From Marc Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be on the Move in the January Transfer Window?
This winter transfer window is always a period of intense speculation and potential big-money transfers. Several high-profile stars are being linked with transfers away from their current teams. Here is a look at a selection of the top names that are poised to be on the move in January.
A. Semenyo
Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, it appears a major move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a sizeable release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
This England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.
B. Johnson
The Welsh forward has had starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit would be open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The proven English striker has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. However, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.
Conor Gallagher
The energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this term, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although wage constraints could be a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole available solution.
Kenan Yildiz
The exciting Turkey attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal nearing its end, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.
Kees Smit
This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The teenager is heavily tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.