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This January recruitment period is always a time of significant rumour and potential big-money deals. A number of high-profile players find themselves linked with transfers away from their present clubs. This article explores some of the major names that could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, it appears a significant transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a substantial release clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Recent developments point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to expire in the summer, January is the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Welsh forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's top scorer last season, he has begun just a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker could be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça following new coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the national World Cup. However, arranging a transfer poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge salary make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, though financial demands might be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next season seems to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing contract nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely expected to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.