From Guéhi to Kenan Yildiz – Who Are Set to Be Transferring this winter Transfer Market?
The winter transfer market proves to be a time of feverish rumour and potential major transfers. Several prominent footballers are being connected to moves out of their current clubs. We examine a selection of the major names that could be on the move this month.
A. Semenyo
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the forward available, it appears an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a sizeable release clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other options, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.
Marc Guéhi
This England defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal due to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.
B. Johnson
The Wales winger has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started only a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the right price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.
Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.
Rúben Neves
This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.
M. ter Stegen
The veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under the manager Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.
Ivan Toney
The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of being in the England squad. But, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
Conor Gallagher
The dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial demands might prove a problem.
Harvey Elliott
Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.
K. Yildiz
This highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current contract running down, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.
Kees Smit
This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is heavily expected to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.