From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Who Might Be Transferring in the January Transfer Market?
The January transfer market proves to be a period of significant speculation and potential big-money transfers. Several notable players are being connected to moves away from their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the top names that might be on the move in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward available, it appears a major move is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a short window in early January. Recent reports indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
This English defender has excel for Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to run out in the close season, this represents the club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Wales winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
Rúben Neves
This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure looks highly likely. Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The prolific England centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this season, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though financial constraints could be a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of specific rules about representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his existing deal nearing its end, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.