From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be on the Move during the January Transfer Market?
This winter transfer market proves to be a period of feverish speculation and possible big-money deals. A number of notable players find themselves linked with transfers out of their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the top names who could be on the move in January.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a significant transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a substantial release clause active for a two-week window in early January. Latest developments point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.
Marc Guéhi
This English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales forward has found starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.
Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
Rúben Neves
The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This prolific England striker has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. But, arranging a transfer presents significant challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With limited starts in Spain this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, though financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only available solution.
K. Yildiz
The exciting Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his current deal running down, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a race to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.