🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period is always a period of intense speculation and potential major deals. Several high-profile players find themselves connected to transfers away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the top names who are poised to be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward available, reports suggest a significant move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a brief period in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

The English centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, such as City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun only a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

R. Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might 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 is a potential bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça following new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit seems highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The prolific England striker has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. But, securing a transfer presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a option, though wage constraints might be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.