From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Transferring in the January Transfer Window?
The January transfer window is always a time of intense rumour and potential big-money transfers. A number of high-profile stars find themselves connected to moves away from their present clubs. This article explores some of the top figures who are poised to be changing clubs this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player available, indications are an important move is close. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a £65 million release clause active for a short period in early January. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.
M. Guéhi
The English centre-back has impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter exit is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales forward has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the North London club is willing to consider a sale for the right price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
This Portugal playmaker might be poised for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.
I. Toney
This prolific English striker has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of making the national squad. However, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
The energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a option, though wage constraints could be a problem.
H. Elliott
Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer appears to be the sole viable solution.
Kenan Yildiz
The exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. As his existing contract nearing its end, many English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but face a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.