It may feel like the Premier League season has barely begun but already speculation has begun about potential January transfer dealings.
The nature of this strange campaign, with a hectic domestic schedule paused for a condensed World Cup in Qatar, means that the next transfer window will arrive at an odd time.
It is during the January transfer window that players who will be out of contract at Premier League clubs at the end of the season can agree deals with clubs overseas ahead of making summer moves.
A host of prominent faces appear likely to be heading for pastures new next summer.
Here are 10 Premier League players available to sign for free in January:
Heavily linked with a Manchester United exit during the summer transfer window, the Portuguse forward’s second stint at Old Trafford would appear all-but-certain to conclude at the close of this campaign. While his impact may be on the wane, Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record (and brand) remain strong and he is likely to have a number of high-profile suitors.
N’Golo Kante
Having assembled an exceptional Premier League record at both Leicester and Chelsea, N’Golo Kante has previously indicated a desire to remain with the London club, but his continuing battles with injury may force him to seek a new destination at season’s end. The busy midfielder would be a significant asset to plenty of clubs. Perhaps unsurprisngly, Barcelona have been linked.
An integral part of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad throughout his seven seasons at the club, Ilkay Gundogan was voted club captain this summer after his final-day double helped secure another Premier League crown at the end of the last campaign.. Guardiola would be reluctant to part with the versatile, consistent German, but Gundogan is reported to be considering taking on a new challenge.
It’s a good year to need a midfielder. Long linked with the top Premier League clubs, a return to the continent might appeal to Youri Tielemans, who has struggled for impact in a tough start to the season for Leicester. The efficient Belgian would appear unlikely to sign new terms with the club but could hold out for a move within England.
The breaking up of Liverpool’s title-winning front three began with the departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich last summer and could continue, with Roberto Firmino out of contract at the end of the season. The signings of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez would appear to have steeled Liverpool’s squad somewhat for a future without Firmino, but a productive recent spell for the Brazilian could yet persaude the club’s hierarchy to push for him to stay.
Marcus Rashford
The status of Marcus Rashford’s contract is a matter of some debate, with it widely reported that Manchester United retain an option to extend the 24-year-old’s deal by a further year. That’s certainly the view of Erik ten Hag - the Dutch manager said that his club “control the situation” in September and will no doubt be keen to hold on to a homegrown player who appears to be back to somewhere near his best. Negotiations are said to be ongoing over an extension.
Wilfried Zaha
Crystal Palace’s demands for a significant transfer fee have reportedly stalled talks over a permanent move from the club for Wilfried Zaha in the past, but the Ivory Coast international could finally leave on a free at the end of the season. There is said to be a new deal on the table for Zaha, but the 29-year-old may recognise an opportunity to test himself elsewhere.
The Spanish goalkeeper is likely to reach 400 Premier League appearances during the course of this campaign, a significant tally for a player who overcame a tough start at Manchester United to become one of Europe’s top goalkeepers. The club are said to be mulling offering the 31-year-old a new deal, with concerns over his fit under Erik ten Hag and his significant weekly wage. With Dean Henderson likely to return from his loan deal at Nottingham Forest next summer, it may be that David de Gea is available - a return to his native Spain might appeal, though a fit at a top club may not be immediately apparent.
Adama Traore
One of the Premier League’s most enigmatic players, Adama Traore’s career at Wolves looks likely to come to an end after the 2022/23 season. A largely unproductive loan spell at Barcelona for the second half of the last campaign would have disappointed the Spain international, and he will be hoping a more fruitful spell under a new manager at Molineux can help him find a more pleasing permanent home.
Jorginho
Concluding the list with yet another midfielder likely to attract interest, Jorginho is said to be “prioritising” talks with Chelsea over a new contract rather than outwardly seek a new destination. The Italy international continues to form a key part of the midfield rotation at Stamford Bridge, but his aptitude for possession-based football will be desirable, with Spanish and Italian clubs the likeliest to try to tempt him elsewhere.
