From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Who Could Be on the Move this winter Transfer Market?
This January recruitment period is always a period of intense rumour and possible major moves. Several notable stars find themselves linked with moves out of their present teams. We examine some of the major names who might be on the move this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player available, indications are a significant move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a brief window in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.
M. Guéhi
This English defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to expire in the close season, January is the club's final chance to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.
B. Johnson
This Wales winger has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.
Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
This Portugal midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
This experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.
I. Toney
The prolific England centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
C. Gallagher
The dynamic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, although financial constraints might prove a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next season appears to be the only available solution.
Kenan Yildiz
This exciting Turkey forward is in fine form for Juventus this term. As his current deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.
Kees Smit
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is heavily expected to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.