🔗 Share this article

The winter recruitment period is always a time of significant speculation and possible big-money transfers. A number of notable stars are being linked with moves out of their current clubs. We examine a selection of the major figures that are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player available, it appears a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January exit remains unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the right price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a transfer poses significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a option, although wage constraints could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next season seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey forward is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his current contract running down, many Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a race to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.