From Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be Transferring in the January Transfer Market?
The winter transfer market is typically a period of feverish speculation and possible major transfers. Numerous prominent stars find themselves connected to transfers out of their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the top figures who are poised to be changing clubs this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, it appears a significant transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short period in early January. Recent developments suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.
M. Guéhi
The England centre-back has continued to excel for Palace this season a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal due to run out in the close season, January is the club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter exit is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh winger has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
R. Neves
This Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a January exit looks increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This prolific English centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
This dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although financial constraints might prove a problem.
H. Elliott
Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only available outcome.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkey forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his existing contract running down, many English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.
Kees Smit
The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is widely expected to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.