From Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be on the Move in the winter Transfer Window?
The winter transfer market is always a period of significant rumour and potential big-money deals. A number of high-profile footballers find themselves linked with transfers out of their present clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the major figures that could be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest a major move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a £65 million release clause active for a brief period in early January. Recent developments point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.
M. Guéhi
This English defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract due to run out in the close season, January is the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.
B. Johnson
The Welsh winger has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started only a small number of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.
Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
This Portuguese playmaker could be set for a return to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems increasingly likely. Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The prolific English striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, though wage constraints could prove a problem.
H. Elliott
Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the young midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the only available solution.
K. Yildiz
The exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.
K. Smit
The much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.
