From Marc Guéhi to Yildiz – Which Players Could Be on the Move this January Transfer Window?
This January transfer market is always a period of significant rumour and possible major moves. A number of notable stars find themselves connected to moves out of their current teams. Here is a look at some of the key figures that are poised to be on the move this month.
A. Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward in contention, it appears an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a short period in early January. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative targets, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
This England centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.
B. Johnson
This Welsh winger has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following the manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
This prolific English striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the England squad. But, arranging a deal presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although wage constraints might be a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the only viable outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
This exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal running down, a host of English clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – 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 highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around £22 million.