The winter recruitment period proves to be a period of significant speculation and potential big-money deals. Numerous notable players are being linked with transfers out of their present clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the top names who could be changing clubs in January.
Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a sizeable release clause active for a brief window in early January. Recent reports suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
The England centre-back has continued to impress for Palace despite a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.
This Welsh winger has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has started only a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his contract ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.
This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit looks highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.
This proven England striker has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the national squad. But, arranging a transfer poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
The dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial demands could prove a problem.
Although starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole available solution.
This exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal running down, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.
The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.
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