With the start of the new year, the winter market will open. A period in which, starting January 2, in the case of Spain, and until February 2, regarding all the major European leagues, several players can change their scene. Some, in search of minutes, after not having had much presence so far this season. Others, such as luxury reinforcements, with the aim of reversing complicated situations for some teams. Two factors that, in fact, do not have to be exclusive. What is very clear is that this window, despite the freezing temperatures, can be especially hot. Above all, taking into account several illustrious names that are on the table right now.
One of these operations is already closed: that of Javi Galan. In the summer of 2023, he was the most expensive signing of that season for an Atlético de Madrid in which he has not quite found his place. Last season he played 40 games as a red and white and, at this point in the campaign, he had two, so his transfer to Osasuna, with whom he signed a contract until June 30, 2026 in exchange for 500,000 euros, seems the best solution for the footballer, but perhaps not so much for a red and white team that paid 12 million euros to Celta to acquire his services a little more than two years.
Another name that is on the table right now is that of Marc-André ter Stegen. The Barça captain has already received a medical discharge after having back surgery last summer and even played with the Barça team in the Cup tie against Guadalajara. Their situation, however, remains the same as at the beginning of the course: Joan Garcia is number one for Hansi Flick. If he wants to start for Germany in the next World Cup, he needs to accumulate minutes.
In search of minutes
And Girona seems to be the best placed to acquire his incorporation, in principle in the form of a loan. Paulo Gazzanigga has left lights and shadows and Dominik Livakovic He announced his intention to leave the club some time ago in this winter market. Precisely, with the intention of finding the minutes that he has not had in the Girona team to also aspire to be part of the Croatian team in the next World Cup event.
And if we talk about illustrious names of the League, it is impossible not to talk about Sergio Ramos. The former captain of Real Madrid, 39, has already ended his time at Mexican side Rayados and is eager to get back on the pitch in the new year. Above all, he wants to avoid spending another six months without a team, as happened to him at the end of his last spell in the ranks of Sevilla. And, in fact, there has been speculation about the possibility that Milan or Manchester United, two teams that need to shore up their defensive line, could go after his signing as soon as a market opens that may include previously unthinkable moves.
Ter-Stegen, on December 8, during training.
Like, for example, that of Mohamed Salah. Who for a long time was Liverpool’s watchword and who is now playing in the African Cup with Egypt, is not happy with the role he is having this season in the team. red and the possibility that he packs his bags in January, even though his contract does not end until June 30, 2027, is very real. At 33 years old, he still has a lot to say in European football, but it is also true that in Saudi Arabia they would not hate him upon his arrival to one of their teams either.
Finally, another name that has come to the fore in recent times is that of Antonio Rüdiger. As much as the German defender seems more than willing to extend a contract with Real Madrid that ends on June 30, the fact that this renewal has not yet become effective opens the doors for others to try to tempt him to end up changing his scene. Among them, a PSG that would be more than happy to use its checkbook to reinforce its ranks and thus partially return the blow dealt with the signing of Kylian Mbappé.