Seven Stars Racing Against Time to Escape Their January Transfer Nightmare

The January transfer window cannot arrive soon enough for numerous prominent players throughout Europe.

Despite massive expenditures and record-breaking transfers during the summer window, not all players managed to start fresh chapters. Many were unable to secure their desired moves as they looked to revitalize stagnating careers.

For some, circumstances have shifted in recent months, leading to reconsideration of their future plans. Limited playing time remains a common concern among those on the fringes at Europe's elite clubs, with the winter market potentially providing much-needed relief.

Below are seven players urgently requiring a January move.

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus has recently recovered from an injury that kept him out for nearly twelve months, but his time at Arsenal may have passed. The adaptable forward has fallen in the hierarchy following his ACL injury, with summer signing Viktor Gyökeres, Mikel Merino's impressive performances as an improvised striker, and Kai Havertz's presence—though the German is currently injured—all contributing to his reduced status.

Although Arsenal's pursuit of success across multiple competitions demands squad depth, Jesus appears to be an expendable asset. The 28-year-old, under contract until 2027, lacks the clinical finishing Arsenal expected when they acquired Gyökeres, nor does he provide something uniquely different from Havertz.

To preserve his market value and recover some of the £45 million invested in Jesus, a winter departure could benefit Arsenal, while potentially serving as an ideal next move for the player. With the World Cup approaching, the former Manchester City forward will be keen to secure consistent minutes and reestablish himself as a valuable national team option.

Ronald Araujo

Although Ronald Araújo extended his Barcelona contract last January, his future remained questionable entering the summer. The Uruguayan defender was connected to potential exits but remained committed to staying in Catalonia, rejecting Premier League opportunities despite considerable interest.

Nevertheless, Araújo's situation remains ambiguous approaching the winter window. His impulsive dismissal in a Champions League loss to Chelsea triggered harsh criticism from Barcelona fans, leading Araújo to step away from football to protect his mental wellbeing.

While Araújo's January departure is far from certain, a fresh start elsewhere could benefit the defender significantly. Should he choose to leave, he will attract numerous suitors.

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling has remained in uncertainty for months. Anticipated to permanently depart Chelsea during the summer, the winger's substantial salary complicated the Blues' search for suitable buyers, ultimately preventing his exit.

The England winger was ostracized by Enzo Maresca and relegated to training with the U21 squad, meaning he hasn't appeared for Chelsea since May 2024 following an unsuccessful loan at Arsenal last season. At only 31, Sterling still has opportunities to enjoy his career's final years.

However, this requires finding new employment, and a considerable salary reduction might be necessary to achieve this. Chelsea will undoubtedly be eager to remove the forward from their payroll and ideally want to transfer him before his 2027 contract expires.

Axel Disasi

Another player relegated to Chelsea's U21 training is Axel Disasi. Similar to Sterling, he couldn't secure a summer departure despite brief interest from Bournemouth and former club Monaco, with Aston Villa, who loaned him during the second half of last season, showing no interest in a permanent deal.

At just 27 years old, this has been a frustrating period for Disasi. While he has recently rejoined first-team training after being completely excluded, there is no future for the French center-back at Stamford Bridge and he will desperately seek a January escape.

Lyon have been mentioned as potential suitors as they require emergency defensive reinforcement, and his lower wages would facilitate an easier departure than his English teammate.

Kalvin Phillips

One could be excused for overlooking that Kalvin Phillips remains technically a Manchester City player. The defensive midfielder's transfer from Leeds United to the Etihad, along with subsequent loans at West Ham United and Ipswich Town, were disappointing at best and catastrophic at worst.

There was a period when the 'Yorkshire Pirlo' was an England regular and among the nation's most promising midfield talents, but those times have passed. His next move will be a step down, and it remains uncertain how far he's prepared to fall.

Phillips, more than anyone else, desperately needs a permanent change of environment.

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo's future has captured headlines since his summer desire to leave Manchester United on loan became apparent. The midfielder's request was rejected and he has since been confined to the Old Trafford bench, appearing infrequently and struggling to make meaningful impressions on Ruben Amorim.

It seems Mainoo will again pursue a temporary winter departure, preferably overseas, but whether Manchester United will approve his exit remains questionable. The Red Devils lack abundant midfield options.

From Mainoo's viewpoint, however, a transfer makes perfect sense. The Englishman's talent is being squandered as he desperately competes for inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's 2026 World Cup squad, with the academy product deserving more chances to shine for both club and country. He remains an exceptional talent.

Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee was connected to summer transfers and speculation has resurfaced before the January window. The Dutch striker has failed to justify his transfer fee or fulfill his potential since joining Manchester United and has predictably dropped in the pecking order, with Roma reportedly among clubs interested in providing him an exit.

Zirkzee, who has experienced similar playing time struggles as Mainoo, seems determined to compete for his Manchester United position, but the arrivals of Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have restricted his influence this season, with absent European competition and early Carabao Cup elimination further reducing available minutes.

While the 24-year-old is understandably motivated to silence critics at Old Trafford, he may be fighting an unwinnable battle. Perhaps for both his and Manchester United's benefit, returning to Italy would provide the perfect solution.