This winter recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish speculation and potential big-money deals. Numerous prominent stars are being connected to moves away from their current clubs. We examine a selection of the top figures that could be changing clubs in January.
Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player available, indications are a major transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short period in early January. Latest developments point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.
The English centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.
The Welsh forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.
The experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the coach Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.
This prolific English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England squad. But, securing a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous salary make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
This energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial constraints might be a problem.
Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only viable outcome.
The exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing contract running down, many Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.
This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.
Lina is a digital strategist with 10+ years in tech consulting, specializing in cloud solutions and cybersecurity.