14 Long-Running Transfer Sagas & How We Expect Them To End This January, With Man United & Liverpool Targets

14 transfer sagas that should be resolved this January.

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14) Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich)

Interested clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus

Frustrated at a lack of opportunities at Bayern Munich, Xherdan Shaqiri came close to leaving the club during the summer, and will surely do so this January as he remains a bench-warmer for Pep Guardiola’s side. Liverpool have been linked with him the most, and are perhaps most in need of quality in attack.

Prediction: Liverpool

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13) Ross Barkley (Everton)

Interested clubs: Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United

One of English football’s brightest prospects, it is no surprise to see top Premier League clubs chasing Everton’s Ross Barkley. Still, the 20-year-old would cost an astronomical fee and it may be that this move is likely to be put on hold until the summer.

Prediction: Everton stay

11) Yohan Cabaye (Paris Saint-Germain)

Interested clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool

One of the finest midfielders in the Premier League during his time with Newcastle United, Yohan Cabaye has had a frustrating time at Paris Saint-Germain and wants a return to England this January. Arsenal could use with a midfielder of his type and it seems likely that they will revive their interest in this long-term target.

Prediction: Arsenal

10) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)

Interested clubs: Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid

One of the best defenders in the world, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels could be on the move this January, and recent reports suggest that Arsenal are in pole position to sign the German, with the Gunners undoubtedly in need of improvements to their back four.

Prediction: Arsenal

9) Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina)

Interested clubs: Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona

A superb winger who was the focus of much speculation during the summer, Juan Cuadrado will surely leave Fiorentina this winter. With so many clubs interested it is hard to know where he will end up, but United and Chelsea have perhaps now resolved their various midfield issues.

Prediction: Barcelona

8) Isco (Real Madrid)

Interested clubs: Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal

A player who attracted some interest a few months ago after struggling for games at Real Madrid, but Isco is in top form for his club now and surely unlikely to be a player Carlo Ancelotti will let go too easily.

Prediction: Real Madrid stay

7) Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli)

Interested clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool

Unsettled at Napoli, Liverpool have been strongly linked with Gonzalo Higuain in recent times as they chase signings upfront. Arsenal are also long-time admirers of his, but the Reds are more in need of firepower upfront after losing Luis Suarez and Mario Balotelli’s poor form.

Prediction: Liverpool

6) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)

Interested clubs: Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea

A player locked in contract talks with Liverpool, Raheem Sterling’s outstanding form over the last year has unsurprisingly seen him linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, though he will surely commit his future at Anfield in the coming weeks.

Prediction: Liverpool stay

5) Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)

Interested clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid

Another PSG player unhappy with his current role at the club, Edinson Cavani is on several Premier League clubs’ radars this January. Arsenal have perhaps shown the most interest, and with Danny Welbeck struggling to find his best form and Olivier Giroud out injured, this move would make sense.

Prediction: Arsenal

4) Julian Draxler (Schalke)

Interested clubs: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea

A superb young player, Julian Draxler has been linked with a move away from Schalke for some time now, and could be on his way to the Premier League. Manchester United have recently emerged as favourites to meet his £37m release clause, and with Juan Mata looking like leaving, the German could be an ideal replacement.

Prediction: Manchester United

3) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)

Interested clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich

One of the most in-demand players in Europe right now, Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus may have to disappoint a long list of big clubs this January as an exit from his current club will surely wait until the summer when his £20m release clause comes into effect. However, Real Madrid are being strongly tipped to win the race for his signature and may finalise this move by January.

Prediction: Real Madrid

2) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Interested clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain

A player in fine form right now, Karim Benzema will surely not be sold in the middle of the season, despite strong claims that Arsenal, Liverpool and PSG are ready to pay big money for him this January.

Prediction: Real Madrid stay

1) Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)

Interested clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid

With Manchester United seemingly cooling their interest in Juventus’ Arturo Vidal, they will surely now push through a move for another long-term target of theirs, Kevin Strootman, who will be able to move now after recovering from injury.

Prediction: Manchester United