🔗 Share this article

The winter transfer window proves to be a time of feverish rumour and potential major deals. Several notable footballers are being connected to transfers away from their current clubs. This article explores some of the top figures who might be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player in contention, it appears a major transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal with a £65 million release clause active for a brief window in early January. Recent reports indicate Manchester City have emerged as his services. Other suitors like 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 last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract due to run out in the close season, January is the London club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer last season, he has started just a handful of league games. It is understood the North London club is open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter exit looks highly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven English striker has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the national squad. However, arranging a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though financial constraints could prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young player has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely expected to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.