From Guéhi to Yildiz – Who Could Be Transferring in the January Transfer Market?
This winter transfer market is typically a time of significant rumour and possible big-money transfers. Several high-profile footballers are being connected to moves out of their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the major figures who might be on the move this month.
A. Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, reports suggest a significant move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a substantial release clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.
Marc Guéhi
This English defender has excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, including City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
Rúben Neves
This Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure looks highly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This proven English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
Conor Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, though financial demands might prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young player has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only viable solution.
Kenan Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for Juventus this season. With his current deal running down, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.
