This winter transfer window proves to be a time of intense rumour and potential major deals. A number of high-profile stars are being connected to transfers out of their present clubs. We examine a selection of the top names who could be on the move this month.
Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player available, reports suggest an important transfer is close. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a substantial release clause active for a brief window in early January. Recent reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.
The England centre-back has excel for Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal due to run out in the summer, January is the London club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, such as City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.
This Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun only a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
This Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter exit looks highly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
This proven English centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. But, securing a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
This dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though wage constraints might be a problem.
Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool before next season appears to be the only viable outcome.
This highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.
The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around £22 million.
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