This winter transfer market is always a time of feverish speculation and potential major transfers. Numerous prominent players are being linked with transfers out of their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the top names that could be on the move in January.
Despite Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, it appears an important transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a brief period in early January. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.
The English centre-back has excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.
This Wales winger has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
The Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.
This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.
This prolific English striker has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the national World Cup. But, arranging a transfer poses major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.
The dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although financial constraints could prove a problem.
Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available solution.
The highly-rated Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract running down, many Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.
The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.
