This January transfer window is typically a time of significant speculation and potential big-money moves. Several high-profile players are being connected to transfers out of their current teams. Here is a look at a selection of the major figures that could be on the move this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, reports suggest a significant transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Latest reports 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 other options, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
The English centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the close season, January is the London club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales forward has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of league games. It is understood the North London club 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.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.
Rúben Neves
This Portugal playmaker might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure looks increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The proven England striker has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the national World Cup. But, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
The dynamic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in La Liga this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, although wage constraints could be a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.
K. Yildiz
The exciting Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal nearing its end, many Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is widely expected to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.
