From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be on the Move in the January Transfer Market?
The winter transfer window is typically a period of significant rumour and potential major deals. Several high-profile footballers are being connected to transfers away from their current clubs. This article explores a selection of the major names that might be on the move this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the forward available, it appears a major transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal with a substantial release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative targets, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
M. Guéhi
This English centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his deal due to run out in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.
Brennan Johnson
This Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London club is open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.
R. Neves
This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The proven English centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of being in the national squad. However, arranging a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
The dynamic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, although wage demands 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 talented player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next season appears to be the only viable outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkey forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal nearing its end, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.