Squawka’s January Transfer sale: Uncovering the bargains across Europe

Aerial Dominance

England

Peter Crouch (Stoke City): 135 headers (65% success).

Standing at 6ft 7in tall, Stoke City’s target man has won the greatest number of headers (135) throughout Europe’s top five leagues, and while he remains a key figure in Mark Hughes’ first team plans, a decent fee could prise an ageing Peter Crouch away.

France

Bruno Ecuele Manga (Lorient): 93 headers (68% success).

The 25-year-old Gabon international has won 93 headers for Lorient this season – the greatest amount in Ligue 1 – and according to Sky Sports, Ecuele Manga has spoken of his desire to play in the Premier League under Roberto Martínez. Could he therefore be set for a January move?

Spain

Christian Stuani (Espanyol): 85 headers (59% success).

Last year talkSPORT announced that Christian Stuani was attracting a great deal of attention from across Europe, and on closer inspection of the Uruguayan’s statistics it’s clear to see why. Espanyol’s powerful striker has won the greatest number of headers (85) in the current La Liga campaign.

Germany

Adrián Ramos (Hertha Berlin): 105 headers (40% success).

Another entry for Adrián Ramos here, who has netted four headed goals so far this season. He may have only won 40% of attempted aerial duels, however the total number of successful headers (105) is rivalled only by Peter Crouch.

Italy

Germán Denis (Atalanta): 71 headers (42% success).

Germán Denis has reportedly attracted interest from Lazio coach Edoardo Reja in recent months, following the dismissal of Vladimir Petkovi? after disciplinary proceedings.

Luca Toni (73) is the only player to have won more headers than Denis in Serie A this season, highlighting a striker who is more than capable of spearheading attacking moves as well as supplying ammunition to others.