From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be on the Move during the winter Transfer Market?
This winter transfer window is typically a period of feverish speculation and possible major deals. A number of notable stars are being linked with moves away from their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the top figures that might be changing clubs this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player in contention, it appears a significant move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a £65 million release clause applicable for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.
M. Guéhi
This England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Welsh forward has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a handful of league games. It is understood the North London club is open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
The Portugal playmaker might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter exit looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
The prolific England striker has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this term, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial constraints might prove a problem.
H. Elliott
Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole available solution.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his current contract running down, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
This much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around £22 million.