From Guéhi to Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Transferring this January Transfer Market?
The January transfer window proves to be a time of significant speculation and potential major transfers. A number of prominent players find themselves connected to transfers away from their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the major figures who are poised to be changing clubs this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, reports suggest an important move is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a two-week period in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.
Marc Guéhi
The England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Welsh forward has found starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, he has started only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. 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 forty million pounds.
R. Neves
This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January exit looks highly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The prolific English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this season, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, remains a option, although financial constraints could be a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.
K. Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in fine form for Juventus this season. With his existing contract running down, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.
Kees Smit
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.