From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Might Be on the Move this winter Transfer Window?
The January transfer window proves to be a time of significant speculation and potential major transfers. Several notable players are being connected to transfers out of their present teams. Here is a look at some of the top figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, it appears an important transfer is close. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
M. Guéhi
The England centre-back has impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to run out in the close season, this represents the club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales forward has had starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London club would be open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
The Portuguese playmaker could be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under new manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
This proven England striker has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the England squad. But, arranging a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous salary render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, although wage demands might prove a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next season appears to be the only viable outcome.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, a host of English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.