The winter recruitment period is always a period of significant speculation and potential big-money deals. Several high-profile stars find themselves linked with moves away from their present clubs. We examine a selection of the key names who are poised to be changing clubs in January.
Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, indications are a major move is close. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short window in early January. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.
The England centre-back has excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. With his deal due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.
This Wales winger has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun only a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.
This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
This experienced German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following the coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.
The proven English striker has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. However, securing a deal presents significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge 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 energetic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, though wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.
Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole available solution.
This exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing contract nearing its end, many Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.
This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.