From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Who Might Be Transferring during the January Transfer Market?
This January transfer market proves to be a period of intense rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of notable stars find themselves connected to moves away from their current teams. This article explores a selection of the major names who might be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a £65 million release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other options, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
This England defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal set to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top sides, including City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.
B. Johnson
This Wales forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.
Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
Rúben Neves
This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The proven English striker has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this term, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the only viable outcome.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkey forward is in fine form for Juventus this season. With his existing contract nearing its end, many 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 lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.