🔗 Share this article

The winter recruitment period is typically a time of intense rumour and possible big-money moves. Several prominent stars are being connected to moves out of their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the major figures that are poised to be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the forward available, indications are a major transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a £65 million release clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Latest reports indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to expire in the summer, January is the club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, including Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of league games. It is understood the London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit looks highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the England squad. However, securing a transfer presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, remains a option, though wage constraints might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his current deal running down, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.