Players linked with their former sides this January.
With the January transfer window approaching, it’s no surprise to see a number of Europe’s big clubs looking for new players – or in some cases, they’re looking at bringing back players they’ve previously let go.
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In what is bound to be a January full of twists and sensational storylines, here are seven big-name players being linked with surprise returns to their former employers for a variey of reasons.
According to various recent reports, these are the players who could be heading back to an old flame:
1) Mario Balotelli (Liverpool)
After a nightmare start to life at Liverpool, £16m summer signing Mario Balotelli could be leaving Anfield already this January, with reports stating that he has become a target for his old club Inter Milan, also managed by his former manager Roberto Mancini. The Italian international most recently played for Inter’s rivals AC Milan prior to his move to England, but he could prove a good signing if he regains his best form from last season in Serie A.
Manchester United transfer news
2) Angel Di Maria (Manchester United)
In a surprise swap deal, it has been reported that Real Madrid already want Manchester United star Angel Di Maria back at the club in the near future even though they only let him go this summer. The Red Devils are known to be keen on signing Gareth Bale and it may take the departure of the Argentine to bring the former Tottenham Hotspur man to Old Trafford.
Despite his dreadful form for Chelsea since his departure from Liverpool in 2011, as well as his highly disappointing loan with AC Milan this term, it is claimed that Fernando Torres is a target for the Reds this January as he looks to be made available. Although Liverpool could clearly do with more upfront, the over-the-hill Spaniard is probably not the answer.
4) Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona)
Another player being quickly linked with a move back to the club he only just left, it has been reported that Arsenal are monitoring Thomas Vermaelen’s situation at Barcelona. The Belgian international has been plagued by injury since his move to the Nou Camp and could already be set for the axe by the Catalan giants.
5) Nemanja Vidic (Inter Milan)
Yet another player who only left for a new club this summer, it has already been reported that Nemanja Vidic could make a swift return to Manchester United after a difficult start with his new side Inter Milan. Louis van Gaal could do with more options in defence, but the Serbian did not look at his best last season prior to his exit.
A player who left Manchester United as a youngster, Gerard Pique has gone on to become a superb centre-back for Barcelona before falling out of favour this season. With United in need of additions at the back, the Spaniard has been linked with a return to Old Trafford this January in another surprise transfer move.
7) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
A hot topic earlier this season, it has been claimed that a deal is ‘in place’ for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo to make a sensational return to Manchester United, possibly next summer. The Portuguese international is in the form of his life and would make a truly outstanding addition to this United squad.