🔗 Share this article

The winter recruitment period is always a time of feverish speculation and possible major deals. Numerous high-profile players find themselves connected to moves out of their current teams. We examine some of the key figures who are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, it appears an important transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a substantial release clause applicable for a short period in early January. Latest developments point to Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the summer, January is the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of league games. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven English striker has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. However, securing a transfer presents significant challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge salary make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although financial demands might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around £22 million.