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The January recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and possible major deals. Numerous high-profile footballers are being connected to moves away from their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the major figures who could be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, it appears a major move is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a £65 million release clause applicable for a brief window at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous move to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça under the coach Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a January exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This prolific English striker has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though wage constraints could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around £22 million.