Regarding Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be on the Move this January Transfer Window?
The winter transfer window is typically a period of feverish speculation and possible major deals. Several high-profile stars find themselves linked with transfers away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the major names who could be changing clubs in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, which has left the player in contention, reports suggest an important transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Recent developments point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
M. Guéhi
The English centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the London club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.
B. Johnson
The Wales forward has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
Rúben Neves
This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.
I. Toney
The proven English striker has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this term, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, though financial demands could be a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Despite starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.
K. Yildiz
The exciting Turkish forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.
Kees Smit
The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around £22 million.