This winter transfer market proves to be a time of intense rumour and potential big-money moves. Several high-profile stars are being linked with moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at some of the major figures that are poised to be on the move in January.
Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, indications are a significant move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a substantial release clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.
The English centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.
This Wales forward has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
The Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
This veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.
This proven English striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.
This dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although wage demands might be a problem.
Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only available outcome.
This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for Juventus this season. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.
The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This teenager is heavily expected to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.
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