From Guéhi and Yildiz – Which Players Could Be Transferring this winter Transfer Market?
This January transfer market is always a time of significant speculation and possible major moves. A number of high-profile players are being connected to moves away from their current teams. We examine a selection of the top names who might be on the move this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, which has left the forward available, it appears a significant move is close. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest developments point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
The English centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, including City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.
B. Johnson
This Welsh forward has found starting minutes limited at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun only a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London club would be open to a sale for the right price, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.
Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
Rúben Neves
This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
The proven England centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, securing a deal presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, although wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club before next season seems to be the only viable outcome.
Kenan Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract nearing its end, many English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.
Kees Smit
The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.
