Everton: Ten January Transfers That Could Happen

11 October 2012 09:12

With the January Transfer window looming – certain rumours have been thrown around since the beginning of the 12/13 season. Here I will take a look at the top 5 potential 'comings and goings' of the 'top 6' that will affect The Barclays Premier League.

With only £58,000,000 spent in The British Transfer Market last January – it is fair to say that compared to the summer window, top flight managers are much more reluctant to spend. That said – with such success stories like Papiss Cisse and Nikica Jelavic people may wonder why managers do not spend? Of course, the likes of big spenders Manchester City and Chelsea are in the latter stages of assmebling their squads to challenge domestically and on the continent.

In this article – I will look at transfer rumours surrounding teams in The Barclays Premier League. The potential comings and goings and reasons behind the move.

COMING IN – Everton

Owen Hargreaves

The crocked ex-England, United & City midfielder is once again a free agent after leaving English Champions Manchester City. With rumoured offers abroad at French side, Lille - Everton are considering offering Hargreaves a one year deal on a pay as you play deal. Although Hargeaves has had a number of offers in The Championship, he is desperate to play top flight football again – and Everton could be an ideal club. Moyes, who is looking to add to his options in defensive midfield after losing out to Steve N'zonzi could offer Hargeaves a pay as you play deal, along with a £10,000 a week basic salary to entice the midfielder to join his side. A decision could even be made within the next few days, with Hargreaves also receing offers from China and the MLS.

Steven Defour


Steven Defour

Linked with a £13,000,000 move to Everton – the Porto star is the main man identified by David Moyes to reinforce his midfield this January. With fellow Belgian Marouane Fellaini expected to leave the club in January – Defour, 24, was a team mate of Fellaini's at Standard Liege and is a national team compatriot, he could well be an ideal replacement. Linked in the past with Manchester United – the midfielder moved to FC Porto and performed well in his first season, helping his side to a domestic title. Defour however, is tied down to a long term contract at the Portuguese Champions – Everton will need to pay for their man.

Thomas Hitzlsperger


Thomas Hitzlsperger

The German is on trial at Everton – for two weeks, in the hope of securing a permanent deal at the end of it. The ex-Aston Villa and West Ham midfielder could be signed by Moyes. Hitzlsperger had had his fair share of injuries and Everton assistant manager had this to say: “What will determine whether he gets a contract is his fitness. He has had a bad injury and we would want to see that he could sustain training. If he could, he would add quality and strength to our squad.” Hitzlsperger has won 52 caps for Germany – an experienced international, Hitzlsperger could add strength if depth at Everton, and even challenge for a starting spot.

Vadis Odjida-Ofoe

Vadis Odjida-Ofoe



With a failed loan move last summer – Everton may be in the market for Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe once again. The loan move was blocked by FIFA – and Everton may be back in the market for their man this January. Another Belgian midfielder – Odjida-Ofoe was meant to come in to replace Ross Barkley, who was let go to gain first team football at Sheffield Wednesday. See as a defensive anchor-man, he has developed a reputation as a more of a box-to-box midfielder. Manchester City and Belgium captain Vincent Kompany had this to say: “Everton fans might not even know it but their club has done an incredible bit of business. Vadis Odjida is a top player”. Although the deal fell through – Everton are likely to go in again January.

Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan

The USA International wants to return to Goodison Park for the third time and has revealed he misses every aspect of playing at Goodison Park. He said: “I would absolutely like to come back. There's no question about that. I know I will be back at some point. Now, whether im back as a player or just a fan, who knows?” He then went on to admit what he misses about The Everton faithful. “I miss the people. I miss the people a lot. I miss just the positive energy of the fans walking into the stadium and how much they care about the club and the team.” Donovan has had two memorable stints at Everton and will be eager to make it a third.

GOING OUT – Everton

Marouane Fellaini


Marouane Fellaini

The towering Belgian has been a revelation this season. Playing in an advanced role – Fellaini has been an integral part to Everton's uncharacteristic start to the season. Such performances have seen Fellaini linked to the major clubs across Europe – and even his manager admits he could be set to leave the club. Moyes said: 'I wont say theres no chance in the next window because everybody is available throughout the world if the offer is right.' Chelsea have been the main club linked with the Belgian – with a rumored £30,000,000 coming Everton's way. David Moyes could only dream of such an amount of money – but will it be worth losing his star player this season?

Leighton Baines


Leighton Baines

Linked with a major move to Manchester United last summer – only the price tag prevented the transfer for Leighton Baines. Dubbed Everton's most consistent and influential player – Baines has been marauding the left flank for years now. No doubt with the ability to play for a bigger side – Everton valued him higher than £15,000,000. A price deemed too high for Sir Alex Ferguson. However, Manchester United are not the only club believed to be interested in the left back. Italian side Napoli have shown interest – as well as German side Bayern Munich.

Nikica Jelavic


Nikica Jelavic

Jelavic has been a sensation at Goodison Park since his £5.5million move from Rangers. This season hasnt proven quite so productive as his debut season – but Jelavic is certainly a player David Moyes and Everton will be desperate to hold on to. Borussia Mochengladbach struggled for goals last term but still managed to secure a Champions League place – something Everton can not give the Croat. Being able to offer Jelavic a chance to play in The Champions League as well as mount a Bundesliga title challenge – Mochengladbach will have believe to sign the Everton hit man. However, Jelavic is rumoured to be happy at Everton, a club he believes is bigger than The German Side. Mochengladbach will have to pay around triple what Everton paid for Jelavic if they are to sign there man.

Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley

Although perhaps not on a permanent basis – the Everton youngster may be loaned out again to gain more first time experience. Barkley has been seen as the biggest thing to come out of Everton since Wayne Rooney. The youngster has recently signed a five year deal at Everton – but would benefit from first team football so he can integrate into the starting eleven at Goodison Park. A box-to-box midfielder who has been capped by England for U-21 level – bright things are expected of Ross Barkley in the Everton camp. Moyes will be keen to get his star youngster experience for future games.

Johnny Heitinga

Johnny Heitinga

The Dutch international has entered the final 12 months of his contract and has been linked with an exit from Goodison Park, with Turkish side and home of internatioanl team mate Fenerbache. Fenerbache are willing to pay up to £5,000,000 for the Dutch star – who will join up with ex-Everton team mate Joseph Yobo.The Istanbul club hope to agree a price for the Holland international quickly – and a January transfer may be on the cards. The sale of Heitinga will free up more funds for Moyes who will look to re-invest into his squad. Midfielders are needed at Everton – this 5 million could go into the bulking of Everton's midfield.

Source: DSG