From Marc Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Making a Switch during the winter Transfer Window?
The winter transfer window is typically a time of feverish rumour and potential big-money moves. A number of notable stars are being connected to moves out of their present teams. We examine some of the key names who are poised to be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, it appears an important transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window in early January. Recent developments point to the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.
M. Guéhi
The England defender has continued to excel for Palace despite a previous move to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to expire in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although being the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun just a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the North London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.
Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around £40m.
R. Neves
This Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a January departure looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
This prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a deal presents significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
This energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, though wage demands might be a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Despite starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next season appears to be the sole viable solution.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkey 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 – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.
K. Smit
This much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.
