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The January recruitment period is always a period of significant rumour and possible major moves. Numerous high-profile stars are being linked with moves away from their current teams. We examine some of the major names that might be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the forward available, indications are a major transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million release clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal due to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter exit is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven England striker has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the England World Cup. But, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although financial demands might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal nearing its end, many English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.