🔗 Share this article

This January recruitment period is always a period of intense speculation and possible major deals. Several high-profile footballers are being connected to moves out of their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the top figures that might be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the player in contention, indications are an important transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Latest developments point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other options, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. As his contract due to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder could be poised for a return to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a winter exit looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of being in the national squad. However, securing a transfer presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool before next season appears to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his current deal running down, many Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.