From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Could Be Transferring in the winter Transfer Market?
The January transfer market is typically a time of feverish rumour and possible major transfers. A number of high-profile players find themselves linked with moves away from their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the top names who might be on the move in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the player in contention, reports suggest an important move is close. This 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a sizeable release clause active for a short period at the start of the month. Recent reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
The England centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract due to run out in the close season, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London outfit is open to a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
The Portuguese midfielder might be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
The veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit looks highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.
I. Toney
This proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
Conor Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though wage demands could prove a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only viable outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkish attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current contract running down, many Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.