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This January recruitment period proves to be a period of significant speculation and potential major deals. Several high-profile players are being linked with moves away from their current clubs. This article explores some of the major names that could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player available, indications are an important move is close. The 25-year-old has a contract with a substantial release clause active for a two-week window in early January. Recent reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his deal set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and multiple continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following new manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a January exit looks highly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having few starts in La Liga this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial demands might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this season. As his existing contract running down, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around £22 million.