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January transfer window 2025: What Each Team Needs – P1

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By Jon January 3, 2025 Comments (0)

The January transfer window is officially open, and all 20 Premier League clubs are on high alert, scouting every opportunity to bolster their squads. Keeping an eye on the coming and goings in Jan is going to be crucial to your Fantasy Football success, is your star boy on the move? Will a team find a sleeper from abroad or the EFL, who knows, but we are here for it. But who’s in desperate need of reinforcements, and where do they need to strengthen most this month? Let’s dive into the most pressing transfer priorities for every Premier League team.

Arsenal

Kai Havertz, watching Gabriel Jesus. (Photo Credit : Goal)

Arsenal have their sights set on multiple areas for reinforcement, but the January transfer window might see them taking a more reactive approach. With contract uncertainties surrounding Thomas Partey and Jorginho and the permanent departure of Aaron Ramsdale last summer, the Gunners are carefully weighing their options to maintain balance while planning for the future.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Midfield: Partey and Jorginho are out of contract in six months, making a midfield addition inevitable. However, Arsenal might hold off until the summer unless a high-potential prospect becomes available. Not expecting much here unless Dani Olmo or Zubamendi suddenly become available.
  2. Forward Line: Kai Havertz has been filling in admirably, but Arsenal’s title ambitions demand a more clinical finisher. They’ll need someone who can rival Liverpool’s attacking efficiency—Mohamed Salah’s 17.3% shot conversion rate dwarfs Gabriel Jesus’ 10.1% from last season. Big names like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, or Dušan Vlahović would be ideal, but their January availability is uncertain.
  3. Wide Forward: Depth behind Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli is a consideration, though this could block opportunities for emerging talent like Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal must weigh immediate gains against long-term development.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa are building on their summer business with clear priorities in the January transfer window. Unai Emery’s side is flying high despite recent form (love that Champions League hangover) but a couple of gaps in the squad could use attention if they’re to push further up the table and compete on multiple fronts.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Right-Sided Defender:
    With Matty Cash the only natural right-back in the squad and question marks over Diego Carlos’ future, Villa need reinforcements on the right side of their defense. A versatile player capable of covering both right-back and centre-back is a priority. Lutsharel Geertruida was a summer target before his move to RB Leipzig, and Villa will likely target a similar profile—someone defensively solid yet capable of contributing to Emery’s attacking setup.
  2. Attacking Midfielder/Winger:
    Villa are seeking an attacking midfielder who can also operate out wide, ideally on the right wing. They were linked with Giovani Lo Celso, João Félix, and Matías Soulé over the summer but missed out on all three. Now, Alex Baena from Villarreal has emerged as a potential target, which makes sense given his familiarity with Emery’s system. Baena, with his creativity and versatility, could add a spark to Villa’s attack. Stat to Watch: Aston Villa’s chance creation has leaned heavily on their left side, with 61% of attacks coming down that flank this season. Strengthening the right could balance their attack and create more unpredictability.
  3. Depth Beyond Key Players:
    While Villa’s squad is strong when fit, injuries have shown cracks, particularly in wide positions. Upgrading the right wing is crucial—not just for depth but also for quality. Current options haven’t provided the consistency or impact needed to dominate against top sides.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth are gearing up for an intriguing January transfer window, combining long-term planning with immediate squad improvements. The recent agreement for USA U20 defender Matai Akinmboni signals their commitment to building for the future, but Eddie Howe’s side has key areas to address to strengthen their first team and sustain their ambitions this season.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Left-Back:
    Bournemouth are actively exploring the market for a left-back, regardless of Milos Kerkez’s future. While Kerkez is highly regarded, the club is keen to secure additional depth and competition for the position. A solid defensive option here could help balance their backline and support their expansive style of play.
  2. Winger:
    Adding a winger is another priority as the Cherries aim to bolster their creativity in wide areas. With key players like Antoine Semenyo and Ilya Zabarnyi attracting attention from bigger clubs, Bournemouth are wary of potential exits and are keen to reinforce their attacking options. Stat to Watch: Bournemouth have created 11.3 chances per game this season but have struggled to convert many of these into goals. Adding a quality winger with strong delivery and pace could significantly enhance their final-third productivity.
  3. Striker:
    While Evanilson and Enes Ünal have shown flashes of quality, Bournemouth lack a consistent goal-scoring threat up front. The club needs a clinical finisher to capitalize on the high volume of chances they generate. January isn’t an easy window to find a transformative striker, but landing a reliable option could be the difference between a top-half finish and missing out on European contention.

