The summer transfer window is officially open, with many clubs having already completed some early business and made sales necessary for the upcoming campaign.
Whilst we have already looked at who the top eight from the Premier League should sign to improve their squads, there are many other big name players who might need to leave for pastures new ahead of the start of the new campaign.
Here’s one player we think each of those sides should sell to help free up some money for new signings…
Manchester City: Kalvin Phillips
It was not the season Kalvin Phillips would have hoped for, despite securing a historic treble and his first England goal. Only 21 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side, the former Leeds captain completed a full 90 minutes only three times, getting his first league start in the 36th game of the season against Chelsea. The midfielder’s torrid campaign started in the worst possible way with a shoulder injury ruling him out until the World Cup.
It has become a habit for big money signings to struggle in their first campaign at City before excelling in their second, whether the Citizens are willing to wait on Phillips is another story. He was lauded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the division prior to his move to Manchester, and maybe a move is exactly what he needs, with Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham all linked to the 27-year-old.
Arsenal: Granit Xhaka
It has been wildly publicised that Granit Xhaka looks set to end his seven-season affiliation with the Gunners this summer, with Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen both interested in the Swiss midfielder. Whilst on his day Xhaka can be one of Arsenal’s best players, his contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 season, and he will be 31-years-old in September.
Mikel Arteta’s side is going through yet another evolution, with Declan Rice, Romeo Lavia and Jurrien Timber possibly joining as the Gunners continue to lower the average age of their squad. Xhaka’s story at Arsenal is a remarkable one that should not be forgotten, so maybe this is the right time for the Swiss to depart when on good terms.
Manchester United: Harry Maguire
On the radar of Tottenham and Aston Villa, Maguire has had a disastrous last two seasons at Manchester United. The Red Devils captain struggled in 2021/22 before losing his place completely last season once Lisandro Martinez arrived at Old Trafford. 16 appearances in the Premier League is not a good return for a player who was signed for £80 million. United need to sell players to make way for new arrivals, and with the central defensive spot getting rather crowded, Maguire looks to have played his last game in the red and white of United.
Newcastle United: Allan Saint-Maximin
This choice might come as a surprise to not only Newcastle United fans, but neutral admirers of the Frenchman as well. A recent instagram post from the forward suggestion that his time at St James’ Park was coming to an end, claiming he is reaching a “turning point” in his career after one of his most difficult seasons as a player. And whilst he is a player that can get any fan out of their seat, he does not appear to fit into Eddie Howe’s system. Whilst his overall output is not great, with one goal and five assists in the Premier League last season, his explosive pace and terrific skillset makes the former Nice winger an exciting forward option for any team.
Liverpool: Nathaniel Phillips
Arguably one of Liverpool’s savours alongside Rhys Williams towards the back end of the 2020/21 season, where the Reds scraped into the Champions League. Five appearances in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s side is not enough for a player who has the capabilities of playing in the Premier League. The 26-year-old enjoyed a decent loan spell at Bournemouth in 2021/22, leading the Cherries to promotion, and the he will be no doubt be assessing his options ahead of the new campaign, with Liverpool also looking to move players on.
Brighton: Robert Sanchez
Another surprise selection, but a move away from the south coast might be the best for the Spanish goalkeeper. The 25-year-old lost his place to back-up Jason Steele in early March, with manager Roberto De Zerbi saying the Spaniard “wanted it this way”. On his day an excellent shot-stopper and a two-capped Spanish international, but with De Zerbi and Brighton seemingly going in a different direction, Sanchez will need to evaluate his options before the new season starts. Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is also expected to add further depth to the goalkeeping spot.
Aston Villa: Philippe Coutinho
Much was made of Philippe Coutinho’s loan move to Aston Villa back in January 2022, when the mercurial Brazilian returned to the Premier League after a not so impressive big money transfer to Barcelona in January 2018. He started off his return in impressive style, but once his move was made permanent last summer, 20 league appearances with just one goal is not a welcome return. With Unai Emery going in a different direction, it might be for the best if Villa cut their losses and let Coutinho depart the club.
Tottenham: Harry Kane
This might be a controversial take, but maybe it is time Tottenham let Harry Kane leave the club. Spurs and England’s all-time goalscorer cannot be commended enough for the loyalty he has shown to the Lilywhites, but with the forward approaching 30-years-old, trophies will definitely be on his mind. Manchester United have shown interest in Kane already this summer, and whilst selling to a rival is the last thing Spurs want to do, the England captain’s contract expires in June 2024. £100 million plus could be enough to secure Kane, with the potential money being used to enable a squad overhaul under Ange Postecoglou.
