🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period is always a period of intense speculation and possible big-money deals. Several prominent footballers find themselves linked with transfers out of their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the top names who are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a substantial release clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool falling through. As his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, such as City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

The Welsh forward has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of making the England squad. However, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starts in Spain this season, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, although financial constraints might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next summer appears to be the only available solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.