In a candid interview with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Palermo sporting director Manuel Gerolin stated that the club will do their best to bring in a minimum of four or five players during the upcoming January transfer window.  

“We will intervene in an important way in January, we already know what to do,” said Gerolin. ”We evaluate the opportunities presented by the market but certainly will take two midfielders, a defender and one or two forwards.”

Despite the fact that the Sicilian club had 10 newcomers join during the summer transfer market, it does appear that Palermo are in need of some changes.  The Rosanero are currently sitting in 16th place of the Serie A table, just two points above the relegation zone.  While they did begin the campaign well, winning their first two league matches, Palermo have only recorded two victories since, a 12 match span.

The paramount problem for Palermo appears to be a lack of goals.  Although the Serie A outfit did add three forwards prior to the season starting, there is no doubt that they are severely missing Paulo Dybala.  Dybala, who joined Juventus for €32 million in June (could eventually be €40 million due to add-ons), netted 13 league goals for Palermo just last season.

Without the Argentine in their side, the Sicilians have only managed to score 13 goals in 14 league matches so far this season (tied for the second fewest in Serie A).

Another issue with the club’s current squad is the fact that club president Mauizio Zamparini has decided to indefinitely suspend Enzo Maresca, Luca Rigoni and Fabio Daprela.  The trio are allowed to practice with the club, but they are barred from being selected for matches from here on out.  The decision came after an ugly Coppa Italia loss to Alessandria, a team from the third-tiered Lega Pro division.

Daprela, Maresca and Rigoni are almost certain to depart the club during the January transfer period.

While purchasing 4 or 5 players during the month of January alone seems a bit drastic, Palermo are going to need to replenish the side following the potential departures of the aforementioned suspended trio.  Also, the club still seemingly has roughly €23 million left in the bank from the Dybala transfer, having only spent around €9 million on the 10 incoming players during the summer.

With plenty of options for the Sicilian club ahead, it will surely be interesting to see what moves they will make next month. The possibility of having an upwards of 15 players entering the fold during a six month span is certainly unusual, even for Palermo’s standards.