From Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Could Be Transferring this winter Transfer Window?
This winter transfer market proves to be a time of significant rumour and possible major transfers. Several notable footballers find themselves connected to moves out of their current teams. We examine a selection of the key names who are poised to be on the move in January.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player in contention, indications are a significant move is close. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent reports suggest Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.
M. Guéhi
This England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his deal set to run out in the close season, January is the club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
This Welsh forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.
Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
The Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following new coach Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a January departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The proven English striker has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the national squad. However, securing a deal presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though wage constraints might be a problem.
H. Elliott
Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the only viable outcome.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkey forward is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.
Kees Smit
This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.