We've put together this club-by-club guide ahead of the January transfer window, with the help of stats experts WhoScored.
With the January transfer window soon to open, we’ve enlisted the help of the experts at WhoScored.com to run through some of the potential incomings for each Premier League club. This club-by-club insight picks out the most likely signings according to the current odds and an assessment of where each side may need to strengthen from a statistical angle.
You can compare odds on all the latest transfer markets in the oddschecker Football Specials section.
Premier League Transfer Odds
Arsenal
At even money favourites, Arsenal are most likely to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the January window according to the odds.
A striker certainly makes sense as a priority given the off-field issues with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and expiring contracts of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah. However, Calvert-Lewin would be a departure from the typical Arsenal mould.
Despite not playing since August the Everton striker has still scored more headed goals since the start of last season (8) than any other Premier League player, and only two teams have attempted fewer crosses than the Gunners this season. It appears Mikel Arteta is keen to add another dimension to his side’s exciting attack.
They’re outsiders to sign a handful of others with the bookies, but AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie (7/1) and sought-after Dusan Vlahovic (8/1) are the next shortest. However, both are heavily linked with moves to their North London rivals, Spurs.
Aston Villa
Villa are favourites to sign Rangers winger Ryan Kent in the January window, priced at 2/1. That’s the shortest they are in any current transfer market by some distance.
Linked with the club long before Steven Gerrard’s arrival, the appointment of the former Rangers boss has only strengthened Villa’s apparent interest. The former Liverpool youngster knows the system and demands of his ex-boss all too well and would give Villa more natural width on the left, with the likes of Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Bertrand Troare all preferring to operate from the opposite flank.
Kent’s influence on the Scottish champions has certainly waned, it must be said. He has just two goals and one assist in the league thus far this season following respective tallies of seven and eight last, having also completed more dribbles than any other player in the Scottish Premiership in 2020/21 (70).
Brentford
Bookies have only priced Brentford up in one of their January transfer markets at this stage, with the Bees priced at 10/1 to sign Dean Henderson from Manchester United. They currently sit behind both Newcastle and Ajax in that market.
The club’s first choice keeper David Raya looks set to remain in the treatment room for a couple of months yet, with deputy Alvaro Fernandez keeping just one clean sheet in 10 appearances in his compatriot’s absence.
It’s certainly little wonder Henderson is in demand having fallen firmly back to second choice at Manchester United. After all, the England hopeful boasted the second best save success rate (75.2 per cent) in the Premier League during his final season on loan at Sheffield United.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton are the 3/1 favourites to sign Blackburn’s star striker Ben Brereton Diaz. The 22-year-old is the only player the Seagulls are currently priced up for.
It’s been a whirlwind year for Brereton Diaz, who only adopted his mother’s maiden name earlier in the year following a shock call up to the Chilean national team. He’s featured regularly for the South Americans since and his newfound fame on the continent appears to have boosted his confidence domestically to boot.
The 22-year-old has 19 goals in 23 league appearances this season – more than he had managed in a 133-game Championship career previous (17 goals) – and Brighton’s need for firepower is abundantly clear. The Seagulls have underperformed their xG by 18 goals since the start of last season and competition for the inconsistent Neal Maupay is a must.
Ben Brereton Championship record
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) December 29, 2021
Played - 133
Scored - 17
Ben Brereton Diaz Championship record
Played - 23
Scored - 19
Goal shy players across the globe searching frantically for some Chilean heritage! pic.twitter.com/1hAcgpHSr1
Burnley
The bookies are predicting a quiet window at Burnley, with only two markets featuring Sean Dyche’s side. The shortest they are in any market is 6/1 to sign centre-back Nat Phillips from Liverpool.
With James Tarkowski heavily linked with a move away, be that next month or upon the expiration of his contract in the summer, the Clarets need for defensive re-enforcements is pressing. Nathan Collins has made a decent impression since his arrival in the summer but Phillips – who would head away a boulder if it flew towards him – has Burnley written all over him.
