From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be Transferring during the winter Transfer Window?
The January transfer window is always a period of intense speculation and potential big-money moves. A number of high-profile players find themselves connected to transfers away from their current teams. We examine some of the major names who could be changing clubs this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, reports suggest an important move is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Latest developments point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.
M. Guéhi
This English centre-back has excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. As his deal due to expire in the summer, January is the club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter departure remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.
B. Johnson
The Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, he has started just a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
This Portugal playmaker could be set for a return to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This experienced German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit looks highly likely. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
This prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the national squad. However, securing a transfer presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
This energetic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial demands might be a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the only available solution.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of English clubs – such as 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 battle to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is heavily expected to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.