January Transfer Window: Which players could be on the move?

The European football season approaches its midpoint. Clubs are immersed in the busy Christmas scheduling whilst focusing on the impending reopening of the transfer window on January 1st.

Transfer windows allow clubs to buy and sell players twice a year.

The primary transfer window is in the summer, typically spanning about two and a half months and concluding around the beginning of September. It is usually a period where clubs make strategic signings and changes to their teams. It is common to see players moving for hefty transfer fees in this window.

However, the month-long winter window tends to have a more reactive element to it as it occurs around halfway through many clubs' seasons.

Managers typically engage in winter window signings to fill gaps left by injured players. It can also improve their chances of steering clear of relegation threats or pursuing higher league standings and accolades. The opportunity to sign new players midway through the campaign can cause a real shakeup.

"I think big signings in January can change things for smaller clubs or clubs that are battling relegation, more so than with the clubs at the top of the table," said Ronan Murphy, a football journalist for Transfers.com.

"The clubs that are top of the table usually have deeper squads. They have plenty of competition for places. Whereas for the clubs at the bottom of the table, one player coming in January can make a difference and get them 5 or 6 goals between January and the end of the season." explained Ronan

Such 'panic buys' could strengthen struggling squads and cement the club's position in a division. It could be enough to keep them in the league and allow them to build from there in the summer.

Over the years, many major winter-window