From Marc Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Might Be on the Move during the winter Transfer Window?
This January transfer window is always a period of feverish speculation and possible big-money transfers. A number of prominent players find themselves linked with transfers out of their current teams. We examine some of the top figures who might be on the move this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, this has kept the forward available, it appears a significant move is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million release clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Recent reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.
M. Guéhi
This England defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his deal set to run out in the close season, January is the London club's last chance to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Wales winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the North London club would be open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
R. 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 agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The prolific English striker has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the England squad. But, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
The dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though financial demands could prove a problem.
H. Elliott
Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented player has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkish forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his current deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.