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This January recruitment period is typically a period of feverish speculation and possible major deals. Numerous notable stars are being linked with moves out of their current teams. This article explores some of the key figures that are poised to be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, indications are a major transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a winter exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January departure looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national squad. However, securing a transfer presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.