The transfer window is officially open for Premier League clubs, who will all begin the biannual scramble to secure new signings to strengthen their squads.
Speculation will rage throughout the summer months over the next big-money moves and nothing excites the fans more than the reveal of a new addition, though spare a thought for those players who have now been cast firmly aside.
Here are five Premier League players who badly need a transfer this summer…
Alexis Sanchez – Manchester United
One of football’s great mysteries, similar to Fernando Torres’ fall from grace, but just what has happened to Alexis Sanchez?
The former Barcelona star became one of the Premier League’s leading lights during a three-and-a-half year spell at Arsenal, scoring prolifically for the North London side.
When Manchester United secured his signing in a straight swap for the unwanted Henrikh Mkhitaryan, pipping rivals Manchester City in the process, it seemed somewhat of a coup.
Sanchez’s spell at Old Trafford has been nothing short of disastrous, scoring just three league goals in 18 months since his arrival.
Injuries and a complete loss of form have seen deemed surplus to requirements, with the Premier League’s highest-paid player facing an uncertain future.
Those reported £500,000-a-week wages could prove a stumbling block in finding a suitor, though with clubs in Italy reportedly interested the Chile international should move on if he is to reignite his faltering career.
Shkodran Mustafi – Arsenal
A departure that seems to make the utmost sense for both parties, German defender Mustafi should leave Arsenal this summer.
Signed for £35m (you read that right, £35m!), the 27-year-old has proven erratic and error-prone during three years failing to shore up the club’s defensive issues.
His continued shortcomings in a fragile Arsenal backline have seen him emerge as a target for fierce criticism for the club’s support and a parting of ways this summer seems logical.
Part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning squad, Mustafi once resembled a competent defender although his confidence seems to have been shattered by a disastrous spell in the Premier League.
Arsenal are believed to be keen to strengthen their defence this summer, a defence which Mustafi is unlikely to be a part of much longer.
I present to you all
Shkodran Mustafi pic.twitter.com/KZpr50pRIl— Big Sam (@eljefei) April 22, 2019
Danny Drinkwater – Chelsea
When the biggest headline you made this season was a brush with the law, your football career probably isn’t where you’d want it to be.
You could be forgiven for forgetting Drinkwater was a Chelsea player, or even existed for that matter, with the 29-year-old having not made a competitive appearance in the entire campaign.
Drinkwater opted to stay at the club in January despite interest from West Ham, despite having been told in no uncertain terms he was not part of Maurizio Sarri’s plans.
Capped for England whilst at Leicester, Drinkwater’s career has taken a nosedive since a £35m move to Stamford Bridge in 2017.
A move this summer is needed if he is to kickstart his career.
Christian Benteke – Crystal Palace
A regular source of goals during his early Premier League career, the big Belgian forward has netted just four goals in his past 46 appearances for Crystal Palace.
Twice signed for fees eclipsing £30m and with a decent scoring record on the international stage, Benteke seems to have lost all confidence after a series of misses for Roy Hodgson’s side.
The 28-year-old should be in the prime of his career but his best days currently seem behind him, though a change of scenery could perhaps see him rediscover his previous form.
Linked with a move to the Chinese Super League, Benteke could depart Selhurst Park this summer after two disappointing seasons.
Adam Lallana – Liverpool
A case of what might have been for Lallana at Liverpool, with a series of injuries robbing Jurgen Klopp of a player who seemed tailored for his style as his methods began to truly take shape.
The England international made just 16 appearances in all competitions last season, playing just 1024 minutes over the entirety of the past two campaigns due to injury problems.
Having fallen behind the likes of Naby Keita, Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner in the midfield pecking order, and with long-term absentee Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to return next season, Lallana’s five-year spell at Anfield looks likely to end.
At 31, the midfielder could prove a smart addition to a Premier League side, should he be able to prove he has overcome his injury nightmare.
A fresh start may prove beneficial as he bids to gatecrash Gareth Southgate’s squad and return to the national side for Euro 2020.
Read Also: 10 Premier League players who regressed during the 2018/2019 season
Here’s a pitch to have David Ginola included in the best XI never to win the Premier League title. ????
Check out the full pod below to see if he made the cut, it's some team! ????https://t.co/yp6hTR8Dmw pic.twitter.com/n91fEZYyrN
— The Football Faithful (@FootyFaithful_) June 2, 2019
