The BARGAIN defensive transfer Premier League clubs can make in January

Suraj Radia

10 Oct 2024 21:00 BST
3 min read

Arne Slot, Liverpool, Nederland — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Tottenham and Liverpool could have a bargain opportunity to strengthen their backline in January after a long-term transfer target confirmed his desire to leave his club this winter.

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Liverpool have boasted the Premier League’s best defence so far this season, conceding just twice in their opening seven games, although doubts remain over the long-term future of Virgil van Dijk with his contract expiring next summer.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have been more porous under Ange Postecoglou and lack depth at centre-back, while Cristian Romero is also thought to be a target for Real Madrid.

Spurs in particular could find an opportunity to sign a player they had previously tried to purchase after Milan Skriniar suggested he could leave Paris Saint-Germain, having failed to break into Luis Enrique’s line-up.

Skrinar was wanted by Spurs prior to his move from Inter but he opted to join PSG, however the 29-year-old has made just one Ligue 1 start this season.

The Slovakian still harbours a strong reputation after his standout performances for Inter and, should PSG be willing to sanction a loan or a cut-price sale, Skriniar could prove to be a smart acquisition for any major side in January.

🔴🔵 Milan Skriniar has confirmed he's not happy with current game time at PSG and there are concrete chances for his exit already in January.

Juventus can only be interested in case PSG open the doors to loan move. More clubs are also keen. pic.twitter.com/Z14YJP3wmU

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 10, 2024

Which clubs could Skriniar join in January?

SciSports, who use data-driven metrics to analyse a player, believe Skriniar would be most suited to Liverpool or Tottenham if he were to leave PSG due to the playing style and pedigree of both sides.

However a move to the Bundesliga could also prove appealing, with Bayer Leverkusen a potential option if Jonathan Tah is sold, as well RB Leipzig.

Current ETV

Milan Skriniar

D (C)

PSG

Milan Skriniar

D (C)

PSG

ETV Range

€21.1M - €35.1M

Real Madrid are also suggested as a potential option, partially due to their injury issues in defence, having been forced to use midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in the backline this season.

Skriniar would also have his pick of clubs in Italy, with Juventus potentially interested in his signature due to the season-ending injury to Bremer, giving the PSG star plenty of options if he wanted to seek more first team football.