🔗 Share this article

This winter transfer window is typically a time of intense rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of prominent stars are being connected to transfers away from their current teams. We examine some of the major figures that are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, indications are a significant move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Latest developments indicate 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 options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the close season, January is the London club's last chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure remains difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure seems highly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven England striker has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in La Liga this season, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although wage demands might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his current deal nearing its end, many English clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is heavily expected to make a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.