Football
Premier League transfer drama: Who could make last-minute moves?
As the transfer window deadline approaches, the English Premier League is abuzz with speculation about last-minute moves.
With the window set to close at 23:00 BST on Friday, 30 August, several high-profile players could still change clubs. Here’s a look at some of the biggest names who might be on the move.
Raheem Sterling:
Raheem Sterling’s future at Chelsea appears uncertain after he was left out of the squad for the first two Premier League games. Training away from the first team, Sterling’s representatives are seeking clarity, while Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that the England winger might struggle to find playing time.
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in the 29-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £50 million in July 2022.
Romelu Lukaku, Ben Chilwell, and Others at Chelsea:
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Chelsea’s overcrowded squad, with 42 players listed, is expected to see several departures. Romelu Lukaku, who rejoined Chelsea for £97.5 million in 2021, is close to a move to Napoli after spending the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma. Ben Chilwell, signed from Leicester for £45 million in 2020, and defender Trevoh Chalobah are also reportedly on the chopping block.
Ivan Toney:
Brentford striker Ivan Toney’s future remains uncertain as the club turned down a £35 million bid from Saudi side Al-Ahli. Brentford manager Thomas Frank acknowledged that Toney’s situation is “up in the air,” with potential interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. Toney, who scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League games last season, is out of contract next summer.
Aaron Ramsdale:
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who lost his number one spot to David Raya, could be on his way out of the Emirates. Wolves have shown the most interest in the 26-year-old England international, offering a season-long loan.
Marc Guehi:
Crystal Palace has rejected four bids from Newcastle United for England defender Marc Guehi, with the latest offer around £65 million. Guehi, who has two years left on his contract, is open to a move, but Palace is reluctant to lose both of their center-backs after selling Joachim Andersen to Fulham.
Kieran Trippier:
Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier is seeking a move for more first-team football after falling behind Tino Livramento in the pecking order. Trippier, who joined from Atletico Madrid in 2022, has been linked with a move to Everton, where he could reunite with former manager Sean Dyche.
Jarrad Branthwaite:
Everton’s 22-year-old center-back Jarrad Branthwaite has attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool. Everton has already rejected two bids from United, but the speculation surrounding Branthwaite continues as the transfer deadline looms.
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Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho:
Manchester United could see a couple of high-profile exits before the window closes. Jadon Sancho, who had a tumultuous relationship with manager Erik ten Hag last season, may be on the move again, with Chelsea, Barcelona, and Juventus reportedly interested. Meanwhile, Scott McTominay could be heading to Napoli, with a fee reportedly agreed for the Scotland international.
Joao Cancelo:
Manchester City’s full-back Joao Cancelo, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, could be on the move again. While reports have linked him with a club in Saudi Arabia, City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that no formal inquiries have been received yet.
As the clock ticks down, fans and clubs alike are bracing for a potentially frantic finish to the transfer window, with big names possibly making headline-grabbing moves in the final hours.