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The January recruitment period is always a period of intense rumour and potential big-money moves. A number of notable players are being connected to moves out of their present teams. This article explores some of the major names who might be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward in contention, it appears a significant transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a contract with a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, including Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun just a small number of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new manager Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any agreement 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 Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be 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, remains a possibility, though financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current deal nearing its end, many English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.