Despite standing in ably when called upon last season, the 24-year-old hasn’t featured in the league for Liverpool this season. He won the most aerial duels per game of any centre-back last season (5.6), ahead of that man Tarkowski in second…
Chelsea
Chelsea do appear in several transfer markets but their most likely signing according to the odds is Lucas Digne, who they are 2/1 favourites to sign. The Everton left-back is rumoured to be looking to move away from Everton and a further injury setback for Ben Chilwell has left Chelsea short in that position.
While both have performed well during his time at the club, Thomas Tuchel has chopped and changed between Chilwell and Marcos Alonso at left wing-back throughout the year, suggesting either do not overly convince him. Indeed, both are considerably stronger going forwards than they are defensively, with Digne perhaps a slightly more solid option in that regard.
The France international has been a mainstay at Everton since his arrival from Barcelona but seemingly hasn’t seen eye to eye with Rafa Benitez. His delivery from wide has certainly been a godsend for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s development. Only Trent Alexander-Arnold has supplied more accurate crosses than Digne since his arrival in the Premier League, helping to herald 18 assists, so Romelu Lukaku would be licking his lips…
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace only appear as outsiders in a few markets ahead of the January window. They’re priced up to sign Dele Alli (8/1), Lucas Digne (10/1) and Dean Henderson (18/1) though none look likely to join Patrick Vieira’s ranks.
That said, one could see why short move across the capital - perhaps on loan – might appeal to a player like Alli. With the Eagles promoting young, homegrown talent in their recruitment policy, the England international could have the chance to rediscover the bite that has all but evaporated from his game, and could (re)learn a thing or two from the impressive Conor Gallagher in that regard.
Everton
Many are predicting a busy window for Everton as they look to inject some pace into their faltering campaign under Rafa Benitez. The Merseyside club appear in a host of markets but former Toffees man Ross Barkley is currently their most likely signing according to the odds. They’re 7/2 favourites to sign him from Chelsea.
Elsewhere, they are 6/1 favourites to sign Donny van de Beek (though as short as 7/2 with one bookmaker) and 5/1 second favourites for Aaron Ramsey’s signature.
Having not exactly left on the best of terms, a return for Barkley could be divisive but the 28-year-old has proven in fleeting but unexpected appearances for Chelsea this season that he still has real quality. He’s averaged an outstanding 3.8 key passes per 90 in all competitions this season and would add some much needed guile to an Everton side that lack attacking threats in central positions.
Leeds United
Leeds are priced up in a handful of markets, but the shortest price you will find them is 6/1 to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
A rumour that makes sense on one hand but very little on the other, the absence of Patrick Bamford and a focal point to Leeds’ attack has been hugely detrimental to their season thus far. Adding more firepower appears a no-brainer but Nketiah would surely be concerned by a return to a club and a manager that didn’t really give him a look in during a loan spell in 2019/20.
Indeed, the 22-year-old started just two of 17 league appearances for the Whites but has displayed his goalscoring ability this season, with a joint-high of five goals in the Carabao Cup. He has an exceptional record at England U21 level to boot, and desperately needs playing time to fulfil his potential.
Leicester City
Injury-ravaged Leicester would be the exact candidates you would expect to see making some emergency signings in January. However, bookies only have them as outsiders in three markets. They are in the betting for Nat Phillips (8/1), Lucas Digne (8/1) and James Tarkowski (25/1).
The Foxes are in a curious position in that they are actually well stocked defensively but injuries appear to have focused themselves on decimating those options. Wesley Fofana, Jonny Evans, Caglar Soyuncu, Ricardo Pereira and James Justin are all very strong players after all. Short-term deals would appear to make sense as a consequence, so a loan move for a player like Phillips could prove wise.
Betfred
- Huge range of regular promotions
- 24/7 live chat service
- PickYourPunt builder for custom bets
Liverpool
There have been few rumours surrounding Liverpool’s expected January transfer activity and that’s reflected in the markets at this point. With their business often focused on the summer window, one of the shortest prices they are in any market is for Gini Wijnaldum. The Reds are 5/1 favourites to re-sign the Dutchman, who only left for PSG at the end of last season.
