This winter transfer window is typically a time of intense rumour and possible major deals. A number of high-profile stars are being connected to transfers away from their present teams. This article explores some of the top names that might be on the move in January.
Despite Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the forward available, it appears an important transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a deal featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a brief period in early January. Recent developments point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.
The England centre-back has excel for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, including City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.
This Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of league games. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.
This Portugal playmaker might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.
The proven England striker has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. But, securing a transfer presents major challenges. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.
This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in Spain this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial demands could prove a problem.
Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the only available solution.
The exciting Turkish forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.
This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is heavily tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.