Ten players who may leave the Premier League this summer

Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur may be saying goodbye to legends in the summer transfer window.

Fri, 23 May, 2025 - 14:33

Ben McAleer

Cristian Romero, Tottenham

Cristian Romero’s time at Tottenham seemed to be drawing to a close. The Argentinian criticised the club earlier this season, blaming the board for a lack of progress. “Manchester City competes every year,” he said. “You see how Liverpool strengthens its squad. Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn’t do well, strengthens again, and now they’re seeing results. Those are the things to imitate. You have to realise that something is going wrong. The last few years, it’s always the same – first the players, then coaching staff changes, and it’s always the same people responsible.” Real Madrid were previously linked with a move for the World Cup winner, but Atlético Madrid now seem more likely to sign the centre-back – if he is not enticed by the prospect of playing Champions League football for Tottenham.

Son Heung-min, Tottenham

Son Heung-Min was always going to leave Tottenham as a legend, even more so now that he has lifted the club’s first trophy since 2008. Spurs extended his contract in January, tying him to the club until the summer of 2026, but that may have been to protect his value. Son has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia and, after a difficult season in which he has only scored seven goals in 30 league games and was not picked to start the Europa League final, the club may want to get their highest earner off the books. Supporters would be sad to see the captain go, but this summer feels like the right time for both parties to part ways. There won’t be a better way to bow out.

Emiliano Martínez, Aston Villa

Aston Villa may be forced to sell more players this summer to comply with profitability and sustainability rules. One of those reportedly set to go is Emiliano Martínez, who could be replaced by the Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García. The World Cup winner was visibly upset during the players’ lap of honour after their final home game of the season on Friday night. The 32-year-old soaked up the atmosphere after the 2-0 win against Tottenham, prompting more rumours that a switch to Barcelona, Atlético Madrid or Saudi Arabia may be on the cards.

Darwin Núñez, Liverpool

Liverpool’s fringe players were given their chance to impress after the club wrapped up the title with a few games to spare. Few of them have covered themselves in glory. Darwin Núñez is expected to depart in the summer, having struggled to convince Arne Slot he can lead the line. Núñez did contribute to Liverpool’s success this season, coming off the bench to score two injury-time goals in a win at Brentford in January, but Slot will want an upgrade on a striker who has more yellow cards (eight) than goals (five) in the league this season.

Liverpool's Darwin Nunez arrives for the Premier League match at the Amex Stadium. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

Andrew Robertson, Liverpool

Liverpool’s pursuit of full-backs has kicked up a notch since they clinched the title. They are close to signing Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for €35m and are pushing forward with a move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, which may mean that Andrew Robertson is deemed surplus to requirements. Liverpool won the league convincingly, and have the second best defensive record behind Arsenal, but the 31-year-old has not been as effective as in previous campaigns. It may be the right time for a refresh.

Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne’s 10-year stay at Manchester City ends this summer. The Belgian said goodbye at the Etihad earlier this week and will leave the club with 16 winners’ medals. Even at 33 years of age, he will have no shortage of suitors. He may want to stay in the Premier League and prove that City were wrong to let him go, but a switch to MLS has been rumoured, as has a move to Serie A, with Napoli a possible destination.

Ederson, Manchester City

Ederson may follow De Bruyne out the door at the Etihad, with Manchester City linked with Porto’s penalty-saving machine Diogo Costa. Ederson’s distribution and impressive work with his feet have made him ideal for Pep Guardiola’s style, but his shotstopping capabilities have let the team down. The 31-year-old could be on his way to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku moved to Chelsea in 2023 with high expectations. However the Frenchman has started just 11 Premier League games in two years, with injuries and a lack of form holding him back forward. Reports in January suggested that Chelsea were prepared to swap Nkunku for Mathys Tel prior to the latter’s switch to Tottenham. A return to Germany, where the 27-year-old shone for RB Leipzig, is not out of the question, with the versatile forward’s time at Stamford Bridge likely drawing to a close.

Mohammed Kudus, West Ham

West Ham pulled off quite the coup when they signed Mohammed Kudus from Ajax in 2023. He hasn’t been the most prolific forward – the Ghana international has scored just 12 league goals for the club – but he still has a legion of admirers. Kudus does his best work when given the chance to run at opponents; only Jérémy Doku (107) has completed more dribbles than the 24-year-old (91) in the league this season. If he goes, a move to Saudi Arabia may suit Kudos and West Ham.

Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United

“Until we reached the final, I played every round. And I played 20 minutes today. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens next,” said Alejandro Garnacho after Manchester United’s defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final. The Argentinian was dropped in favour of Mason Mount, a decision that hasn’t gone down well with the young forward. A summer departure looks increasingly likely after his thinly veiled dig at manager Ruben Amorim. While a move to Chelsea has been reported, he could go abroad, with Napoli previously linked with the 20-year-old.