Big-Name Footballers Still Facing Uncertain Future In 2025 Summer Transfer Window

The final two weeks of the 2025 summer transfer window could define the next chapter of some top footballers as the window is expected to close across Europe at 7 p.m. (Nigerian time) on Monday, September 1, 2025.

These footballers who are established internationals, Champions League winners, and Premier League regulars, could suddenly find themselves unwanted or overlooked.

Below are some of the big-name footballers who could be moving on this summer:

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)

From lifting the Champions League in May to being dropped by Luis Enrique, it has been a brutal summer for Donnarumma. The Italian No. 1 has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea. If Ederson leaves City, don’t rule out a dramatic switch to the Etihad.

2. Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United)

The Dutch defender has played just 16 Premier League games since arriving at Old Trafford. After ending last season on loan at PSV, Malacia looks unlikely to force his way back into Erik ten Hag’s plans.

3. Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)

Chelsea spent £45m on him in 2020, but Chilwell hasn’t featured in the league since April 2024. Even a loan spell at Crystal Palace has not reignited his career, and the Blues are struggling to find a buyer for the 28-year-old.

4. Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal)

Solid when covering for Gabriel last season, but with Cristhian Mosquera arriving, the Polish defender may be squeezed out. Juventus are said to be interested in him.

5. Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)

Jurrien Timber was preferred to him at left-back last season. The Ukrainian admitted in his autobiography that his family was saddened to see him benched. A move to Fenerbahce under Jose Mourinho could offer him a fresh start.

6. Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)

Phillips has struggled at Manchester City since 2022. After spells at West Ham and Ipswich, a Leeds United return feels like the most logical outcome.

7. Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Mali midfielder started the Europa League final but fell out with new manager Thomas Frank due to repeated lateness in pre-season. He was even dropped from the Super Cup squad. His days in North London appear numbered.

8. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

Sterling arrived as Chelsea’s marquee signing under Thomas Tuchel, but several managers later, he is surplus under Enzo Maresca. He prefers to remain close to London, though clubs in Germany and Turkey have shown interest.

9. Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

Signed for £32m in 2023, Jackson has led the line for two seasons. But with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro joining, Chelsea are open to selling and hope to double their money.

10. Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)

Injuries and inconsistency have derailed his £52m move. Two years on, the Frenchman looks expendable, and Chelsea may settle for a cut-price deal to move him on.

11. Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)

At just 21, Garnacho has 16 Premier League goals to his name, yet his future at Old Trafford is far from secure. A shock move to Chelsea is said to be on the cards.