The January transfer window kicks off this Thursday, initiating a frantic month for teams across the league. For top-tier clubs, it’s an opportunity to bolster their squads in pursuit of trophies, while those battling relegation look to sign players capable of transforming their fate.
Beyond player transfers, teams must also pay attention to key stars nearing the end of their contracts, particularly those headed for free agency in the summer of 2026 or 2027. This creates urgency for clubs aiming to secure these players before they receive offers from rival teams.
As several major clubs find themselves in contrasting predicaments heading into this winter window, Mark Ogden and Gab Marcotti have put on their sporting director hats to analyze essential decisions regarding player acquisitions, departures, and contract renewals.
– O’Hanlon: Evaluating the Value of Soccer Positions
– Ian Darke’s Premier League Best XI of the Season So Far
– Hamilton: The Mass Exodus of Young PL Players to Abroad
– Current League Position on Dec. 29: Sixth, 29 points (Last season: 15th, 42 points)
– 2025-26 Goal: Qualify for Champions League and enhance performance.
1. Evaluate Team Progress Under Ruben Amorim
Marcotti: Amorim is contracted until June 2027, but clubs typically don’t retain managers with expiring contracts, so a decision on extending him will likely be needed by March to facilitate finding a suitable successor.
Ogden: While addressing Amorim’s long-term future might not be overdue, he certainly needs to show notable improvement by season’s end. A top-six finish should secure his position, while another failure to qualify for Europe could render the remainder of his contract a lost year for the club.
2. Addressing Key Free Agents: What About Casemiro?
Marcotti: With his 34th birthday approaching, Casemiro is likely preoccupied with the upcoming World Cup, so there’s no urgent need to make a decision at this moment. Alternatively, wait to ascertain Amorim’s position before proceeding.
It’s unrealistic to overhaul the entire midfield in one summer. If he’s willing to accept a role as a squad player or mentor, it would be wise to keep him.
Ogden: Casemiro would need to accept a significant pay cut to have any chance of receiving a new short-term deal in Manchester. While his experience is invaluable, he’s likely to attract better offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia or even lucrative deals back in Brazil.
Therefore, United’s immediate priority should be to identify two younger midfielders for a more enduring solution.
3. What About Harry Maguire?
Marcotti: He has been a loyal player, but regardless of Amorim’s future, a 33-year-old backup central defender with a questionable injury history isn’t necessary. It’s time to part ways.
Ogden: A year ago, I would have recommended releasing him; however, his recent absence due to injury has highlighted his importance to Amorim’s system. His experience cannot be overlooked. Considering this, offering him a 12-month extension could keep him useful for the team’s future.
4. Assessing Core Players: Bruno Fernandes and His Role
Marcotti: The next manager’s approach will influence this, but at the moment, there’s no immediate action to take. Fernandes has made it clear he was hurt by past attempts to move him. He knows a new deal isn’t likely since he’ll be on the cusp of turning 33 when this contract expires. His versatility allows him to play deeper, but he thrives closer to the goal.
He probably understands that he will be phased out eventually, regardless of who leads.
1:30
Did Manchester United perform better without Fernandes in their match against Newcastle?
Mark Ogden reflects on Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League.
Ogden: Amorim recently stated that Fernandes was “irreplaceable,” especially following an injury that will sideline him for about a month. While there’s no doubt about Bruno’s talent—he’s undeniably United’s best at the moment—his absence can potentially be filled by deploying Mason Mount or Matheus Cunha in a more advanced midfield role. Furthermore, compensating for Bruno’s deeper role isn’t a challenge, as he doesn’t excel in that capacity.
United can operate without Bruno Fernandes, thus it might be prudent for them to acknowledge this and build a cohesive team rather than centering their strategy around one player.
5. Exploring the Future of Lisandro Martínez
Marcotti: With only 28 league appearances over 2½ years, it’s tough to gauge his potential. Perhaps once the World Cup concludes, a new opportunity might arise, but he’s not someone to rely on as a key player right now.
Ogden: This situation is complicated due to his inconsistent fitness and a tendency for recklessness that could lead to disciplinary issues or conceding easy goals. He thrives on crowd engagement, which can be detrimental to his game.
That said, his standout performance in midfield against Aston Villa showcased his capability to fulfill the No. 6 game better than has been seen from any United player in years. Should he continue to perform admirably in that role, he will be deserving of a contract extension.
6. Analyzing Luke Shaw‘s Role
Marcotti: Shaw is experiencing his best fitness season yet, which is promising. However, I believe he is best suited to playing as a left-sided center-back. Until it’s determined if Amorim and his 3-4-2-1 formation will remain, making any decisions regarding his future might be premature.
Ogden: Shaw’s current form does not align with Amorim’s preferred style. His speed and mobility are lacking for the left side of a back three, and he makes too many defensive errors. Since he struggles to contribute effectively in an attacking capacity, it might be best to consider divesting from him this summer.
7. Finally, Assessing Kobbie Mainoo‘s Position
Marcotti: It’s absurd that he hasn’t started a single match this season. With Amorim at the helm, especially when Fernandes is fit, it’s unlikely he’ll see significant playing time. Loaning him out to gain experience could be beneficial, allowing for a reassessment over the summer.
Ogden: Amorim has hinted at altering his strategy, which could potentially open avenues for Mainoo. While his role is currently limited in a 3-4-3 formation, his successful pairing with Declan Rice during Euro 2024 spoke volumes about his potential alongside a more defensive counterpart.
At just 20, it’s crucial for United to nurture his talent and address his challenges on the training field instead of letting another club reap the benefits of his development.
8. Considering Departures for January
Marcotti: Aside from Mainoo, the standout candidate is Joshua Zirkzee. A loan that could facilitate a summer transfer would be ideal, given that replacing him in the books would require amending a €28 million value. Securing such an arrangement could be challenging.
However, keeping Zirkzee could leave the team lacking depth in the attacking front, especially with Benjamn Sesko alone.
2:06
Amorim humorously comments on Fernandes’ injury, pondering whether the player seeks his managerial position.
Ogden: I agree regarding Zirkzee; he falls short of the required level for the Premier League, as evidenced by his limited playtime under Amorim. He wouldn’t weaken the team if he departs in January.
Additionally, moving on Tyrell Malacia could generate some funds, but they hope to find a new home for Manuel Ugarte. However, due to their financial position regarding Ugarte, it’s unlikely he will be moved next month.
9. What New Players Should Join This January?
Marcotti: There’s a notable gap in the midfield, but finding a cost-effective solution mid-season may be difficult. A long-term plan should be established for summer acquisitions, but if a stopgap player is necessary to help secure Champions League qualification, consider a short-term loan.
Although English teams typically avoid such agreements, United successfully executed a similar strategy with Marcel Sabitzer in the past.
Ogden: A possible loan target is Conor Gallagher, while there’s buzz around Rúben Neves potentially on loan from Al Hilal. While neither may provide a long-term solution, both could add necessary experience and quality to the midfield for a January arrival.