Brentford

Brentford are steadily building for the future while maintaining their strong start to the season, or at least that’s the look from Thomas Frank’s squad. With injuries to several key players, including Rico Henry and Kristoffer Ajer, they may look to bring in reinforcements this January. However, the club remains focused on their long-term strategy of strengthening five key positions: left centre-back, right-back, defensive midfield, No. 8, and striker.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Defensive Midfield:
    Brentford’s most pressing need lies in defensive midfield, where injuries and lack of depth have been felt. Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough is a potential target, with the 21-year-old impressing in the Championship. Adding a player of his profile would help stabilize their midfield and provide cover for Christian Norgaard, whose contract situation is still unresolved. Stat to Watch: Brentford’s defensive midfielders have averaged only 2.1 tackles per 90 minutes this season, highlighting the need for more defensive solidity in the middle of the park.
  2. Defensive Depth:
    With injuries ravaging their backline, including setbacks for Rico Henry and Ethan Pinnock, adding defensive reinforcements is vital. While they are unlikely to address all their defensive needs in January, bringing in a versatile option could provide immediate relief and help solidify their backline.
  3. Striker:
    Bryan Mbeumo has been outstanding this season, but Brentford need another striker to complement his efforts and maintain their offensive threat. While Yoane Wissa remains a valuable asset, interest from Wolves and Nottingham Forest could spark further speculation. The Bees will need to balance retaining their key players with adding depth up front.

Brentford will face challenges in retaining their stars, particularly Bryan Mbeumo, who has been linked with Liverpool and Newcastle. However, the club is adamant about keeping him in January unless a monumental bid comes in. Mbeumo’s six goals and three assists in 15 games this season have been pivotal to Brentford’s success, and losing him would be a major blow.

Brighton

Lewis Dunk – Leadership personified.

Brighton are set for a calculated January transfer window after spending a wedge in the summer, focusing on refining their squad with targeted reinforcements. Known for their sharp recruitment strategy, the Seagulls are prioritizing defensive stability and forward options while preparing for possible exits. Here’s what they’re looking at as the transfer window unfolds.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Right-Back:
    With Joel Veltman and Tariq Lamptey both out of contract in the summer, Brighton are actively pursuing a right-back. Lamptey has impressed in recent weeks with his attacking contributions, but his long-term future remains uncertain. Veltman, meanwhile, is nearing the end of his career and has faced injuries this season. Brighton previously showed interest in Andrei Ratiu of Rayo Vallecano and may revisit this profile—a young, dynamic, and attack-minded full-back. Stat to Watch: Brighton have relied heavily on their full-backs for creativity, with 27% of their chances this season originating from wide areas. Securing a dependable right-back will be crucial to maintaining their system.
  2. Left-Sided Centre-Back:
    Lewis Dunk continues to be a stalwart for Brighton, but at 33, finding his long-term successor is high on the club’s agenda. PSV’s Olivier Boscagli is a name linked to the Seagulls, and his profile fits the mould of a progressive, ball-playing defender. Mats Hummels was also considered in the summer, highlighting Brighton’s desire for an experienced head at the back.
  3. Striker:
    While Evan Ferguson supposably remains firmly in Brighton’s plans, the Seagulls face challenges in converting chances into goals. With Danny Welbeck nursing an ankle injury, bolstering the forward line could be key. Although summer signing Diego Gomez from Inter Miami joins on January 1 and is expected to integrate into the first team (because this is just what Brighton do, right?) , Hürzeler could still explore additional options to ensure they maintain firepower up front. Stat to Watch: Brighton’s 9.8% shot conversion rate ranks among the lower half in the Premier League this season, emphasizing their need for a clinical finisher with Pedro and Welbeck’s fitness concerns.

