Ahead of the January transfer window, Sport360 is running a series of features on the players across European football’s top leagues which look at the players who may be on the move this winter.
This time around, it’s La Liga, with the futures of Real Madrid star Isco, Jese Rodriguez and Nolito all up for debate.
– Premier League: January transfer window watch
ISCO
Clubs Interested: Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal
Likelihood: 4/10
There could be several players departing Real Madrid as part of a squad reshuffle, and the most high profile name of them all could be Isco. Out of favour with Rafael Benitez, the young Spaniard has failed to build on progression made under Carlo Ancelotti, and with Euro 2016 around the corner there is little room for error. Isco needs to be playing regularly as the fulcrum of a team’s attack, blessing us with his high level of technical ability and in-game vision.
SANDRO RAMIREZ
Clubs Interested: Spurs, Newcastle
Likelihood: 8/10
With Barcelona able to sign again in January, there could well be new faces at Camp Nou. It means some will get pushed out, and Sandro Ramirez is a likely candidate. Sandro is able to play all across the front line, but is most destructive on the counter attack, playing through the middle or cutting in from wide areas. He would suit a team who plays on the break, given his pace and attitude in the penalty area make him a potent threat.
JESE RODRIGUEZ
Clubs Interested: Arsenal, Liverpool
Likelihood: 6/10
Jese’s exit from Real Madrid has been long mooted, and after failing to build a rapport with Rafael Benitez – including a refusal to play at full-back – the boy from the Canary Islands might view his future best away from the club. His good friend Gerard Deulofeu has blossomed in the Premier League, and there is no reason why Jese can’t follow suit. Equally as skilful, and with a better eye for goal, Jese could make a quick adaptation to the English game and offer a team some cut and thrust around the penalty area.
NOLITO
Clubs Interested: Barcelona, Arsenal
Likelihood: 3/10
With talk of a move away from Celta Vigo fading recently, Nolito’s a name that remains on the lips of many scouts around the globe. An impressive goal haul, coupled with a great work ethic, has seen the reputation of the winger grow rapidly. No longer an unfamiliar name, he’s become one of La Liga’s stars away from the usual suspects. Quick, skilful and most importantly clinical in front of goal, Nolito could provide a major team with an immediate injection of quality. At 29 this could well be the last time he gets to secure that big move.
SOFIANE FEGHOULI
Clubs Interested: Fenerbahçe, Inter, Manchester United
Likelihood: 5/10
The Algerian has been one of Valencia’s most impressive players on a consistent basis in recent seasons, improving each campaign and offering the team much experience and ability. Individually he packs plenty of talent, but he’s also learned to be unselfish, and takes into account the team game. Feghouli has plenty of pace, can deliver a sweet cross, and is also able to provide goals. With his contract up in the summer, Feghouli could well be a steal for a top club. Interest continues to grow and Valencia’s hopes of keeping him dwindle at the same time.
ANDRE GOMES
Clubs Interested: Napoli, Manchester United, Chelsea
Likelihood: 3/10
A major star for Valencia last season, the Portuguese man has failed to get going this campaign. Injuries have played a significant part in this, as has the uncertainty and poor form at the club in general. The failure to get Andre Gomes involved on a regular basis has been a major factor behind such a mediocre season for Valencia, and losing him altogether would be a massive blow. It’s clear the 22-year-old is destined for the top, his energetic displays in midfield show that, and it’s no surprise to see the biggest names as suitors.
CARLOS KAMENI
Clubs Interested: Watford, Bournemouth
Likelihood: 6/10
The Cameroonian goalkeeper has been ever present at struggling Malaga this season, and his performances have caught the eye of some Premier League high-fliers. Kameni’s an agile, solid presence in goal, and rarely lets his team down. He’s seen off the challenge of highly rated Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa at Malaga, and cemented the number one spot for himself. However, in doing so he’s attracted attention and with a low release clause and Malaga’s financial situation continuing to worsen, the 31-year-old could be a fine back-up or starter for many of Europe’s clubs.
LUCAS PEREZ
Clubs Interested: Arsenal, Liverpool
Likelihood: 3/10
The main sensation of this current La Liga season, Lucas Perez is performing at an outstanding level since returning to the club he supported as a boy. He recently scored for the seventh consecutive game, and has been Spain’s own version of Jamie Vardy this season. With 12 goals overall, he’s riding high with some of the big names in La Liga, and even aside from the numbers he’s been outstanding. Lucas plays with his heart on his sleeve, chasing down every lost cause, and throwing himself into defensive work too. Could he be prised away his beloved Depor though?
DENIS CHERYSHEV
Clubs Interested: Valencia, Villarreal, Liverpool
Likelihood: 9/10
The most high profile moment of Denis Cheryshev’s season has undoubtedly been his involvement in the now infamous exclusion of Real Madrid from the Copa Del Rey. That really does say it all about the talented Russian, who has been handed few chances at the club this season. At one point it did look like he could grow into an important squad player, but Cheryshev is clearly short on the quality required to succeed in the capital. A move away to a club with less pressure, and a less intense glare, could well be ideal. Another quick customer, he can create and score goals, while also showing nous in defensive situations.
VICTOR CAMARASA
Clubs Interested: Stoke, Newcastle, Spurs
Likelihood: 7/10
There is always an under the radar player teams should be watching in La Liga, and Victor Camarasa fits the bill. Far from the build of the Spanish midfielder we have become used to – slight, technical – the Levante man packs an altogether different punch. He’s 1.82m and brings a physical, powerful presence to midfield. A box-to-box player in a way, he can also play just off the frontline too. While his physical appearance does have its advantages, Camarasa is still talented enough on the ball and can find a pass when required. He might well be the most interesting name on this list, and one an ambitious team in major leagues should not ignore.
