Transfer Deadline Day 2026: Key Moves That Could Still Happen

The summer transfer window opened on June 15, yet several Premier League clubs are still racing against time to finalize major deals before the 23:00 BST deadline on Tuesday.

Stars like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Cody Gakpo, and Ismaila Sarr might yet change clubs, but the clock is ticking fast.

Our football reporters highlight the most notable moves that could unfold as the window winds down.

Julian Alvarez's Future: Barcelona or Arsenal?

Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid striker, finds himself at a crossroads. The 26-year-old wants to leave Atleti, but the club refuses to sell to Barcelona. Instead, they are open to an offer from Arsenal.

The Gunners have long tracked Alvarez and are closely watching this tense situation. Atletico demands around 150 million euros (£128 million) for him.

Alvarez has skipped several training sessions and missed the trip to Sevilla, with coach Simeone stating he wasn’t well. Still, Simeone wants to keep Alvarez motivated if he returns to training.

Enzo Fernandez Linked With Manchester City

Enzo Fernandez sat out Manchester City's recent Premier League victory over Brighton amid growing speculation of a big-money move.

After losing Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez, and Tijjani Reijnders this summer, manager Enzo Maresca seeks reinforcements in midfield. A deal for Fernandez would likely break the club record, surpassing the £116 million spent on Elliot Anderson.

Lamine Camara Could Replace Fernandez at Chelsea

If Fernandez leaves for City, Lamine Camara from Monaco might be Chelsea’s next signing. This would mark Chelsea’s 13th incoming transfer as the club prepares for more than 30 departures, aiming to break their own Premier League player sales record of £300 million set last season.

Chelsea’s roster changes also involve uncertainty over players like Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, Deivid Washington, and Shim Mheuka.

Cody Gakpo: Manchester City or Tottenham?

Manchester City have entered talks with Liverpool to sign Cody Gakpo, who favors a move to City.

Liverpool are only open to selling if they secure another attacking player besides Bradley Barcola. Tottenham also shows interest, but City’s £80 million offer looks stronger.

Still, the deal teeters on collapse unless Liverpool revives negotiations for a new winger before the deadline.

Ismaila Sarr Targeted by Liverpool

With Gakpo’s transfer uncertain, Liverpool now focus on Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr. Their previous bids for Yankuba Minteh were rejected by Brighton, who demand more than £60 million.

Sarr, a right-sided winger like Minteh, was approached last week, but Palace turned down Liverpool’s initial offer.

Richarlison to Everton and Iliman Ndiaye to Tottenham

Tottenham are close to signing Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, while Richarlison looks set to return to Everton after telling Spurs coach Roberto de Zerbi he wishes to leave.

Ndiaye, 26, declined contract extensions at Everton and discussed moving to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal earlier this summer. Despite a near agreement between clubs, it’s unclear if he will join Tottenham, especially with interest from Manchester City.

Jack Grealish Set for Everton Loan

Everton feel confident about bringing back Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City. Though the terms remain complex, Grealish prefers returning to Everton over his boyhood club Aston Villa, who also want him.

Newcastle Pursue Matias Fernandez-Pardo

Newcastle United aim to sign Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, a versatile 21-year-old who debuted for Belgium in June and featured in their World Cup squad.

Newcastle’s manager Matthias Jaissle wants more forwards, and Fernandez-Pardo fits the youth profile targeted this summer. Lille’s coach excluded him from recent matches and training, hinting at a possible transfer.

Joshua Zirkzee Linked With Juventus

Manchester United appear focused on moving Joshua Zirkzee on deadline day after little progress on Marcus Rashford.

Fiorentina wanted Zirkzee on loan with an option to buy, but talks stalled. Now, Juventus express interest, contingent on Canada forward Jonathan David leaving for Atletico Madrid.

Zirkzee’s departure could lead to reinforcements in defense or attack, likely via loan initially.

Summary of Key Potential Transfers

• Julian Alvarez: Atletico Madrid to Arsenal or Barcelona; fee ~£128m
• Enzo Fernandez: Linked with Manchester City; potential club record deal
• Lamine Camara: Monaco to Chelsea as Fernandez replacement
• Cody Gakpo: Liverpool to Manchester City or Tottenham; deal uncertain
• Ismaila Sarr: Crystal Palace to Liverpool; initial offers rejected
• Iliman Ndiaye: Everton to Tottenham; near agreement
• Richarlison: Tottenham to Everton; agreed in principle
• Jack Grealish: Manchester City to Everton on loan; preferred over Aston Villa
• Matias Fernandez-Pardo: Lille to Newcastle; creative forward, 21 years old
• Joshua Zirkzee: Manchester United to Juventus; contingent on Jonathan David's exit