Brighton’s January activity will focus on precision rather than volume. As always, Brighton’s moves are worth watching, not just for their impact on the pitch, but for the potential ripple effects in fantasy football leagues.

Chelsea

So it turns out Chelsea aren’t the basket case we all expected at the start of the season…madness if you ask me, but let’s come back to this at the end of the year. Chelsea enter the January transfer window with fewer urgent needs than in recent seasons, thanks to a strong start and standout performances from key players like Nicolas Jackson. However there are still areas to address, particularly in goal and up front, as the Blues aim to sustain their resurgence and tighten their squad balance.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Striker:
    Chelsea’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen in the summer ultimately fell short, but Nicolas Jackson’s excellent form as the central striker has eased concerns in attack. However, the club may still look to bolster their options with a different type of forward. One intriguing prospect is Ipswich’s Liam Delap, whose performances this season have caught the eye of Chelsea’s head of recruitment Joe Shields and head coach Enzo Maresca. Delap’s familiarity with their methods from his Manchester City academy days makes him a potential fit for Chelsea’s evolving system.Stat to Watch: Chelsea’s conversion rate of 12.1% this season is a marked improvement but still trails the league’s top sides. Adding another striker could help close that gap.
  2. Goalkeeper:
    The one glaring weakness in Chelsea’s squad lies in goal, because honestly they have the worst GK department in the league bar none. Robert Sánchez has not convincingly staked their claim as the long-term solution. While the market for top-tier goalkeepers is limited, Chelsea may explore options for an upgrade if a suitable candidate becomes available. Mark Flekken, Kelleher and Sels have been the early favourites.
  3. Departures to Watch:
    Ben Chilwell, frozen out of the squad, is expected to leave in January. Carney Chukwuemeka could also seek opportunities elsewhere, while speculation surrounds the futures of Christopher Nkunku and Axel Disasi. Managing these potential exits will be as crucial as any incoming transfers in ensuring squad harmony. Dewsbury-Hall has yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea despite a sizable transfer in the summer. His lack of involvement raises questions about his future, though he remains an intriguing option for the second half of the season if given a chance.

Any major moves may hinge on outgoings, freeing up space for reinforcements in key areas. The goalkeeper situation stands out as the primary area requiring immediate attention, but further bolstering the attack with a young prospect like Delap could be a smart play for the future even if that would be a killer for Fantasy Football.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are prioritizing wing-backs on both flanks and a central midfielder to add depth to Oliver Glasner’s newer 3-4-3 system. England U20 left-back Archie Brown from Gent remains on their radar after being considered in the summer, while Jan-Niklas Beste, who moved to Benfica, was another potential target. They also still haven’t replaced Olise and Eze has had plenty of injuries so expect some incomings here.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Wing-Backs & Wingers:
    With both flanks requiring reinforcement, Palace are targeting dynamic players who can provide width and defensive stability. Archie Brown offers a promising young option, while other experienced names could emerge as the window progresses. Talk of Demarie Grey leaving Saudi and returning to London have not been ruled out.
  2. Central Midfield:
    Though Doucouré, Hughes, and Lerma form a solid core, adding an extra holding midfielder would provide Glasner with the flexibility to rotate effectively and maintain consistency in a physically demanding system.
  3. Contract Considerations:
    Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward, Will Hughes, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Remi Matthews are all out of contract in June, giving Palace additional motivation to assess long-term replacements in this window.

