The winter transfer window proves to be a time of intense speculation and possible major deals. Numerous prominent players are being linked with transfers out of their present clubs. This article explores some of the top figures that are poised to be changing clubs this month.
Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward in contention, it appears a significant move is close. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest developments point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.
The England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his deal due to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous top clubs, such as City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.
This Wales winger has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of league games. It is understood the North London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.
Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.
The Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.
The veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter exit seems highly likely. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.
The prolific English striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of being in the national squad. But, arranging a deal poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.
The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.
This dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, though wage demands might be a stumbling block.
Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.
The exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.
The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around £22 million.
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