The January transfer window is typically a period of significant speculation and potential big-money moves. A number of prominent footballers are being linked with moves away from their current teams. This article explores some of the key names that might be on the move this month.
Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest a significant transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a two-week window in early January. Latest reports indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
The English centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, including City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.
The Wales winger has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
This experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.
The prolific English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of being in the England squad. However, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
This energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though financial constraints could be a stumbling block.
Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club before next season seems to be the sole available solution.
This exciting Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.
This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.
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