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The winter recruitment period proves to be a time of significant rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of high-profile footballers find themselves linked with moves out of their current teams. We examine a selection of the major figures who could be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player available, indications are a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a substantial release clause applicable for a brief window at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The English centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. However, securing a deal presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial demands could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his existing deal nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely expected to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.