🔗 Share this article

The January recruitment period proves to be a period of intense speculation and possible major transfers. Numerous high-profile stars are being connected to transfers away from their current clubs. This article explores a selection of the key figures that might be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player available, reports suggest an important transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract due to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh forward has had first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London club would be willing to consider a sale for the right price, 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 rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter departure looks increasingly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of making the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, though financial demands might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in fine form for Juventus this season. With his existing deal running down, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.