmarked N’Zonzi, while a reported release clause of only €30 million is not likely to give Manchester City pause.

    Chelsea’s interest (Conte may see him as a more dynamic option than Nemanja Matic) and Gundogan’s return before the summer may deter him, but Guardiola and Manchester City are rarely refused.

    Probability meter: 6/10

    Steven N'Zonzi.

    Steven N’Zonzi.

    8. BOJAN KRKIC (Stoke City) to Valencia – €3 million

    Needing an attacking boost after suffering their worst start to a season since 1986, Valencia have contacted Stoke regarding the availability of former Barcelona prodigy Bojan. The striker is thought to be keen on a move away from England despite just signing a contract extension until 2020.

    Bojan had a strong start to his career in the Premier League before suffering a devastating knee injury, although he returned fit again last season to help The Potters reach the League Cup semi-final and achieve a 9th place league finish.

    Probability meter: 5/10

    9. DANI PAREJO (Valencia) to Southampton – €20 million

    The Los Che player has been plagued by a loss of form, although interest remains high with Inter Milan, Sevilla and Monaco reported to have inquired about the creative central midfielder.

    Valencia coach Cesare Prandelli has expressed frustration with Parejo and has hinted at his availability in the winter transfer after a number of off-field issues.

    Probability meter: 8/10

    10. INAKI WILLIAMS (Athletic Bilbao) to Liverpool – €53 million

    Interest may have cooled in recent weeks, but it is believed the Bilbao striker is the number one target of Jurgen Klopp. The striker has been compared to Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and is on the fringes of the Spain squad.

    The reported buy-out clause of €53 million is massive, although Klopp believes that his tantalising potential on the front line could be well worth the purchase as potential boon for this year and Liverpool’s future.

    Probability meter: 3/10

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