With the frenzy of goals and the abundance of mistakes, premier league teams are gearing up for another New Year’s special, in the form of the January transfer window. As the relegation battle is tougher than ever, teams must begin filling up the gaps for the next 6 months, in order to survive from dropping. KhelboBD has selected 20 players, mix of veterans and promising young guns, who could help each team with their perplexing problems.
Liverpool: Joao Pedro (ST)
Liverpool has had a stunning first half of the season under manager Arne Slot. Many expected this side to struggle with the tactical change after the famous “gegenpressing” from Jurgen Klopp, but the squad has adapted to the fast-flowing “Slot ball”. However, contract negotiations are the biggest talking point for the club, as superstar Mohamed Salah is refusing to renegotiate and extend his stay in the club. In order to cover that, Joao Pedro is the perfect choice. Young, talented, and confident Brazilian attackers have a formidable history with Liverpool, notably Firmino and Coutinho. Pedro offers the same skills as them at an age of just 22. With his talent and tenacity, he could lead the front lines for Liverpool if Mo Salah decides to leave in the summer.
Arsenal: Victor Gyokeres (ST)
Viktor Gyokeres, the hottest name in European football. The star has scored 62 goals for Sporting in 2024 and looks set to score more in 2025. With Bukayo Saka exiting Selhurst Park in crutches, the North London side desperately needs to bolster the attacking lineup to conquer the title in the second half. Gyokeres provides the perfect platform for them. With Odegaard and Martinelli providing the ball from the center and the left respectively, Viktor has the perfect opportunity to enter the league like Erling Haaland. Gyokeres also has the premier league experience, being developed down south by Brighton. Other clubs are prepared to sign this 26 year old star as Manchester United lead the line with his former coach Ruben Amorim, therefore, Arsenal must act now.
Nottingham Forest: Julio Enciso (CAM)
The phenomenal rise of Julio Enciso has inserted this flamboyant CAM into the transfer window for many clubs. At just 20 years of age, his long-range missiles are near impossible to save for world class goalkeepers, proving to be an incredible goal scoring threat from distance. His pacey, agile, and elegant dribbles are a sight to behold. But still, it is expected from South American footballers. With Nottingham Forest charging up the league, tied with Arsenal at 3rd, they will need one more footballer to provide backup as well as increase the overall threat. Enciso’s playstyle matches well with Nuno Esperito Santo’s tactics, as the Portuguese is also a fan of this youngster. Will 2025 pave the pathway for a blossoming relationship with the Paraguayan and the Portuguese?
Chelsea: Gregor Kobel (GK)
The season began well for Chelsea, rising to the top 4 after 3 years with Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Moises Caicedo. However, there is still a major position to upgrade. With Robert Sanchez fluctuating every gameweek, Filip Jorgensen not having enough premier league experience, and both Kepa and Petrovic on loan, Chelsea are in a desperate need of a solid goalkeeper. In comes Gregor Kobel from Borussia Dortmund. A keeper in his prime at 27, recently playing in a champions league final, and having a phenomenal season for the german team, Kobel is the perfect replacement for Sanchez whilst bringing stability into a dynamic defensive line.
Newcastle United: Jeremie Frimpong (RB)
Newcastle United has witnessed a meteoric rise up the table after the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) takeover 3 seasons ago. The signings of Isak and Pope alongside the development of Almiron and Murphy has transitioned the team from the bottom half to European football. However, with many key signings entering their post-prime era, Newcastle has to begin their transfer cycle once again. With Kieran Trippier turning 35 this year and his best years behind him, the Northernmost club in the Premier league must begin hunting for a new replacement with the same attacking mentality. Jeremie Frimpong, 10 years younger than Trippier, provides all the qualities with an immense burst of pace. Frimpong has had an invincible season with Bayer Leverkusen, transforming from rock bottom to “Neverlusen” in the season with Xabi Alonso. The moment is perfect for Newcastle to snatch up Frimpong and witness the Dutch’s prime years in bringing Newcastle their league title.
Manchester City: Joshua Kimmich (CDM)
Manchester City has had a turbulent start to the 24/25 season. With 11 games going without a win, the record 4 time champions have been unable to replace the injured Rodri in their starting lineup. However, an interesting proposition has sparked up over Joshua Kimmich’s contract. With the German defensive midfielder having only 6 months left in his contract, he is open to negotiate with any club for the next season. This will be heavily discussed in Manchester as with Rodri out until early next season, Kovacic and Lewis not providing the attacking support, and Gundogan past his prime, an experienced German in Kimmich can surely help with both defensive and attacking troubles. His versatility and mindset can be key in the Etihad and could prove to be the difference in them winning another champions league.
Bournemouth: Matias Soule (RW)
It has been a memorable season for Bournemouth, heading the midfield pack at 7th and dreaming of a conference league spot. With convincing victories over Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Manchester United, Bournemouth has been dominating throughout the campaign. Enter Matias Soule, an energetic Argentine winger who has been lighting it up with Roma for the past two seasons. Even with an underwhelming start to 24/25 with the Italian giants, he has been magical the last season, showcasing every lasting bit of his gift. At 21 years of age, Soule is in the perfect age window to develop down south whilst also bringing world-class quality to the Vitality Stadium. This would be a stretch of a signing, but weirder transfers have occurred before, resulting in lasting legacies. This could be no different as well.


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