In one month’s time, the transfer window will open and teams around the world will spend massive amounts of money to improve their squad. The Premier League, a league with teams with money to burn will likely throw around the most cash. Every team is always looking to improve their squad, but these five teams in England might just be the most eager to open the checkbook. Whether it’s to save themselves from relegation or to make a push for a championship these teams are the ones to watch in January.
Crystal Palace
The past month has been a train wreck for Crystal Palace. Manager Alan Pardew looks like he’s on thin ice. In fact, some might argue it’s surprising he even still has a job. The one saving grace is they are still just barely above the drop zone. To ensure safety, Palace will likely look for reinforcements this January. The key area of concern will likely be the defense. If you watched the wild 5-4 loss to Swansea this weekend, it should be obvious where this team struggles. Ideally, Palace will look
Ideally, Palace will look for a left back, after they failed to buy one in the summer. Compounding the problem is Pape Souare’s broken leg, which he suffered in an auto accident. The Senegalese defender was one of the club’s few reliable full backs. If they can bring someone in to replace Souare they will. Replacing the rest of the back for wouldn’t hurt either, Palace haven’t kept a clean sheet since August.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on January 31, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
West Ham United
Another club struggling at the bottom of the table is West Ham. This wasn’t supposed to be happening this year with the London club. They just moved into a bigger and newer stadium, and while many fans might not say it’s better, it should provide them with more cash to spend. The big signing this summer was Italian striker, SimoneZaza. He hasn’t exactly panned out for Slaven Bilic. The Italian hasn’t scored yet for his new club, and West Ham seem desperate to find a center forward in January.
Finding a striker has always been a problem for West Ham but they hope to solve that problem in January. There are already plenty of rumors surrounding the club. Champions League winner Mario Mandzukic and Daniel Sturridge are reportedly on their radar. Either of those players would provide a boost to the Hammers.
Manchester United
[link_box id=”23195″ site_id=”158″ layout=”link-box-third” alignment=”alignright”]After a poor season in 2015-16, Manchester United decided to try to throw dump trucks full of money at their problems over the summer. So far that hasn’t worked. Defensively they are still a bit of a mess, despite Jose Mourinho’s best efforts. A new center back would go a long way at Old Trafford, especially considering Eric Bailly’s knee injury.
United will almost certainly buy someone this winter, and they will likely spend a lot of money doing so. Whether or not that will work or if it will just perpetuate the problem remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, however, the Red Devils love the transfer market and fixing the defense has to be this winter’s top priority. Otherwise, it’s another year of watching the Champions League on TV.
Liverpool
Liverpool are the first team on this list that isn’t in need of a big transfer to turn around a lackluster season. Instead, they’ll want reinforcements to push for their first league title since 1990. The team’s obvious Achilles heel is at left back. James Milner has done an admirable job in the role, but a Premier League winning team will need something a little more at the full back position.
With the injury to Philippe Coutinho, it wouldn’t hurt Jurgen Klopp to look for another creative midfielder, either. Given how well the team is playing right now it’s natural to feel good about the squad. But if Liverpool are serious about mounting a title charge, stocking the cupboard with talent isn’t a terrible idea.
Tottenham Hotspur
Like Liverpool, this North London Club could use a few transfers to really join the title race. Considering their recent trouble scoring goals, another striker should be high on their list. Harry Kane is one of the league’s best center forwards, but his recent injury showed just how thin Spurs are at that position. Mauricio Pochettino was playing Son Heung-min up front during Kane’s absence. Son, a midfielder, isn’t an ideal replacement.
Tottenham were knocked out of the Champions League recently, so their squad isn’t going to be as heavily taxed from here on. That being said, their squad depth isn’t going to get allow them to leapfrog the three teams in front of them at the table. For that they’ll need to go shopping this January.
