Regarding Guéhi to Yildiz – Who Could Be on the Move during the January Transfer Market?
The January transfer market proves to be a time of significant rumour and possible major moves. Numerous prominent stars are being linked with moves out of their current teams. We examine a selection of the top figures that are poised to be on the move in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, reports suggest a significant transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
Marc Guéhi
The England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.
B. Johnson
The Wales forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London club would be open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
Rúben Neves
The Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The proven England centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. But, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
This energetic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this season, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, although financial constraints could be a problem.
H. Elliott
Although excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young player has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole available solution.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.
K. Smit
The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.