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This winter recruitment period is typically a time of significant rumour and potential big-money transfers. Several notable footballers are being linked with transfers away from their current teams. This article explores some of the major figures who could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, reports suggest an important move is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract with a substantial release clause active for a two-week period in early January. Recent developments indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract due to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the London outfit is open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit seems highly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven England centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of being in the England squad. But, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, though financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, many Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.