Who needs to strengthen in the January transfer window?

 

Traditionally, the January transfer window has been a poor time to buy new players. Some clubs have been ripped off, others have signed in-form players only for them to suddenly go cold and struggle for the remainder of the campaign.

Unfortunately, some teams have no choice but to buy in the January transfer window. Whether that’s down to injuries, poor form or to boost a title challenge, it is almost essential for certain clubs to purchase players midway through the campaign. We take a look at five Premier League sides who must invest heavily in January if they are to succeed this season.

Chelsea

Perhaps the most obvious club is Chelsea. Jose Mourinho’s men are struggling down in 16th and really need a number of key signings if the Blues are going to turn their season around. Although the title is now out of reach, they could finish in the top four if they win the majority of their remaining games.

It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Chelsea sign at least two, possibly three players in the transfer window as they desperately try to climb up the table. Whether Mourinho will still be there in January, is another matter…

Liverpool

The Reds have improved under Jurgen Klopp but the former Borussia Dortmund boss hasn’t had the opportunity to alter the current squad. It very much remains Brendan Rodgers’ team at Anfield and until Klopp is able to sign a number of his own targets, Liverpool will continue to struggle.

There is simply too much deadwood in the side. Reds supporters should be excited for the months ahead and Klopp may target a number of his former players, such as Marco Reus and Mats Hummels.

Sunderland

On paper, Sunderland have one of the weakest squads in the Premier League. New boss Sam Allardyce has tried to tweak their style of play but, other than a fortunate 3-0 victory over ten-man Newcastle United, has failed to inspire confidence with his current crop of players.

During his managerial career, Allardyce has always opted for a target man upfront and Sunderland supporters should expect a tall, physical forward to move to the Stadium of Light in January.

Bournemouth

The Cherries have been incredibly unlucky with injury issues this season and lost leading striker and top goalscorer Callum Wilson to a ruptured cruciate ligament. Realistically, Bournemouth will be without Wilson for the majority of the campaign and Eddie Howe would be wise to target a proven Premier League striker to lead the line in his absence.

They have failed to score in each of their past two league games and have netted just 12 goals all season. Howe’s men will be involved in a relegation battle and a new frontman would be so useful at the business end of the campaign.

Arsenal

It could be argued that the Premier League title will be decided in January. If Arsenal sign a world class striker, they will go on to win the league. If they don’t, it is Manchester City’s to lose. The Gunners have been simply sensational at the beginning of the campaign but still lack that top talent in attack.

Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud have performed admirably but they simply aren’t able to perform at the top level on a consistent basis. Wenger mustn’t allow his stubbornness to get in the way of Arsenal’s first Premier League success since the “Invincibles” in 2004.