🔗 Share this article

The winter transfer market proves to be a period of significant rumour and potential major transfers. Several prominent footballers are being connected to transfers away from their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the major figures that are poised to be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward available, reports suggest an important move is close. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a short period at the start of the month. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other targets, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's top scorer last season, he has started just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça under new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven English centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of being in the England squad. But, securing a deal presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.

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

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although wage demands might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this term. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – 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 are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is widely tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.