Players in Limbo as Transfer Window Approaches Deadline
With less than two weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, numerous players find themselves at a crossroads in their careers.
These athletes are unwanted, forgotten, and out of favor—left in a state of limbo.
BBC Sport examines the players who need to secure a move before the deadline if they wish to play regular football this season.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris St-Germain)
Gianluigi Donnarumma, a European champion with Paris St-Germain and Italy, has gone from lifting the Champions League trophy in May to being sidelined by PSG manager Luis Enrique. Will the Italian goalkeeper make a move to the Premier League?
Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United)
Left-back Tyrell Malacia has occasionally filled in as an emergency right-back for Manchester United. However, with only 16 Premier League appearances in three years at Old Trafford, he is eager for more game time, regardless of the position.
Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)
Ben Chilwell has not played for Chelsea in the Premier League since April 2024. The 28-year-old left-back, who ended last season on loan at Crystal Palace, is currently in limbo as reports suggest the Blues are struggling to find a buyer for him, despite his initial £45 million transfer fee in 2020.
Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal)
Poland international Jakub Kiwior made a strong impression while covering for the injured Gabriel towards the end of last season. However, with the arrival of Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera this summer, Kiwior may find it challenging to secure even a backup role.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, found himself behind Jurrien Timber in the pecking order last season. In his autobiography, Zinchenko mentioned his family's disappointment in not seeing him play at the Emirates Stadium. Could a fresh start in Turkey under Jose Mourinho help revive his career?
Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)
Kalvin Phillips, 29, has made just 16 Premier League appearances for Manchester City since his arrival in 2022 and is unlikely to see much more action. Following loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town, he has been linked with a return to his former club, Leeds United.
Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)
Yves Bissouma started in the Europa League final against Manchester United but has fallen out of favor with new Spurs boss Thomas Frank due to repeated lateness in pre-season, leading to his exclusion from the Super Cup squad. His future at Tottenham appears uncertain.
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
Raheem Sterling was once regarded as Chelsea's marquee signing under Thomas Tuchel, but after several managerial changes, he seems to have no future with current coach Enzo Maresca. Earning at least £300,000 a week with two years remaining on his contract, Sterling has attracted interest from clubs in Germany and Turkey but prefers to remain close to London, where his son is part of the Arsenal academy.
Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)
Nicolas Jackson, who signed an eight-year contract with Chelsea in 2023, has been the club's first-choice striker for the last two seasons. However, with Maresca's summer recruitment strategy, his future is now in doubt. A transfer would benefit both Jackson and Chelsea, who hope to recoup at least double the £32 million spent to acquire the Senegal forward from Villarreal.
Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)
Another Chelsea player in jeopardy is Christopher Nkunku. With the recent signings of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, Nkunku's time at Stamford Bridge appears to be nearing its end. Having cost the Blues £52 million two years ago, will they allow the French forward to leave for a reduced fee?
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
At just 21, Alejandro Garnacho has his entire career ahead of him, but it seems not at Manchester United. A potential move to Chelsea could be on the horizon for the promising Argentine winger.
Limbo XI