Cristiano Ronaldo, Cody Gakpo, Jude Bellingham – 10 big transfers that could happen in January 2023 window

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.

So what is definitely going to happen? 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

Matheus Cunha: Atletico Madrid to Wolves

Expect Matheus Cunha to be paraded in old gold the moment Big Ben chimes to herald in 2023. Julen Lopetegui has wasted no time identifying his top target since arriving at the club in November, with the Brazil forward set to swap Atletico Madrid for the West Midlands. He has almost exclusively featured off the bench this season for Diego Simeone and arrives with a goal record that will strike fear into defences across the Premier League: 0 goals in 17 games this season, 7 in 38 last season. Those breathtaking stats command a €40 million fee in today’s world, apparently.

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

QUITE PROBABLE

Cody Gakpo: PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United

PSV Eindhoven have already sent out a fishing rod with star man Cody Gakpo as bait. Here’s their director of football Marcel Brands: “Only 10-12 clubs can afford Cody Gakpo in January. Let’s see if it will happen – it has to be PSV’s record sale and also the right bid for Cody’s plans.” Gakpo, who scored in all three of the Netherlands’ group games at the World Cup, seems most likely to head to Manchester United, who could do with another striker given Anthony Martial’s fitness troubles and some lad called Cristiano leaving. Oh and for anyone wondering, PSV’s current record sale stands at just €45m, making Gakpo easily affordable for United.

Mykhaylo Mudryk: Shakhtar Donetsk to Arsenal

Eddie Nketiah just doesn’t scream “starting striker at Premier League champions”. So it’s perhaps surprising to hear Arsenal’s top target for January is a winger, Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk, seemingly leaving Nketiah to play a big role as the Gunners attempt to cling on to top spot in the Premier League. 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.

50-50

Sofyan Amrabat: Fiorentina to Liverpool

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, 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…

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 favourites. If Gladbach play this right, they can get much more cash here.

YOU NEVER KNOW…

Jude Bellingham: Borussia Dortmund to Liverpool

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, with Liverpool and Real Madrid the two mooted destinations. But with Liverpool held back by a lack of funds, this one looks more likely in the summer. Which also means…

Enzo Fernandez: Benfica to Liverpool

…Liverpool will probably struggle to land Enzo Fernandez in January too. 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. Benfica are in no hurry to sell given he only arrived in the summer, and he has a whopping release clause of €120m, so it’s hard to see this one happening in January.

Frenkie De Jong: Barcelona to Manchester United

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

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.