🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period is typically a time of intense speculation and possible major transfers. A number of high-profile stars find themselves linked with moves away from their current teams. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures that could be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player available, it appears a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a brief period in early January. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has impress for Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool falling through. With his deal set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under the manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven England striker has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he is 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 a temporary deal, is also a option, though wage constraints might be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his existing deal nearing its end, many English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.