Transfer Deadline Day 2026: Potential Moves Before the Window Shuts

The summer transfer window opened on June 15, yet numerous Premier League teams are still rushing to finalize important deals before Tuesday's 23:00 BST deadline. Big names like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Cody Gakpo, and Ismaila Sarr might switch clubs at the last minute. Time is tight for these players to secure their preferred transfers before the window closes.

BBC Sport's football experts have highlighted several key moves that could take place during this busy final day.

Julian Alvarez: Barcelona or Arsenal?

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, 26, faces an uncertain future. Although he wants to leave Atletico, the club refuses to sell him to Barcelona but would consider a deal with Arsenal. The Gunners have long been interested and are closely watching this situation. Atletico is seeking a fee of 150 million euros (£128m). Alvarez has missed training sessions and skipped the Sevilla game, with coach Simeone saying he was unwell but also attempting to keep Alvarez motivated for his return.

Enzo Fernandez Linked to Manchester City

Enzo Fernandez missed Manchester City's recent Premier League win over Brighton, raising questions about his future amid rumors of a big-money move. City's need to reinforce after losing key midfielders like Rodri and Bernardo Silva adds pressure. This transfer could break club records, exceeding the £116m spent on Elliot Anderson earlier this summer.

Lamine Camara to Chelsea

If Fernandez departs, Chelsea could bring in Lamine Camara from Monaco as a replacement. This signing would be Chelsea’s 13th incoming deal, while over 30 players have left the club this summer as they aim to surpass last season’s £300m player sales record. Meanwhile, Mykhailo Mudryk seeks a loan move, and players like Pedro Neto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, Deivid Washington, and Shim Mheuka could also exit.

Cody Gakpo: Man City or Tottenham?

Manchester City has entered talks with Liverpool to sign attacker Cody Gakpo, who prefers the move. Liverpool, however, wants to bring in another forward besides Bradley Barcola before letting Gakpo go. Tottenham is also interested, but City’s offer around £80m seems most appealing to Gakpo. Yet, this deal looks close to falling through unless Liverpool can secure a new winger before the deadline.

Ismaila Sarr Targeted by Liverpool

With Gakpo’s transfer uncertain, Liverpool has shifted focus to Crystal Palace’s right-winger Ismaila Sarr, who has scored 23 goals in 81 appearances for Senegal. Liverpool’s two bids for Yankuba Minteh were rejected by Brighton, who demand more than £60m. Liverpool’s initial inquiry about Sarr was declined by Palace, making it unclear if they will bid again.

Richarlison to Everton and Iliman Ndiaye to Tottenham

Iliman Ndiaye is close to joining Tottenham from Everton, with a largely agreed deal between clubs. Still, there’s uncertainty as other teams, including Manchester City, have shown interest. Everton is willing to sell Ndiaye after he rejected contract offers and talked with Saudi club Al-Hilal. Meanwhile, Everton has agreed in principle to re-sign striker Richarlison after he expressed his wish to leave Spurs.

Jack Grealish Set for Everton Loan

Jack Grealish looks likely to return to Everton on loan from Manchester City. The arrangement remains complex due to contract details, but Grealish favors a return to Everton over a move back to his boyhood club Aston Villa.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo Linked to Newcastle

Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle aims to add more attacking options and has shown interest in Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo. The 21-year-old Belgian international, who made his debut in June and was part of the World Cup squad, fits Newcastle’s age profile. Lille’s manager Davide Ancelotti has excluded Fernandez-Pardo from recent squads and training, hinting at a possible transfer before the window closes.

Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus

Manchester United may focus on smaller deals on deadline day, with Joshua Zirkzee expected to move. Fiorentina had wanted Zirkzee on loan with an option to buy, but no agreement was reached. Juventus is now interested, but their pursuit depends on Canada forward Jonathan David transferring to Atletico Madrid. If Zirkzee leaves, United might bring in reinforcements either on loan or permanent deals.

• Players potentially moving:
• Julian Alvarez – Atletico Madrid to Arsenal or Barcelona
• Enzo Fernandez – linked to Manchester City
• Lamine Camara – Monaco to Chelsea
• Cody Gakpo – Liverpool to Manchester City or Tottenham
• Ismaila Sarr – Crystal Palace to Liverpool
• Richarlison – Tottenham to Everton
• Iliman Ndiaye – Everton to Tottenham
• Jack Grealish – Manchester City to Everton (loan)
• Matias Fernandez-Pardo – Lille to Newcastle
• Joshua Zirkzee – Manchester United to Juventus