Transfer Deadline day: Victor Osimhen, Raheem Sterling lead list of players who could move before window shuts

The transfer window will slam shut on Friday for major European leagues, and there’s a lot that could happen between now and then. From forward shuffles to United States men’s national team keeper Matt Turner needing a new home, and even a true star in Victor Osimhen on the market, there are plenty of deals that could be in the works until the final moments before the window closes.

Let’s take a look at some of those names:

FWD: Victor Osimhen, Napoli

With potential offers from Saudi Arabia and Chelsea, Victor Osimhen is set to be one of the biggest stories of transfer deadline day. Napoli already have his replacement in the door in Romelu Lukaku and there’s always a chance a mystery team could emerge at the 11th hour to push a deal across the line. Could a club like Arsenal swoop in at the last minute, considering that they’re only a clinical number nine away from being able to topple Manchester City atop the Premier League? Osimhen is no stranger to scoring bundles of goals and for whatever club he plays for once the window slams shut, it will be a serious addition.

MID: Manuel Ugarte, Paris Saint-Germain

With Scott McTominay heading to Napoli, that seems to have cleared the way for Manuel Ugarte to head to Manchester United. If they get this across the line, the Red Devils would finally have a long term answer to their defensive midfield woes again, raising expectations for Erik ten Hag. Ugarte is a top class midfielder that would go a long way to continue United’s improved squad composition after a busy summer.

GK: Matt Turner, Nottingham Forest

According to ESPN, Nottingham Forest have rejected loan moves for American goalkeeper Matt Turner because they’d like to sell him permanently, which would be the best solution for both parties. While it’s unknown if Turner can be a starting Premier League goalkeeper, that doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t be a starter somewhere and sitting on the bench will only hurt his national team prospects. With the 2026 World Cup looming, Turner will want to find a permanent home sooner than later to avoid a lost season with Forest.

FWD: Raheem Sterling, Chelsea

Frozen out of Chelsea’s bloated squad, Raheem Sterling already spent last season with uncertain playing time and with even fewer minutes in his Chelsea future now, it’s the time to make a move. His high wages make things tricky, but the 29-year-old has something to offer someone in the world. Sterling may not be the best finisher, but with his ability to get into space, he can create chances for attackers in the right system. That may not be Chelsea anymore, but it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a soccer player in there. 

FWD: Jadon Sancho, Manchester United

Another English winger on the fringes of his club, there’s a chance that this transfer window could provide a Jadon Sancho for Sterling swap deal. With both Chelsea and Manchester United leaving the players out of their plans, swapping their issues could be a way to provide both with a needed change of scenery. United could use extra pace on the left, while Sancho’s creativity and ability on the ball would be valued at Chelsea. Wages could be an issue but when there’s a will there’s a way.

FWD: Ivan Toney, Brentford

Another forward who is reportedly torn between Saudi Arabia and Chelsea, it’s unknown how exactly this move would work. For Chelsea, they’re finally getting production out of Nicolas Jackson but bringing in another forward would just add to their squad bloat issues. If it’s Osimhen that’s a different story because if a club can get a generational talent they have to do it, but Toney isn’t in that tier. He’s a useful player who will improve whatever team that he ends up with, but Toney’s Brentford chapter seems all but over. 

DEF: Kieran Trippier, Newcastle United

Kieran Trippier has been linked to a reunion with Sean Dyche at Everton, but out of the players on this list he could be one where the team is having second thoughts about shipping him out. Newcastle want to get younger in defense and in Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, the future of the outside back positions are set, but after a less than ideal start to the season, there are plenty of reasons why Trippier should not only stay but be restored to the starting XI.

FWD: Santiago Giménez, Feyenoord

Nottingham Forest are pushing hard for the Feyenoord man. The Dutch side has already signed Julian Carranza from the Philadelphia Union to back up Santiago Gimenez, but they’re holding firm that they want to keep him. The Tricky Trees are no strangers to spending money and could put up a number that is too high to ignore. Chris Wood has been serviceable to lead the line but Forest want more.

DEF: Ben Chilwell, Chelsea

The squad bloat strikes again. Enzo Maresca has already said that Ben Chilwell doesn’t fit the way that he wants Chelsea to play and continuing with another familiar theme on this list, the left back has also dealt with durability issues over the years. Chilwell isn’t a player who has had serious suiters during the window so far, but before it slams shut, something could pop up to see him leave Stamford Bridge.