From Marc Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Might Be on the Move in the winter Transfer Window?
The January recruitment period is typically a period of feverish rumour and potential major deals. Several prominent stars are being connected to moves away from their current clubs. This article explores a selection of the key names who could be on the move this month.
A. Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player available, indications are a significant move is close. The 25-year-old possesses a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.
M. Guéhi
The England defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.
B. Johnson
This Wales winger has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club would be willing to consider a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
R. Neves
This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça under the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
This prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a deal presents major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in La Liga this term, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, is also a option, although wage constraints might be a problem.
H. Elliott
Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole available solution.
Kenan Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race 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 playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.