From Guéhi and Yildiz – Which Players Might Be Transferring during the January Transfer Market?
This winter transfer market proves to be a period of significant speculation and potential major moves. Numerous notable players are being connected to moves out of their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the top figures that might be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the forward available, indications are a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Latest developments indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.
Marc Guéhi
The English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract due to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales forward has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the club's top scorer last season, he has begun just a small number of league matches. It is understood the London club would be open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.
Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
R. Neves
This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This 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 England squad. But, arranging a transfer poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.
Conor Gallagher
This energetic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With limited starts in Spain this season, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although wage demands could be a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the young midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next season seems to be the only available solution.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkish forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract nearing its end, many English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.
Kees Smit
The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.