From Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Could Be Transferring this January Transfer Market?
This winter transfer window is always a period of intense rumour and potential major moves. Several notable footballers find themselves linked with transfers out of their present clubs. We examine some of the key names who might be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the player available, it appears a significant transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.
M. Guéhi
The England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter exit is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales forward has had first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of league games. It is understood the North London club is willing to consider a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.
R. Neves
The Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça under new manager Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a January departure seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer presents significant challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, although financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the only available outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is heavily tipped to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around £22 million.
