As the summer slowly draws to a close, the tranquil transfer market is poised to erupt into a flurry of last-minute activity. With the transfer window set to slam shut on Friday, August 30, football clubs across Europe are operating with heightened urgency, trying to finalize their squads before the deadline.
While the summer months have been relatively quiet, particularly in contrast to last year’s explosive Saudi Pro League spending spree, the final days of the window often bring unexpected twists and turns.
The impact of a more subdued market has been felt across Europe, with many players who are eager for a fresh start finding themselves stuck in limbo. The diminished activity in the Saudi Pro League has created a ripple effect, leaving several high-profile players scrambling to secure moves away from their current clubs. As the clock ticks down, these players are anxiously awaiting an opportunity to reignite their careers elsewhere.
Among those players is Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea’s £72 million ($94 million) goalkeeper, whose transfer fee remains the highest ever paid for a player in his position. Despite his astronomical price tag, Kepa’s time at Stamford Bridge has been marred by inconsistency and an underwhelming loan spell at Real Madrid.
Now, as he trains away from Chelsea’s first-team squad, his future hangs in the balance. Bournemouth has expressed interest in a loan deal, but Kepa’s substantial wages could complicate a permanent transfer, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-promising Spaniard.
Joao Cancelo
Another star player facing an uncertain future, is eager to find a new club after falling out with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Despite his immense talent, Cancelo’s relationship with Guardiola soured in early 2023, leading to his loan move to Bayern Munich.
Although Barcelona showed interest in bringing the Portuguese defender back to Spain, the club’s financial difficulties have halted any potential deal. With limited options, Cancelo might be heading to the Saudi Pro League, a far cry from his previous status as one of Europe’s top full-backs.
Trevoh Chalobah
One of Chelsea’s standout performers in the latter half of last season, has also been left out in the cold. The Cobham graduate, who has been a loyal servant to his boyhood club, was excluded from Chelsea’s U.S. tour squad and has since been exiled from the first-team facilities.
Despite his undeniable talent, Chalobah now finds himself on the fringes, with several Premier League clubs reportedly circling. It’s a disheartening situation for a player who has shown he is more than capable of competing at the highest level.
Federico Chiesa
Once hailed as a hero of Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, has seen his career stall at Juventus due to a series of injuries and the arrival of new manager Thiago Motta.
At just 26 years old, Chiesa still has plenty to offer, but his future at Juventus looks bleak. Barcelona is reportedly considering a late move for the dynamic winger, who could benefit from a change of scenery as he seeks to revive his career.
Ben Chilwell
A key figure at Chelsea during his early years, now faces an uncertain future under the management of Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach recently hinted that Chilwell’s time at the club might be coming to an end, suggesting that the former Leicester City man would be better off seeking regular playing time elsewhere.
Newcastle United has been linked with the England international, but any move will need to be finalized quickly if Chilwell is to avoid spending the season on the bench.
Kingsley Coman
A crucial figure in Bayern Munich’s Champions League-winning campaign, has found himself surplus to requirements following the arrival of Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.
Despite scoring the winning goal in the 2020 final, Coman’s position in the squad has become increasingly precarious. Barcelona is reportedly interested in a loan move for the French winger, who at 28 years old, still has much to offer at the top level.
Christian Eriksen’s
Time at Manchester United has been marked by inconsistency, and as he approaches the twilight of his career, a move away from Old Trafford seems increasingly likely. A reunion with former club Ajax has been frequently mentioned, and such a move would provide a fitting end to the Danish playmaker’s illustrious career.
Ansu Fati
Once seen as the future of Barcelona, has struggled to fulfill his early promise due to a series of injuries. After an underwhelming loan spell at Brighton, the 21-year-old forward might be on his way out of the Catalan club as they look to ease their financial burdens. While it would be an emotional departure, a fresh start could be exactly what Fati needs to rediscover the form that made him one of the most exciting young talents in world football.
David Datro Fofana
Who joined Chelsea in January 2022, has found opportunities hard to come by at Stamford Bridge. Loan spells at Union Berlin and Burnley yielded just four league goals, and it appears that the young forward’s future lies away from Chelsea. The club is open to letting Fofana leave this summer, with the hope that a move elsewhere will allow him to realize his potential.
Joe Gomez
Liverpool’s longest-serving player, is also facing an uncertain future as he was left out of the squad for their Premier League opener. With Newcastle United and Aston Villa reportedly interested, Gomez could be on the move before the transfer window closes, as he looks to regain regular playing time.
Leon Goretzka
Who has been a key figure for Bayern Munich, has been told by new manager Vincent Kompany that he won’t be a regular starter this season. With Liverpool in search of a midfielder, Goretzka could be on their radar, but any deal will need to be completed swiftly as the deadline approaches.
Clement Lenglet
Who has spent the past two seasons on loan at Tottenham and Aston Villa, is another player Barcelona is eager to offload. The French defender has rejected several approaches this summer, but it appears he is finally close to agreeing on terms with Atletico Madrid. Whether the deal is completed in time remains to be seen.
Gio Lo Celso
Who has been linked with a move away from Tottenham on numerous occasions, could finally be set to leave North London this summer. The Argentina international, who excelled during a loan spell at Villarreal, is likely to return to Spain, where he has previously thrived.
Ademola Lookman
A key figure for Atalanta, appears to be seeking a move away from Bergamo, despite the club’s participation in this season’s Champions League. Lookman was left out of the squad for their Serie A opener, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly leading the race for his signature.
Romelu Lukaku’s
Future is once again the subject of intense speculation, as the Belgian striker looks set to leave Chelsea for the third time in his career. After loan spells at Inter Milan and AS Roma, Lukaku’s next destination could be Napoli, though negotiations are still ongoing.
Victor Osimhen
One of Napoli’s star players, is also weighing his options as he looks to secure a move to a club that can offer him Champions League football. While Napoli’s appointment of Antonio Conte as manager could improve their prospects, Osimhen is keen to make the most of his prime years and might be tempted by a late move.
Raheem Sterling’s
Time at Chelsea appears to be drawing to a close, despite positive indications during pre-season. The England international was surprisingly left out of the squad for Chelsea’s opening Premier League match, sparking speculation about his future. While his next move is uncertain, it seems clear that Sterling’s time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end.
As the transfer window approaches its dramatic conclusion, these players, and many others, will be hoping to secure moves that allow them to rejuvenate their careers and find new opportunities. The final days of the window are often filled with surprises, and there is still plenty of time for deals to be done before the deadline passes.