From Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Could Be Transferring this January Transfer Window?
The January transfer window is always a period of significant rumour and possible major deals. Numerous high-profile players find themselves linked with transfers out of their present clubs. This article explores some of the key names who are poised to be changing clubs this month.
A. Semenyo
Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, indications are an important transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal featuring a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest developments point to the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
This English defender has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be open to a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
Rúben Neves
The Portugal playmaker might be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a January exit seems highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This prolific English striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer presents significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, though financial demands could be a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the sole viable solution.
Kenan Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkish forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.
K. Smit
This much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.