2023 is almost here. The World Cup may have only just finished, but clubs are already preparing their January transfer business ahead of the upcoming window.
A number of high-profile transfers have already been agreed, including Cody Gakpo’s move to Liverpool. Still, there are bound to be many more deals taking place between now and the end of the window.
Here are five big transfer that could happen in the coming weeks.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure from Manchester United, the 37-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. Reportedly, Al-Nassr are readying a mammoth contract proposal.
More on Cristiano. Al Nassr, pushing as called yesterday — hoping for Ronaldo to sign contracts before the end of the year, so in the next days 🇸🇦 #transfers€200m/year proposal confirmed, valid until June 2025.…but it’s up to Cristiano, still waiting for his green light ⤵️ https://t.co/kcM7yR3jwl— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2022
More on Cristiano. Al Nassr, pushing as called yesterday — hoping for Ronaldo to sign contracts before the end of the year, so in the next days 🇸🇦 #transfers€200m/year proposal confirmed, valid until June 2025.…but it’s up to Cristiano, still waiting for his green light ⤵️ https://t.co/kcM7yR3jwl
Ronaldo would surely favour a move to a European side, with Chelsea and Sporting Lisbon viewed as possible destinations. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner may have to settle for a move elsewhere.
It has been reported that Shakhtar Donetsk rejected a £55m bid from Arsenal for Mykhaylo Mudryk. But with Mikel Arteta eager to strengthen his squad, the Gunners are expected to return with an improved offer.
Mudryk, 21, has bagged 12 goals and 17 assists in 44 senior appearances for Shakhtar. Having racked up three goals and two assists in the Champions League earlier this season, the rising star is one of the hottest young properties in the game.
Sofyan Amrabat was undoubtedly one of the standout performers at the 2022 World Cup. The dynamic midfielder played a pivotal role in Morocco’s run to the semi-finals, producing a string of stellar displays in Qatar.
Liverpool are being touted as potential suitors, with the Merseysiders supposedly keen to bolster their midfield options. That said, Cody Gakpo’s recent arrival at Anfield could impact a deal for Amrabat in January.
Like Amrabat, Enzo Fernandez starred at the World Cup. The 21-year-old midfielder featured in all seven of Argentina’s games in Qatar, scooping the FIFA Young Player Award as his country clinched a third World Cup title.
Although Fernandez only moved from River Plate to Benfica in July 2022, he could move again in January. Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for his signature, but they will likely face competition from other clubs.
Marcus Thuram looks destined to leave Borussia Monchengladbach in January. With the 25-year-old's contract due to expire in the summer, Gladbach will be eager to sell him in the coming weeks to avoid losing him for nothing.
Inter Milan are purportedly willing to secure Thuram’s signature. However, with Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Juventus, Arsenal and Newcastle also interested, who knows where the Frenchman will end up?