TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - With just two weeks before the 2025-2026 English Premier League kicks off, the summer transfer window is entering its final month. The pressure is mounting on players left with two choices: move to a new club or risk spending the season on the bench.
Top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United have already spent over £100 million each (Rp2.2 trillion), while reigning champions Liverpool have gone even further, surpassing £250 million in spending.
Despite the big moves, many prominent players still face uncertain futures. Staying might mean reduced playing time, while a transfer could involve joining less competitive teams. Here are several names still in limbo:
Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Nunez started just eight league matches last season and only once against Southampton. With new arrivals like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, and Luis Diaz’s departure to Bayern, Nunez appears out of Arne Slot’s plans
Liverpool are also pursuing Alexander Isak, pushing Nunez further down the pecking order. Having joined from Benfica for £85 million, Liverpool want a high return—but after just 40 goals in 143 games, few clubs are biting.
Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United)
Signed for £72 million in 2023, Hojlund has underwhelmed with 14 goals in 62 league games. United are targeting another striker and have signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, with interest in Benjamin Sesko. Hojlund’s future could involve a loan to protect his value.
Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
Elliott, 22, impressed with England’s U-21 team but made only 18 league appearances last season, starting twice. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, he needs regular minutes to catch Thomas Tuchel’s eye.
Interest from West Ham, Tottenham, and Galatasaray could provide an exit, while Liverpool are open to a sale to fund further signings.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
Left out of United’s preseason U.S. tour, Garnacho has been told to seek a new club. Although Chelsea are keen, United want £40 million. Aston Villa and Napoli are monitoring the situation. If he stays, Ruben Amorim may still include him in the squad, but his impact is expected to be minimal.
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
Sterling, 30, started just seven Premier League matches on loan at Arsenal and failed to complete 90 minutes in any of them.
Now back at Chelsea, he has two years left on his contract but no place in Enzo Maresca’s plans. A transfer is necessary for more playing time.
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
Robertson, 31, has been key to Liverpool’s success since 2017. But the arrival of Milos Kerkez threatens his spot. With his contract ending in 2026 and Scotland eyeing World Cup qualification, a move could help him stay match-fit for national duty.
Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)
Jackson scored 10 goals in 30 league appearances last season, but the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have pushed him down the pecking order. While Chelsea are not actively shopping him, they would consider offers. Newcastle could show interest if Alexander Isak leaves.
Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
Grealish, 29, started only seven league games last season, scoring once. With Pep Guardiola encouraging him to leave, City’s £100 million man could be loaned out. His high wages are an obstacle, but Everton and Newcastle are interested.
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Since joining Arsenal in January 2023, Trossard has tallied 28 goals and 23 assists. But the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke have complicated his place in the lineup. Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keen to bring him to Germany.
Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City)
Signed for £33.6 million from Lens, the 21-year-old Uzbek defender has failed to impress. After a poor debut and no appearances since March 2025, City may opt for a loan move to give him game time and development opportunities.
Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)
Nkunku arrived in 2023 with an excellent record in Germany (47 goals and 43 assists for RB Leipzig), but injuries and form issues have plagued his Chelsea career. He scored only six goals in 38 appearances last season. United showed interest in January but backed out due to fitness concerns.
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