🔗 Share this article

This January recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and potential major transfers. Several high-profile players find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. We examine some of the top figures that are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward in contention, indications are an important move is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a sizeable release clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest developments suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has impress for Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit remains unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a handful of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under new manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure looks highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this season, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although financial demands might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current deal running down, many English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a race to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.