From Marc Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be on the Move during the January Transfer Window?

The January transfer market proves to be a period of feverish speculation and potential major moves. Several notable players find themselves connected to moves away from their current teams. We examine some of the top names who could be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent developments point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to other options, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English striker has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the England squad. But, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge salary render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last 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. Because of specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.

James Hernandez
James Hernandez

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in analyzing emerging technologies and their impact on business and society.