From Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Might Be Transferring in the winter Transfer Market?
This winter transfer market is typically a time of significant rumour and possible major deals. Several notable stars are being connected to transfers away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the key figures who are poised to be on the move in January.
A. Semenyo
Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest an important move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
Marc Guéhi
The England centre-back has excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a sale for the right price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
The Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This proven English centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of making the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this season, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a option, though wage demands could be a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the only available outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
The exciting Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.
K. Smit
The much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is widely expected to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.