🔗 Share this article

The winter recruitment period proves to be a period of significant speculation and possible big-money deals. Several high-profile stars find themselves connected to transfers away from their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the top figures that could be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, this has left the player in contention, it appears a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his deal due to run out in the summer, January is the club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

The Welsh forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of league games. It is understood the North London club is willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven England centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of being in the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this season, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although wage demands might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal running down, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.