The summer transfer window has closed in most of Europe’s major leagues, but several recognisable names are still without the moves they wanted.
Some transfers collapsed at the final stage, while others failed to attract offers before the deadline. A few players can still leave because transfer windows in countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Portugal remain open.
Free agents also have more flexibility because they are not necessarily restricted by the traditional transfer deadline.
Here are some of the notable players whose futures remain uncertain.
Joshua Zirkzee — Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee is facing an uncertain future at Manchester United after failing to secure a move before the deadline.
The Netherlands international struggled for regular Premier League football last season, making only five starts and playing 626 minutes.
Competition for attacking positions has increased at Old Trafford, with Benjamin Sesko joining the squad while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha can also play through the middle.
Manchester United were prepared to consider offers for Zirkzee, but interest from Italy failed to produce a deal. Fiorentina explored a loan move, which the player reportedly rejected, while Juventus eventually moved for Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade instead.
Everton also made a late attempt to sign him, but United turned down the proposal because there was not enough time to bring in a replacement.
Karim Benzema — Free Agent
Karim Benzema is considering his next step after leaving Saudi Arabian football.
The former Real Madrid striker spent three seasons in the Saudi Pro League, representing Al Ittihad and Al Hilal during that period.
His time in Saudi Arabia was complicated by several difficulties, and the arrival of Ollie Watkins at Al Hilal further reduced his prospects of remaining with the club.
Benzema subsequently left Al Hilal by mutual agreement.
At 38, retirement is now among the options being considered by the former Ballon d’Or winner. If he chooses to continue playing, a move to the United States or another Middle Eastern league could be possible.
Richarlison — Tottenham Hotspur
Richarlison came close to returning to Everton but ultimately saw the proposed transfer collapse.
The Brazilian had spoken warmly about Everton, calling the club the “club of my heart”. However, a separate deal involving Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye also broke down, affecting the proposed arrangement.
Tottenham’s attacking options have also changed, with Omar Marmoush arriving to compete for a place alongside Dominic Solanke.
Richarlison remains an experienced Premier League goalscorer after finishing last season as Tottenham’s leading scorer with 11 league goals.
Clubs in Turkey remain a possible option, while Saudi Arabian teams have previously shown interest. Trabzonspor also reportedly made an unsuccessful approach for the striker.
Jadon Sancho — Free Agent
Jadon Sancho entered the new season without a club after failing to find a permanent destination.
A return to Borussia Dortmund was discussed earlier in the summer, but the German club eventually pursued other targets.
Sancho has also attracted interest from Major League Soccer and Turkey, although neither route resulted in a completed transfer.
The 26-year-old winger now faces a crucial decision about where to continue his career after a difficult period at club level.
Dani Carvajal — Free Agent
Dani Carvajal is another high-profile free agent looking for his next challenge.
The former Real Madrid captain received interest from European clubs before the transfer deadline, but the proposals available to him were reportedly not considered suitable.
Carvajal enjoyed an outstanding career at Madrid and played a key role in the club’s recent Champions League success. He was also part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad.
His final season at Madrid was badly affected by an ACL injury, which disrupted his ability to maintain a regular run of matches.
The 34-year-old is now seeking an opportunity that will allow him to return to consistent football. The United States and Saudi Arabia are among the possible destinations.
Folarin Balogun — Monaco
Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton collapsed dramatically on deadline day.
An agreement had been reached between Everton and Monaco, with the United States striker travelling to England for a medical.
However, concerns raised during the examination led to changes in the financial structure of the deal. The clubs subsequently agreed revised terms, including performance-related payments.
Although the paperwork was completed, Balogun ultimately decided not to sign.
Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro later confirmed that the player had withdrawn from the agreement.
The former Arsenal academy striker had been expected to leave Monaco this summer, but he now has to wait for another opportunity. With several transfer markets still open, a move could yet materialise.
Tyrell Malacia — Free Agent
Tyrell Malacia’s Manchester United career has ended after the Dutch defender left the club as a free agent.
Malacia arrived from Feyenoord as Erik ten Hag’s first signing at United and made 39 appearances during his debut season.
His progress was later interrupted by serious knee problems that required surgery and kept him out for extended periods.
He returned to action but struggled to establish himself again at Old Trafford. He also spent time on loan at PSV before eventually leaving United.
At 27, Malacia will now be hoping to find a club where he can regain his fitness and rebuild his career.
Tanguy Ndombele — Free Agent
Tanguy Ndombele is searching for a new club after leaving Nice.
Tottenham paid £55 million to sign the midfielder from Lyon, making him one of the most expensive players in the club’s history at the time.
However, injuries and inconsistent form prevented him from establishing himself in north London.
Ndombele later enjoyed spells with Napoli and Galatasaray, where he was involved in title-winning campaigns.
The 29-year-old showed promising form at Nice before injuries affected his season. Despite his experience and technical ability, another move to a major European club could be difficult unless he can maintain his fitness.
Aaron Anselmino — Chelsea
Aaron Anselmino’s immediate future at Chelsea has been affected by repeated injury problems.
The 21-year-old defender has suffered hamstring issues that have limited his opportunities since beginning his senior career.
His loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg last season provided valuable experience but were also disrupted by fitness problems.
Remaining at Chelsea for the time being could allow Anselmino to concentrate on getting fully fit.
A loan move later in the season, potentially in January, could then give him the regular playing time needed to continue his development.
The Transfer Window Is Not Completely Closed
Although the major European deadline has passed, the transfer market is still active in several countries.
Turkey remains open until September 4, while Mexico and Portugal have later deadlines. Saudi Arabian clubs can also continue making signings into October.
That means some of these players could still find new clubs in the coming weeks.
For the free agents, there is even greater flexibility, as they can negotiate with clubs outside the conventional transfer window depending on the relevant competition’s registration rules.
The next few weeks could therefore determine whether these high-profile players remain where they are, move to another league or begin the next chapter of their careers as free agents.
