The winter recruitment period is always a period of intense speculation and possible major transfers. A number of prominent stars find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the key names who are poised to be changing clubs in January.
Although Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player available, indications are a major transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a substantial release clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.
The England centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.
This Wales forward has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun just a handful of league matches. It is understood the London outfit would be open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.
The Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.
This veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.
This proven English striker has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of being in the England squad. But, securing a transfer presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge salary make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.
This energetic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a stumbling block.
Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.
The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.
This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is widely expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.
Lena Hofmann ist eine erfahrene Journalistin mit Schwerpunkt auf gesellschaftlichen Entwicklungen und kulturellen Ereignissen in Europa.