After a congested winter period, managers now have one month to enhance their teams in the January transfer windows. The so called 'big' players rarely make a move in January with teams not wanting to risk their season, however historically some very important players have been purchased in the window. Both Patrice Evra and Nemaja Vidic for Manchester United were bought in January, as did Nicholas Anelka for Chelsea. On the other hand, some managers can go for 'panic buys' such as Roy Carroll (Rangers to Derby), one of the worst keepers to ever brace the Premier League.
Here is a list of each club in the Premier League, and the signing(s) they need.
ARSENAL
Good first half of the season, firmly in the title race. Perhaps with a greater central defensive pairing they would be further up the league table? With Vermalaen out and Squillaci and Kosceilny looking vulnerable, a big, strong, solid and preferably tall centre back would most likely be the strongest signing Arsene Wenger could look to make. Arsenal have been vulnerable from set plays this season and a strong headerer of the ball at the back with a good physical precense would give their title hopes an extra boost.
Signing - Gary Cahill
ASTON VILLA
It's been a tough first half of the season for Gerrard Houllier with some mixed results and Aston Villa sit in the drop zone at the beginning of January. Villa could do with several signings in reality, preferably including a holding midfield player, a dominating striker and a strong centre back should Dunne not return to full form/fitness.
Signings - Diarra, Robbie Keane, Samba
Birmingham City
Alex McLeish's men sit in the bottom half of the table in January, however their home form remains formidable and they are still proving to be a difficult side to break down. The problem at Birmingham is clear, the lack of goals. Cameron Jerome is hardly the complete forward and Birmingham are one of the lowest scoring teams in the league at this point in the year. If they are to move further up the league, more goals must come in.
Signings - Kenny Miller, Robbie Keane, David Bentley
Blackburn Rovers
Blacburn sit in a respectable 9th position at half way through the season, despite the shock sacking of Sam Allardyce. Blackburn, similarly to Birmingham lack mainly in the offensive department, with the Diouf's providing limited striking options.
Signings - Robbie Keane, Santa Cruz, John Carew.
Blackpool
Blackpool are this year's relegation side that are shocking the league with formidable performances throughout the first half of the year. Ian Holloway is a big fan of getting in an array of strikers and one expects he will bring in another again this January. With the team doing so well and Holloway's reputation. if he could lure a 'big' striker in the seasider's team would be greatly enhanced. However, you expect this is unlikely and Holloway will in fact sign younger players with potential.
Signings - Santa Cruz, John Carew
Bolton
With a great first half of the season, Owen Coyle's men sit 7th in the league are pushing for European football. This is largely down to the fantastic striking partnership established between Kevin Davies and Elmander. Rather than buying players, you would expect Coyle will look to keep his big players. An additional midfielder could also do wonders.
Signings - Larsson, keep Elmander.
Chelsea
With Ancelotti under scrutiny with an array of poor performances and results, the Chelsea Manager is under the most pressure since joining the club. Chelsea sit out of the top 4 at the beginning of January, and you fear for the manger's future if things dont improve rapidly. Chelsea have looked vulnerable at the back for the first time in years, and a lack of creativity upfront is proving inadequate to beat Premiership sides. With Drogba looking off form, Chelsea could do with a striker as well as a defender if they are to reach the heights they have shown previously they are capable of.
Signings - Gary Cahill, Neymar, Adebayor
Everton
Everton sit in 11th place at half way through the year. Everton's problem, similarly to Birmingham is clear, they need a striker who will consistently score goals. With Saha as erratic as ever, and Jermain Beckford not taking to the Premier League as well as many expected, in front of goal Everton haven't looked much of a threat. The 'cutting edge' is missing.
Signings - Robbie Keane, Santa Cruz
Fulham
It's been a difficult start to his tenure as manager for Mark Hughes, and many are pretty shocked at how low in the table Fulham have been at times this season. Fulham are currently 14th, although they have been very unlucky with injuries. With Bobby Zamora suffering a broken leg early on in the season, Fulham haven't looked much of a threat in front of goal. Without their best player, Fulham need another striker who can get goals consistently, who could have turned some of the 10 draws this season into wins. Mark Hughes previously worked with Santa Cruz, and looks the best bet to join Craven Cottage this January.
Signings - Santa Cruz, Bentley, Wright Phillips
Liverpool
Where to start ... Hodgson's signings have proved largely ineffective with Joe Cole providing a lack of inspiring performances and signings like Poulsen proving flops. Firstly Dalglish will have to hold onto big players like Gerrard and Torres who reportedly told his agent to find him 'anywhere else' other than Anfield. Then Liverpool need to be rebuffered all over the park, with a lack of attacking wingers, an effective goalscorer and strong enough defenders. If Dalglish is to please the Kop and fight for a European place he is going to have to be active in the January transfer window.
