The January transfer window is approaching and Michael Bell has picked five Eredivisie stars who could be on the move.
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One of the biggest bargains to be had this January will be FC Twente star Hakim Ziyech, who is almost certain to leave the cash strapped club next month. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been outstanding for Twente this season despite their poor form, scoring ten goals and assisting five times in 17 Eredivisie matches.
He may be slight in frame, but Ziyech’s dribbling skills and vision on the ball make him one of the most intelligent midfielders in the country, while his set piece delivery and free kick taking are exceptional.
Ziyech turned his back on Netherlands to represent Morocco earlier this year and in January the uber-talent should also leave the country of his birth. Moves to Germany and England have been mooted, and Ziyech should raise around €10 million for a desperate Twente, who need to balance their books.
Possible destination: Dortmund have been heavily linked in the past. Ziyech would be perfect for a club like Liverpool or Southampton.
After struggling for form in the last few seasons, Henriksen has grown into AZ Alkmaar’s star performer and is undoubtedly the first name on John van den Brom’s teamsheet.
The 23-year-old has developed into one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders in the league, and has scored an exceptional 13 goals in 23 games this campaign, including four in the Europa League. This form hasn’t gone unnoticed around Europe and it appears Napoli are ready to tempt the Norwegian to Italy next month.
After a failed move for Ajax captain Davy Klaassen, Napoli have opened talks with AZ Alkmaar for Henriksen, who confirmed the interest while speaking to the media in Norway earlier this week. An offer of €5 million should see Henriksen depart the AFAS Stadion.
Possible Destination: Napoli
The young French forward initially joined Utrecht on loan from Auxerre in January last year, but the Dutch club snapped him up permanently on the cheap after he netted 11 goals in 17 games.
After only 16 games this season Haller has already matched last season’s tally as well as three goals in the KNVB Cup, but sadly for Utrecht the 21-year-old’s form has started a bidding war in England for his services.
Sunderland and Norwich City are locked in a battle to sign Haller this January and an offer of €10 million should be enough to convince Utrecht to sell the French U21 international, despite the striker only signing permanently for the club in the summer.
Strong, powerful in the air, and good with the ball at his feet, Haller is one of the most talented young forwards in Europe, but sadly his time in the Eredivisie will be short.
Possible destination: England. Sunderland and Norwich City the candidates so far.
One of the stars of the Eredivisie season so far, Tannane has catapulted Heracles to fourth in the table with seven goals and three assists in eleven games. However with the winger’s contract up in the summer, Heracles may be forced to cash in on their prized asset.
Turkish side Galatasaray have already made contact for the 21-year-old, who was born in Morocco, but represents Netherlands at U21 level.
Tannane is blessed with great skills on the ball and a fierce left foot, and along with Ziyech could be one of the bargains this January.
Possible destination: Turkey an option, but clubs from France and Germany could also make a move.
The Turkish international was Feyenoord’s main striker last season, and extended his stay in Rotterdam after netting 11 goals in 27 league games. However the arrival of Dirk Kuyt and Michiel Kramer in the summer has pushed Kazim-Richards down the pecking order and the striker has been reduced to a bit part substitute role.
With Feyenoord looking to raise funds to sign Twente midfielder Renato Tapia, and Kazim-Richards looking for regular first team action, both parties may decide an early end to their partnership is for the best, despite the 29-year-old only being a few months into a contract until 2017.
Possible destination: MLS club Philadelphia Union have been linked, while Kazim-Richards could return to Turkey.
I doubt that CKR leaves this winter. Vilhena yes, but I think CKR will be a summer move. The bigger question is can Feyenoord land Fer? That would be some great Christmas shopping!