🔗 Share this article

The winter transfer market is typically a time of intense rumour and potential major moves. Several high-profile players find themselves connected to moves away from their present teams. We examine some of the major names who are poised to be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player in contention, indications are an important move is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This English defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit is open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under the manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven English centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although financial demands could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the only available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.