Clubs across Europe are busy planning their transfer business during the winter window, and some have already signed players. But there is still more work to be done.
January is traditionally not a month when clubs feel pressured to spend lots of money on new things, but times are changing and the pressure is increasing.
So, here we’re assessing some players who are worth taking a gamble on if the circumstances are right.
*Market price and contract data taken from Transfermarkt.
Yann Diomandefamily welfare, 19, RB leipzig
market value: €45 million
contract termination:2030
Diomande’s first season at RB Leipzig has marked him as one of the most eye-catching young attackers in Europe, and he is a natural target for big-spending teams. Signed from Spanish team Leganes last summer for a fee of €20 million, the 19-year-old has developed at a remarkable pace, especially when considering he arrived in Spain from US college soccer’s AS Frenz in January 2025.
Deployed on both wings at Leipzig, Diomande’s impact is primarily seen through his ability to advance from wide areas. He is particularly effective when passing inside, where his quick changes of direction, excellent balance, admirable determination, lightning-quick first step and close control make it difficult for markers to catch him. Those qualities are reflected in his 3.80 successful dribbles (per 90 minutes), the majority of which were actions designed to gain meters and disrupt defensive shape rather than showmanship.
Furthermore, his forward pace regularly takes Leipzig into dangerous areas. His 4.5 touches (per 90) in the opposition box highlight how often he gets into position to create chances, and he has scored seven goals himself in all competitions.
Although the defensive side of his game is still a work in progress, the scale of his success has already attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs. Bayern Munich Reported to be in the running. However, his transfer fee is likely to be around €80 million.
Castello Luceba23,CB,RBLeipzig
market price: €45 million
contract termination:2029
Designed for RB Leipzig’s front-footed style of football, Lukeba is a dynamic, active, left-footed center back who anticipates opposition attacks and has the speed of recovery to break through into the high defensive line. That speed is not real as it has been recorded as 35.1 km/h uefa champions leagueAnd it is a key component in a system that regularly leaves large spaces behind the defensive line when Leipzig push their midfield and full backs up.
In possession, Lukeba is not a safety-first distributor. he leads German Bundesliga An impressive 80% accuracy for progressive passes with 11 (per 90), which shows both his ambition to get the ball forward and his ability to play out from the back under pressure. For this reason Leipzig usually uses him as the primary passer out of defense and rely on him to break lines rather than simply regain possession. He also has the ability to accelerate with precise switches and make early runs from his wide forwards.
Then why hasn’t he been picked by any top side yet? One explanation could be a certain weakness in his aerial game – his success rate in duels is around 40% – which suggests he is unsure when it comes to defending crosses and set pieces. That said, given his speed, understanding of the game, ease in control and proven ability to perform in a high-intensity league, he is still a top prospect.
Ismail Saibari24, AM, psv eindhoven
market price: €32 million
contract termination:2029
The centerpiece of PSV’s attacking structure, Saibari has made quite an impact this season and is likely to be a topic of discussion in many recruitment meetings leading up to the transfer window. The 24-year-old has nine goals and four assists from 16 appearances Eredivisie Starting so far, numbers that make him one of the most productive attacking midfielders in the league.
Used primarily as an attacking box-to-box number 8 (or as a number 10 behind the striker), but with license to drift wide, morocco The international is not only decisive in the box but also has playmaking skills outside of it. His 1.2 key passes (per 90) demonstrate how well he draws movement around him, while his 0.55 xG (per 90) is impressive for an advanced midfielder even in an attack-friendly Eredivisie. His ability to move the ball is also impressive with his 4.2 progressive carries (per 90), allowing PSV to break down defensive lines rather than circulate possession harmlessly.
But it’s the late bursts into the box that make Saibari particularly interesting, as the timing and finishing with both feet is on another level. Physically strong and tall, he is also difficult to strike on the ball and he has clearly moved from being a supporting presence to becoming the primary driver of PSV’s output in the final third.
Ayoub Bouaddi18, DM, Lily
market value: €40 million
contract termination:2029
Already a member of the first team for two years, Bouaddi has made 76 appearances for Lille. Primarily used as a number 6 holding midfielder, his excellent first touch under pressure, regular scanning of the field, fine dribbling and passing range allows his skills to also become a box-to-box number 8, who can switch play or make runs between the lines. In any role, Kishore’s ability to maintain possession under pressure and link play suggests he will be a top midfielder in the years to come.
