January Transfer Targets

Article by Chris Duncan @coach_chris83

Happy New Year! As with the start of every year, January 1st brings with it the opening of the winter transfer window. Over the next thirty-one days an astronomical amount of money is going to be spent on transfer fees. Although I am not a fan of the winter (January) transfer window, it does have it advantages. Replacements can be brought in for a player who has suffered a long term injury since the start of the season, and there is the opportunity to add depth to your squad.

Although I am very happy with our squad, I do feel we would benefit from adding quality to a few positions. Below are five players I would personally love to see sign for Tottenham Hotspur, as I feel they would bring genuine quality to our squad, some immediately and others for the future.

Javier Hernández - Bayer Leverkusen

A player we have been linked with on and off since his time with Manchester United, Javier Hernández is a proven goalscorer at Premier League level. During his time at Old Trafford the Mexican international scored 37 goals in 103 appearances, with most of those coming from the bench. Since moving to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, Hernández has continued his impressive scoring record, netting 22 league goals in only 43 appearances.

Considered by many to be a goal poacher, given that the vast majority of his goals are scored from close range, Hernández is much more than just a goalscorer. He is surprisingly good in the air given his height, has excellent movement off the ball, and also has an eye for a pass. A champion with Guadalajara in his native Mexico and twice while at Manchester United, Javier Hernández is a Pochettino player.

Unfortunately the chances of this transfer taking place in January is very slim, given that Hernández is Bayer Leverkusen's first choice striker, though he is currently without a goal in his last fifth-teen appearances, and they are still in The Champions League. However, a cheeky enquiry wouldn't hurt.

Memphis Depay - Manchester United

A player who's career appears to be over at Manchester United, there is no doubting Memphis Depay's quality. The Dutchman, who has 27 international caps, made his name during three seasons at PSV Eindhoven, with whom he won the Eredivise in his final season. It was during this final season in Holland that he really shot to prominence, finishing as the leagues top scorer with 22 goals, which is quite impressive for a player who is not a centre forward. Things started fairly well for Memphis following his move to Old Trafford, though he fell out of favour with then coach Louis Van Gaal during his first season, and has only featured for his club seven times this campaign.

A powerful striker of the ball, the pacey Memphis can play on either flank, but is most comfortable cutting in from the left on to his preferred right foot. Depay is also somewhat of a dead ball specialist, scoring a few spectacular free-kicks during his time at PSV.

Although Manchester United see us as a rival, I believe there is a strong chance this transfer could happen this month, if Pochettino is interested. Although Memphis has struggled to adapt to the physicality of The Premier League, this move would make perfect sense to me. Depay would give us options in both wide positions, as well as another option from set pieces. I also believe the move would benefit Depay, who would be determined to prove himself having been deemed a flop at Manchester United by many.

Morgan Schneiderlin - Manchester United

Another player who appears to be heading for a January exit from Manchester United, French international Schneiderlin has been used sparingly by His current boss José Mourinho. Having began his career in his native France with Strasbourg's B Team, Schneiderlin first moved to England with Southampton, playing in the Championship, League One and Premier League during his time at St. Mary's. Schneiderlin also worked with Mauricio Pochettino during his time at Southampton and was strongly link with a move to White Hart Lane following Pochettino's arrival. Schneiderlin eventually left Southampton for Manchester United and won the FA Cup in his first season. He was also part of the French squad who lost the final of Euro 2016.

A tough tackling defensive midfield, Schneiderlin also has a keen eye for a pass and would provide excellent competition for Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Dele Ali.

Given that he is highly rated by Pochettino, Schneiderlin's transfer is the most likely to happen. He is another player who would add quality depth to the squad and can fill a few positions in the middle of the park. Schneiderlin would also be available at a fraction of the price Manchester United paid for him. This is a no brainier in my opinion.

Jacob Murphy - Norwich City

Definitely one for the future, young Norwich City winger Murphy has impressed in what has been a so far disappointing Championship campaign for The Canaries. Given his first team opportunity at Norwich this season, the young Englishman enjoyed his breakthrough season last year while on loan at Coventry City, playing forty games and scoring nine times. The loan move to Coventry really aided the wingers development and his form this season has caught the eye of a host of clubs, ourselves included.

A tricky winger with blistering pace, any transfer would more than likely involve Murphy being loaned back to Norwich for the remainder of this season. Given Pochettino's record of nurturing young talent and giving them an opportunity in the first team, it is clear to see why Spurs are interested.

I have seen Jacob Murphy play a few times this season and he certainly has plenty of potential. I can understand why Pochettino would be keen to bring the player to White Hart Lane, though I think Murphy would struggle to get in to our first team long term, if I am honest.

Jaïro Riedewald - Ajax Amsterdam

Another player who could be a star in years to come, Riedewald has become a fixture in Ajax's defence over the last couple of seasons. The Dutchman, who has been capped three times by his country, made history on his Eredivise debut for Ajax, becoming both the club and the leagues youngest ever goalscoring debutant.

A product of the famous Ajax youth academy, Riedewald is comfortable playing in either central defence, left back, or as a holding midfielder. At only twenty years of age, Riedewald reads the game very well. He is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and is also decent in the air.

A player for the future, signing the Dutchman would be a real coup in my opinion. Being left sided he could provide cover for both Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose. Being a part of the Ajax first team means Riedewald would not come cheap, however, he would be worth every penny in my book.

© e-Media Group 2017 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of @e_media_group

Share on Google Plus