The January transfer window proves to be a period of intense speculation and possible major moves. A number of notable players are being linked with moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at some of the top figures that are poised to be on the move this month.
Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the player in contention, indications are a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million release clause active for a short period in early January. Recent developments point to Manchester City have emerged as his services. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.
The England centre-back has excel for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his deal due to expire in the summer, January is the club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
This Wales winger has had starting minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London club is willing to consider a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.
Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.
This Portugal midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.
The experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly likely. 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.
The prolific English centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national squad. However, arranging a transfer poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.
The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
The dynamic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a option, though financial demands might be a stumbling block.
Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only available outcome.
The exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.
The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. The teenager is widely expected to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.
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