Six Transfers We're Excited About

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the January transfer window was just about the transfer of Erling Haaland, given that he’s making headlines all over the place for his ludicrous goalscoring exploits. There’s been some excellent business done across Europe, so we did a sweep of the ever-evolving market to see where the best deals took place.

Of course, there were the big clubs spending big money to reinforce their squads, but you know about those moves already. These are the transfers to really get excited about, involving players you will want to keep an eye on in the final few months of the current season and beyond. More importantly, you will be able to try out these players at their new clubs in the upcoming winter update.

Exequiel Palacios, Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Exequiel Palacios was tracked by many of the world’s top clubs after breaking through in his native Argentina and it’s easy to see why. The 21-year-old already has great vision and regardless of whether he’s playing slightly deeper or operating as a traditional number ten, he was the creative heartbeat in River Plate’s system. He moved to Leverkusen, a club renowned for developing young talent, in December and it’ll be fascinating to see how he progresses in the years to come. Leverkusen also did a good job of signing defensive reinforcements in January, snapping up young Burkinabe centre-back Edmond Tapsoba.

Notable Attributes: Passing, First Touch, Vision, Determination

Dani Olmo, RB Leipzig

Dani Olmo, a go-to signing for many FM players, was finally snapped up from Dinamo Zagreb in this transfer window, with RB Leipzig adding to their already sizable crop of gifted youngsters. Comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or a second striker, the Spaniard has certainly taken a less-trodden path thus far in his career but he’s got the potential to make a real splash in the Bundesliga.

Notable Attributes: Versatility, Dribbling, Flair, Movement

Emile Smith-Rowe, Huddersfield Town (on loan from Arsenal)

Big things have been expected of the teenage Arsenal midfielder since he broke through to the fringes of the first team two years ago on a pre-season tour of Asia. He’s being readied to contend for starting place at the Emirates Stadium but a loan spell at Huddersfield in the Sky Bet Championship will give him the opportunity to play regular minutes and show off his skill set, potentially paving the way for a breakout campaign next time round.

Notable Attributes: Acceleration, Technique, Flair, Vision

Santiago Ascacibar, Hertha Berlin

Ascacibar really improved during his three years with Stuttgart and his burgeoning reputation has earned him a move to Hertha Berlin. The Argentinian is not afraid of making tough tackles and if the club can work out how to accommodate him and fellow top prospect Arne Maier in the same system, they’ve got the makings of something very special. Ascacibar was not the only player to join Hertha in January, with Krzysztof Piatek, Lucas Tousart (who was loaned straight back to Lyon) and highly-rated Brazilian Matheus Cunha also making the switch.

Notable Attributes: Tackling, Bravery, Agility, Aggression

Martin Pongracic, VfL Wolfsburg

Croatia’s Marin Pongracic has all the fundamental skills to become a world-class defender and although he wasn’t always a regular starter for his previous club, Wolfsburg have taken a punt on him. Strong in the air and capable with the ball at his feet, Pongracic has the versatility to suit a variety of systems and playing alongside the likes of Jerome Roussillon, John Brooks and Kevin Mbabu will help him develop even more.

Notable Attributes: Bravery, Strength, Jumping Reach, Positioning

Jean-Kevin Augustin, Leeds United (on loan from RB Leipzig)

Jean-Kevin Augustin didn’t kick on in the way many expected after he left Paris Saint-Germain and moved to RB Leipzig, scoring just one in 13 appearances on loan at Monaco in the first half of this season. After that loan ended, the French striker moved to Leeds United and judging by his social media activity, he seems excited to be playing with Marcelo Bielsa’s Sky Bet Championship promotion chasers. Will he be able to realise his potential and help fire the Yorkshire club back to the top flight?

Notable attributes: Pace, First Touch, Balance, Flair