The January transfer window is fast approaching, and clubs will once again be scrambling to strengthen for the second half of the season. In the 2025 winter market, £1.2 billion ($1.4bn) was spent across Europe's top leagues and the English Championship, the highest mark in seven years, with Manchester City accounting for £191 million ($256m) of that amount alone.
City recorded the second-highest spend in winter transfer history, behind Chelsea's infamous 2023 spree, splashing out on the likes of Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis. Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Wolves were also busy, but most Premier League clubs steered clear of expensive deals, and that was also the case on foreign shores.
That is not likely to happen this time around, though. A host of high-profile names are being strongly linked with New Year exits, and the stage is set for several top outfits, not just one, to invest heavily in new talent. Some are looking to take the next step in their careers, while others are simply looking for a fresh challenge, and in rarer cases, a parting of ways has been made inevitable by a falling out behind the scenes.
Below, GOAL runs through 10 stars who could make big-money transfers in January….
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Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
In April, Mohamed Salah was rewarded with a new two-year contract after spearheading Liverpool's run to a second Premier League title. But some nine months on, the so-called 'Egyptian King' is poised for an acrimonious exit that threatens to damage his legacy at Anfield.
The 33-year-old accused Liverpool of throwing him "under the bus" and said he no longer had any relationship with Arne Slot after being named on the bench for the third game in a row at Leeds United on December 6. Slot immediately dropped Salah from the squad entirely for the Reds' subsequent clash with Inter in the Champions League, and suggested he would not be reinstated unless he issued an apology.
It appears the Dutchman may have got what he wanted, because Salah returned, albeit from the bench, in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Brighton. However, when the beloved forward clapped the home fans after the game, the emotion in his eyes was clear for all to see, and some are viewing it as a final goodbye.
Salah is now at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt – and back among the goals – but long-term suitors from the Saudi Pro League have confirmed he remains a target. Salah has shown signs of decline for the first time this season, meaning this could be the last chance for the Reds to demand a mega fee, with the bargaining power gained from tying him to fresh terms unlikely to extend beyond the winter.
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Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund)
According to , Karim Adeyemi has informed Borussia Dortmund bosses that he wants to leave, with his girlfriend said to be pushing for a new life in a major European city. The Germany international has changed agents and started his push for a January transfer, and won't be short of suitors when the market opens.
Inter have been credited with an interest in Adeyemi while reports that Manchester United and Arsenal are ready to do battle for his services. Dortmund value the 23-year-old at around £75m ($101m), which is very steep considering the forward has only scored 14 Bundesliga goals across his three seasons at the club, and the fact he was recently embroiled in legal controversy.
However, Adeyemi's ability to play anywhere across the frontline makes him an attractive asset. Arsenal could use another option up front given the struggles of Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz's injury woes, while United need more cover for Benjamin Sesko. Adeyemi still has a lot of potential to unlock, too, and may prove worth the investment in the long run.
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Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
Defensive midfielders don't come cheap anymore, at least not in the Premier League. Enzo Fernandez, Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo all fetched fees in excess of £100m ($134m), and Nottingham Forest talisman Elliot Anderson could be next in line.
According to journalist Florian Pletterberg, that is Forest's minimum asking price for the England international, with the club having been made aware of "concrete" interest from Manchester United. No investment that large should be taken lightly, but the Red Devils desperately need a proper No.6 who has the legs to protect the defence and the technical skill to keep the play ticking over, and Anderson certainly fits the bill.
However, Liverpool are also reportedly weighing up a January swoop for the 23-year-old, alongside his former club Newcastle. The final fee could break records if a bidding war erupts, though claims Forest are ready to knock back all mid-season approaches.
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Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Marc Guehi came so close to a £35m ($47m) summer move to Liverpool that he'd even filmed an official announcement video, only for Crystal Palace to block the deal just before the deadline. The Reds remain keen admirers, but competition for Guehi has increased considerably in recent months, with the reporting that Man City, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are all eager to secure his signature in 2026.
Guehi's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and with no sign of a renewal, it's very likely Palace will welcome any offers in the winter market. Whoever makes the first move could win the race for the 25-year-old, who is undoubtedly one of the most intelligent ball-playing centre-halves in the Premier League, and is ready to make the jump to an elite club.
