From Marc Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be Making a Switch in the winter Transfer Window?
This January transfer window proves to be a time of intense speculation and possible major deals. A number of high-profile players find themselves linked with transfers out of their current teams. This article explores a selection of the key names who could be changing clubs this month.
A. Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player available, reports suggest an important move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.
Marc Guéhi
The English centre-back has impress for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, he has started just a handful of league matches. It is understood the London outfit would be open to a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
R. Neves
This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under the manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.
I. Toney
This prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the England squad. But, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.
Conor Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in La Liga this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, though wage constraints might be a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the only viable outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
This exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal running down, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.