The winter recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish rumour and possible big-money moves. Several prominent players are being linked with transfers out of their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the major figures that might be on the move this month.
Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward in contention, indications are a significant transfer is close. This 25-year-old possesses a contract with a £65 million release clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.
This English defender has excel for Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract due to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, such as City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.
This Welsh winger has found first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries 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 approximately forty million pounds.
The Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.
This experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following the coach Flick. After lost his place and had an operation, a winter exit seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.
This proven English striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge salary render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starts in La Liga this term, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though wage demands might be a problem.
Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the only available solution.
This highly-rated Turkish forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing contract nearing its end, many Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a race to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.
This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.