Ten Players Who Didn’t Get Their Dream Summer Transfer

The summer transfer window closed with a bang, particularly in the Premier League, where clubs collectively shattered spending records. Over £3 billion was splashed out, dwarfing the combined expenditure of La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga. Yet, amidst this unprecedented financial frenzy, not every player found themselves in their desired destination. For some high-profile names, the much-anticipated move never materialized, leaving them in limbo as the transfer carousel ground to a halt.

Here at Sports Illustrated, we delve into the stories of ten players who, despite intense speculation and personal aspirations, were unable to secure the exit they craved this summer. Their situations offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex dynamics of modern football transfers.

Marc Guéhi: A Palace Stalwart Stays Put

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi was a constant fixture in transfer gossip columns throughout the summer, with strong links to Liverpool. A fee of £35 million was reportedly agreed, and the defender even passed a medical. However, the deal collapsed on deadline day due to Palace’s inability to secure a replacement. Manager Oliver Glasner reportedly threatened to resign if Guéhi, who will be a free agent next summer, was sold. This turn of events has left Guéhi “extremely disappointed,” and attention now shifts to a potential January departure. For Liverpool, missing out on a key defensive target could prove a significant blow in their pursuit of silverware.

Joe Gomez: Anfield Bound, Milan Missed

Had Guéhi’s move to Anfield gone through, Joe Gomez might well have been donning the red and black of AC Milan. The England international, whose career has been punctuated by injuries, was reportedly ready for a move to Italy after a £13 million bid was lodged. However, Liverpool’s inability to finalize Guéhi’s arrival meant Gomez’s exit was put on hold, and ultimately, time ran out. The 28-year-old has been relegated to cameo appearances this season, finding himself further down the pecking order. While he remains one of only four orthodox centre-backs at the club, a bit-part role seems likely for the foreseeable future.

Kobbie Mainoo: Loan Dream Denied at Old Trafford

Following a hugely impressive 2023–24 campaign, Kobbie Mainoo’s development at Manchester United has stalled somewhat under Ruben Amorim. With the Portuguese coach favoring a two-man midfield, Mainoo’s minutes have been sporadic. He was eager for a loan move to secure more regular game time, with Real Madrid among the interested parties. However, United blocked any potential exit, insisting Mainoo stay and fight for his place. Given their current midfield depth, it’s understandable why United were reluctant to lose one of their prized assets, but it leaves Mainoo facing a challenging season for minutes.

Tyrell Malacia: The Forgotten Man at United

Of the five players who reportedly demanded to leave Old Trafford this summer, Tyrell Malacia was the only one who failed to secure either a permanent or temporary exit. While Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Jadon Sancho all moved on, the forgotten left-back remains in Manchester. A loan move to Spanish side Elche appeared close but ultimately broke down. With his contract expiring next summer, Malacia is unlikely to feature prominently for the Red Devils, making his inevitable departure a matter of time.

Emiliano Martínez: A New Chapter on Hold

Two-time Yashin Trophy winner Emiliano Martínez seemed destined to end his five-year Aston Villa stint this summer in pursuit of a new challenge. Manchester United emerged as the most likely suitors, but the Red Devils ultimately opted for Senne Lammens, leaving Martínez stranded at Villa Park. While he’s likely to be reintegrated into Villa’s squad due to their goalkeeping options, Martínez may need to rebuild bridges with supporters after his clear desire to leave.

Raheem Sterling: Chelsea Exit Fails to Materialize

Despite Chelsea raising a staggering £288 million in player sales this summer, Raheem Sterling was not among the departees. An underwhelming loan spell at Arsenal last season appears to have impacted his market value, and despite late interest from Fulham, no club deemed him worthy of a punt for the upcoming season or beyond. While transfer windows remain open in some countries, it’s increasingly likely Sterling will have to wait until January for a potential exit from Stamford Bridge.

Tyrique George: Fulham Move Collapses

Fulham’s interest in Chelsea winger Tyrique George saw a £22 million transfer reportedly agreed between the West London rivals. It seemed another Chelsea youngster was set for a move, but the deal collapsed as the Cottagers instead signed Kevin and Samuel Chukwueze, and retained Harry Wilson. George will now continue his development at Stamford Bridge, but his minutes are likely to be impacted by the recent arrival of Alejandro Garnacho and earlier additions of Jamie Gittens and Estêvão.

Axel Disasi: Stuck in West London

Chelsea also failed to find a new club for Axel Disasi, another peripheral figure. The French defender spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and seemed certain to depart permanently or temporarily, even attracting interest from Bournemouth and former club Monaco. Disasi will now continue to drain the Chelsea wage budget for at least the next few months unless a move to Saudi Arabia or Turkey materializes. His disappointing stint in West London suggests he has likely already played his final game for the Blues.

Jorgen Strand Larsen: Newcastle’s Missed Target

Newcastle United were desperately seeking attacking reinforcements this summer, with Jørgen Strand Larsen emerging as a top target. However, Wolverhampton Wanderers, who had only recently signed the striker permanently, rejected multiple big-money bids. Newcastle eventually turned to alternative options. While Strand Larsen reportedly asked Wolves to allow a move, he wasn’t desperate to force it through. With Newcastle now having signed Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, their interest in the towering No.9 is unlikely to be reignited soon.

Ademola Lookman: Atalanta’s Hero Stays Put

Ademola Lookman, the hero of Atalanta’s Europa League triumph, was eager to leave La Dea this summer, even submitting a transfer request. Inter Milan saw bids rejected, while last-gasp approaches from Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur also failed to materialize. Atalanta remained steadfast in their desire to keep their star forward. They have now included Lookman in their Champions League squad, signaling their intent to reintegrate him into the team after a tumultuous transfer window.

The stories of these ten players highlight the unpredictable nature of the transfer window. Even with record-breaking spending, the intricate dance of negotiations, replacements, and player desires can leave some dreams unfulfilled. As the dust settles, these players now face the challenge of refocusing and performing for their current clubs, with the next transfer window always looming on the horizon.