With the January transfer window in full swing, rumours are starting to rumble as the Premier League’s elite clubs look to bolster their sides for the second half of the season.
But with it being a World Cup year, some key players need to switch clubs in a bid to get more game time and make the plane to Russia.
Here, we take a look at five players who should look to get more minutes elsewhere in January.
OLIVIER GIROUD
The Frenchman may boast a formidable record of 29 goals in 69 appearances for his country, but for now, his seat on the plane to Russia looks to be in significant doubt.
Didier Deschamps has regularly chosen not select the likes of Kingsley Coman and Alexandre Lacazette – the latter of who has played three times as many Premier League minutes than Giroud this term.
The 31-year-old has only started one game in 15 league appearances – in comparison to Lacazette who has started 19 out of 22 matches.
With France’s list of attacking options flawless, Giroud needs to find a new club this month if he wants to be on that plane from Paris to Moscow at the start of June.
DANIEL STURRIDGE
At his best, Daniel Sturridge was one of the first names on the Liverpool and England team sheets – but since 2015 injuries have curtailed his development as a player.
Even when fit, it looks difficult to see Jurgen Klopp select him in his starting team with Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane on fire this term.
However, despite little game time in recent months, the 28-year-old is still a class act and would be a welcome addition to any squad.
With Celtic and Newcastle interested in acquiring his services, any of these moves would help rediscover his form and goal scoring drought.
It may be hard to usurp Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Tammy Abraham or Jamie Vardy for the four striker positions, but the Birmingham native needs to chase first team football if he is to be named in Gareth Southgate’s side for Russia.
DAVID LUIZ
A totemic presence in any defensive line, Luiz needs to force a move this month in order to galvanize a place on the Brazil team.
His relationship with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has broken down since the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Roma in October – with the centre-back only featuring twice since then.
A knee injury may have kept him out of action in December, but the 30-year-old has struggled to battle back into the Blues side with Andres Christensen in stunning form.
With Real Madrid and Juventus looking to bolster their defensive options, a move to the Serie A would be a suitable career move for the Brazilian in a bid to boost his match sharpness for Russia.
JAVIER PASTORE
It’s been a frustrating year for the Argentine, falling out of favour under Unai Emery and starting just three Ligue 1 matches this season.
Previously one of PSG’s top performers, it looks like he will bring his six year association with the club to an end this month in an effort to get more minutes.
His late arrival back to the French capital after the winter break may not have helped his case either with the player set to be sanctioned for missing two full days of training.
If he does leave, the 29-year-old will have no shortage of options with Chelsea and Juventus linked with the elusive midfielder.
MOHAMED ELNENY
The Egyptian always performs solidly but the question remains whether he is good enough to help Arsenal progress.
Although he is going to the World Cup, he’s only played 263 Premier League minutes this season which could have a negative bearing on his form in Russia.
Against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, he offered no protection in defence and contributed nothing in attack.
For the second goal, he got nowhere near Eric Lichaj who slotted home with ease.
The 25-year-old is a quality player, but with the Pharaohs featuring in a first World Cup in 28 years, they need their talisman at his stellar best.
With Arsenal eliminated from the FA Cup, sitting on a cold touchline at the Emirates Stadium will not parachute him into a consistent run of form for Hector Cuper’s side in June.
