Concerning Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Who Could Be on the Move in the January Transfer Market?
This winter transfer window proves to be a time of feverish speculation and potential big-money transfers. Numerous high-profile footballers find themselves connected to moves out of their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the key names that are poised to be on the move this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, reports suggest a major move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a short period in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.
M. Guéhi
This England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the summer, January is the club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.
Brennan Johnson
This Welsh forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a handful of league games. It is understood the London outfit is open to a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.
Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
This Portugal midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The proven England centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. But, arranging a transfer poses significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge salary make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.
Conor Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder attracted widespread 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 tournament. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial constraints might be a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Although excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole available solution.
Kenan Yildiz
This exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – 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 the continent's most promising young talents.
K. Smit
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.