This January transfer market proves to be a time of significant rumour and potential big-money deals. A number of notable players are being connected to transfers away from their present teams. Here is a look at some of the key names that could be changing clubs in January.
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the player in contention, it appears a major transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a deal with a sizeable release clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.
This England centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.
This Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Despite being the club's top scorer last season, he has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the London club is willing to consider a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
The Portugal playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
This experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.
The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of making the national World Cup. But, securing a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.
The dynamic midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having limited starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, though wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.
Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.
This highly-rated Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current contract nearing its end, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.
The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.