🔗 Share this article

The winter transfer market is always a period of significant speculation and potential big-money deals. A number of notable stars are being linked with transfers out of their current clubs. This article explores some of the top figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player available, it appears a major transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a brief period in early January. Latest developments suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The English centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to run out in the close season, this represents the club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, including City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under the manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, securing a transfer poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though wage demands might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This teenager is heavily expected to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.