From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Making a Switch in the January Transfer Window?
This winter recruitment period proves to be a time of intense rumour and possible major transfers. Numerous prominent stars find themselves linked with moves out of their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the top names who might be on the move in January.
A. Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, it appears an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent reports suggest the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.
Marc Guéhi
This England centre-back has excel for Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.
B. Johnson
This Welsh winger has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer last season, he has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the London outfit would be open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.
Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
R. Neves
This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The prolific England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of making the national squad. But, securing a deal poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With limited starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, though financial demands could be a problem.
H. Elliott
Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next season seems to be the only available outcome.
K. Yildiz
The exciting Turkey forward is in fine form for Juventus this season. With his current deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.