This January transfer market is typically a period of feverish speculation and possible big-money transfers. A number of prominent players are being connected to transfers out of their current clubs. We examine some of the key figures who might be on the move this month.
Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player available, it appears a significant move is close. The 25-year-old has a contract with a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief period in early January. Latest reports suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.
The England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his contract due to run out in the close season, January is the London club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.
This Wales forward has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.
This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
The experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
The proven English striker has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of making the national squad. But, securing a transfer poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.
The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
The dynamic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, although wage constraints might prove a problem.
Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the only viable solution.
The exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager 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.
This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.