From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Who Could Be Transferring in the January Transfer Market?
This January transfer market is typically a period of intense speculation and potential major transfers. A number of notable players find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the key figures that could be on the move in January.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, it appears an important move is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
M. Guéhi
This England defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Wales forward has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.
R. Neves
The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under the coach Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems highly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This proven England striker has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.
The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this season, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though wage demands could be a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next season seems to be the sole viable outcome.
K. Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is widely expected to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around £22 million.