From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Could Be Making a Switch this winter Transfer Market?
The January recruitment period is typically a time of feverish rumour and potential major transfers. A number of notable stars find themselves linked with moves away from their present clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the key names who are poised to be changing clubs this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player available, reports suggest a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a short period in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
M. Guéhi
The England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.
B. Johnson
This Welsh forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a small number of league matches. It is understood the London club would be open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, while his contract ending in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
This proven England striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. However, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.
Conor Gallagher
The energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starts in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, although financial demands might be a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole available outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal running down, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.