The winter recruitment period is always a time of feverish speculation and potential major deals. Numerous notable stars find themselves linked with transfers away from their present teams. Here is a look at some of the key names that could be on the move this month.
Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player available, reports suggest an important move is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a £65 million release clause applicable for a short period in early January. Latest developments suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.
The England defender has impress for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, including City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.
This Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the North London club would be open to a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.
This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
The experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January departure looks highly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
The proven England striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of being in the national squad. But, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
This dynamic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, although wage constraints could prove a problem.
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.
This highly-rated Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this term. As his existing deal running down, many English clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.
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