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The January recruitment period is typically a time of feverish rumour and possible major moves. Numerous prominent footballers find themselves linked with moves out of their current teams. Here is a look at a selection of the key names who might be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward available, it appears a major transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Welsh forward has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. It is understood the London outfit is open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January exit seems highly probable. Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The prolific English striker has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous salary make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although wage demands could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.