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The January recruitment period is always a period of feverish speculation and potential major moves. A number of notable footballers find themselves linked with transfers out of their current teams. Here is a look at some of the major figures that might be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the player in contention, it appears a significant transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief period in early January. Recent reports suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January exit looks highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific English striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of being in the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this season, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although financial demands could prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next season seems to be the sole viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his current deal running down, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.