Who should clubs NOT be signing when the transfer window reopens?
We are now just a matter of weeks away from the reopening of the transfer window for a month of rumours and deals, with the rumourmill already getting into full swing ahead of New Year’s Day and the resuming of transfer hostilities.
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In amongst all of the exciting players linked with Premier League clubs, however, there are a handful that really should be avoided. Here are five that we think would turn out to be big mistakes:
Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)
On the back of his impressive displays for The Netherlands at the World Cup, Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar has been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United. It seems odd, however, for a player whose form and fitness has again deteriorated since his return to Villa Park and the Premier League.
William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)
Another player strongly linked with a move to a member of the Premier League elite is Sporting Lisbon’s Portuguese international holding midfielder William Carvalho, who has been one of the darlings of the transfer market of the last year. There has to be a feeling, however, that there is a reason why no one has taken a plunge yet on a player with such a huge reputation.
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the most sought after players in Europe right now seems to be Borussia Dortmund centre back Mats Hummels, despite the dreadful season being endured by Jurgen Klopp’s side and the niggling injuries being picked up by the German international. He may be a fine footballer, but Hummels makes too many glaring individual errors to be worth the fee demanded by Dortmund.
Cristian Ledesma (Lazio)
Do Arsenal really need another Kim Kallstron – a panic loan signing for a passable continental midfielder because Arsene Wenger shied away from making a real investment in a problem area during the January window? Nope, thought not.
Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion)
We are not doubting the quality and potential of young West Brom and England Under 21 striker Saido Berahino – but it is too soon to be talking of £20m+ moves for a player with so few Premier League minutes under his belt. Berahino needs to be given time to develop as a player and a person at The Hawthorns.