January transfer window 2025: What Each Team Needs – P2

Manchester United

Manchester United face a January transfer window that feels more like a rescue mission than a chance to reinforce and that’s being kind at best. Ruben Amorim’s arrival came with a mandate for sustainability, but with the club teetering on the brink of disaster, potential relegation talk and his playing style yet to take root, drastic action is needed to salvage their season.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

1. Wing-Backs:
   Amorim’s system demands energetic and experienced wing-backs, a glaring weakness in United’s current squad. The left side, in particular, has been decimated by injuries, with Nuno Mendes emerging as a potential target or back to Fernandez who they let go to Benfica in the summer whose flourished in Portugal. Strengthening these flanks is critical to giving Amorim’s philosophy a chance to succeed. Stat to Watch: United’s full-backs have contributed only one assist across all competitions this season, underscoring their lack of attacking output from wide areas.
2. Creative and Dynamic Midfielders:
   United’s midfield has struggled to provide creativity and dynamism, leaving the attack isolated and predictable. With Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Antony all reportedly on the chopping block, the club may need to rebuild their core entirely. Any new arrivals must be suited to Amorim’s high-energy demands. Stat to Watch: United average just 1.5 key passes per 90 minutes from midfield this season, one of the lowest in the league.
3. A Major Squad Overhaul:
   Amorim inherited a squad ill-suited to his vision and lacking confidence. United are open to selling or loaning out players who no longer fit the club’s plans, with Rashford’s future a particularly complex dilemma. While moving him could generate funds, his hefty salary and poor form make a transfer challenging.
4. Connections to Sporting CP:
   Amorim’s ties to Sporting CP could be an avenue for cost-effective deals. Leveraging those connections might allow United to add players familiar with his methods and philosophy, which could speed up the squad’s adaptation to his style.

Financial constraints mean United cannot afford frivolous spending, yet they require an injection of quality to pull themselves out of a relegation fight. The January window is notoriously difficult, and United’s challenge will be to find the right players within their limited means to spark a turnaround. Manchester United need more than just transfers—they need belief, dynamism, and a clear pathway forward. Whether Amorim can navigate this crisis will define not just their season but the future direction of the club.

Newcastle

Newcastle United enter the January transfer window knowing new signings will depend on offloading players first. With several contracts nearing their expiration and some long-term uncertainty around key figures, Eddie Howe’s side must balance squad management with targeted reinforcements to solidify their top-four ambitions.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

1. Right-Wing:
   Newcastle are closely monitoring Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo to enhance their options on the right flank. Adding a dynamic wide player would complement their attack and provide balance alongside Anthony Gordon’s impressive form on the left. Stat to Watch: Newcastle’s right-sided attackers have contributed just four goals in the league this season, highlighting the need for greater impact from this position.
2. Centre-Back:
   The Magpies made significant efforts to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in the summer, with bids reaching up to £65m. While their defensive core has handled injuries well, adding another reliable centre-back to the rotation would offer greater stability. This is reinforced given that Fabian Schär and Jamaal Lascelles’ contracts run out this summer.
3. Central Midfield:
   With Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali central to their plans, Newcastle are exploring depth options in midfield. Holding onto both players while adding cover will be vital as they navigate domestic and European commitments.
4. Right-Back:
   Kieran Trippier’s future remains uncertain, and Newcastle are looking at options to strengthen the position. Finding a right-back who can offer both defensive solidity and attacking contributions is key to sustaining Howe’s tactical flexibility.

More than just additions, Newcastle must hold on to key stars like Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimarães, and Sandro Tonali. Ensuring stability within their core squad will be as important as any new arrivals.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have surpassed all expectations this season and should be cautious about making too many changes in January that might disrupt the balance of their squad. However, with an opportunity to solidify their position among the Premier League’s elite, they remain open to strategic reinforcements.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

1. Striker:
   Despite Chris Wood’s impressive form, Forest still seek a long-term solution up front. Santiago Gimenez was a summer target, and their lofty position in the league might help attract higher-calibre players this time around. Adding a consistent goal-scorer could be crucial to maintaining their momentum. Stat to Watch: Forest average 1.6 goals per game, a solid return, but adding another clinical finisher could make them even more dangerous.
2. Winger Depth:
   Further depth on the wings is another area Forest are exploring. Their willingness to target ambitious, well-known names in the market demonstrates their intent to build a squad capable of sustaining success.
3. Central Midfield:
   While not an immediate priority, Forest are keeping an eye on midfield options as they await the full returns of Danilo and Ibrahim Sangaré from injury. Both players’ recoveries will determine whether Forest dip into the market for added cover.

Southampton

Southampton face an uphill battle to avoid relegation, sitting 10 points adrift with just one win from 19 games. New head coach Ivan Juric has a monumental task ahead, and the January transfer window offers a slim chance to bring in reinforcements that could spark a miraculous turnaround—or start preparing for life in the Championship.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

1. Striker:
   Southampton’s goal-scoring woes are glaring, with Cameron Archer leading the way on just five goals and Ben Brereton Díaz yet to find the net. A reliable striker is their top priority to convert the promising attacking moments they’ve created into tangible results. Stat to Watch: Southampton have scored just 11 goals in 19 matches, the lowest in the league, emphasizing the need for a clinical finisher.
2. Any Midfielder:
   Adding creativity in the final third could provide the spark Southampton desperately need. An attacking midfielder who can link play and provide service for their forwards is essential to improving their lacklustre attack. With Lesley Ugochukwu potentially being recalled by Chelsea, Southampton may look to bolster their defensive midfield. The option to bring back Shea Charles from his loan at Sheffield Wednesday offers a potentially ready-made solution, but further depth could still be needed to stabilize the middle of the park.
3. Winger Depth:
   Although not the highest priority, adding a dynamic winger could offer more width and unpredictability, especially if Tyler Dibling—who is yet to sign a new long-term deal—moves on amid growing interest from bigger clubs.
4. Early New Additions:
   January 1 will see the arrival of Brazilian left-back Wellington and 18-year-old Japanese striker Rento Takaoka, both summer signings who officially join the squad. While Takaoka is an exciting prospect, it remains to be seen if he can make an immediate impact at the Premier League level.

