Concerning Guéhi to Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be Transferring during the winter Transfer Market?
The January transfer market is typically a time of feverish rumour and possible major transfers. Several notable players are being linked with transfers away from their current teams. We examine some of the major names who might be changing clubs this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, reports suggest an important transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.
Marc Guéhi
This English centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. With his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales forward has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the side's top scorer last season, he has begun only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.
Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
Rúben Neves
The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This experienced German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona under the manager Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.
I. Toney
The proven English centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of making the national squad. However, securing a deal poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge salary render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
C. Gallagher
This energetic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though financial demands could be a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next season appears to be the sole available outcome.
K. Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal nearing its end, many Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.
K. Smit
The much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around £22 million.