Transfer Deadline Day 2026: Potential Moves Before the Window Closes
The summer transfer window, open since June 15, is nearing its close with Premier League clubs rushing to finalize key signings before the Tuesday 23:00 BST deadline. Big names like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Cody Gakpo, and Ismaila Sarr might still switch teams if deals are sealed in time.
Julian Alvarez’s Future: Barcelona or Arsenal?
Julian Alvarez, the 26-year-old Atletico Madrid striker, stands at a crossroads. Though he wants out, Atletico refuses to sell him to Barcelona but might accept a deal from Arsenal. The Gunners have tracked Alvarez for some time and face a hefty price tag of €150m (£128m). Alvarez has missed training and was absent against Sevilla, with coach Simeone stating he wasn’t feeling well but also trying to keep Alvarez motivated for a return.
Enzo Fernandez Linked to Manchester City
Enzo Fernandez sat out the recent Premier League victory over Brighton amid swirling rumors about a big-money move to Manchester City. After several midfield departures, City sees Fernandez as a potential record signing that could eclipse their £116m payment for Elliot Anderson. His former Chelsea colleague Enzo Maresca may be counting on him to strengthen City's squad.
Lamine Camara Could Join Chelsea
If Fernandez leaves for City, Lamine Camara from Monaco could arrive at Chelsea as a replacement. This would mark Chelsea's 13th incoming transfer while over 30 players have left the club this summer. The Blues appear set to break their own Premier League record for player sales, which stood at £300m last season. Meanwhile, players like Mykhailo Mudryk seek loans, and others such as Pedro Neto and Tosin Adarabioyo await clarity on their futures. Young talents like Dario Essugo, Deivid Washington, and Shim Mheuka might also depart.
Cody Gakpo’s Possible Moves: Man City or Tottenham
Cody Gakpo is in talks between Liverpool and Manchester City, with the Dutch winger open to joining City. Liverpool would only agree if they secure another attacker beyond Bradley Barcola. Tottenham Hotspur remains interested, but City's £80m offer makes them the frontrunner. Still, City's pursuit is close to falling through if Liverpool cannot find a new winger before the deadline, meaning Gakpo might stay put.
Ismaila Sarr Targeted by Liverpool
With uncertainty around Gakpo, Liverpool have shifted focus to Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, after their bids for Yankuba Minteh were rejected by Brighton. Palace demands more than Liverpool’s £60m offer. The Senegal international, a right-sided winger like Minteh, was approached last week but Palace declined.
Richarlison to Everton and Iliman Ndiaye to Tottenham
Iliman Ndiaye is close to moving from Everton to Tottenham, while Everton looks set to bring back striker Richarlison. Ndiaye, 26, rejected contract offers at Everton and held talks with Saudi club Al-Hilal earlier this year. Though the deal is nearly done, interest from Manchester City clouds the picture. Richarlison reportedly asked Spurs’ coach Roberto de Zerbi repeatedly to allow his exit, leading to Everton's terms in principle to re-sign him.
Jack Grealish Set for Loan Return to Everton
Jack Grealish is likely to return to Everton on loan from Manchester City, though the details remain complicated as he enters his final contract year. Grealish prefers returning to Everton, where he played last season, rather than rejoining Aston Villa, who also expressed interest.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo Linked to Newcastle
Matias Fernandez-Pardo remains on Newcastle’s radar after the arrival of Nico Gonzalez. The 21-year-old Lille forward offers creativity and versatility across the frontline, fitting Newcastle’s target age group. Lille’s manager excluded Fernandez-Pardo from recent matches and training until the transfer window closes, signaling possible negotiations.
Joshua Zirkzee Eyes Juventus Move
Joshua Zirkzee, with prior Serie A experience at Parma and Bologna, could leave Manchester United for Juventus if Canada forward Jonathan David departs for Atletico Madrid. Fiorentina sought to loan Zirkzee with a purchase option, but without agreement, they moved on. United prefers selling or at least a loan with obligation, and Zirkzee’s exit may open space for reinforcements elsewhere.
- Julian Alvarez: Atletico Madrid striker, potential moves to Arsenal or Barcelona, fee around €150m (£128m)
- Enzo Fernandez: Linked with Manchester City, possible club record signing
- Lamine Camara: Chelsea target from Monaco
- Cody Gakpo: Liverpool winger, talks with Manchester City and Tottenham, £80m offer from City
- Ismaila Sarr: Crystal Palace winger, Liverpool interested after bids for Yankuba Minteh refused
- Iliman Ndiaye: Near Tottenham move from Everton
- Richarlison: Likely return to Everton from Tottenham
- Jack Grealish: Expected loan back to Everton from Manchester City
- Matias Fernandez-Pardo: Newcastle target from Lille
- Joshua Zirkzee: Manchester United forward linked with Juventus
