🔗 Share this article

The winter recruitment period proves to be a time of significant speculation and potential big-money deals. Several prominent footballers are being connected to transfers out of their current teams. We examine some of the top names who could be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player available, it appears a major transfer is close. The 25-year-old possesses a deal with a substantial buy-out clause active for a short period at the start of the month. Recent reports suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has excel for Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to expire in the close season, January is the club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of league matches. It is understood the North London club would be open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder could be poised for a return to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, securing a transfer poses major hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although wage constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing contract nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ side. This teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.