From Marc Guéhi to Yildiz – Who Could Be on the Move this January Transfer Market?
This winter transfer market is typically a time of intense speculation and potential major moves. Numerous prominent players find themselves connected to transfers out of their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the top names who could be changing clubs in January.
A. Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward in contention, it appears a significant move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.
M. Guéhi
The England centre-back has impress for Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.
B. Johnson
The Wales forward has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started only a small number of league matches. It is understood the London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
R. Neves
This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The proven English striker has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of being in the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
This energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though financial demands could prove a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next season seems to be the sole available solution.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal nearing its end, a host of 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 contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a major move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.