From Marc Guéhi to Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be Transferring in the winter Transfer Market?
The January recruitment period is typically a time of intense speculation and potential major deals. Numerous prominent players are being linked with moves away from their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the major figures who could be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, it appears a significant transfer is close. This 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a two-week window in early January. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
M. Guéhi
The England defender has continued to excel for Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract due to expire in the close season, January is the club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales forward has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London club is open to a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
R. Neves
This Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This proven English striker has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of making the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With limited starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, remains a option, although financial demands could prove a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Although excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only available solution.
K. Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkey forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing contract nearing its end, many Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.