From Marc Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Could Be on the Move this winter Transfer Window?
This winter transfer market proves to be a time of significant rumour and possible major transfers. Several high-profile players are being connected to moves away from their current clubs. We examine some of the major figures who might be on the move in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward available, reports suggest a significant move is close. The 25-year-old has a contract with a substantial release clause active for a short window in early January. Latest developments point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.
Marc Guéhi
This England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
Brennan Johnson
This Wales winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the London club would be open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
R. Neves
The Portugal playmaker might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following new manager Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a winter exit looks increasingly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
The dynamic midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, although wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.
H. Elliott
Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the only available outcome.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract running down, many Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.