The transfer window is now open and January could see a number of big Dutch stars on the move. Below are five players that could be on their way to your club.
- By Michael Bell
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The big centre back was one of Netherlands stars at last summer’s World Cup, and has since been constantly linked with a move away from Aston Villa. The 29-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and with both Manchester United, and Liverpool said to be interested a move may be imminent. Vlaar himself stated recently that he hasn’t heard anything from Manchester United, but that could change very quickly.
Interested clubs: Manchester United, Liverpool
Galatasaray are in financial trouble and Sneijder being one of the clubs highest earners could be the first player shown the door. Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with the midfielder, but a return to Italy has also been mooted. Juventus are looking for a new play-maker, while Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has admitted his admiration for the club’s former star. Sneijder’s star has fallen slightly over the past few years, and a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs may be the only way to re-energise the 30-year-old’s career.
Interested clubs: Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Inter Milan
Dost was the Eredivisie’s top goalscorer in 2012, netting 32 times for Heerenveen before earning a £6 million move to German club Wolfsburg. However Dost’s time in Germany has been a disappointing one, with injuries and a drop in form seeing the 25-year-old restricted to 47 Bundesliga appearances over the past two and a half seasons, within with the striker has scored 14 times. With Niklas Bendtner and Ivica Olic ahead of the Dutchman in the pecking order, a move away may be needed for Dost to secure first team action. Dost has previously been linked with a move to England, while Feyenoord could try and lure him back to Netherlands.
Interested clubs: Newcastle United, Feyenoord
After three injury hit seasons at Barcelona and a short period at Schalke, Afellay appeared to be getting his career back on track this season with a starring role for Greek side Olympiakos. The 28-year-old even earned himself a place back in Netherlands starting line-up, scoring an important goal against Kazakhstan. However the player’s attitude has once again been called into question and Olympiakos coach Michel has reportedly banished the Dutchman from first team training, and is reportedly happy to terminate his loan deal after being unimpressed with Afellay’s commitment.
If the two parties cannot work out their differences, Afellay may find himself back at Barcelona, and will most likely then be sent out on loan once again.
Interested clubs: Inter Milan, AC Milan
The former Groningen centre back has been a hit in Scotland ever since signing for Celtic in 2013, and the 23-year-old’s form has alerted a number of clubs in England, especially Arsenal. Celtic boss Ronny Deila has stated his top priority in January is to keep hold of the defender, but the players agent believes it could be a busy winter, and a big bid may force the Scottish club’s hand.
Van Dijk has been included in Netherlands squad recently, but is yet to make his debut. A move to England and a starring role in the Premier League could see Van Dijk become an important member of Guus Hiddink’s Oranje.
Interested clubs: Arsenal, Sunderland, Newcastle, Tottenham, Southampton