From Marc Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Making a Switch during the January Transfer Window?
The January transfer window is typically a period of feverish speculation and potential major deals. Numerous prominent stars find themselves linked with transfers out of their present teams. This article explores some of the key names that could be on the move this month.
A. Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward available, indications are a major transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal with a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.
M. Guéhi
This England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, such as Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
This Welsh winger has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.
R. Neves
This Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and had an operation, a winter exit looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of being in the national World Cup. However, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
The energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in La Liga this season, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, though financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer appears to be the only available outcome.
K. Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.
Kees Smit
This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.