From Marc Guéhi to Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be on the Move in the winter Transfer Market?
This January transfer market is always a period of intense speculation and potential big-money deals. A number of notable players find themselves connected to moves out of their current clubs. We examine some of the major names who are poised to be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, indications are an important move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Latest developments point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
This England defender has excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal set to expire in the close season, January is the club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, such as City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.
B. Johnson
This Welsh winger has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the London outfit is open to a sale for the right price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
This Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.
I. Toney
This proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the national squad. However, arranging a transfer poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.
C. Gallagher
This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial demands might prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer appears to be the sole viable outcome.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkey attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.
K. Smit
This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. The teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around £22 million.