🔗 Share this article

This January recruitment period is always a period of feverish speculation and potential major moves. Numerous high-profile footballers are being linked with moves away from their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the top figures that might be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, it appears a significant move is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a substantial release clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Recent reports suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has had starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London outfit is open to a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven England centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of being in the national squad. But, arranging a transfer poses major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, though wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the only available solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is heavily tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.