From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Which Players Are Set to Be Transferring in the winter Transfer Window?
This winter transfer market proves to be a time of feverish speculation and possible big-money transfers. Several high-profile players are being connected to moves out of their present teams. This article explores some of the key figures that could be on the move this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player in contention, indications are an important move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a sizeable release clause active for a brief period in early January. Latest developments point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
M. Guéhi
The English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.
Brennan Johnson
This Wales forward has found starting minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.
Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
R. Neves
This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
M. ter Stegen
The veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter exit seems highly probable. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.
I. Toney
This prolific England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer presents significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
The dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, although financial demands could 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 midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the sole available outcome.
K. Yildiz
This exciting Turkey forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, many English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old 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 earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.