It's been a fairly quiet summer so far, but plenty of out-of-favour stars will be hoping that changes over the next few weeks
The summer has flown by and we are now less than a week away from the transfer window slamming shut on Friday, August 30. So far, it's been a fairly quiet few months on the recruitment front. Last summer, the Saudi Pro League was making waves, but that particular market has shrivelled considerably this time out, which has had a knock-on effect on activity in Europe's major leagues.
As a result, there is a long list of players who have been attempting to manufacture a move away from their current clubs, only to find out that there simply is not a market for their services. That could all change over the coming days, however.
As the transfer window ticks towards closing, sporting directors always operate with a renewed sense of urgency. Here are just some of the players who will be hoping there is still enough time for them to secure a transfer this summer…
GettyKepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
Be honest, had you forgotten the most expensive goalkeeper of all time was still at Chelsea? The £72m ($94m) the Blues paid Athletic Club back in 2018 for Kepa's services has proved to be a shocking investment and the Spaniard has been training away from the first-team group this summer after a underwhelming loan at Real Madrid. His wages will make a permanent exit difficult, but Bournemouth are exploring a loan in what would be a significant fall from grace.
Advertisement(C) Getty ImagesJoao Cancelo (Manchester City)
After his falling-out with Pep Guardiola back in early 2023, there is no way back for Cancelo at Man City, and the Premier League champions are keen to get him off their books for good this summer. Barcelona were initially interested in bringing the Portugal international back to Spain after his loan spell last season, but the Catalans' financial issues means that is now off the table. Instead, the Saudi Pro League now looks his most likely destination.
(C)Getty ImagesTrevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)
Chalobah was one of Chelsea's best players during the second half of last season, but that's not been enough to save him from the Blues' remorseless axe. First, the Cobham graduate was left off the U.S. tour squad and he's since been exiled from the club's first-team facilities. Several Premier League sides are said to be circling, but it's a sad end for a player who's more than good enough to feature regularly for his boyhood club.
Getty ImagesFederico Chiesa (Juventus)
Chiesa has gone from being one of Italy's heroes of Euro 2020 to being out in the cold at Juventus following a run of injuries and Thiago Motta's appointment as the new manager of the Bianconeri. Still just 26, there is no doubt that the wide forward has plenty more to give, and Barcelona are among the clubs considering a move late in the window.
