From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Who Might Be Making a Switch this January Transfer Market?
This January transfer window is always a period of intense rumour and potential big-money moves. Numerous notable footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the top names that could be on the move this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward in contention, it appears an important move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Latest reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.
M. Guéhi
This English defender has excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous top clubs, including City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Welsh forward has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started only a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London club is open to a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
The Portuguese midfielder might be set for a return to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January departure looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The proven England striker has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the national squad. But, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
This energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although financial constraints might prove a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next season seems to be the sole available solution.
Kenan Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkey forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current contract nearing its end, many Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.
K. Smit
The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.