This January transfer window proves to be a period of significant speculation and possible major moves. Numerous high-profile players are being linked with moves out of their present teams. This article explores a selection of the key figures who could be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player available, it appears a significant move is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a brief period in early January. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.
M. Guéhi
This English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to run out in the close season, this represents the club's last chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
This Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The proven English striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of being in the national squad. However, securing a transfer poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous salary make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
This dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, although wage constraints might be a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Despite starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the sole viable outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his current deal nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is heavily expected to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.
