🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period is always a time of feverish speculation and possible major moves. Several notable footballers are being linked with moves out of their present teams. We examine some of the major names that are poised to be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, reports suggest a significant move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short window in early January. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of league matches. It is understood the London club is open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a January exit looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven England striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, is also a option, though financial demands could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing deal running down, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.