January Transfer Window: Key Player Moves to Watch
The January transfer window is now open, prompting speculation about which rumored transfers will become confirmed deals.
Antoine Semenyo, the Bournemouth forward, is generating significant attention as he approaches a potential move to Manchester City, but numerous other transfers could also materialize.
This period can be challenging for clubs, yet for some Premier League managers, the players they acquire in the coming weeks could be pivotal for their campaigns.
Several high-profile athletes are rumored to be on the move between top-flight clubs, and we have compiled a list of some of the most discussed potential transfers that could occur in the near future.
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Linked with: Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan
The future of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi was a major topic during the summer transfer window when he was heavily linked with a transfer to Liverpool. Ultimately, that deal did not materialize, and Guehi has continued to be a key player for Palace this season.
However, with his contract set to expire in the summer, Palace faces a decision: either sell him now or retain him for the remainder of the season, risking his departure on a free transfer.
BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel: "My understanding is that he is probably expected to stay at Crystal Palace until the end of the season when his contract expires, at which point he will have many options available to him. Clubs in Europe such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan have all shown varying degrees of interest recently, along with Liverpool and Manchester City."
Brennan Johnson (Tottenham)
Linked with: Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Aston Villa
Brennan Johnson made a memorable mark at Tottenham by scoring the decisive goal in their Europa League final victory over Manchester United in May, ending a 17-year trophy drought for the club.
However, with the managerial change from Ange Postecoglou to Thomas Frank, Johnson has seen his role diminish this season, making only six Premier League starts and not scoring a league goal since the first two matches of the season.
Sami Mokbel: "BBC Sport reported in December that Tottenham was open to selling the attacker, who was their top scorer last season. Crystal Palace has agreed to a fee of £35 million, but the player has yet to decide whether he wants to move across London. Bournemouth and Aston Villa are also showing interest."
Harvey Elliott (Liverpool, currently on loan at Aston Villa)
Linked with: Liverpool return
Harvey Elliott's loan at Aston Villa has not gone as planned, with the player making just four Premier League starts this season.
BBC Sport football news reporter Nick Mashiter: "Loanee Harvey Elliott remains in limbo and is clearly not part of Unai Emery's plans at Aston Villa. He has played for both Villa and Liverpool this season, meaning he cannot join another team unless he moves to a league that starts later, like Major League Soccer, although those options are currently not being considered. He could return to Anfield if a solution is found."
Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal)
Linked with: Manchester United
After six years with Wolves, midfielder Ruben Neves has spent the last two seasons in Saudi Arabia. His contract is set to expire in the summer, and he has not expressed any desire to renew it, making him a potential target for Premier League clubs.
BBC Sport Manchester United reporter Simon Stone: "Manchester United recognizes the need for significant reinforcements in midfield, but it is challenging to find one of their top targets available in January. Neves, however, might just be available. His contract with Al-Hilal ends in the summer, he has Premier League experience from his time at Wolves, and shares a Portuguese connection with Ruben Amorim."
Oscar Bobb (Manchester City)
Linked with: Borussia Dortmund, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Leeds, Newcastle
Oscar Bobb has made 15 appearances for Manchester City this season, with nine of those being starts. He is under contract until 2029, but with Semenyo nearing a move to the club, Bobb's opportunities may be further limited, leading him to consider a transfer.
Borussia Dortmund has shown strong interest, but Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Leeds, and Newcastle are also reported as potential destinations.
BBC Radio Leeds reporter Adam Pope: "Bobb is once again being linked with a move to Leeds. He is a creative player, which Leeds sought in the last window, making late attempts to acquire Harry Wilson and Facundo Buonanotte before those deals fell through."
Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United)
Linked with: Roma
Joshua Zirkzee scored for Manchester United in their 1-1 draw with Wolves at the end of 2025, but his long-term future appears to lie elsewhere. The Dutch forward joined Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 but has not made the impact he desired.
Simon Stone: "Zirkzee is eager for a fresh start. Roma is reportedly interested in bringing the former Bologna player back to Serie A. Although there have been no official discussions between clubs, and United insists they will not sell players without replacements, I anticipate movement on this front."
Sami Mokbel: "The Manchester United striker is a target for Roma, but a final decision regarding the Netherlands international's potential departure before the season's end has yet to be made. The forward remains open-minded about his future."
Joe Willock (Newcastle)
Linked with: Crystal Palace
Since joining Newcastle in 2021, Joe Willock has made over 100 Premier League appearances, but his playing time has been limited this season, with only a few starts.
Newcastle is reportedly interested in AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit and may consider selling Willock if it allows them to secure Smit's services in January.
BBC Sport Newcastle United reporter Ciaran Kelly: "Joe Willock's situation is one to monitor. The midfielder has only made five starts across all competitions this season, and Newcastle is exploring several options for his position, including AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit. Head coach Eddie Howe is reluctant to lose long-serving players in January, but this could be a situation to watch if Newcastle sees an opportunity to sign a summer target sooner."
What Other Moves Could Happen?
BBC Sport Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella: "Chelsea's focus this window is expected to be more on outgoings than incomings, with several players likely to leave as the club looks to streamline its squad."