🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period proves to be a time of significant speculation and potential big-money transfers. A number of high-profile players find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. We examine a selection of the major figures who could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward in contention, indications are a significant transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a substantial release clause active for a two-week period in early January. Latest reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other targets, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's top scorer last season, he has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following new coach Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January departure seems highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven England centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. But, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though wage constraints might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a major move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around £22 million.