From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Who Might Be Making a Switch this January Transfer Window?
The winter transfer market proves to be a time of significant rumour and potential big-money transfers. Several notable footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their current teams. We examine a selection of the major names that might be on the move this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, indications are a major move is close. This 25-year-old possesses a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.
Marc Guéhi
This English centre-back has impress for Palace despite a previous move to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to run out in the close season, this represents the club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
This Welsh forward has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.
R. Neves
The Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a return to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The prolific English striker has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national squad. But, securing a transfer presents major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although starring and being named 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 Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the only available solution.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.
Kees Smit
The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.