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This January recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and possible major deals. Several notable stars find themselves linked with transfers out of their present clubs. We examine a selection of the major names that could be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the forward in contention, it appears an important transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a £65 million release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest reports indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club is willing to consider a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January departure seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although wage demands might be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his current contract running down, a host of English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.