The January transfer window is always a time of significant speculation and possible big-money deals. Several notable footballers are being connected to moves out of their current teams. This article explores a selection of the major figures that could be on the move in January.
Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, reports suggest a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest reports indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.
This England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his deal set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.
This Welsh winger has had first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.
Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.
The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.
The veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.
The proven English striker has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of making the national squad. However, arranging a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge salary render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.
The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
The dynamic midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.
Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.
This highly-rated Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.
This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.