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This January recruitment period proves to be a period of intense speculation and potential major moves. A number of notable players find themselves connected to transfers away from their current teams. Here is a look at a selection of the top figures who could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player available, it appears a major transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a contract with a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest reports indicate Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal due to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has found starting minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although being the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the London club is willing to consider a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific England striker has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of making the England squad. But, securing a deal presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though financial demands might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young player has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkey forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his current deal running down, many Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.