From Guéhi to Yildiz – Who Could Be Transferring during the January Transfer Window?
The winter transfer market is always a period of intense speculation and potential major transfers. Numerous notable players find themselves connected to moves away from their present clubs. We examine some of the major names that might be changing clubs this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player in contention, indications are a significant move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a sizeable release clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest developments suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
This England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh winger has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started only a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be open to a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
R. Neves
The Portugal playmaker might be poised for a return to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following new coach Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the England squad. However, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move 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 final.
C. Gallagher
This energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though financial demands could prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the sole viable outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
This exciting Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.
K. Smit
This much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ side. The 19-year-old is widely expected to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.