From Marc Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be Making a Switch during the winter Transfer Window?

The winter transfer window is typically a period of intense rumour and potential big-money transfers. Several high-profile footballers find themselves connected to moves out of their current teams. We examine some of the top names who are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the forward available, reports suggest a significant transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a £65 million release clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. With his deal set to run out in the close season, January is the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under new manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure looks increasingly likely. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This prolific English striker has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though financial constraints could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his existing contract running down, many Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely expected to make a major move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.

Brenda Alexander
Brenda Alexander

A design strategist and innovation consultant who blends artistic vision with real-world problem-solving.