From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Transferring during the winter Transfer Window?
The January recruitment period is typically a period of intense speculation and potential big-money moves. Several prominent players are being connected to moves out of their current teams. This article explores some of the top figures that might be on the move this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, which has kept the forward available, reports suggest a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief window in early January. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other targets, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.
Marc Guéhi
The England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh forward has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started just a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the London club is willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.
Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
The Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under the manager Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a January departure looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
This prolific English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.
The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.
Conor Gallagher
This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial demands might prove a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.
K. Yildiz
The exciting Turkish attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal nearing its end, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a race 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 starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. This teenager is widely tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.