🔗 Share this article

The January transfer market proves to be a time of feverish rumour and potential major deals. A number of high-profile footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their current clubs. We examine a selection of the top names that are poised to be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest a significant move is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a short period in early January. Latest reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as 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 transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to run out in the summer, January is the club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of league games. It is understood the London club would be open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this term, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although wage demands could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing contract running down, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a major move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around £22 million.