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The January recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and potential major transfers. Several high-profile footballers are being linked with moves away from their current clubs. We examine some of the major figures who could be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a small number of league games. It is understood the London club is open to a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a January departure seems highly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national squad. However, arranging a transfer poses significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, though financial constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for Juventus this season. With his existing contract running down, many Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.