From Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Might Be Transferring during the January Transfer Market?
This January transfer window proves to be a period of intense rumour and potential major transfers. Several notable players are being linked with moves out of their present clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures who are poised to be changing clubs this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, reports suggest a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a deal featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a two-week window in early January. Recent developments indicate Manchester City have emerged as his services. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.
M. Guéhi
The England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh winger has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has started only a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
Rúben Neves
This Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. But, securing a deal poses major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous salary render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although financial constraints could prove a problem.
H. Elliott
Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young player has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next season appears to be the only available solution.
K. Yildiz
The exciting Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his current deal nearing its end, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.