🔗 Share this article

This January recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and possible major moves. Numerous high-profile players find themselves connected to moves out of their current teams. This article explores a selection of the top figures who might be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, it appears an important transfer is close. This 25-year-old possesses a deal with a sizeable release clause applicable for a short window in early January. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to run out in the summer, January is the club's last chance to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter departure remains difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Wales winger has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. However, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, although financial constraints might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal running down, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.