Ross Dunbar selects some of the Germany-based players who could be perfect purchases for English sides next month
1. Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg)
He'd be a decent addition to most forward lines in the Premier League, particularly as he'd probably only cost around £6m
Intelligent and a terrific finisher, Grifo is a guarantor of goals from wide positions. After scoring 14 times and providing 15 assists in the second division last term, the 23-year-old has six goals and four assists to his name this around. He'd be a decent addition to most forward lines in the Premier League, particularly as he'd probably only cost around £6m.
He averaged a goal every other game last season and, at 27, is at the perfect age to thrive in England
Strikers who regularly find the net are a valuable commodity in the modern market, and Finnbogason will have plenty of suitors next months. Strong, mobile and lively in the penalty box, the Iceland centre-forward has been an impressive talisman for Augsburg since his arrival from Real Sociedad; he averaged a goal every other game last season and, at 27, is at the perfect age to thrive in England.
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His combination of speed, stamina, ball-winning skills and creativity is likely to appeal to several Premier League managers
With Borussia Mönchengladbach in turmoil this Christmas, the January window might provide a route out of Borussia-Park for some of their first-team players. Guinean midfielder Traore is one who could be eyeing an exit, and his combination of speed, stamina, ball-winning skills and creativity are likely to appeal to several Premier League managers.
Every team needs a steady goalkeeper between the sticks and the Finland international is exactly that
The data may not necessarily back it up, but Hradecky has been one of Eintracht Frankfurt's most important players this season. Every team needs a steady goalkeeper between the sticks and the Finland international is exactly that, with his clean handling of the ball and constant communication with his defenders playing a big part in the club's excellent defensive record.
Groß gets through an enormous amount of work each week and is especially adept at pressing off the ball
Relegation-threatened Ingolstadt might be more open to transfers in January than most, both to improve their chances of survival and to prepare for life back in 2.Bundesliga. Their 25-year-old central midfielder Groß will attract most of the interest, and England would be a logical next step. Groß gets through an enormous amount of work each week and is especially adept at pressing off the ball, while he's also a fine set-piece taker and creator of chances on the counter – he made six goals last year and 23 in Ingolstadt’s promotion season.
Young, malleable and defensively sound, perhaps Guardiola would be keen to work with him for a second time
Many questioned Weiser's switch from Bayern Munich to Hertha Berlin in 2015 given that he'd been selected by Pep Guardiola in recent Bundesliga and Champions League matches, but the 22-year-old was clearly well advised: he needed regular first-team football away from the Allianz Arena lights and found it in the capital. Now that the right-back-cum-midfielder has proven himself, the time is approaching for him to take the next step in his career. Young, malleable and defensively sound, perhaps Guardiola would be keen to work with him for a second time.
The powerful 23-year-old is an excellent attacking option who doesn't neglect his defensive duties
Homegrown left-back Kolasinac has embodied Schalke's mini-renaissance under Markus Weinzierl. The powerful 23-year-old is an excellent attacking option who doesn't neglect his defensive duties, while he's also capable of playing in a more advanced role or in the heart of the defence. Out of contract this summer, the Royal Blues either have to get him tied down to a new deal or move him on in January.
The Albanian is dominant in the air and a real commander at the back
There are numerous Premier League teams who would welcome a conventional central defender over the next month, and Mavraj would fit the bill perfectly. The Albanian is dominant in the air and a real commander at the back, while he'd probably require minimal bedding in due to the similarities between the high-octane Premier League and rapid transitions of the Bundesliga.
Passlack hasn't played consistently in Dortmund colours, but he's shown plenty of ability when he has. While the 18-year-old may be short on experience, the right-back has the talent to thrive in the Premier League – eventually – and would presumably be open to a move after struggling for action at Signal Iduna Park. The teenager has all the attributes required to become one of the continent's most dynamic wing-backs.
