Five Welsh players who need to seek a transfer in the January window

In the build up to EURO 2020, every single Welshman will be vying for a ticket on the plane, for the opportunity of representing your nation in such a prestigious tournament is one of the biggest honours in the sport.

However, there are only limited spots, and who may need to seek a move elsewhere in January to ensure they make the 23-man squad?

Ben Woodburn

Touted as Wales’ next big hope, it really hasn’t worked out for young Ben Woodburn so far. Thrust into the limelight at just seventeen after his scintillating 25-yard strike against Austria, the youngster was sensationalised.

A product of the famed Liverpool Academy, Woodburn is currently in his third loan spell away from the club, now finding himself at Neil Critchley’s Blackpool following two unsuccessful stints at Sheffield United and Oxford. The midfielder, who only found the net once last campaign at the Kassam Stadium, is now struggling for minutes in Lancashire, registering just two starts for the Tangerines this season.

Once referred to by Jurgen Klopp as an “outstanding talent”, the Nottingham-born man has failed to meet the lofty expectations placed upon his young shoulders. However, it is easy to forget that Woodburn is still just twenty years old and thankfully has time on his side to get his faltering yet fledging career back on track. But should his ambitions of being a feature in the EURO 2020 squad be high, a loan move where regular minutes are guaranteed may well be the best option.

Rabbi Matondo

One of the many British youngsters to make the move to Germany, Rabbi Matondo’s time at the Veltins-Arena hasn’t worked out quite as well as many had hoped. Having spent time in the academies of both Cardiff and Manchester City, the rocket-heeled wide man was signed by German outfit Schalke for a fee in the region of £11M in January 2019.

Whereas fellow prodigies such as Jadon Sancho, Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham are thriving in Germany, Matondo hasn’t endured the same level of success- finding the back of the net just twice since making the move to Gelsenkirchen. Owing to a knee injury, the fledgling forward has graced the field on only two occasions this term.

Despite this, there is no shortage of suitors for Matondo’s services. Shortlisted by Manchester United as a potential backup option in their persistent pursuit for Jadon Sancho, the speed demon has also reportedly attracted the interest of Italian outfit Atalanta. However, Wales possess a plethora of crafty options out wide and if Matondo wishes to unleash his talent for the Red Dragons next year, a new destination could well be in his best interests.

Hal Robson-Kanu

A name eternally engraved into Welsh footballing folklore (you know why!), the thirty-one year old has failed to make an impression in the top flight with Slaven Bilic’s West Brom, not even starting a single fixture for the Baggies this term. Robson-Kanu, who registered ten strikes as the West Midlands outfit romped to promotion last season, has also seen his international influence dwindle due to the exciting emergence of towering forward Kieffer Moore.

But despite this, you still have to feel that the veteran forward has a lot to offer Ryan Giggs’ men. A broad, imposing centre forward with bags of experience throughout the English football league system, the heroic hitman also boasts the ability to bring others into the game with his craft and vision.

A figure of adoration on Welsh soil, it would be a shame to see Robson-Kanu fail to have an impact on proceedings considering his endearing impact in France. Yet with the ever-increasing contingent of Welsh forwards lighting up British football, Wales’ number nine will need to be seeking pastures new to secure a plane ticket come next summer.

Dan James

Propelled into prominence following a series of blitzing performances in the Championship for Swansea City, Dan James looked destined for stardom when he completed a move to Manchester United last summer. But it hasn’t quite panned out that way. Despite a scintillating start to life at Old Trafford- even receiving the Club’s player of the month award in August- the rip-roaring winger’s performances quickly deteriorated and now, it seems James is surplus to requirements in the North West, which is exemplified by his three Premier League appearances this term.

Blessed with sensational speed, the enrapturing young attacker has also shone on the international stage, quickly enforcing himself as a key part of Ryan Giggs’ plans. However, James’ lack of action in club football may well jeopardise his influence for Wales, particularly with the strong showings from David Brooks and Harry Wilson in the Championship. In spite of his peripherality, interest is still high in James’ signature; reportedly being tracked by Everton and Leeds ahead of the January transfer window. Having seen limited game time for the Red Devils this campaign, a temporary move away from Manchester surely remains James’ best option if he desires to be one of Ryan Giggs’ star men at EURO 2020.

Tyler Roberts

Currently plying his trade at Leeds United, fledgling forward Tyler Roberts has seemingly fell down the pecking order at Elland Road, earning a starting berth on only two occasions this term and as a result, has been widely tipped to move away from West Yorkshire next month. Already struggling for minutes on the International stage, Roberts’ EURO 2020 ambitions are hanging in the balance and a January departure would be a wise option.

Possessing outstanding versatility, the outcasted attacker has featured in both midfield and attack for Marcelo Bielsa’s side and registered four strikes in just twelve starts last season as the Whites waltzed their way to promotion. Previously linked with a move to Derby County, a return to the second tier seems imminent for Roberts, who was recruited by Leeds in the summer of 2018.

Once regarded as a bright talent following impressive loan spells with Shrewsbury Town and Walsall from then-parent club West Bromwich Albion, the youngster needs to make good on his promise- and seeking regular minutes might just be the way for Roberts to finally unleash his talent once more.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)