From Guéhi to Yildiz – Who Might Be Making a Switch in the January Transfer Market?

The January transfer window is typically a time of intense speculation and possible big-money deals. A number of notable stars are being connected to transfers away from their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the top names that might be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the forward available, indications are an important move is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal set to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as Manchester City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under the coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January departure looks increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven England centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though financial demands might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented player has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only available solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal running down, a host of English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ side. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.

Andrew Moore
Andrew Moore

A financial journalist with over a decade of experience covering global markets and economic policy.