From Marc Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Making a Switch this winter Transfer Market?
The January recruitment period is always a period of feverish speculation and possible major moves. Several prominent players are being linked with moves out of their present teams. Here is a look at some of the major names that are poised to be on the move in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player available, it appears a major move is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.
M. Guéhi
This English centre-back has excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, including City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh forward has found starting minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.
Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
This Portugal midfielder might be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit looks highly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
This prolific English centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This dynamic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, though wage demands could prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only available outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his current contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.
K. Smit
The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.