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This January recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of prominent players find themselves connected to transfers away from their current clubs. This article explores some of the top names who are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the player available, reports suggest an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a short window in early January. Recent developments point to the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other targets, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has impress for Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, including City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

The Welsh forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a handful of league games. It is understood the North London club is open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça under the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a winter exit looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the national squad. But, securing a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although wage constraints could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented player has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next season seems to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal running down, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. This teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around £22 million.