The winter transfer market is always a time of significant rumour and possible major deals. Several prominent stars are being connected to transfers out of their present clubs. We examine some of the major names that are poised to be changing clubs this month.
Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a sizeable release clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.
This England centre-back has continued to excel for Palace this season a previous move to Anfield falling through. As his contract due to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.
The Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the London outfit is open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.
Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.
This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
This experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.
This proven English striker has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. But, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous salary make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.
The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.
The energetic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in La Liga this season, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, although wage demands might be a problem.
Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the only viable outcome.
This exciting Turkey forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal running down, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.
The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ side. The teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.