🔗 Share this article

The January transfer market proves to be a period of intense speculation and potential major deals. A number of notable stars are being connected to moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures that are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, it appears a major transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a contract with a substantial release clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool falling through. As his deal set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's last chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's top scorer last season, he has started only a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London club is willing to consider a sale for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following new coach Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven England striker has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the England squad. But, securing a deal presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this season, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, though financial demands might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.