🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period proves to be a period of significant speculation and potential big-money deals. Several notable players are being linked with transfers away from their current teams. This article explores some of the key names that are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player in contention, it appears an important move is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal with a substantial release clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure seems highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of being in the national squad. However, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in La Liga this season, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although wage constraints might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract running down, a host of English clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely expected to complete a major move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.