🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish rumour and potential major deals. Numerous prominent footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their current clubs. We examine a selection of the key names who might be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, it appears a significant move is close. This 25-year-old has a deal with a substantial release clause active for a short period at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Anfield collapsing. As his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a January exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The proven English striker has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of making the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge salary render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, remains a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this season. With his current deal running down, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.