From Marc Guéhi to Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be Making a Switch in the winter Transfer Market?

The January recruitment period is always a period of significant rumour and potential major deals. Numerous prominent players are being linked with transfers out of their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the major figures who are poised to be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the player available, it appears a major transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a £65 million release clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Recent reports indicate 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 other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a summer move to Anfield collapsing. As his deal due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Welsh winger has found starting minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of league games. It is understood the London club is willing to consider a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a January departure looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. But, securing a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although wage demands could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only viable solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current deal running down, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.

Jodi Brown
Jodi Brown

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK tech innovations and digital trends.