🔗 Share this article

The January transfer market proves to be a period of intense speculation and possible big-money deals. Several notable stars find themselves linked with moves away from their current clubs. We examine some of the top names that might be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, it appears an important move is close. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a £65 million release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has impress for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal due to run out in the summer, January is the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January exit remains unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is open to a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal midfielder could be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the coach Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly likely. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. However, securing a deal poses major hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, although wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.