This January recruitment period is always a period of intense rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of notable footballers find themselves linked with transfers away from their present clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the top figures who might be on the move this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Although Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the forward in contention, it appears a major move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Recent developments suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.
Marc Guéhi
The England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a January departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.
Brennan Johnson
This Welsh forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London club is willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
This Portugal midfielder could be poised for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.
I. Toney
This proven England centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. But, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.
Conor Gallagher
The energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a option, although financial constraints might be a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only available solution.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkish forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.
K. Smit
This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is widely expected to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.
