From Marc Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Might Be on the Move during the January Transfer Window?

The winter transfer market is typically a time of feverish speculation and potential big-money moves. Numerous high-profile players find themselves connected to moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the top figures that could be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, it appears an important transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other targets, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This English defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal due to expire in the close season, this represents the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, including City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Welsh winger has found starting minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of league matches. It is understood the London club is open to a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven England centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the England squad. However, arranging a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, though financial demands might be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next season appears to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.

Travis Smith
Travis Smith

Elara is a certified running coach and marathon enthusiast who shares evidence-based training methods and gear insights.