The January recruitment period is typically a time of intense rumour and potential major deals. A number of notable stars find themselves connected to moves away from their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the major figures who could be on the move in January.
Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward available, reports suggest an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a sizeable release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest reports indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.
This England defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. As his contract due to run out in the close season, January is the London club's last chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January exit remains unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.
The Wales forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit would be open to a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.
This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following the manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter exit looks increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.
This proven England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England squad. But, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starts in Spain this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, is also a option, although wage demands could prove a stumbling block.
Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only viable solution.
The exciting Turkey attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this season. With his current contract running down, many English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.
The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is heavily expected to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.
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