From Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Could Be on the Move during the winter Transfer Market?
This winter transfer window is always a time of feverish speculation and potential major deals. Several prominent footballers are being linked with moves out of their current clubs. This article explores some of the major names who are poised to be changing clubs this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player available, indications are a major transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a contract with a substantial release clause active for a short period in early January. Recent reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.
M. Guéhi
The English defender has impress for Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to expire in the close season, January is the London club's last chance to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January exit remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
The Wales winger has had starting minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of league games. It is understood the London club would be open to a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
R. Neves
The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under new manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems highly probable. Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
The prolific England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of being in the national squad. But, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.
The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
The energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a stumbling block.
Harvey Elliott
Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next season seems to be the only available outcome.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkey forward is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current contract running down, a host of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.
K. Smit
The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.