🔗 Share this article

The winter transfer market proves to be a time of feverish speculation and potential major moves. Several prominent footballers find themselves linked with transfers away from their current teams. We examine some of the major names who are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward available, it appears a major transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team minutes limited at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started only a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

The Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven England centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this season. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ first team. This teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.