Signings - Adebayor, N'Zogbia, Cahill
Manchester City
Mancini will be pleased with City's season so far, and they sit in 2nd place at the beginning of January and very much a part of the title race. City are quite clearly a stronger side than last season, and will aim to enhance their squad even more in the January transfer window. City's defence has been their strongest point, and with an array of midfield options their only real concern is an over reliance on lone striker Carlos Tevez. With Adebayor and Santa Cruz seemingly on the verge of moving, and the new signing of prolific goalscorer Dzeko, City's next move is pretty unpredictable, however more attacking options could come in and possibly even another defender.
Signings - David Luiz, Pepe, Neymar, Forlan, Fabiano
Manchester United
At the beginning of January, United sit at the top of the Premier League unbeaten, however their performances have been well below par. With Berbatov and Hernandez looking dangerous in front of goal, and Rooney seemingly returning to form, United's attacking options will not worry Sir Alex Ferguson, however the lack of strong options to play in central midfield will be a concern. With Scholes ageing, there is no real replacement who looks viable, therefore Ferguson could look for one. Another could be a goalkeeper, with Alder asking Ferguson to allow his 'dream move' a possibilty.
Signings - Adler, Diarra, N'Zogbia
Newcastle
Alan Pardew has had mixed results since taking over and Newcastle will be pleased to be in the top half of the league at the start of January having been promoted last season. With speculation regarding Carroll's future largely resolved, Newcastle will most likely look for a winger and a striking partner for Andy Carroll.
Signings - N'Zogbia, Charlie Adam, Robbie Keane, Santa Cruz, Larsson
Stoke City
Tony Pulis' men sit in 10th place in the league at the beginning of January, and will be pleased with this. Stoke are now an established Premier League side and will look to move on in the league and push for European football before too long. With this in mind, Stoke could do with a more creative midfield unit and possibly a stronger left back.
Singings - Wayne Bridge, Larsson, Charlie Adam
Sunderland
Steve Bruce will be delighted with Sunderland's season so far, pushing for European football in 6th place just over half way through the season. His summer signings have proved effective, with his attacking trio of Welbeck, Bent and Gyan providing goals game in game out at the Stadium of Light, and even at places like Stamford Bridge. Bruce will also look for more creativity in midfield, and possibly some strengthening of the defence. Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia is strongly linked with the club.
Signings - N'Zogbia, Onouha (permanent from loan), Bridge, Larsson
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs again look a formidable unit with Gareth Bale having continuously impressive form, and summer signing Van Der Vaart looking like the best of all the summer buys. Redknapp will naturally however push for more in the second half of the year, with the competition for the top four places tighter than ever. With players like Keane and Bentley moving out of Spurs, Redknapp will most probably search for replacements. Whether the Beckham deal will happen or not is uncertain, however Spurs are linked with several players. Redknapp has however made it clear that he will only buy a player of which he truly believes will enhance the squad.
Signings - Cahill, Jolean Lescott, Scott Parker, Suarez, Beckham
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom sit just above the drop zone at the start of January, and have been declining since starting impressively in August. Di Matteo will look for another striker to provide the goals that are largely missing in the team, and another creative midfielder in order to take some of the burden off of Chris Brunt.
Signings - Samaras, Wayne Bridge, Luke Varney
West Ham United
2010/2011 is proving to be a tough season for the Hammers, and Grant looks close to the sack should things not lighten up at Upton Park anytime soon. West Ham sit at rock bottom in the league at the start of January, and signings are desperately needed to improve the state of things. As much as making a signing is of importance, holding on to Scott Parker, the messiah of Upton Park, must be made a priority. West Ham certainly need new faces to escape the drop however, and Grant will look for players all over the park. Another striker, midfielder and defender could be enough to save West Ham.
Signings - Robbie Keane, Poulsen, Samba, Wayne Bridge
Wigan Athletic
Wigan's prospects look as bleak as the Hammers, sitting in 19th place. With Chris Kirkland out on loan at Leicester, Roberto Martinez will look for a goalkeeper to strenghen his squad. The Spaniard would also welcome the addition of a new forward, having scored just 18 goals in 21 games this season. If Wigan are to avoid the drop, and Martinez is to avoid the cut, Wigan need new faces at the DW.
Signings - Thomas Kuszczak, Emmanuel-Thomas
Wolverhampton Wonderers
Mick Mc Carthy's side were always going to find it difficult in the Premier League and it has proved to be true. Wolves are just outside the drop zone, however they will soon find themselves back in it should they not improve the backline. McCarthy will look for a new striker and defender. Holding onto Matt Jarvis and Steven Fletcher could be equally as important as finding a new player also.
Signings - Robbie Keane, David Wheater
Conclusion
So there you have it, my take on the moves clubs should be making in the January transfer window. These aren't moves I think are going to be made, but moves the clubs should be considering. So, Dalglish, Grant, Martinez if you're reading ... go for it!
Will
