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The winter recruitment period is typically a period of feverish speculation and possible big-money deals. Several high-profile stars find themselves connected to moves out of their current teams. We examine a selection of the top names who might be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the player available, indications are a major transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January departure looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

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

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, although wage demands could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next season seems to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his current deal nearing its end, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a major move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around £22 million.