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The January recruitment period is always a time of significant rumour and possible major deals. A number of high-profile players find themselves connected to transfers out of their present clubs. We examine a selection of the top figures that might be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player available, it appears a major transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million release clause active for a short period in early January. Recent reports point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has excel for Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of league games. It is understood the North London club would be open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The prolific England striker has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of being in the national squad. But, arranging a transfer presents significant challenges. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial demands could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract running down, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is widely expected to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.