🔗 Share this article

This January recruitment period proves to be a period of significant speculation and possible big-money deals. A number of prominent footballers find themselves linked with moves out of their current clubs. We examine a selection of the key figures who could be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player available, reports suggest a major transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a £65 million release clause active for a two-week window in early January. Recent developments point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to other options, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

The English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, he has begun only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a return to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under new manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, though wage constraints could prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.