#360transfers: 10 players who could leave La Liga in January

David Cartlidge 16:12 27/12/2014
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  • Fabio Coentrao, Dani Garcia and Hector Moreno could all be playing their football elsewhere after the January transfer window.

    With the La Liga season currently on stand-still for it's customary winter break, we take a look at ten players who could be making possible moves in January.

    – #360transfers: 10 players who could leave the EPL in Jan

    Hector Moreno – Espanyol


    The Mexican defender is only with Espanyol after a leg break scuppered his chances of sealing a big move, but now fit again, he could be on his way.

    Moreno had an outstanding World Cup with Mexico, before sustaining the leg injury in the last 16 game against Netherlands, and came into the tournament after experiencing a strong season.

    Espanyol’s finances remain precarious and the 26-year-old, who is strong in the air and adept with the ball at his feet, could be a steal for any major club.

    Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs are watching the situation closest.

    Papakouli Diop – Levante

    The towering midfielder has been a consistent performer in La Liga for a number of years now, and might well view that at 28-years-old, this could be the best time for a move.

    The Senegal man is a strong, athletic performer in the centre of midfield, capable of protecting a defence and also supporting an attack.

    Any club aiming for safety, or pushing for Europe, could do a lot worse than the Levante player.

    Alessio Cerci – Atletico Madrid

    Things never seemed quite right for Alessio Cerci since day one at Atletico Madrid. He was by no means Diego Simeone’s choice of a marquee signing, but he was all that came available.

    Issues with weight, a lack of commitment to a specifically designed training regime and constant conversations about unhappiness with the media all ended up piling against the talented Italian.

    It seems inevitable he will leave the club, and a return to Italy looks most likely.

    Sami Khedira – Real Madrid

    There are different noises coming out of Madrid, but one that isn’t being heard is that a new contract is close for the German. Sami Khedira’s deal, expiring in 2015, is causing great concern at the club and interest is building outside of it.

    While the player has insisted he wishes to stay on, that by no means suggests he will, as the past has shown with various former Madrid players.

    Khedira’s a great tactical asset to the club, and his ability on the ball has improved massively since joining, so he would be a loss.

    However, actions are being taken to facilitate for any departure, with two or three replacements being lined up. Khedira would most certainly only move to a major club, and first team football.

    Carlos Bacca – Sevilla

    While Carlos Bacca comes with a hefty price tag potentially, there is that sure-fire guarantee of goals with the Colombian hitman.

    With 24 goals in 55 games, Bacca has proved himself to be one of the top strikers in Europe, as he helped Sevilla return to winning ways with their Europa League triumph.

    Although the financial situation at the Andlaucian side has improved, a large offer may prove too irresistible.

    Bacca’s a pure striker packing movement, power, finishing and pace. He’s a handful for any defence, and would be an asset for a team looking for a ruthless finisher.

    Martin Montoya – Barcelona

    The trajectory of Martin Montoya’s career hasn’t quite panned out as expected. At one point, he was on the verge of breaking into Spain’s XI, but now becoming an almost forgotten man at Barcelona. Injury however, coupled with favourability of Dani Alves, has held back the talented full-back.

    Montoya’s agent insists the player is exiting the club, and while he has been handed some minutes since this statement, the future still looks extremely uncertain.

    A move to England is potentially ideal, given Montoya’s tough exterior, and the availability of regular minutes at several clubs. Juventus could however, have a big say in that.

    Dani Garcia – Eibar

    One of the key players in Eibar’s heart-warming story, Dani Garcia could be a possible steal for a suitor with an astute eye for talent.

    At 24-years-old, he’s a good age, and talent wise, he seems to have been overlooked somewhat while playing at a lower level.

    Garcia’s a solid competitor in midfield, decisive in the tackle, hard working, and possessing ability on the ball too. Most appealing of all is that he could be picked up for extremely cheap.

    Ignacio Camacho – Malaga

    Malaga, like most clubs in Spain, will be susceptible to lucrative offers for their players in January. A whirlwind first half of the season has not gone unnoticed too, and that’s why someone such as Ignacio Camacho could be targeted.

    Camacho, highly rated as a youngster, has finally taken the right track in his career to become a solid performer in Spain’s top flight. His role isn’t spectacular, but it is effective. Camacho does a lot of the dirty work so that the more creative players are free to express themselves. He covers a lot of ground, is intelligent, and has leadership qualities.

    Every team needs a player like him.

    Nolito – Celta Vigo

    Nolito’s been the subject of interest from inside Europe before and it won’t be a surprise if the player, now capped with Spain, is again being discussed by major clubs.

    Nolito’s a lively winger who likes to cut inside, drive at opponents, and unleash a shot on goal or cutback a ball for a teammate. His speed, and ability to change direction, are his obvious assets, but he also tracks back and understands the value of team work.

    At 28 the chances of a major move are growing even slimmer, but he is clearly capable of playing on the bigger stage.

    Fabio Coentrao – Real Madrid

    With Marcelo recapturing his outstanding form, life has been made extremely difficult for Fabio Coentrao. The Portuguese has been long linked with a move away from the club, and it’s entirely feasible he could finally seal it. Several Premier League teams are watching his situation with great interest, and as he’s shown on his day few can match Coentrao when it comes to playing full-back.

    He’s an extremely well balanced player in the position, and when fully focused, is a real asset to the team. Whether Madrid, operating in several competitions, would want to part with a player who offers excellent cover, they might stall any potential transfer in order to keep such a valued team member.

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