Boudy covers the ground quickly and efficiently, combining fine agility in tight spaces with the engine to close down passing lanes to shuttle across the pitch. Physically, he is well equipped and very eager to enter the duel, often moving forward to win the second ball and stopping the transition early. However, the downside is that his aggression may have crossed the line: he was sent off in consecutive matches against Le Havre (league 1) and Young Boys (Europe) before Christmas, both incidents resulting from extreme eagerness to stop the threat quickly.
Although his profile and age could point towards a significant move for a team like Brighton, Sources tell ESPN He Paris Saint Germain They are the frontrunners to land him in the summer, so if other major teams want to land him they should act immediately.
santiago castro21, ST, bologna
market value: €35 million
contract termination:2028
Following his successful season Castro has become one of Bologna’s most important attacking outlets. The Argentina U20 international finished with seven goals last year serie a And with five out of 17 games this season, it has often provided some high-pressure and decisive moments.
Interestingly, Castro is different from the technique-based players most modern scouts pay attention to, as he is more of a classic South American number 9. Rather than breathtaking trickery, his play is driven by directness, intensity and a constant desire to compete and harass the centre-backs. He plays on the edge, applies aggressive pressure from the front, and constantly tries to unsettle defenders through his movement and strength.
In possession, Castro offers a practical, efficient skill that requires some work. But he strikes the ball cleanly with his right foot and Link plays well on limited touches, especially when dropping deep. Even when he is not scoring, his industry, pressing, off-ball movement and ability to open up space for his teammates give Bologna a player whose value goes beyond goals and assists.
Samu Aghehova21, ST, fc porto
market value: €50 million
contract termination:2029
Possibly one of the most exciting center forwards in the European game, Samu is a modern number 9 striker whose game is as much about imposing himself on the centre-backs as it is about finishing moves. While his 6-foot-4 frame suggests he’s an obvious target man, what’s equally interesting is how often he turns those physical attributes into repeatable shot volume (3.13 per 90, at an impressive 60% accuracy). Indeed, data models consistently place him among the most consistent and highest quality shooters in Europe’s top leagues – 46 goals in 70 appearances for FC Porto.
In addition to his cool finishing, the Spain international pulls back the defensive line, attacks the six-yard box with conviction and always gives his team a direct route when the buildup is slow. He also has a presence in the air, and brings an edge on crosses and set pieces. His excellent mobility also sets him apart from most other classic number 9s as he is comfortable moving into channels, carrying the ball forward and sneaking into spaces left by defenders.
Although there are still elements of his game to refine – his creative output remains modest compared to his final-third appearances, and he is still not a natural operator between the lines – Porto boss Francesco Farioli mainly tells him to focus on his strengths: occupying centre-backs, taking possession of shots and giving the team’s attack a natural goal.
Victor Froholdt19, CM, FC Porto
market value: €30 million
contract termination:2030
A €20 million summer arrival from FC Copenhagen, Fröholdt has wasted no time in imposing himself in a new league and environment. Just 18 months after his breakout denmarkThe 19-year-old has stepped straight into Farioli’s demanding, high-paced midfield and looks right at home. He has now played every minute of the last eight matches, which is a clear indication of how central he has become to the team’s structure.
What stands out about Denmark’s international game is its thoroughness. Fröholdt can sit at the base of a double pivot and dictate the tempo, or move forward as a number 8, or drift high as a roaming attacking midfielder without disrupting the balance around him. For a teenager, his blend of physicality, stamina and tactical awareness is highly impressive.
He competes in duels, understands the rhythm of the game well, and adds creativity when in possession. He can find excellent passing angles, either dropping deep to initiate moves with vertical passes or arriving late into advanced areas, while his close control and calmness under pressure also allows him to break out of crowded areas.
However, perhaps his most distinguishing characteristic is how he drives the play when carrying the ball. Fröholdt drives with balance and directness in midfield, regularly out-running opponents (2.3 progressive runs per 90 is chart-topping for No. 8 in the Portuguese Primeira Liga). Those progressive sprints backed by strong dribbling numbers explain why Manchester United, Tottenham and England’s other top clubs have been linked.
