Time is running out in the January transfer window, but sometimes it’s better to keep the money…
We’re approaching panic buy territory in the January transfer window as time runs out on those needing to buy to help achieve their ambitions this season – whether that’s a title run, an assault on the top four or a relegation scrap.
SEE MORE:
Ranking Liverpool’s Ten Best January Transfers Of All-Time, Including Former Chelsea Star
Ten Likely January Transfers Between Premier League Clubs: Arsenal and Man United Buys Included
Biggest January Transfers Of Last 12 Windows: Including Chelsea Flop And Arsenal Forward
There have been plenty of bizarre moves muted over the last month and it’s hard to think we won’t see something crazy before the window slams shut on Monday evening. Here are ten rumoured deals we think buying clubs would be better off avoiding:
10) Darren Fletcher (Manchester United to West Ham United)
West Ham’s interest comes as quite a surprise considering the options already available to them – Alex Song, Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble to name just three. He has also made just 34 league appearances in three and a half years.
9) Nick Powell (Manchester United to Hull City)
After making just three Premier League appearances during his first loan spell of the season with Leicester City, which also saw his attitude brought into question, he doesn’t seem the man to keep Hull in the Premier League.
8) Scott Sinclair (Manchester City to Aston Villa)
Sinclair has struggled to impress since leaving Swansea in 2012. Rarely used by Manchester City, he also had a disappointing loan spell with West Brom last year – we can’t see this move being any more successful.
7) Neto (Fiorentina to Liverpool)
Simon Mignolet’s recent improvements have lessened Liverpool’s need for a new goalkeeper to be brought in this winter. However, we can’t see what was ever that appealing about Neto, who at 25 can’t even force his way into the Brazil squad.
6) Kevin Strootman (Roma to Manchester United)
A quality player, but the Dutchman’s recent career has been plagued with injuries. With question marks over whether he’ll ever fully recover, United can’t risk spending big money and ending up with another Owen Hargreaves.
5) Bafetimbi Gomis (Swansea City to West Ham United)
Has hardly been prolific at Swansea this season, while West Ham already have plenty of striking options. If the Frenchman is smart he’ll remain with the Swans and take advantage of Wilfried Bony’s exit.
4) Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint Germain to Liverpool)
Coming towards the end of his ‘peak years’ and with a questionable attitude it’s hard to see Brendan Rodgers choosing to go for the Argentine. A quality player on his day, but not what the Reds need right now.
3) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid to Manchester United)
A world class player, but United cannot allow any deal that would see them lose goalkeeper David de Gea to the Spanish champions. They already have plenty of quality in the attacking midfield area and would do better to invest elsewhere.
2) Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham Hotspur to Paris Saint Germain)
The Tottenham forward has been is dire form so far this season, while there also seems to be serious questions over his attitude and motivation. If PSG think he’s the man to reinvigorate their season they may want to take another look.
1) Mario Balotelli (Liverpool to Inter Milan)
How anyone can want to take the controversial Italian off Liverpool’s hands is anyone’s guess. Whether Liverpool want to sell him or not, they will likely have to put up with his presence until at least the end of the season.
SEE ALSO: Tottenham transfer news news