🔗 Share this article

This January recruitment period is always a period of intense rumour and potential major transfers. Numerous notable footballers are being linked with moves out of their current teams. This article explores some of the major names that are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, which has kept the forward available, it appears an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest developments point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Welsh winger has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun just a handful of league games. Reports suggest the North London club would be willing to consider a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems highly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a deal poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, though financial demands might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented player has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.