From Marc Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Who Might Be on the Move in the winter Transfer Window?
The winter transfer window is always a period of feverish speculation and possible big-money transfers. Numerous notable stars are being linked with transfers away from their present clubs. We examine a selection of the top names that might be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the player available, indications are a major move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a substantial release clause active for a brief window in early January. Latest developments suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.
Marc Guéhi
The England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Welsh forward has had starting opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started only a small number of league matches. It is understood the London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.
Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, 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 third-choice at Barça following new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure looks highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.
I. Toney
The proven English striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. But, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.
Conor Gallagher
The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, though financial constraints could prove a problem.
H. Elliott
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the only available outcome.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, a host of English clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.
Kees Smit
The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a major move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.