🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period is always a period of intense speculation and potential major deals. Numerous notable footballers are being connected to moves away from their present teams. We examine some of the major names that are poised to be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest an important transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Recent developments point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has excel for Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under new manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of making the national squad. However, securing a deal poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move difficult. 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 final.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although financial constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the only available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal nearing its end, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.