Bernardo Silva, Hector Bellerin and Youri Tielemans; These are just three of the players who could be on their way out of the Premier League over the next two weeks.
Arsenal – Hector Bellerin
Speculation over the futures of Nicolas Pepe is not going anywhere soon, while Rob Holding is reportedly on Aston Villa’s radar, but the Arsenal player most in need of a clean break and a fresh start is undoubtedly Hector Bellerin.
The long-serving right-back won the Copa del Rey on loan at boyhood club Real Betis last term. But with a return to La Liga proving to be more difficult than expected, Bellerin’s agent is reportedly now asking Arsenal to tear up his contract. Thus, allowing Bellerin to leave for free.
Aston Villa – Bertrand Traore
The former Lyon winger has just never got going at Villa Park. And, after falling down the pecking order following Steven Gerrard’s transition to a diamond midfield, Traore has no choice but to go if he wants regular football this term. He could reunite with former Villa team-mate Trezeguet in Turkey.
Bournemouth – Emilio Marcondes
The former Brentford forward admitted recently that he dreams of playing Premier League football at Bournemouth. Those ambitions could be dashed, however, with Scott Parker hoping for further additions this month.
He’s been left on the bench for both of Bournemouth’s two games back, and has received an offer from Brondby.
Brentford – Halil Dervisoglu
The seldom-seen striker made a surprise appearance off the bench against Leicester City on opening weekend. Will that prove to be a farewell outing in Brentford’s red-and-white stripes?
Hull City coach Shota Averladze confirmed on Thursday that Dervisoglu is a target for the Championship club.
Brighton and Hove Albion – Moises Caicedo
Now, Brighton are hardly willing sellers. But with Manchester United willing to throw the kitchen sink at an all-action central midfielder, retaining Caicedo this summer may be easier said than done.
The Ecuadorian, after all, is a boyhood Red Devils fanatic.
Chelsea – Marcos Alonso
A fortnight ago, Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Alonso had asked to be left out of the trip to Everton for fear of jeopardising his return to Spain. Chelsea already have a replacement too, in Marc Cucurella.
The Barcelona target could potentially be used as a makeweight in the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deal.
Crystal Palace – Jack Butland
The England international is now Palace’s third-choice ‘keeper, behind Sam Johnstone and Vicente Guaita. No wonder he’s looking to leave, per The Sun. A broken hand complicates matters, but there should still be plenty of clubs aiming to take a punt on Butland.
Everton – Dele Alli
Fear not, Toffees fans. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anthony Gordon might have their fair share of suitors, but Everton are going to do everything in their power to keep the attacking duo. Especially after losing Richarlison to Tottenham.
It’s unlikely they’ll put up a similar fight for Dele Alli’s future. According to reports, one of football’s lost treasures has already agreed a move to Besiktas.
Fulham – Anthony Knockaert
One of a number of players in Marco Silva’s bomb squad, alongside Terence Kongolo, Ivan Cavaleiro and Josh Onomah, Knockaert will fall even further down the pecking order if Justin Kluivert and Willian both arrive.
His track record in the Championship mean the silky Frenchman should find a new club before long, however.
Leeds United – Kristoffer Klaessen
The fresh-faced shot-stopper might have won over the Leeds supporters with a faultless cameo performance against Wolves in the spring but, following Joel Robles arrival, a loan move away from Elland Road could be the natural next step.
Leicester City – Youri Tielemans
There are a number of Foxes players Brendan Rodgers may be happy to get rid of. Ayoze Perez, Boubakary Soumare and Jannik Vestergaard, for instance. Unfortunately, none of the three are anywhere near as widely-admired as Tielemans.
The Belgian will be a free-agent next summer. And Arsenal and Manchester United could be about to step up their interest.
Liverpool – Nat Phillips
Making his first start since March 2021 against Crystal Palace on Monday, Phillips struggled to deal with the speed and movement of an out-of-position Wilfried Zaha. Opportunities like this won’t come around again all that often, once Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip return.
At 25, Nat Phillips needs first-team football to iron out those kinks.
Manchester City – Bernardo Silva
City’s policy, when it comes to wantaway players, is often to avoid standing in their way. Pep Guardiola may have been tempted to rip up that particular blueprint after learning that Bernardo Silva – one of his most trusted lieutenants – was considering his future at the Etihad.
A long-mooted move to Barcelona would allow the Portugal international to move closer to his Iberian home.
Manchester United – Eric Bailly
While debate over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future rages on, reports linking Eric Bailly with an Old Trafford exit will have elicited a far more partisan response. According to reports, the Ivorian has been told he’s free to go. A fine defender, relentless injuries are to blame for his malaise in Manchester.
Newcastle United – Matt Ritchie
Eddie Howe admitted a month ago that Ritchie was likely to depart. Four weeks on, he’s still a Newcastle player. Surely someone – possibly in the Championship – will take a punt on a highly-versatile, hard-working player before the deadline passes.
Nottingham Forest – Lyle Taylor
Impressive in pre-season maybe but, with Forest looking to add another striker or two to their ranks, it’s hard to see a place for Taylor at the City Ground this term. Like Ritchie, the experienced striker could do a brilliant job for an ambitious second-tier club.
Southampton – Oriol Romeu
After six years and over 200 appearances, the time may have come for Romeu to try something new. The veteran Spaniard is in talks with Girona, and has less than a year on his St Mary’s contract. Southampton have already found his long-term replacement too, in Romeo Lavia.
Tottenham Hotspur – Sergio Reguilon
This summer alone, Spurs have signed two new left-wing backs. And while Destiny Udogie won’t be joining Ivan Perisic in North London until 2023, this was a clear sign – not that he really needed one – that Sergio Reguilon is no longer part of Antonio Conte’s plans.
Perhaps a swap deal with Atalanta for Ruslan Malinovskyi could kill two birds with one stone.
West Ham United – Said Benrahma
He might have been West Ham’s brightest spark in the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest but that has not stopped speculation suggesting his days at the London Stadium may be numbered. Talented yet inconsistent; Benhrama could lose his place to Maxwel Cornet.
Wolves – Morgan Gibbs-White
Depending on who you believe, Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal worth somewhere between £25 and £45 million for a player who spent last season in the Championship with Sheffield United. Whatever you think about the fee, Wolves selling Gibbs-White for such a colossal fee – while bringing in Matheus Nunes as a replacement – feels like excellent business.
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