🔗 Share this article

This January recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish rumour and potential major transfers. Several high-profile players are being linked with transfers away from their present teams. We examine some of the key names who might be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, reports suggest a significant move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a £65 million release clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Latest reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

M. Guéhi

This English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to expire in the close season, January is the club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun only a small number of league games. It is understood the North London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although wage demands could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the sole viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his current contract running down, many Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around £22 million.