The Netherlands international only left to join Paris Saint-Germain in the summer but he has struggled to settle and is reportedly already free to leave. A return to Anfield would be a very smart move for Liverpool and certainly bolster their Champions League hopes if the Premier League title is now beyond them.
Many hoped Liverpool would reinforce in attack with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane departing for AFCON next week and as a result Sky Bet have them at 9/2 to sign Jarrod Bowen from West Ham. The 25-year-old has impressed so far this season and his name has cropped up in the papers as a possible option for Liverpool. The Hammers would be reluctant to lose Bowen, who has directly contributed to 10 goals, providing seven assists - only two players have more - in the Premier League this season.
Manchester City
It’s a familiar story for Manchester City in the bookies’ transfer markets, with Harry Kane their most likely signing according to the odds. Having been far shorter in the summer, City are the 9/2 favourites to sign the England captain this time round.
Since Sergio Aguero’s departure, the only area Pep Guardiola has been expected to address is up top. The Premier League leaders are priced at 6/1 for Dusan Vlahovic, but Kane still looks the most likely according to bookmakers.
Manchester City failed to sign Harry Kane as Sergio Aguero's replacement last summer and the impending departure of Ferran Torres to Barcelona will leave them further short in attack for the second half of the season.
Kane remains the bookies favourite to join City in January but that move now seems unlikely. City are instead expected to go big on a striker in the summer when players like Erling Haaland will be available. The Borussia Dortmund striker has remarkably scored 53 goals in 54 Bundesliga appearances.
Manchester United
Ralf Rangnick has barely got his feet under the desk at Manchester United and he’s already faced with a transfer window. It might be a quiet window for incomings, but United are 3/1 favourites to sign Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United.
United's early problems under Rangnick have further highlighted the need to upgrade in midfield and reports of interest in Phillips refuses to go away. A mid-season transfer between two rivals is perhaps unlikely, even more so that Phillips is currently injured, but it's one to watch out for moving forward.
Rangnick will certainly admire Phillips' defensive strengths and ability to transition the team from back to front. Leeds have a win record of 45% in the Premier League with Phillips in the starting XI compared to 19% without him since the start of last season.
Outgoings look more likely with the likes of Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, Edinson Cavani, Dean Henderson and Jesse Lingard all linked with moves away.
Newcastle United
The spotlight of the January window is undoubtedly on Newcastle United since their takeover. Ahead of what will be the first opportunity for their new owners to flex their financial muscles, the rumour mill is in overdrive.
Paddy Power’s “To sign for Newcastle before 3rd February 2022” market has Lille centre-back Sven Botman odds-on at 4/5. Jesse Lingard and James Tarkowski are both 6/5, while former Watford and Man Utd striker Odion Ighalo comes next at 9/4.
A move to sign Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid is reportedly at an advanced stage but Callum Wilson’s recent injury is said to have changed their remaining transfer plans. Strengthening in midfield and defence should still be a priority but now a new striker may be required.
A short-term option would make most sense and therefore a move for former United striker Ighalo seems logical. The retired Nigeria international proved a capable goalscorer early on at United before COVID-19 derailed all momentum. He is currently out in Saudi Arabia where he has 10 goals in 14 league appearances this season.
With Sky Bet, Newcastle are favourites in the markets to sign no fewer than 11 players. Those are Aaron Ramsey (4/1), Adama Traore (9/2), Dele Alli (7/2), Dean Henderson (5/2), Gareth Bale (5/1), James Tarkowski (7/4), James Ward-Prowse (5/1), Nathan Ake (13/8), Nicolas Pepe (6/1), Philippe Coutinho (5/1) and Wilfried Zaha (10/1).
Norwich City
The January transfer window is unlikely to save Norwich City’s season and while reinforcements would no doubt help their bid for survival, bookies haven’t priced the Canaries up in many markets. The shortest you will find them is 10/1 to sign Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah.
