With that in mind, FourFourTwo looks at five Australians abroad who need a move before the transfer window shuts.

And with crucial 2018 World Cup qualifiers in March and the Confederations Cup in mid-year, this transfer window takes on added importance. 

Mat Ryan (Valencia)

The Socceroos number one has been public about his need to move in January, having grown frustrated with his lack of opportunities at the Mestalla.

Ryan has played just twice for Valencia this term, both early in the season. Cesare Prandelli’s exit in late December leaves some ambiguity about Ryan’s position in the side, but he’s been third choice behind Diego Alves and Jaume Domenech for too long, meaning he’ll be seeking a switch.

 

Robbie Kruse (Bayer Leverkusen)

The 28-year-old has spent almost six years in Germany but the past few seasons haven’t been fruitful for a player who has been beset by injuries.

He may be one of too few Socceroos who is part of a big European club, but now is the time to move, with opportunities seldom forthcoming. Kruse has made one start and two substitute’s appearances all season, constituting barely 90 minutes of club football. He’s been linked with a move to China as well as the United States.

Curtis Good (Newcastle)

Good is practically a forgotten man these days, such is the length of his injury-enforced stint on the sidelines.

However, the one-time Socceroos defender has been fit for the past six months and building up confidence in his body and match sharpness with Newcastle’s reserves and under-age sides. The 23-year-old told FourFourTwo in October of his desire to find a loan switch in January and he may have some suitors, with previous spells at Dundee United and Bradford City in mind.

Daniel De Silva (Roda JC)

The teenager’s European switch from Perth Glory 18 months ago caused a lot of confusion. Who owns him? Did the big-money move to AS Roma fall through? Whatever the case, the winger’s time at Roda JC hasn’t quite worked out and the intentions of Roma remain unclear.

De Silva has made nine appearances for Roda JC this term, but only one in the past seven fixtures. Injuries haven’t helped his cause in 2016 and he is still only 19, but having not joined the club’s January training camp in Portugal, it appears he’s assessing his options.

Matthew Spiranovic (Hangzhou Greentown)

The Australia centre-back has some important decisions to make, following the relegation of his Chinese club from the Super League back in November.

Spiranovic still has a year to run on a lucrative contract with Hangzhou but playing in the Chinese second tier isn’t exactly where the 28-year-old would’ve anticipated his career would be at at this point. Pre-season is now underway for most clubs in China so the clock is ticking.