🔗 Share this article

This January recruitment period is always a period of significant speculation and potential major transfers. Numerous notable footballers are being connected to moves away from their current clubs. We examine a selection of the key names who could be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a significant transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

M. Guéhi

The English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's last chance to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven England striker has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the national squad. But, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With limited starts in Spain this term, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although wage constraints could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.