The 2025-26 Premier League season is just two weeks away, and the summer transfer window is entering its final stretch. As a result, pressure is mounting on players who face a critical decision: either seek a new club or risk warming the bench. This summer has already seen significant spending, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United each investing over £100 million, while Liverpool has brought in over £250 million.
If players opt to stay with their current teams, they may face diminished roles, or in the worst case, transfer to less appealing or struggling clubs. With August approaching, certain Premier League players are in urgent need of a change.
A Liverpool forward only started eight Premier League matches last season and hasn’t been featured as a starter since facing relegated Southampton on January 1. Liverpool’s attack has shifted greatly since last season, following the arrivals of Florian Wiltz and Hugo Echicicke, as well as the departures of Louis Diaz to Bayern Munich and the tragic loss of Diogo Jota. The club is also exploring a potential £150 million deal for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, indicating that Nunes may not be in their plans, despite arriving for £85 million from Benfica three years ago.
With only 40 goals in 143 appearances for Liverpool, Nunes is finding it challenging to attract a club that meets the club’s valuation.
Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United has made no secret of its desire to acquire a reliable goalscorer ahead of the transfer deadline, which complicates things for Rasmus Hojlund.
The young forward, who joined from Atalanta in 2023, has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, netting just 14 goals in 62 Premier League games. With Manchester United seeking additional talent for their attacking line this summer, including bids for players like Masch Kuña and Benjamin Sesco, Hojlund’s prospects look bleak.
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While United remains optimistic about Hojlund’s potential to develop into a regular scorer, a loan could be a viable option to mitigate financial losses involving the Danish international.
At just 22, Elliott faces a pivotal decision. After featuring for England U21 in the recent Euro U21 success, he has an opportunity to break into Thomas Tuchel’s senior team at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, provided he gets sufficient playing time—something that didn’t happen at Liverpool, where he appeared in just 18 league games last season.
Elliott has only begun two matches (18 total appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists) during Liverpool’s Premier League-winning campaign. However, interest from clubs like West Ham, Tottenham, and Galatasaray suggests a move could benefit all parties, especially since Liverpool could use funds after their heavy summer investments.
The Manchester United winger was left out of Reuben Amorim’s squad for the US preseason tour and has been told to seek a new club. Although Chelsea remains interested, having tried to acquire him in January, United has yet to find a team willing to meet his £40 million valuation.
Aston Villa and Napoli are both watching Garnacho’s situation closely, but Amorim indicated he is ready to reintegrate players like Garnacho and Antony into the lineup. However, Garnacho may need to leave Old Trafford to further his career.
A Chelsea forward recently had a brief loan spell at Arsenal, starting seven Premier League matches without completing a full game. His impact has been minimal, with only one goal scored in the Carabao Cup against League One’s Bolton Wanderers.
Now back at Chelsea, he has two years remaining on his contract, but with limited chances expected under Enzo Maresca, a move seems imminent. Last season, his high wages in addition to Arsenal’s interest have put him on a clear exit path.
Andy Robertson
Since his £8 million transfer from Hull City in 2017, Liverpool’s left-back has solidified his status as a club legend, contributing to numerous major honors. However, with his contract allowing him to leave as a free agent next year, he may seek a transfer to ensure he remains competitive, especially with Scotland chasing World Cup qualifiers.
A Chelsea forward tallied 10 goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season, but that wasn’t sufficient to persuade the club of his potential as a leading striker. With new signings shining during Chelsea’s recent FIFA Club World Cup effort, his opportunities at Stamford Bridge are dwindling.
Although Chelsea isn’t actively seeking to offload the Senegal international, they remain open to transferring players, meaning the 24-year-old could move before the deadline.
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What does Jack Grealish’s future hold?
Rob Dawson analyzes Jack Grealish’s prospects with Manchester City.
Meanwhile, the Manchester City winger has been available since the end of last season, yet he returned to Etihad with no move materializing. Despite starting only seven Premier League games last season, registering one goal and one assist in 20 overall games, Grealish’s hefty transfer fees and wages may deter many clubs. However, Everton and Newcastle are reportedly considering loan options for the British international, who has two years remaining on his contract.
A reliable forward for Arsenal since joining from Brighton in January 2023, he has scored 28 goals and provided 23 assists in 124 all-competition appearances. Nonetheless, he may not fit into Arsenal’s plans any longer, especially after the arrivals of Victor Gökeres and Noni Madueke to their already strong attack this summer.
Borussia Dortmund is showing interest in signing the Belgian international, and a move could be finalized before Arsenal kicks off its season on August 17.
At Manchester City, the young defender has experienced a tough beginning following his £33.6 million transfer from Lens in January, just 18 months after Lens acquired him for £84,000. His debut was lackluster, leading to no appearances in Pep Guardiola’s lineup after March.
Still at 21, City hopes for his growth, but a loan move—perhaps to another club within the City Football Group—could provide him space away from the spotlight at Etihad.
The French forward moved to Chelsea in 2023 after a successful spell at RB Leipzig, where he scored 47 goals and provided 43 assists in 119 Bundesliga matches. However, injuries and loss of form have plagued his time at Stamford Bridge, where he managed just six goals and two assists in 38 Premier League matches. If Chelsea is willing to gamble on a revival, he could be on the move this summer, although concerns about his fitness may complicate potential transfers.
In a rapidly evolving transfer market, these player movements could significantly shape the Premier League landscape. Fans should keep a close watch, as moves could enhance team dynamics or create unexpected rivalries, impacting the quality and excitement of the league.
