The winter transfer window proves to be a period of feverish speculation and potential major moves. Several notable stars are being linked with transfers away from their current clubs. This article explores a selection of the major names that could be on the move in January.
Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, indications are a major transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a brief window at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.
The England centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract due to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit remains difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.
The Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the London club is open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.
The Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.
The experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under the manager Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.
The prolific English striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling chances of being in the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.
This dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, although wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.
Although excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole viable outcome.
This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current contract running down, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.
The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.