Summer Transfers Looming for Underutilized Stars
The Premier League season may be over, but the summer transfer window is just around the corner, and several high-profile players are expected to make a move to revitalize their careers. Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Brighton are among the teams that need to offload players this summer.
One player who desperately needs a change of scenery is Manchester City’s Jack Grealish. Just two years ago, the 29-year-old was at the center of the celebrations as Manchester City won the treble. However, a combination of injuries and increased competition in the squad has restricted Grealish to just seven league starts this season. With the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, Grealish was left on the bench, and Pep Guardiola opted to bring on teenager Claudio Echeverri instead. The former Aston Villa captain is in dire need of a move to restart his stuttering career and reignite his hopes of playing at the World Cup next year.
Another player who may be on his way out is Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund. The 22-year-old Danish striker moved to Old Trafford from Atalanta with a big reputation, but two years and 14 league goals later, he looks likely to leave the club. Højlund has been given little service and is often feeding on scraps in a team that does not create enough chances. A return to Italy has been mooted, and a summer exit would suit all parties.
Marcus Rashford, another Manchester United player, is also available to any club who will bid £40m. The 27-year-old showcased his quality during his short loan stint with Aston Villa, where he seemed revitalized after a difficult few months working under Ruben Amorim. However, Amorim has suggested he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach than Rashford, and the club needs to raise funds to strengthen after a disappointing season.
Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho is another player in limbo. The 25-year-old’s move from Manchester United was not made permanent, and he has no future at the club. Sancho made 41 appearances for Chelsea, scoring five goals and setting up 10 more, but he was not consistent enough. He is another asset the club needs to cash in on if they are to bolster the squad.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation is also in need of a revamp. Kepa, the club’s most expensive goalkeeper, is preparing to leave Stamford Bridge. The 30-year-old was solid during his loan spell at Bournemouth last season, saving 71.3% of the shots he faced, which should tempt interested parties.
Other players who may be on their way out include Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Chelsea’s midfielder, who has started just two Premier League games for the club and was linked with a January move to West Ham. Raheem Sterling, Chelsea’s winger, failed to make his mark on loan at Arsenal and is expected to leave the club. Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea’s striker, moved to the club two years ago for £51m, but injuries have affected his debut campaign, and he has never fully recovered or consolidated a regular starting spot. Armando Broja, Chelsea’s Albanian striker, has been loaned out to other Premier League sides, and a change of surroundings is a necessity to avoid a “what if” career.
Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, the young striker, seemed destined for greatness after his breakthrough hat-trick against Newcastle, but he has struggled to live up to his early billing. Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa, the injury-prone Italian, has been called upon rarely by Arne Slot, and a move away from Anfield will only be a good thing for the 27-year-old. Harvey Elliott, Liverpool’s midfielder, will also fall down the pecking order if the club signs Florian Wirtz. Darwin Núñez, Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker, failed to win over Slot and is expected to leave the club this summer.
These players, among others, are expected to make a move this summer to revitalize their careers and reignite their hopes of playing at the top level.
