From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be on the Move in the winter Transfer Window?
The winter recruitment period proves to be a period of intense rumour and potential major moves. A number of notable stars are being connected to transfers away from their present teams. Here is a look at some of the top names that are poised to be on the move this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player in contention, indications are a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million release clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.
Marc Guéhi
The English centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. As his contract due to expire in the summer, this represents the club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, including City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.
B. Johnson
The Welsh winger has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the club's top scorer last season, he has started only a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
R. Neves
The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
The experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems highly probable. Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This proven English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.
Conor Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, is also a option, although financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole viable outcome.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkish forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.
K. Smit
The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.