The winter transfer window proves to be a period of feverish rumour and possible big-money deals. Several high-profile stars are being linked with transfers away from their present clubs. This article explores some of the major names that might be on the move in January.
Despite Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player available, it appears a significant move is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief window in early January. Recent reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.
The English defender has continued to excel for Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the summer, January is the club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.
The Wales forward has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.
The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
This veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure looks increasingly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
The proven England centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the national squad. But, securing a transfer presents significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge salary make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.
The energetic midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though financial demands might prove a stumbling block.
Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next season appears to be the only available outcome.
This exciting Turkish attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing contract running down, many English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but face a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.
The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. The teenager is widely expected to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around £22 million.
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