🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period is typically a time of feverish speculation and potential major deals. A number of notable footballers are being connected to moves away from their current teams. We examine some of the major figures that could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the player available, reports suggest an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a short period in early January. Latest developments suggest Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the club's top scorer last season, he has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London club would be open to a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the manager Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a January exit looks increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, remains a option, though financial constraints might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current contract running down, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.