From Guéhi and Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Making a Switch during the January Transfer Window?
This winter transfer window proves to be a period of intense speculation and potential major deals. A number of notable stars find themselves linked with transfers out of their present clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the top names who are poised to be changing clubs this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward available, it appears an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a sizeable release clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Latest developments point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
M. Guéhi
This English defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. As his contract due to run out in the summer, January is the London club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, such as City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.
B. Johnson
This Welsh winger has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London club would be open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
The experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a winter departure seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
This proven England centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. However, arranging a deal presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous salary 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.
Conor Gallagher
This dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, though financial constraints could be a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next summer appears to be the only available solution.
Kenan Yildiz
This exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ side. The teenager is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.