From Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Could Be Making a Switch during the winter Transfer Window?
The winter transfer window proves to be a period of feverish rumour and possible major transfers. Several notable footballers are being connected to transfers away from their current teams. Here is a look at a selection of the top figures who might be on the move in January.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, indications are a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent developments point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.
Marc Guéhi
The England centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, such as City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
This Welsh winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the North London club is willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
R. Neves
This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
The prolific English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of being in the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge salary make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
C. Gallagher
This energetic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.
Kenan Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his existing contract running down, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.
K. Smit
The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.