The January transfer window turned out to be a rather quiet period in terms of the actual moves made in comparison with the constant rumors surrounding a number of names. While those players will spend the next couple of months with their respective clubs, it is only a matter of time before the summer transfer window opens and they are moved.
Sammy Khedira – M (Real Madrid)
Khedira has been a champion at every level whether that means a World Cup with Germany or a long list of club level achievements including Champions League, the Bundesliga and La Liga. Persistent injury issues have hurt Khedira’s stock with Real Madrid and the signing of Lucas Silva has moved the former to the bench, but he is still a world-class talent that will be coveted when the transfer window opens. A number of Premier League teams have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Khedira but don’t be shocked if he ends up back in Germany.
Dani Alves – D (Barcelona)
While his skill set might no longer match the elite reputation that precedes him, Alves is still a world-class talent that will represent a major upgrade for whatever team he moves to in the summer. The 31-year-old doesn’t have the same speed and durability that once made him a feared threat attacking in transition but he is a smart player that can hold his own defensively and knows what to do with the ball when it is on his foot. There might no longer be room for Alves on the Barcelona back line but there will certainly be a long list of suitors looking to acquire his services this summer.
Mark Uth – F (Heerenveen)
The 23-year-old German forward has experienced a tough start to his career from being a substitute behind Lukas Podolski to struggling to find his way with Heerenveen. However, his skill level and ceiling as a player have never been questioned and many felt that a change of scenery would work wonders for Uth. He revived his career on loan to Heracles Almelo and has been a stud since he returned. Teams will line up for a chance to add Uth to their roster and there is a good chance he will be moved this summer.
Andre-Pierre Grignac – F (Marseille)
Grignac has never played outside of France but he has revived his career with Marseille this season and there has been plenty of rumors about a potential move to Serie A. The 29-year-old forward admitted this season that he does, “admire the tactical culture of Italy” and it wouldn’t be a major shock if a team in need of a proven veteran forward decided to take a chance on Grignac by making a move for him this summer.
Paulo Dybala – F (Palermo)
The 21-year-old Argentinian forward has gone from an absolute bust to one of Europe’s most exciting prospects and there is no doubt a number of suitors will line up to acquire his services this summer. Dybala has been an absolute force in the Serie A this season with 11 goals in 21 games for a Palermo side on which his tallies are usually the result of world-class individual skill rather than finishing off the work of teammates. Perhaps most interesting about Dybala is the fact that he probably still hasn’t reached his ceiling in terms of potential and he will make for a fine addition for whatever team he ends up with.
Mathew Ryan – G (Club Brugge)
The lack of goalkeepers on this list is even more reason to believe that Ryan will be on the move this summer as teams looking for a strong netminder will ask Club Brugge what it will take to land the 22-year-old from Australia. Ryan is already a two-time Belgian Pro League Goalkeeper of the Year and he will be closely monitored from now until the end of the season as teams gauge his value as they prepare to make an offer for him.
