🔗 Share this article

The January recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish speculation and possible major moves. A number of notable stars are being connected to moves out of their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the key names who are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short window in early January. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

The England centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal due to expire in the close season, January is the club's last chance to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven England striker has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the England squad. But, securing a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous salary render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though wage demands might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing contract nearing its end, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a race to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily expected to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.