From Marc Guéhi and Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Transferring in the January Transfer Window?
This January transfer market is typically a time of intense speculation and potential major moves. A number of notable footballers find themselves connected to transfers out of their current teams. We examine a selection of the top names who might be on the move in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward available, it appears a significant transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Recent reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.
M. Guéhi
The English defender has excel for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit is considered difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Welsh winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer last season, he has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.
R. Neves
This Portugal playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
The experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça under the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
The prolific England striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. But, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
The energetic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, although wage constraints could prove a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.
Kenan Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but face a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.
Kees Smit
This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.