At just over the halfway point of the Premier League season, Arsenal have a comfortable lead at the top, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley, and West Ham United look set for the drop, and just nine points separate 15th from fourth.
But, as the season has proved thus far, things can change quickly. After five games, Liverpool looked like they would run away with the league again, while Aston Villa hadn’t even won a match. Even Tottenham Hotspur were in third at that point.
Really, there is still everything to play for, and the January transfer window offers teams the perfect opportunity to make important personnel changes that could deliver crucial points. The right player or two could make the difference in a title challenge, the hunt for European competition qualification, or a relegation battle.
Ahead, we’ve looked at just one player that every Premier League should target as the league’s second act continues. Finances, club profile, positional needs, circumstances, and a dash of realism have informed these picks, and each could play a crucial role in the months to come.