With the Christmas period soon to start, there’s plenty of game time available for managers to utilise their whole squad. Yet certain players don’t seem likely to get a kick of the ball this Christmas. With that being the case, January is just around the corner, meaning a fresh start could provide the isolated players with an opportunity to prove their worth.
The winter window also brings an opportunity to those exceeding expectations to cash in on their form and move to a more prestigious club. While this transfer window may allow those who haven’t been a consistent figure in their sides starting XI to get a loan move and remind their manager of their talents.
Below are five players that could be playing for a new club post-January, some permanently, others out on loan.
Memphis Depay – Manchester United
After an impressive World Cup in Brazil, the new hope of Dutch football joined up with his former national team manager Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United. With a highlight reel full of quality free-kicks, electric pace and dribbling ability, many United fans thought the Dutchman would be the one to revive their famous number 7 shirt.
Yet, it hasn’t gone quite as planned. Memphis failed to impress his former boss Van Gaal and spent most of the early stages of his United career behind Anthony Martial in the pecking order. Memphis hoped that Mourinho would give him a boost of confidence and another opportunity yet life has continued as it was under Van Gaal.
Memphis has only appeared as a sub four times in the league this season, with his main bit of game-time coming in the Europa League. Mourinho is reportedly willing to sell the Dutchman for as little as £12m, according to the Daily Star. Everton and Southampton are said to be keen on his signature.