🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period is always a time of significant rumour and possible major transfers. Several notable footballers find themselves connected to moves out of their present clubs. We examine a selection of the top names that are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, indications are an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a deal with a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to run out in the close season, January is the club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started only a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

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

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next season seems to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for Juventus this season. With his current deal running down, many English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.