10 La Liga players who could move in January

Suraj Radia

• 14 Dec 2022 13:07 GMT
• 6 min read

La Liga clubs are beginning to plan their squads for the second half of the season after the break for the 2022 World Cup, with a host of top talent potentially ready to be moved on.

The tournament in Qatar has seen a number of players attract the attention of other clubs, while some stars are considering their futures after the hiatus of domestic football.

FootballTransfers takes a look at which players could be sold by La Liga sides when the January transfer window opens in the coming weeks.

DATES: When does the January transfer window open and close?

Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)

Joao Felix was considered the ‘golden boy’ of Atletico Madrid but things have taken a turn this season, with the 23-year-old suffering a strained relationship with Diego Simeone and losing his place in the starting line-up.

The Spaniards are hoping to recoup the staggering €126m they spent on Felix in 2019, making a mid-season move difficult, but the Portuguese international’s desire to leave could see him depart, either permanently or on loan, with Premier League sides monitoring the situation.

SURPRISE: Aston Villa emerge as contenders for Felix

Memphis Depay (Barcelona)

Barcelona held onto Memphis Depay during the summer in the hopes the Dutch forward would prove his worth as a backup to Robert Lewandowski.

However, Depay has played just 116 minutes of La Liga football this season and the 28-year-old could be moved on following a disappointing performance for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

Yassine Bounou (Sevilla)

One of the feel-good stories of the World Cup, Sevilla’s Yassine Bounou has attracted the attention of a host of clubs after his performances for Morocco in Qatar.

Although he is 31, the goalkeeper has been linked with big money moves to Real Madrid and Manchester United having won the La Liga Zamora Trophy for the most clean sheets last season.

Matheus Cunha (Atletico Madrid)

Another forward who could depart Atletico is Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian thought to be the subject of an approach from Wolves this winter.

Atletico had rejected interest from Man Utd for Cunha in the summer but they could now be willing to sell the Brazilian after 11 La Liga appearances this season without a goal, with Leeds looking to rival Wolves for his signature.

Franck Kessie (Barcelona)

Barcelona were thought to have pulled off one of the coups of the window when they sealed the free transfer of Franck Kessie in the summer, however the Ivorian has struggled during his first few months in Spain.

Kessie has made just two La Liga starts this season and is rumoured to be unsettled, with reports linking him with a return to Milan, although Barcelona may remain patient in getting the best out of a talented squad player.

Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal)

Samuel Chukwueze has been an important figure for Villarreal since joining them in 2018 but the Nigerian has endured a difficult season so far, failing to score in 13 league appearances.

Despite his poor form, Chukwueze is still thought to be admired by clubs around Europe, with Arsenal and Liverpool believed to have a long-standing interest in him and they could take advantage of the decline in his stock with a January move.

Ferran Torres (Barcelona)

Ferran Torres only signed for Barcelona in January but the former Man City forward could be allowed to leave the Catalan side after one year at the club, with manager Xavi thought to be unconvinced by the 22-year-old.

Barca are hoping to recoup the £55m they invested in Torres, with Arsenal believed to be an option for the Spaniard along with Milan and Tottenham.

Mariano Diaz (Real Madrid)

Despite Karim Benzema suffering an injury that kept him out of the World Cup, Real Madrid could still sell a forward in January, with fringe striker Mariano Diaz a likely option to depart.

Diaz has been linked with Lazio and Wolves, having played just 20 minutes of league football this season, although Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio are also potential candidates to be sold this winter.

Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

Nico Williams has enjoyed an impressive rise to stardom in recent times, having featured for Spain at the World Cup and enjoying a breakout season with Athletic Bilbao.

The 20-year-old has three goals and three assists in 14 games this season and is believed to be a target for Liverpool and Man Utd, who could test Bilbao’s resolve with a £35m bid for the winger.

Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

Martin Zubimendi only signed a new five-year deal with Real Sociedad in October but the 23-year-old has been a long-term target of Barcelona and Man Utd, who could still sign him in January.

The defensive midfielder’s release clause is believed to be around €60m and he impressed in his two games against United in the Europa League, with Erik ten Hag described as being ‘in love’ with Zubimendi following numerous scouting missions.