Manchester City understands the challenges of making purchases during the January transfer window. Clubs tend to increase prices, recognizing that this is a time for urgent buyers who are often more anxious than they would be in the summer, and players are generally less inclined to switch teams halfway through the season. For instance, would Ederson want to transfer to another team now that Atalanta is currently leading Serie A and performing well in the Champions League? This month, the Champions League has presented two new challenges for Txiki Begiristain due to alterations in the competition. What was already a challenging month for finalizing deals has become even tougher. As Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou pointed out, the group stage of the new European tournaments extending until January 30 has made clubs more reluctant to part with players than before. In past years, clubs would have known by early December if they would qualify for the knockout rounds, but now they must endure a tough January to remain competitive until the end due to the league standings. “This January is a bit tougher because in previous seasons, some clubs would already be out of the Champions League and could consider letting a few players go,” Postecoglou mentioned. “That isn’t happening right now since all European competitions are uncertain.” That likely makes it even more challenging. Similar to Ederson possibly being reluctant to transfer this month, Atalanta will also be hesitant to sell him as they aim to secure their position in the Champions League round of 16.
