🔗 Share this article

This January recruitment period is always a time of intense speculation and potential major transfers. Several notable footballers are being linked with moves out of their present clubs. We examine a selection of the key figures that could be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, it appears a major transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal with a substantial release clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent developments point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

This English defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal due to run out in the summer, January is the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh forward has found starting minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the London club is open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a January departure looks highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English striker has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, although financial constraints could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer appears to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his current deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. The teenager is heavily tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.