Everton

Everton’s new ownership appears ready to make a splash in the January window and they are in the shit already, prioritizing survival for Sean Dyches’s shot shy team. Strengthening their attack and midfield are top priorities, with a left-back also on the radar. However, financial constraints suggest two new arrivals are the most realistic outcome.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Forward:
    Everton desperately need attacking reinforcements to address their long-standing goal-scoring struggles. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract situation adds urgency, especially with Newcastle reportedly interested. While Beto and Broja provide options, neither looks like a long-term solution and that’s being kind, honestly expected more from Broja. Everton must identify a clinical striker capable of lifting their attack.Stat to Watch: Everton’s conversion rate of just 8.9% this season ranks among the lowest in the league, underscoring their need for a reliable finisher.
  2. Midfield:
    Adding creativity in midfield is critical. Abdoulaye Doucouré and Idrissa Gueye are solid defensively, but Everton need a playmaker who can link up play and create chances consistently. This would not only aid their attack but also reduce the pressure on their defense to withstand constant waves of opposition possession.Stat to Watch: Everton average just 1.2 key passes per 90 minutes from central midfielders, highlighting the need for an injection of creativity in the middle.
  3. Winger:
    While Iliman Ndiaye has impressed out wide, Dwight McNeil’s injury concerns and Jack Harrison’s inconsistent form leave Everton short on reliable options. Adding a pacey winger who can stretch defences and contribute in the final third would significantly enhance their attacking threat.

Everton’s survival hinges on fixing their attacking horror show, and January presents a pivotal opportunity to reset and re-energize the squad. A proven striker and a creative spark in midfield could be the difference between staying up or facing the drop.

Fulham

Outside of the obvious Nottingham Forest, Fulham have been the surprise package this season and are riding high after an impressive start to the season, with Marco Silva’s side pushing for a European qualification spot and 2 players making the team of the season so far. Their January business will be about adding smart, targeted reinforcements to maintain their momentum and squad balance.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Striker:
    Adding a long-term striker is a priority as Fulham look to plan beyond the current season. Raul Jimenez (whose contract expires in June) can speak to foreign clubs starting in January, though the club holds a one-year extension option and if we are honest they have never replaced Mitrovic. Evan Ferguson from Brighton is a player Fulham admire, but prying the young talent away from their Premier League rivals would require a significant bid, given Brighton’s reluctance to loan him. Stat to Watch: Fulham’s strikers have converted just 14% of their chances this season, highlighting the need for a clinical finisher to maximize their attacking potential.
  2. Left Wing:
    Though Fulham’s squad is well-balanced, adding another option on the left wing could provide extra depth and tactical flexibility. Antonee Robinson has been the best full back in the league this season, but pushing him forward or finding a player to replicate Alex Iwobi’s impact on the right could add a new dimension to their attack. Sessegnon getting back to full fitness could be that guy but we wouldn’t be surprised to see an incoming on this side of the pitch.

A smart striker signing and added left-wing depth could help Silva’s side sustain their push for Europe.

Ipswich

Ipswich are battling hard to stay in the Premier League. It’s one of those situations wherein they play well, they battle, but they are more than likely going down. Yet January is an opportunity to bolster their squad for the survival fight. Kieran McKenna’s side has shown promise, but targeted reinforcements are needed to address key areas of weakness and build on their summer business.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

  1. Goalkeeper:
    The most pressing issue for Ipswich is in goal. Aro Muric’s mistakes earlier in the season saw him lose his place, who performed admirably in their recent win against Chelsea. However, finding a reliable, long-term solution between the sticks could solidify their defense and provide the confidence needed to grind out results.Stat to Watch: Ipswich’s goalkeepers have a combined save percentage of just 58%, one of the lowest in the league. An upgrade in this area could be pivotal for their survival hopes.
  2. Right-Hand Side:
    Strengthening the right-hand side is a priority as Ipswich look to add balance to their squad. Both the full-back and wide midfield positions could use reinforcement to support their counter-attacking approach and improve their transitions.
  3. Striker:
    Ipswich had a £20m bid rejected for Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough on Deadline Day in the summer, and it remains to be seen if they’ll reignite their interest. Adding a proven goal-scorer would provide much-needed firepower to capitalize on the chances they create on the break.
  4. Central Midfield:
    Despite bringing in Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste on loan deals, Ipswich are keen to add more depth in midfield because kindly, they have both been woeful. An additional combative midfielder could help the push for the Tractor Boys’.

Right folks, that’s the end of Part 1 of the who needs what for Jan, honestly it’s going to be interesting to see with FFP, the panic and the great January sales which are always fun to watch. Our favourite part is how this window can totally throw off Fantasy Football die hards, do we plump for a new shiny toy in the league, do we stick and who is at risk of being chopped.

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