Concerning Marc Guéhi and Kenan Yildiz – Who Could Be Making a Switch during the winter Transfer Market?
This January transfer market proves to be a period of feverish rumour and potential big-money deals. A number of notable players find themselves connected to moves out of their current teams. We examine a selection of the key figures that might be on the move this month.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward in contention, it appears a major transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.
M. Guéhi
This England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his deal set to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, including City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.
Brennan Johnson
This Wales winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
R. Neves
This Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January exit looks increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.
Ivan Toney
The proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. However, arranging a transfer poses major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.
C. Gallagher
This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, although financial demands could be a problem.
H. Elliott
Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the sole viable outcome.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.
K. Smit
The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.