This month some teams are taking big risks to turn their seasons around with a massive transfer, while other teams are simply trying to fill gaps in their rosters as cheaply and quickly as possible. Honestly, it appears as if many of these rumored transfers may be happening because of desperate times creating desperate measures for some clubs.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Manchester United
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – skysports.com
Things took a turn for the better last week when there were reports that Manchester United are in negotiations to bring Ruben Loftus-Cheek in on loan, as a mysterious “midfielder” who currently plays overseas, and who has extensive Premier League experience under his belt.
Loftus-Cheek is 29/30 years old, and he has played in virtually every available Serie A match this season, although many of those appearances have come as a substitute, and he has played in a variety of central midfield positions. This level of versatility is ideal for either Maurizio Sarri or Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare to call him a true utility man in the heart of the engine room.
Although Loftus-Cheek did earn an England recall in September, he has not been included in Thomas Tuchel’s squads in either October or November. If Loftus-Cheek returned to the Premier League, it would certainly be interesting to see how he performed. However, Loftus-Cheek feels like a cleaner solution to what United actually needs than Wilfred Ndidi (who is now at Besiktas).
Tammy Abraham to Aston Villa
Tammy Abraham – independent.co.uk
Aston Villa desperately need a striker — especially after Donny van de Beek surprised everyone by leaving for Fulham, leaving them short up front with no backup option in place.
Unai Emery does not appear to be the type of manager to allow the window to close without making some sort of reinforcement to the attack, regardless of how slim the options may be. Therefore, the Villains have revisited a very familiar name, Tammy Abraham.
Abraham scored several goals on loan from Chelsea and helped propel Villa back into the Premier League in 2019. Now, the 28-year-old Abraham is reportedly set to join Villa again, this time arriving from Besiktas. Abraham signed with Besiktas on loan from Roma last summer and already activated the obligation-to-buy clause for the Istanbul side.
In fact, some of the Villa staff traveled to Istanbul to observe Abraham play in a Monday night match ahead of their upcoming Europa League matchup with Fenerbahçe. Abraham did not score that evening, but with 13 goals and three assists already this season, they were not discouraged enough to rule him out entirely.
However, prior to Abraham returning to Villa Park, Besiktas will likely require a replacement, and some Villa fans are secretly hoping they go with someone such as Jean-Philippe Mateta instead.
Evan Ferguson to Crystal Palace
Evan Ferguson – bbc.com
If Crystal Palace manage to sell Jean-Philippe Mateta, Juve will be thrilled — and the feeling is likely mutual — while Aston Villa appear to be a legitimate destination, especially if they are able to fudge the numbers on their Performance Related Salary Cap (PSR) for the two clubs.
A “swap” deal (not officially a swap for accounting purposes) could potentially send Evan Ferguson to Palace, as well as some money. On paper, this looks far more attractive to Villa than the Eagles.
While Ferguson can play centrally, he is significantly more effective when cutting in from wide positions or dropping deeper. This is not what Palace would need if they lose their primary No.9.
That being said…part of me is curious to see this happen solely to see Oliver Glasner’s reaction.
Beto to Como
Beto – skysports.com
Prior to the window opening, Beto was reported to be highly sought after by West Ham — and it made perfect sense. Beto is the quintessential Hammers-type forward.
Ultimately, however, West Ham chose to pursue a move to Lazio, bringing Taty Castellanos aboard to address their attacking hole. Unless Callum Wilson leaves (which now seems unlikely), the Hammers probably won’t revisit Beto.
And then news broke about Como being interested. At that point, Beto probably blocked Nuno Espirito Santo’s number.
Survival fight in the soulless bowl adjacent to a shopping center in East London, or a chance at European soccer in one of the most beautiful spots on Earth? Tough choice, but I know which one I’d choose. Ciao.
Raheem Sterling to Napoli
Raheem Sterling – independent.co.uk
Sterling’s decision may ultimately boil down to something very simple: Stay in London or leave for Naples in the Spring.
West Ham and Fulham are reportedly prepared to provide Sterling with an exit route from his Chelsea exile, but Napoli may be able to insert him directly into a competitive Serie A title battle.
Antonio Conte has historically shown a fondness for players rejected or relegated to the bench by the Premier League — and Sterling fits that mold to perfection. Napoli were sniffing around Sterling for him last Summer, but he opted to remain in London to pad out yet another Chelsea bomb-squad bench.
Sterling will have to take a pay cut to make it work — although let’s be honest, that was coming eventually, considering what he’s been earning for doing next to nothing at Stamford Bridge.
Reports vary regarding whether Sterling truly desires a fresh start abroad, or whether he prefers to remain closer to home in London.
