The best value transfer targets in the Premier League

January is always a risky time for buying teams, but there’s value in the Premier League if you’re willing to look for it.

It was was nearly nine years ago that Sir Alex Ferguson infamously claimed that he saw no value in the transfer market. The then Manchester United manager, who had sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world record £80 million just six months previously, saw an inflated marketplace that overvalued even the most average of talents.

Of course, Ferguson’s comments now look rather foolish, particularly given that Manchester City signed David Silva and Yaya Toure for a combined £48 million the following summer, but one wonders what the great Scot thinks of the transfer market in 2018. What did he make of Everton paying £50 million for Richarlison, for instance? Or Chelsea splurging £71 million on young goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga?

Ferguson’s remarks would ring truer now than they did eight years ago. And yet for all the rapid inflation of the transfer market, there’s still value to be found. Just look at Liverpool’s £10 million signing of Andy Robertson. Or Wolves’ capture of Joao Moutinho from Monaco for just £5 million. There are others out there, too.

Philip Billing, for instance, is one such under-the-radar talent the Premier League elite should be taking a look at this January. In a Huddersfield side struggling with Second Season Syndrome, the Dane can be overlooked. But as a central midfielder he offers great energy and drive through the middle of the pitch.

Quality full-backs are hard to find in the modern game, but Kiko Femenia would be a shrewd signing in this position for somebody. The 27-year-old might not be an attacking outlet in the way some are, but he’s a good dribbler and offers a high degree of defensive solidity.

If it’s defenders the Premier League elite are on the lookout for this January, then Jamaal Lascelles certainly deserves a mention. Times have been tough at Newcastle this season, but Lascelles has proven himself a dependable figure at the top level. Injuries have hindered him in recent weeks, but Newcastle clearly value him, tying him to a new six-year contract just last month. As long as Mike Ashley remains the club’s owner, though, an affordable deal could be struck.

Nathan Ake is another who could make the step up this January, although he’s very much on the radar with Chelsea and Manchester United both linked with the Dutch defender. Ake has become an integral part of Eddie Howe’s dynamic Bournemouth side and at just 23 has an extremely bright future ahead of him. The mooted fee of £30 million would represent good value for any prospective buyer.

Not so long ago Southampton were the elite’s shopping mall. It was where they went for up and coming talent. It was only a year ago that Liverpool parted with £75 million to take Virgil van Dijk from the south coast club. A lot has changed since then, though. Southampton are fighting a relegation battle. They have lost their identity as a club, and yet a transfer market raid for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg would still be worthwhile.

A central midfielder or a defensive mindset, Hojbjerg would fit in at Arsenal, where they could use an anchoring figure to take some of the weight off Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira. And if Arsenal are in the market for reinforcements this January they should also target Matt Ryan. Bernd Leno doesn’t yet look comfortable in an Arsenal shirt, while Petr Cech is incapable of playing the way Unai Emery wants. Ryan, Brighton’s reliable Australian goalkeeper, would be a good stopgap.

January is rarely the best time to sign players. Inducting new arrivals into a team midseason can be difficult. Summer signings are afforded preseason to adjust and tailor their game to their new surroundings. January signings don’t have that luxury. Nonetheless, the right deal at the right price can arise. Teams might just have to look a little closer.