With the lowest points tally at this stage since West Brom’s infamous 2004/05 great escape, Southampton need a near-perfect second half of the season. Strengthening their attack and midfield with smart January signings is essential if they are to have any hope of staying up. If not, planning for the Championship may become the more pragmatic focus.

Tottenham

Tottenham head into the January transfer window with Ange potentially on the chopping block if this month doesn’t go to plan, as injuries to key players have exposed a lack of depth. Ange Postecoglou’s side is highly competitive when fully fit, but the drop-off in form when injuries strike has made reinforcements a priority.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

1. Centre-Back:
   Spurs have had to rely on Archie Gray in an unfamiliar center-back role due to injuries, which is far from ideal. Adding a natural, experienced centre-back would provide much-needed stability and allow the team to maintain their defensive shape even when first-choice options are unavailable. Stat to Watch: Spurs have conceded 1.5 goals per game in their last 10 matches, showing the need for defensive reinforcements to tighten things up at the back.
2. Full-Backs:
   Postecoglou’s system places significant demands on full-backs, and depth in these positions is critical. Injuries have left Spurs vulnerable on both flanks, making versatile full-back options a key target for the window.
3. Holding Midfielder:
   A true holding midfielder would bring balance to the team, allowing Spurs to control the midfield better and protect their backline. This has been a long-standing issue, with the club expressing interest in players like Conor Gallagher during the summer.
4. Forward Options:
   With Richarlison side-lined, Spurs are short on attacking depth. While the club remains optimistic about their returns, a versatile forward or winger would provide insurance and help maintain attacking momentum. Timo Werner’s loan has helped, but Spurs may look to make a more permanent addition South Korean winger Min-Hyeok Yang, 18, officially joins the squad on January 1 as a promising talent for the future. While he isn’t expected to make an immediate impact, his arrival aligns with Spurs’ strategy of investing in young, high-potential players.

Injuries have shown how quickly Spurs can go from contenders to struggling for form. So its time Levy opened the bank account or its more of the same from Spurs.

West Ham

West Ham approach the January transfer window with limited flexibility following a busy summer where they bought all the players for all the monies, but injuries and underperforming signings have forced them to reassess. The focus will be on addressing their striker situation and adding depth in midfield to keep Julen Lopetegui’s side competitive.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

1. Striker:
   The injuries to Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio have left West Ham desperately short of attacking options. Niclas Füllkrug has struggled to adapt alongside being constantly injured, and Danny Ings doesn’t quite fit Lopetegui’s system, leaving the Hammers with limited firepower. A short-term striker signing is essential to carry them through the second half of the season. Stat to Watch: West Ham have scored just 1.3 goals per game since Bowen’s injury, underlining the need for a consistent goal threat.
2. Holding Midfielder:
   While Edson Álvarez and Lucas Paquetá have been solid in midfield, the lack of depth is concerning. Adding a quality holding midfielder would allow Tomas Soucek to play further forward, where he has historically been more effective in contributing goals and physicality. Stat to Watch: Soucek’s expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes are nearly doubled when he plays in an advanced role compared to deeper positions.
3. Injury Management:
   West Ham’s transfer activity will also hinge on how quickly they can resolve their injury crisis. Antonio’s absence, in particular, has left a leadership void in the attack that must be addressed either through the return of form for Füllkrug or a new addition.

Striking the right balance between short-term fixes and long-term planning will be crucial to stabilizing their season.

Wolves

Wolves enter the January transfer window hoping to build on the solid progress made under new manager Vitor Pereira. While they’ve shown they can create and score goals, improving their defensive stability will be key to climbing further up the Premier League table.

Key Areas to Strengthen:

1. Centre-Back:
   Kevin Danso of Lens has emerged as Wolves’ top target to address their defensive issues. The Austrian international has impressed both in Ligue 1 and for his national team, making him an ideal fit for Wolves’ backline. Adding Danso, and potentially another centre-back, would provide the solidity Wolves need to compete at a higher level. Stat to Watch: Wolves have conceded 1.7 goals per game this season, highlighting the need for reinforcements at the heart of their defence.
2. Goalkeeper:
   José Sá and Sam Johnson have been a reliable presence in goal, but Wolves are likely looking for a long-term solution to build for the future. Identifying and bringing in a goalkeeper who can anchor the defence for years to come will be part of Wolves’ January priorities.
3. Retaining Key Players:
   While Wolves are focused on strengthening, they must also ensure they keep hold of Matheus Cunha, who has been pivotal to their attacking success. Maintaining stability in their core squad will be just as important as adding new faces.

With defensive improvements top of the list, Wolves are looking to balance short-term needs with long-term planning.