This January transfer window is typically a time of feverish rumour and potential major deals. Numerous prominent players are being linked with transfers away from their present clubs. This article explores some of the key figures who could be on the move this month.
Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward available, reports suggest an important move is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest developments suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.
This English defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.
This Wales forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London club is open to a transfer for the right price, believed 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.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
This Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and had an operation, a winter exit seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.
This prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of being in the England squad. However, arranging a deal poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.
Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
This energetic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, is also a option, though financial constraints could prove a problem.
Despite starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next season appears to be the only viable solution.
This highly-rated Turkish forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current deal running down, a host of English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.
This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is heavily expected to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around £22 million.