Seven Premier League legends who could return in January transfers like Hazard, Suarez and Balotelli
THE January transfer window has always provided fans with big-money entertainment.
From Fernando Torres swapping Liverpool for Chelsea, to Manchester United’s double swoop for Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, there have been some famous moves over the years.
But they could yet be blown away by January 2022’s market, with as many as SEVEN Premier League legends ready to return to England’s top flight.
Anfield icon Philippe Coutinho has already come back, joining Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona.
And with less than a fortnight to go until deadline day, clubs up and down the country are preparing late moves for other fan favourites of old… and even a few managers.
Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at the ‘Magnificent Seven’ who could soon be strutting their stuff yet again in the Premier League…
LUIS SUAREZ
ATLETICO MADRID to ASTON VILLA
Liverpool’s former star striker continues to impress for Atletico Madrid, winning last season’s LaLiga while scoring 28 goals in 51 appearances.
However, Suarez is out of contract this summer and looks unlikely to renew his deal with the champions.
And Aston Villa, managed by former Reds teammate Steven Gerrard, have emerged as favourites to sign the Uruguayan.
Gerrard has shown he can already secure big transfers after signing Coutinho, as well as Everton left-back Lucas Digne.
And he could yet move for Suarez to bolster his options in attack.
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EDEN HAZARD
REAL MADRID to CHELSEA
Once the toast of Stamford Bridge, Hazard’s steep decline at the Bernabeu has been painful to watch for Chelsea fans.
The Belgian is still remembered fondly for his match-winning abilities.
And Real are ready to sell Hazard for a bargain fee – less than three years after paying £130million for him.
Chelsea are reportedly interested after seeing their title challenge vanish over the festive period.
But there is also competition from Newcastle and Everton as Hazard looks for one last hurrah.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
UNATTACHED to BRENTFORD
Eriksen is fit and ready to play again following his cardiac arrest at last year’s Euros.
Having just been released on a free transfer by Inter Milan, the former Spurs star is now in talks with Brentford over a six-month deal.
Bees boss Thomas Frank worked with Eriksen in the Danish youth system.
And the assist machine is thought to be keen on a return to the capital.
That’s despite additional interest from Newcastle and Leicester, as well as several other teams on the continent.
DIEGO COSTA
UNATTACHED to ARSENAL
Gunners fans could not stand Costa when he was wearing the blue of Chelsea.
But the ferocious striker could be set to save Arsenal’s season.
With captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of favour and a move for Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic looking too expensive, Mikel Arteta has reportedly set his sights on free agent Costa.
The veteran has left Atletico Mineiro after helping them win the Campeonato in Brazil.
And Costa could now become the latest ex-Chelsea Samba star to play for Arsenal after David Luiz and Willian.
MARIO BALOTELLI
ADANA DEMIRSPOR to NEWCASTLE
Super Mario could be set for his third spell in England with super-rich Newcastle keen.
The ex-Man City and Liverpool striker has fallen off the radar in recent years.
But Newcastle are reportedly ready to meet Balotelli’s release clause in Turkey.
The Italian has eight goals and four assists in 20 games, and he could be keen to set some wrongs right back in England.
WAYNE ROONEY
DERBY to EVERTON
It’s not just players on the move this month.
SunSport exclusively revealed Rooney is wanted by former club Everton to become their new manager.
The ex-England skipper has worked wonders at Derby County despite their financial difficulties.
And Rooney is seen by Farhad Moshiri as the ideal man to steer Everton away from an unwelcome relegation fight.
However, ex-Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is also under consideration and would be keen on a Goodison Park return too.
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FRANK LAMPARD
UNATTACHED to EVERTON
It’s been a year since Lampard was sacked by Chelsea.
But he is one of several candidates who will be interviewed by Everton for their vacant hot seat.
Lampard came close to taking charge at Norwich when they sacked Daniel Farke earlier this season.
But the Stamford Bridge legend could now wind up on Merseyside as he seeks his second Premier League spell as a boss.