From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Could Be on the Move during the January Transfer Market?
The January transfer window is always a time of significant rumour and potential major moves. Several notable players are being connected to moves away from their current clubs. We examine a selection of the major names that could be changing clubs in January.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward in contention, indications are a major transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract with a substantial release clause applicable for a brief window at the start of the month. Recent reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.
Marc Guéhi
The England defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Welsh forward has found starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
The Portugal playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter exit looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
The proven England striker has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this term, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, though wage constraints could prove a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the only viable solution.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this season. As his current deal nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.