The winter recruitment period proves to be a time of significant rumour and possible major moves. Numerous high-profile footballers are being linked with transfers out of their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the key names who could be changing clubs this month.
Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, indications are a major transfer is close. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Latest reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.
This English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure remains difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.
The Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun only a handful of league games. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.
This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.
The veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following the coach Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January exit seems highly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
This proven England striker has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
The dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With limited starts in La Liga this term, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although financial demands might prove a problem.
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only available outcome.
The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing contract nearing its end, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.
This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.
Lena ist eine preisgekrönte Autorin und Schreibcoach mit über zehn Jahren Erfahrung in der Förderung literarischer Talente.