Norwich are once again paying the ultimate price for banking on goals from Teemu Pukki, with Dean Smith's side yet to even make it out of double figures in the Premier League. Eddie Nketiah showed his nose for goal with a recent hat-trick in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal may be tempted into a sale in January with his contract up in the summer. Convincing Nketiah to come to Norwich with Championship football likely next season may prove the biggest sticking point, however.
Southampton
At 10/1, Southampton are shortest in the market to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Elsewhere, you’ll find the Saints at 16/1 to sign Dele Alli, but at those prices they are firmly outsiders.
Forced to deal with key players leaving, Ralph Hasenhuttl has done an underrated job keeping Southampton well-clear of relegation trouble, but a quiet window is expected next month.
Despite the fact Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has started just 23% of Liverpool's league games since moving to Anfield, a move to re-sign the 28-year-old is certainly a long-shot for Southampton. Jurgen Klopp wasn't even given a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum in the summer so he won't want to lose another midfielder midway through the season.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham could look to strengthen in January as they go after a top four spot under Antonio Conte. The North London club are currently favourites in the markets to sign Dusan Vlahovic (4/1), Franck Kessie (4/1) and Stefan de Vrij (3/1) – all three of whom their new manager is very familiar with from his time managing in Serie A.
Franck Kessie would be the ideal midfield addition for Tottenham and there is certainly scope for a deal given his contract is up in the summer and he has so far rejected new offers from AC Milan. Kessie is capable of the leg work required to thrive under Conte and has impressively been dribbled past just six times in Serie A this season.
Not that he would get penalties from Harry Kane but he has scored 13 in Serie A since the start of last season in an added bonus. The fact he will spend January at AFCON does complicate things a little, however.
Watford
Relegation-threatened Watford are only in the betting market to sign one player at this stage. They’re 16/1 outsiders to sign Dean Henderson from Manchester United.
Watford's matches have been some of the most entertaining this season but they desperately need to plug their porous defence to have any chance of beating the drop. They are conceding more times per game under Claudio Ranieri (2.5) than any other team in the division. Ralf Rangnick reportedly has no interest letting Dean Henderson leave next month but he would certainly be an upgrade on Watford's two goalkeepers at present, having also excelled in a relegation battle for Sheffield United already in his career.
Longest active losing streaks in Europe's top 5 leagues:
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) December 28, 2021
Norwich - 5 games
Watford - 5
Saint-Etienne - 5
Wolfsburg - 5 pic.twitter.com/lXFcLwYjpp
West Ham United
A potential return for Jesse Lingard looks the most likely signing for West Ham in January, according to the current prices. The Hammers are 7/4 favourites to re-sign him from Manchester United and as short as 4/5 with one bookmaker. Meanwhile, they are also 3/1 favourites to sign Nat Phillips from Liverpool.
West Ham are expected to use the January transfer window to maintain their top-four challenge and getting Lingard back appears a no-brainer, particularly with Said Benrahma due to leave for AFCON next week.
Lingard was a revelation at West Ham during the second half of last season, finishing 2020/21 with 13 goal involvements in 16 league appearances. He has predictably failed to get any game time at United this season and will leave on a free in the summer if not before then.
West Ham would also be wise to get in a new defender given injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma. The Hammers could well struggle once the Europa League knock-out phase kicks off early next year.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Bookies have only priced Wolves up in one market so far, with Bruno Lage’s side the 6/1 joint-favourites to sign Donny van de Beek from Manchester United.
Wolves have one of the best defensive records in the Premier League this season but Bruno Lage, like his predecessor Nuno, has struggled to get them going in attack. Only bottom side Norwich have scored fewer goals than Wolves in the Premier League this season and Lage may turn to the January transfer window for greater creativity.
Donny van de Beek joined Manchester United from Ajax with a reputation for goals and assists but he has simply not been given a chance at Old Trafford. Wolves won't be the only side interested in him next month but he would be a great signing having previously been touted with Real Madrid before joining United.
Keep up with the latest transfer odds and betting in our football specials section.
