Concerning Guéhi and Yildiz – Which Players Could Be Making a Switch this winter Transfer Market?
The winter recruitment period is always a time of intense speculation and potential major moves. Numerous high-profile stars are being connected to moves out of their present teams. We examine a selection of the key names that could be changing clubs in January.
A. Semenyo
Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward in contention, indications are a major move is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other targets, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.
Marc Guéhi
This English defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit remains difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.
B. Johnson
The Wales winger has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
R. Neves
This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
The experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
This prolific English striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. However, securing a deal poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.
Conor Gallagher
The dynamic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though wage constraints might prove a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the only viable solution.
K. Yildiz
The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.
Kees Smit
The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around £22 million.