January transfer window round-table Europe Edition: Who are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Napoli and more looking to sign?

Yes, it’s true that the winter window does not have the same glamour as the summer window.

So we’ve talked to our friends across the TNT/Eurosport network to find out who’s doing what across the continent’s big clubs.

Spain

Barcelona

Barcelona’s financial struggles have been well documented over the years and, as a result, Eurosport Spain’s Adrian Garcia doesn’t expect much business at all.

“The local press are talking about a potential new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski in the summer, but now it seems that Harry Kane will stay in Germany, there are no other concrete names being mentioned.

“There could be some sales to raise funds, keep an eye on Marc Casado and Gerard Martin, possibly even Gavi if the right offer came in.”

Garcia says that Barca still want to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid but there’s no chance that will happen in January, if it happens at all.

Highlights: Rashford, Yamal help Barca complete comeback victory

Video credit: TNT Sports

Real Madrid

Garcia points out that Real Madrid need to find a new midfielder who can control the game, the new Toni Kroos if you will.

“The question here in Spain is who can that be? Or even if this kind of player would be available in the January window.”

In terms of possible departures, Garcia also mentions David Alaba, Fran Garcia and Dani Ceballos as names to keep an eye on.

Bellingham has ‘full faith’ Madrid can snap ‘bad run of form’

Video credit: TNT Sports

Atletico Madrid

What about Atleti then? Garcia says there is nothing immediately being reported but did point out that “they could end up looking for an attacking midfielder because there is a chance that Antoine Griezmann leaves the club”.

However, with a new deal signed in the summer until 2027, Griezmann’s chances of departing are definitely smaller than before.

Aside from that, it is expected to be a quiet January for Atletico.

Highlights: Atleti edge thriller in Eindhoven

Video credit: TNT Sports

Germany

Bayern Munich

The Bavarian giants have no call to strengthen their squad this summer such is their position of strength, according to Germany’s Marc Hlusiak.

They will be further boosted by the return of Jamal Musiala, who has been out injured.

“The depth of the squad, which was criticised in the summer, is also absolutely sufficient following the return of Alphonso Davies,” says Hlusiak.

“If Bayern were to sign a player, it would be someone with a lot of talent and potential. There are no specific names for the winter transfer window.

“Vincent Kompany rotates the squad well and there are hardly any players who are unhappy. Therefore, there are no concrete plans to let any players go.”

“Dayot Upamecano’s contract expires in the summer, and Bayern would like to extend it, but not at any price,” continues Hlusiak.

“Therefore, Munich is looking for a replacement. The biggest and most concrete names are Marc Guehi and Nico Schlotterbeck. Ibrahima Konate and Castello Lukeba are also on the list.

“Otherwise, Bayern must clarify the question of a permanent signing for Nicolas Jackson. There are also rumours surrounding Michael Olise, but the tendency is definitely for him to stay.”

Borussia Dortmund

Hlusiak believes that Dortmund need to address their squad imbalance in the upcoming transfer window.

It has been a solid if unspectacular season so far for Niko Kovac’s side, but incomings depend on outgoings.

“Dortmund actually has a lot of depth in the squad,” said Hlusiak. “However, they have too many central midfielders and too few players who can dribble down the wings. Something could happen regarding the wingers in the winter transfer window.

“How many players come in depends on how many leave. Currently, there are rumours about a loan move for Fabio Silva and Julien Duranville. Should either of them leave the club, Borussia Dortmund is likely to make a move.”

Italy

Napoli

Let’s start with Antonio Conte’s defending champions. Things have been going well in the league, but as is customary now with Conte’s career, things are going markedly less well in Europe.

Eurosport Italy’s Simone Eterno believes that “major January signings are unlikely” given Napoli’s aggressive spending in the summer.

“Sporting director Giovanni Manna has not denied interest in Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo,” admits Eterno.

“However, it would be an expensive deal and is unlikely to happen in January; a more realistic attempt could come in June.”

Highlights: Benfica beat Napoli as Mourinho betters Conte

Video credit: TNT Sports

AC Milan

And what about one of the contenders for the title this year, Max Allegri’s AC Milan? Eterno believes the primary target is going to be a striker.

“Among the potential departures is Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican striker, who arrived last January from Feyenoord, has failed to meet expectations. He has scored just one goal this season, and that came in a Coppa Italia match.

“Milan are therefore expected to look for a new striker — especially if Gimenez leaves — and a central defender.

Highlights: Milan edge past Lazio amid VAR controversy

Video credit: TNT Sports

Inter

Across the city, it feels as if rivals Inter are slowly clicking into gear after a rough start under Cristian Chivu. However, Eterno says not to expect business from the blue half of Milan this winter.

“Sporting Director Piero Ausilio has already made it clear that Inter will not be active in the January transfer window.

“Considering the level shown by Yann Sommer this season, one long-term investment the club will eventually need to make is in the goalkeeper position. CEO Giuseppe Marotta had previously tried to sign Guglielmo Vicario before Tottenham swooped in with their offer to Empoli, but without success.

“On the outgoing side, Davide Frattesi is the name to watch. He has fallen behind practically every midfielder in the squad in the pecking order. Crucial last year in the Champions League — scoring the goals that knocked out Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and Barcelona in the semi-finals — Frattesi is now looking for a top-level club that will allow him to play regularly.”

Highlights: Szoboszlai penalty seals narrow Livepool win at Inter

Video credit: TNT Sports

Juventus

It’s been a tough season for Juventus, they’ve already made a managerial change and they’ve had a load of injuries.

But things are looking brighter after four consecutive victories.

“The transfer situation at Juventus is complicated,” admits Eterno.

“The team needs reinforcements in several areas, but in the last two transfer windows the club has spent heavily — and poorly. On top of that, Juve are now paying the salary of new coach Luciano Spalletti while still covering the wages of former manager Thiago Motta.

“For this reason, big moves are not expected in January. Spalletti has said he needs a right-footed centre-back, but as of now no concrete names have emerged for this window.

“Vlahovic’s long-term injury could also push the club to look for another striker. Juventus currently only have Jonathan David and Lois Openda available to compete in three competitions until at least March: Serie A, the Champions League, and the Coppa Italia.”

Highlights: McKennie and David inspire Juventus to vital win over Pafos

Video credit: TNT Sports

France

PSG

What about the defending European champions then? After the final Champions League game of the calendar year – a 0-0 draw against Athletic Club – manager Luis Enrique did admit that “we’re open to anything” but despite this, Eurosport France’s Vincent Bregevin expects none or perhaps one signing at most, unless an outstanding opportunity arises.

So what position would they target? “Looking at the squad, there’s still no real backup for Achraf Hakimi at right back,” Bregevin said.

“Luis Enrique always bet on Warren Zaire-Emery, a central midfielder, to fill the void if needed and it actually worked well so far this season.

Bregevin says there is a chance that Goncalo Ramos or fellow forward Bradley Barcola could move but does stress that “it would be a real surprise if they go”.

He also says to keep an eye on Freiburg’s highly-rated young Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi, who has been linked with a summer move to Paris as a possible heir to Fabian Ruiz.

Highlights: PSG held in stalemate by Athletic

Video credit: TNT Sports