Five Premier League players who are in career limbo ahead of 2026/27

Five Premier League players face uncertain futures ahead of the 2026/27 season. Joshua Zirkzee, a £36.5 million signing from Bologna, has struggled to justify his price tag at Manchester United. Unlikely to be an out-and-out number 9, Zirkzee's role can be filled by several better options in the United squad. Having two season-long loan deals left, a move appears highly likely.

Jack Grealish, once a promising winger for Manchester City, has been largely overlooked by Pep Guardiola. After a loan at Everton, Grealish is back at City, but his place in the squad remains unclear due to the club's depth of talent. Harvey Elliott, once a semi-regular starter for Liverpool, has become a long-term absentee under Andoni Iraola.

With Salah's departure, Elliott could claim the right side of the frontline, but competition from established stars makes this uncertain. Liam Delap, a £30 million transfer from Ipswich Town, has struggled to break into Chelsea's first team despite the arrival of Danny Welbeck and Nicolas Jackson. With limited playing time, a loan move to Como appears most likely.

Ethan Nwaneri, once touted as a young talent, has had a disappointing spell at Arsenal. After 26 Premier League appearances in 2024/25, Nwaneri has struggled to secure a regular place under Mikel Arteta. Following a loan to Marseille, Nwaneri's future remains uncertain, but impressive pre-season form could help him secure a starting spot.