🔗 Share this article

The January recruitment period proves to be a period of intense speculation and potential major transfers. Several notable stars are being connected to transfers away from their present clubs. We examine a selection of the key names that could be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the player available, indications are an important transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a brief period in early January. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the club's last chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, such as City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of league games. Reports suggest the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a January exit seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the England World Cup. But, arranging a transfer presents significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, though financial constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the only available outcome.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal running down, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.