Premier League clubs tend to be reluctant to lose their players in the winter transfer window.
But January is an opportune month for fringe stars to put their clubs under pressure and make their demands clear for the second half of the season.
Below we have listed five Premier League players who will likely push for a transfer this winter.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee has failed to meet expectations of Manchester United fans since joining the club in 2024 for £36.5 million fee.
The Dutch forward has recorded only eight goals in 60 senior appearances.
Zirkzee is clearly not part of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans, as the Portuguese has given him just three Premier League starts this campaign.
The Netherlands international looks to engineer a return to the Serie A, with Roma very keen on his signature. But it remains to be seen whether the Italian side manage to agree terms with United.
Omar Marmoush
Omar Marmoush joined Manchester City during the previous winter transfer window for a fee around £59 million.
The Egyptian made an impressive start to life in the Premier League, netting seven goals in his opening 14 league appearances.
However, things have turned out to be different for the 26-year-old this season, as he has been limited to just two league starts.
Marmoush, who is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), may push for an exit for more first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri enjoyed a standout 2024-25 campaign, scoring nine goals in 37 matches across all competitions.
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But he has been limited to just 165 top-flight minutes this term and wasn’t even in the matchday squad for Tuesday’s home clash with Aston Villa.
With Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard all returning to the fold, Nwaneri may find it even harder to get a place in Mikel Arteta’s team.
The 18-year-old may be tempted to secure a loan exit this month amid interest from several Premier League clubs.
James Trafford
James Trafford joined Manchester City last summer and started the season as Pep Guardiola’s No.1 goalkeeper.
But he made a costly mistake against Tottenham Hotspur and the Citizens went on to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Trafford hasn’t started in the English top-flight since, with Donnarumma ahead of him in the pecking order.
The 23-year-old will undoubtedly be frustrated with his current situation and may push for a move to another club this winter.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling won four Premier League titles and five Carabao Cups during his time at City.
He was instrumental in City’s success, scoring 131 goals and creating 86 assists in 339 appearances across all competitions.
But the 31-year-old is now completely frozen out at Chelsea, where he hasn’t played a single minute of competitive football this season.
Sterling will look to find another club this winter as he aims to revive his fortunes.
Stats from Transfermarkt