🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period is always a period of intense rumour and potential big-money moves. Numerous high-profile players find themselves connected to moves out of their current teams. We examine a selection of the top figures that are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player in contention, it appears an important move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Recent developments point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other targets, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun just a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça following new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of being in the England squad. However, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge salary make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial demands could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing contract running down, a host of English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.