Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Enzo Fernandez – 10 big transfers that could happen in January 2023 window

Updated 30/12/2022 at 11:30 GMT

The World Cup may still be fresh in our minds, but it’s already time to start thinking about transfers and domestic football again. A host of players put themselves in the shop window with impressive displays in Qatar. So which deals are nailed on? Who will Arsenal sign to fill in for Gabriel Jesus? Who are Liverpool and Manchester United circling? And does anyone want Cristiano Ronaldo?

10 big deals that could happen in January

Image credit: Eurosport

The upcoming January transfer window promises to be the most exciting in years.

Europe's top clubs have had over a month to thrash out their daring transfer strategies after the World Cup was plonked in the middle of the domestic calendar, meaning everyone can spring into action the moment the window opens on January 1.

In fact, so keen are clubs to do business that we've already given this article a big makeover before December's end. Cody Gakpo, briefly touted as the future of Manchester United's attack, has signed for Liverpool from PSV, Matheus Cunha has joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid, while a host of new rumours have emerged.

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So what else is definitely going to happen in January? Who is gunning for a mid-season move? And what surprise deals could there be? It's time to transport ourselves into the future...

NAILED-ON DEALS

Cristiano Ronaldo: Free agent to Al Nassr… or any European team who wants him

Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Morocco and Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

Image credit: Getty Images

It’s pretty bleak when you consider yourself the greatest player to have existed, and believe you still have it, only for absolutely no one in Europe to want you. Cristiano Ronaldo has been offered to just about anyone – including Eintracht Frankfurt, according to the club’s CEO – but currently the only takers are Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr. And while every young footballer dreams of playing in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo is hoping he can postpone that inevitability for at least another six months. Chelsea and Sporting Lisbon seem the most likely European destinations, but “most likely” in this instance is still quite unlikely.

Mykhailo Mudryk: Shakhtar Donetsk to Arsenal

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 25: Mykhaylo Mudryk in action for Shakhtar Donetsk during a UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Shakhtar Donetsk at Celtic Park, on October 25, 2022, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty

Image credit: Eurosport

Eddie Nketiah doesn't really scream “starting striker at Premier League champions”, even if he did fire an incredible goal on Boxing Day as Arsenal saw off West Ham. So it’s perhaps surprising to hear the Gunners' top target for January is a winger, Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk. Mudryk has scored in seven of his last 10 appearances, including a sensational goal against Celtic in the Champions League. Shakhtar have slapped a €100m price tag on Mudryk, so this move depends on how much Arsenal can chisel away at that fee, but talks have already begun...

QUITE PROBABLE

Enzo Fernandez: Benfica to Chelsea

Enzo Fernandez

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Such is the chaotic nature of the transfer window, that version one of this article claimed Enzo Fernandez's most likely destination was Liverpool. Whoops. Despite Argentina’s midfield often being Moses-ed the moment things got exciting in Qatar – see Saudi Arabia, Netherlands and France – Fernandez’s stock has soared and he was named Young Player of the Tournament. Now Chelsea are keen to bring the 21-year-old to Stamford Bridge as they look to shore up their midfield. Benfica are in no hurry to sell given he only arrived in the summer and he has a whopping release clause of €120m, but it's hard to see how they can turn down a monster bid from the Blues.

Joao Felix to Arsenal or Chelsea or Manchester United

Joao Felix celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid

Image credit: Getty Images

It's unfair a footballer is burdened by their own price tag, given they do not decide it, but it is unavoidable that Joao Felix has delivered only a sliver of a return on his €126m fee to Atletico Madrid. It seems patience has finally run out in the Spanish capital as the club look to recoup some return on their astonishing outlay, with a trio of Premier League clubs reportedly preparing to swoop: Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. All are attractive options but perhaps Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, who helped Martin Odegaard rediscover his best form after a long difficult spell, could be most tempting.

50-50

James Maddison: Leicester City to Newcastle United

James Maddison of England poses during the official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 portrait session on November 16, 2022 in Doha, Qatar

Image credit: Getty Images

We have all spent a lot of time worrying about James Maddison. "Can he sneak his way into the World Cup squad?" "How can Southgate take him to Qatar and then not use him?" "Why is he only exceptional 30% of the time?" Now we have a new dilemma to fret about: "Why is he always injured?" Maddison is currently recovering after seeing a knee specialist, but that hasn't stopped rumour hounds furiously pushing the Newcastle links. Eddie Howe is looking to strengthen, and given the club's limitless resources and suspiciously sensible transfer strategy, Maddison looks a prime candidate to make the move up north – if he can prove his fitness.

Sofyan Amrabat: Fiorentina to Liverpool

Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)

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Arguably the player of the World Cup, mainly for his crunching challenge on Kylian Mbappe in the semi-finals after sprinting 60 metres, Sofyan Amrabat is now supposedly keen on a move to Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is desperate to shake up his central midfield and with the club struggling to find funds for January, particularly after the arrival of Gakpo, Amrabat could prove a decent option compared to other more expensive signings mooted. Fiorentina are thought to want €40-45m for their prized asset.

Marcus Thuram: Borussia Monchengladbach to Arsenal or Bayern Munich or Inter Milan or Juventus or Man Utd or Newcastle or just about anyone...

Marcus Thuram

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Rather insanely, Borussia Monchengladbach have apparently put a valuation of just €10m on Marcus Thuram. Yes, his deal expires in the summer and yes, Gladbach don’t want to lose him for nothing. But €10m? For a forward who is only 25, is the second top scorer in the Bundesliga this season and just played a role as extra in an epic World Cup final? Needless to say, at that price a host of clubs have been linked with a move. Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed he wants his pal at Newcastle, while Inter are thought to be the favourites. If Gladbach play this right, they can get much more cash here.

YOU NEVER KNOW...

Jude Bellingham: Borussia Dortmund to Liverpool or Real Madrid

Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham

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Ever since he passionately locked foreheads with Jordan Henderson at the World Cup, Jude Bellingham has been destined for a move to Liverpool. One of the bright stars of England’s run to the quarter-finals in Qatar, attention now turns to where Bellingham will play his club football in 2023. Borussia Dortmund have a proud tradition of being a luxury stepping stone and will not stand in Bellingham’s way if he wants to leave, but with Liverpool held back by a lack of funds, any move to Jurgen Klopp's side looks more likely in the summer. So step forward, Real Madrid. It seems they have had Toni Kroos and Luka Modric running the show since the mid-1990s and are in desperate need of a midfield rebrand. Bellingham would provide that. Could he be convinced to move to Spain in January?

Frenkie De Jong: Barcelona to Manchester United

Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona)

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Frenkie De Jong to Manchester United is fast becoming this decade’s follow-up to the hit rumour Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United. It appeared Barcelona’s financial future rested on them shipping De Jong out of Camp Nou over the summer, but the Dutchman has forced his way into Xavi’s plans and the club is still afloat despite their early Champions League exit. Given he's now back in the picture in Catalonia, it's hard to see this one happening. Still, that won't stop the rumour train...

Declan Rice: West Ham to Chelsea

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Declan Rice of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on January 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Image credit: Eurosport

Surely Declan Rice is going to leave West Ham soon. But this soon? Chelsea, the most obvious suitors, will likely be tempted to wait until the summer given his value will drop when he enters the final year of his contract. He has more than outstayed his welcome at the London Stadium and is primed for a big move after a successful-ish World Cup, but it feels like his West Ham adventure ends in June.

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