From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Making a Switch during the winter Transfer Market?
This January transfer window is always a time of significant rumour and potential major transfers. Numerous notable footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the key names who might be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player in contention, indications are an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.
Marc Guéhi
The England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January exit remains unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.
B. Johnson
The Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun just a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the correct price, believed 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 showing an inquiry.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça under new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.
I. Toney
The prolific England centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of being in the national World Cup. However, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.
The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though wage demands might be a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
This exciting Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current deal running down, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
The much-admired 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 Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.