5 under-the-radar Premier League stars who clubs should be targeting in January
Dominic Solanke, Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins are among the names who have been linked with big-money moves to the Premier League elite in January.
Solanke has been sensational for Bournemouth this season, having already notched 12 goals in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have scored more than Solanke, while Bowen is level with Heung-min Son as joint-fourth in the standings. Although Watkins hasn't scored as many in the top-flight as Solanke and Bowen, the Aston Villa forward has nine goals and eight assists to his name.
Arsenal are among those that have been linked Solanke and Watkins, while Liverpool have been tipped with signing Bowen in the winter window. But what about those players who have gone a little under the radar, but would be a shrewd January addition? Mirror Football takes a look at five stars that may have not got the limelight they deserve.
Joao Gomes
A talented midfielder, Gomes has been excellent for Wolves this season after being handed a consistent chance to impress under Gary O'Neil. The Brazilian, who joined the club from Flamengo in January 2023, has started in 17 of Wolves' opening 19 Premier League matches.
Gomes was outstanding in Wolves' 2-1 win over Chelsea on Christmas Eve, making seven ball recoveries and won 10 of his 14 ground duels. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old also had 55 touches and dominated the midfield area, winning seven of his nine tackles. It wouldn't be a surprise if other Premier League sides are interested...
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Joao Gomes in action for Wolves (Getty Images)Alfie Doughty
Many didn't know how Luton would fare after promotion, but it's safe to say the Hatters are starting to settle into life in the top flight after a difficult start - and Doughty has been integral in their up-turn in form. The 24-year-old scored his first Premier League goal in their 3-2 win over Sheffield United and grabbed two assists in the narrow defeat against Arsenal earlier in the month.
Doughty is predominately a left-back, but is used as a wing-back in Luton's system and that is a role which is perfect for him. Only Kieran Trippier (157) has completed more crosses than Doughty (149) in the Premier League this season and the former Stoke defender is catching the eye of many.
Alfie Doughty has impressed for Luton this season (Getty Images)Milos Kerkez
Hungary international Kerkez has been a key part of Bournemouth's rapid resurgence in recent weeks, with the 20-year-old starring at left-back. He joined the Cherries from AZ Alkmaar in the summer and has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water, making 15 top-flight appearances this season.
Kerkez's delivery from the left hand side is second to none, while his defensive work is also impressive. He grabbed an assist in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa earlier this month and was excellent against Manchester United. Kerkez did, however, miss the Cherries' wins over Nottingham Forest and Fulham due to injury.
Joao Pedro
The Brazilian has been superb since joining Brighton from Watford in the summer, even though he has been a more prominent figure in the Europa League. Pedro is the top scorer in Europe's second tier competition, having struck six goals in six matches - including a stunning winner against Marseille to send the Seagulls top of the group.
Joao Pedro has scored 11 goals so far this season (Getty Images)Pedro's incredible European record has gone unnoticed due to Roberto De Zerbi's rotation in the Premier League, with Evan Ferguson often preferred as the No.9 in that competition. However, Pedro has still managed to score seven times in the top-flight, including a brace against Tottenham on December 28.
John McGinn
It may be harsh to stick McGinn on this list due to how well Aston Villa have performed this season, but it wouldn't be a surprise if any of the so-called 'Big Six' look at him in January. The Scot has arguably been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in 2023/24, with McGinn spearheading Villa's rise up the table.
He has often been praised in the past for his hard work and endeavour, but Unai Emery has managed to get McGinn playing with more quality and end product this season. The 29-year-old has already scored as many goals (seven) in a single season than he has done in his Villa career so far.
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