Premier League Players Who Desperately Need a Change
As the 2025-26 Premier League season approaches, the summer transfer window enters its final month. The pressure mounts for players facing a crossroads: stay or seek new horizons.
Although the summer market has been active, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United spending more than 100 million pounds, Liverpool has surpassed everyone with spending of more than 250 million. Several renowned players still face an uncertain future.
If these players choose to stay at their current clubs, they are likely to spend the season on the bench, or worse. A move to a less glamorous club could be the best option.
Here are the Premier League players who need a change.
Darwin Núñez
The Liverpool striker only started eight Premier League games last season. His situation hasn’t improved, and the arrival of new attacking players like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, along with the possible arrival of Alexander Isak, indicate that Núñez is not in the coach’s plans.After just 40 goals in 143 appearances with the ‘Reds’, Núñez is struggling to find a club willing to meet Liverpool’s expectations.
Rasmus Hojlund
The Manchester United are looking for a proven goalscorer before the market closes, which is not good news for Rasmus Hojlund. The 22-year-old player, signed for £72 million in 2023, has only scored 14 goals in 62 Premier League games for United.
With the arrival of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, in addition to the attempts to sign Benjamin Sesko, Hojlund will have difficulties getting starting opportunities.
Harvey Elliott
The 22-year-old Liverpool midfielder faces a crucial decision. After standing out with the England U21 team, Elliott has the opportunity to enter the senior team for the 2026 World Cup. To achieve this, he needs to play more than he does at Liverpool, where he only played 18 league games in the 2024-25 season.
With interest from West Ham, Tottenham, and Galatasaray, a transfer for Elliott could benefit both parties, especially considering that Liverpool needs to recoup some money after their large summer spending.
Alejandro Garnacho
The Manchester United winger has been excluded from the pre-season tour of the United States and has been told he can look for a new club. Although Chelsea have shown interest, United have yet to find a club willing to pay his £40 million valuation.
Aston Villa and Napoli are following Garnacho’s situation, but his future at United seems bleak and he needs to leave Old Trafford to relaunch his career.
Raheem Sterling
The Chelsea striker only started seven Premier League games on loan at Arsenal and didn’t complete the full 90 minutes on any occasion. Sterling needs a change, but his poor performance at Arsenal and his high salary at Chelsea limit his options.
Andy Robertson
The Liverpool left-back is a legend, but the arrival of 21-year-old Milos Kerkez puts him in competition for his future. With his contract about to expire next year, Robertson could decide to leave as a free agent or seek a transfer to secure his place in the Scotland national team.
Nicolas Jackson
The Chelsea striker scored 10 goals in 30 Premier League games last season, but it wasn’t enough to convince the club. With the arrival of João Pedro and Liam Delap, Jackson has become the third option in attack.
Chelsea could transfer the Senegalese international before the market closes, with Newcastle as a possible destination.
Jack Grealish
The Manchester City winger has been informed by Pep Guardiola that he can look for a new club. Grealish, who only started seven games last season, could find a new destination at Everton or Newcastle, who are considering a loan.
Leandro Trossard
The Arsenal forward has been a reliable option since his arrival in January 2023, but with the addition of Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke, he has become surplus to requirements.
Borussia Dortmund is interested in signing the Belgian international, which could be a high-profile move before Arsenal starts their Premier League season.
Abdukodir Khusanov
The Manchester City defender has had a difficult time at the club. The 21-year-old could benefit from a loan, possibly to another City Football Group team, to develop away from the media spotlight.
Christopher Nkunku
The French striker arrived at Chelsea with high expectations after his impressive performances at RB Leipzig, but his time at Stamford Bridge has been marked by injuries and lack of form. His possible transfer will depend on whether any club is willing to risk him regaining his level.
