From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Could Be Transferring this January Transfer Window?
The January transfer market proves to be a period of intense speculation and potential major deals. Numerous notable footballers are being linked with moves out of their current teams. We examine some of the top names that are poised to be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player available, indications are an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million release clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
M. Guéhi
The English centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract due to expire in the close season, January is the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh forward has had starting opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a small number of league games. It is understood the London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
This Portuguese playmaker could be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January departure seems highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.
C. Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, though wage constraints could be a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is widely expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.