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The January transfer window is typically a period of significant rumour and potential major transfers. A number of high-profile footballers are being connected to moves away from their current clubs. We examine some of the major figures that are poised to be on the move 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 deal featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Recent developments point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the summer, January is the club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, including City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh winger has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although being the side's top scorer last season, he has started only a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be set for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under the coach Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven English striker has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the England squad. But, securing a transfer poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this term, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, remains a option, although wage constraints could prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this term. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely tipped to complete a major move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around £22 million.