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This January recruitment period is always a period of significant speculation and possible major transfers. A number of high-profile stars are being linked with moves away from their current clubs. We examine a selection of the top figures that could be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, indications are a major transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million release clause applicable for a brief period in early January. Recent developments point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other options, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal due to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has found starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a small number of league games. It is understood the London outfit is open to a sale for the right price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a return to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under the manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, securing a deal poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, though wage demands might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. As his existing contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. The teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.