Mohamed Salah, Antoine Semenyo and 10 Football Stars Set for Huge January 2026 Transfers

‎The January transfer window is edging closer, and clubs across Europe are preparing for another intense mid-season market as they seek reinforcements for the latter stages of the campaign. During the 2025 winter window, spending reached £1.2 billion ($1.4bn) across Europe’s elite leagues and the English Championship, marking the highest total in seven years. Manchester City alone contributed £191 million ($256m) to that figure.

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‎A look at Mohamed Salah, Antoine Semenyo and 10 high-profile footballers tipped for potential blockbuster moves in the January 2026 transfer window.

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‎City’s outlay was the second-largest winter spend on record, trailing only Chelsea’s notorious 2023 splurge. Their recruitment included Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis. Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Wolves were also active, though many Premier League sides avoided major investments, a trend mirrored across other European leagues.

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‎That cautious approach is unlikely to be repeated. Numerous high-profile players are now being strongly linked with January exits, setting the stage for several clubs to spend heavily rather than a single dominant buyer. Some players are chasing the next step in their careers, others want a new challenge, and in rare instances, behind-the-scenes disputes have made departures unavoidable.

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‎1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

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‎Mohamed Salah signed a new two-year contract in April after leading Liverpool to a second Premier League title, but less than a year later his future at Anfield appears uncertain. The 33-year-old publicly accused the club of scapegoating him and revealed a breakdown in his relationship with head coach Arne Slot after being benched for a third consecutive match against Leeds United on December 6.

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‎Slot responded by omitting Salah entirely from the squad for the Champions League clash with Inter, stating the forward would not return without an apology. Salah later reappeared from the bench in a 2-0 victory over Brighton, though his emotional reaction while applauding supporters led many to interpret it as a farewell gesture.

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‎Currently representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and scoring freely, Salah remains a long-term target for Saudi Pro League clubs. Signs of decline have emerged this season, suggesting January could be Liverpool’s final opportunity to command a substantial transfer fee.

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‎2. Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund)

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‎BILD reports that Karim Adeyemi has informed Borussia Dortmund of his desire to leave, with personal reasons cited as a factor. The Germany international has changed agents and is actively pursuing a January move, attracting interest from several top clubs.

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‎Inter are monitoring the situation, while Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly prepared to compete for his signature. Dortmund value the 23-year-old at around £75m ($101m), a significant fee given his Bundesliga return of 14 goals across three seasons and recent legal issues. Despite that, his versatility across the frontline and untapped potential continue to make him appealing.

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‎3. Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)

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‎Elite defensive midfielders command premium prices, as demonstrated by the £100m-plus deals for Enzo Fernandez, Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson could follow that trend.

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‎Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettemberg claims Forest have set a minimum asking price exceeding £100m ($134m), with Manchester United showing concrete interest. Liverpool and Newcastle are also reportedly considering bids, though Forest are said to be resisting all January approaches.

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‎4. Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

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‎Marc Guehi was on the verge of a £35m ($47m) transfer to Liverpool last summer, even recording an announcement video before Crystal Palace halted the deal at the deadline. Interest in the England defender has since intensified.

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‎According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are all tracking the 25-year-old, whose contract expires at season’s end. With no renewal agreed, Palace may accept winter offers, and early movers could gain an advantage.

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‎5. Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)

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‎Nico Schlotterbeck continues to attract attention from Europe’s elite, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all monitoring the Dortmund centre-back. Bayern reportedly view him as a long-term alternative to Dayot Upamecano.

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‎Liverpool are also interested, and although Dortmund want to extend his contract beyond 2027, they would demand at least £50m ($67m) for a January transfer. His aerial dominance, defensive authority and leadership qualities add to his appeal.

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‎6. Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

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‎Antoine Semenyo has been one of the Premier League’s standout wingers, combining pace, power and two-footed ability to devastating effect. His performances have drawn attention from Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.

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‎A £65m ($87m) release clause becomes active in January, a figure widely viewed as excellent value for a proven top-flight attacker aged just 25. Manchester City are believed to be leading the race, with Semenyo eager to resolve his future quickly.

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‎7. Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal)

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‎Ruben Neves is reportedly seeking a return to the Premier League after two and a half years with Al-Hilal, having declined a contract extension. The Times suggests Manchester United are the most logical destination due to their midfield struggles.

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‎West Ham are also interested, but United’s need for a controlling midfielder and the chance to reunite with Bruno Fernandes could prove decisive. Neves could be available for around £18m ($24m), with Al-Hilal facing the risk of losing him on a free in the summer.

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‎8. Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid)

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‎Sky Sports revealed that 16 Premier League clubs have tracked Conor Gallagher since his £33m ($44m) move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid in August 2024. Although he impressed initially in Spain, Gallagher is no longer a guaranteed starter under Diego Simeone.

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‎With the World Cup approaching, the midfielder has expressed dissatisfaction with his role. Manchester United are considering a loan move, though Atletico prefer a permanent sale, potentially opening the door for Tottenham or Leeds.

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‎9. Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)

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‎Marc-Andre ter Stegen recently returned from back surgery in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win over Guadalajara, but manager Hansi Flick has confirmed it was a one-off appearance. Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny are now ahead of him in the pecking order.

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‎After being stripped of the captaincy in August due to a dispute over medical data, Ter Stegen appears set for a fresh start. Interest has emerged from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the Premier League, with Aston Villa enquiring about his situation.

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‎10. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

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‎Juventus risk losing one of their brightest talents despite Kenan Yildiz being under contract until 2029. The 20-year-old feels his salary does not reflect his importance and is pushing for improved terms.

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‎Negotiations have stalled, and Arsenal have reportedly contacted agent Jorge Mendes to discuss availability. Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation, though Juventus are believed to value Yildiz at £80m ($108m).