From Guéhi to Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be on the Move in the winter Transfer Market?
The January transfer window is typically a time of feverish speculation and potential major moves. A number of notable footballers find themselves linked with transfers away from their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the key names who could be changing clubs this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player in contention, it appears an important move is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a brief window in early January. Latest developments suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.
Marc Guéhi
This English defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.
Brennan Johnson
This Welsh winger has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
R. Neves
The Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona under the manager Hansi Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
This prolific English striker has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling chances of making the national World Cup. But, securing a deal presents significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having limited starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though financial demands could prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this young player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the only available outcome.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkey forward has been in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract nearing its end, many English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a major move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around £22 million.