The January transfer window proves to be a time of feverish speculation and possible big-money moves. A number of notable stars are being connected to transfers out of their current clubs. This article explores a selection of the key figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.
Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, it appears a significant move is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract with a substantial release clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.
The England centre-back has excel for Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the London club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January exit remains unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.
This Wales winger has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun just a handful of league games. It is understood the London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.
Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
The veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter exit looks highly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.
The prolific England striker has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the national World Cup. However, securing a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.
This energetic midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though wage demands might prove a stumbling block.
Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.
This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract running down, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a race to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.
The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This teenager is widely expected to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.
A seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in sports betting and statistical modeling.