The January recruitment period is typically a time of intense speculation and possible major deals. Numerous prominent stars are being connected to transfers out of their present teams. We examine some of the key names that are poised to be on the move in January.
Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player available, it appears an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a substantial buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
This English defender has excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.
This Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun only a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London club is open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.
Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.
The Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.
This experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under the manager Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a winter exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.
The proven England striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. However, securing a deal poses major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although financial constraints might prove a stumbling block.
Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next season appears to be the only available outcome.
The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.
The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is widely tipped to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.