This January transfer window is typically a time of feverish speculation and possible major deals. Numerous prominent stars are being connected to moves away from their current clubs. We examine some of the major names who could be changing clubs this month.
Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, it appears a significant move is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a £65 million release clause active for a short window in early January. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.
This England defender has continued to excel for Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract due to expire in the summer, January is the club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
The Welsh forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London outfit is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
The Portugal midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
The experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter exit looks highly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.
The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, securing a deal presents major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous salary make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.
The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
This energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, though financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.
Despite starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only viable outcome.
This highly-rated Turkey forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing contract nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.
The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.
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