From Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be Making a Switch in the January Transfer Window?
This January transfer market is typically a time of intense rumour and potential big-money deals. Several prominent stars are being connected to moves out of their current teams. This article explores a selection of the top names who might be changing clubs this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, indications are a significant move is close. This 25-year-old possesses a deal with a sizeable release clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent developments point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.
M. Guéhi
This England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract due to run out in the close season, this represents the club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Although being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following the coach Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a January departure looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
The proven English striker has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, although financial demands might prove a problem.
H. Elliott
Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next season seems to be the sole viable outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.