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The January transfer market is always a period of intense speculation and potential major deals. Numerous notable footballers are being connected to moves out of their current teams. 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, which has left the forward in contention, it appears a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a brief window in early January. Recent developments indicate Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal due to run out in the summer, January is the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London club is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit looks highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, though financial constraints could prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next season seems to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his current contract running down, many English clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a major move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.