The 20 Non-Big Six Players Most Likely to Move On in 2026

The traditional Big Six reasserted their dominance in last summer's transfer window, leaving the rest of the Premier League to pick up scraps. January's arrivals—Manchester City's acquisitions of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi—proved the pattern continues unabated. With 14 Premier League clubs outside the elite bracket facing the constant threat of losing their prized assets to richer neighbours, we've identified the 20 most likely to depart this summer.

20. Nordi Mukiele

Sunderland's remarkable 2025/26 campaign has painted a target on their backs. The £9.5m recruit (rising to £11m with add-ons) has emerged as one of the season's genuine bargains and will inevitably attract Big Six attention.

19. Robin Roefs

Regis Le Bris' decision to upgrade from Anthony Patterson has vindicated itself spectacularly. Roefs has been among Sunderland's five standout signings this term, and Chelsea or Spurs could do worse than exploring a move for a goalkeeper of his calibre.

18. Tino Livramento

Newcastle's summer window proved troublesome, and this year threatens more of the same as Eddie Howe's position grows increasingly precarious. Liverpool ought to be seriously considering Livramento as a solution to their full-back woes across either flank.

17. Michael Kayode

Brentford's breakout star has started all 24 of the Bees' Premier League matches this season. His consistent performances suggest he's destined for a profitable exit to an elite club.

16. Lutsharul Geertruida

Another Sunderland gem, Geertruida came within touching distance of a Liverpool loan move in January as the Reds grappled with defensive injuries. Summer interest from Anfield remains a distinct possibility.

15. Junior Kroupi

Bournemouth's talent factory continues churning out prospects, and the 19-year-old has delivered eight Premier League goals in 22 appearances. Arsenal would be wise to move decisively rather than risk inflated fees further down the line.

14. Crysencio Summerville

The former Leeds Championship standout underwhelmed during his early West Ham tenure but has rediscovered his best form under Nuno Espirito Santo's tutelage. Those Spurs whispers will gain volume if his resurgence proves sustainable.

13. Murillo

Manchester United are reportedly keen to raid Nottingham Forest for the centre-back as part of a summer double swoop. Despite Forest's alarming decline, Murillo has shone as a defensive beacon and possesses the attributes to thrive at the highest level.

12. Jarrod Bowen

West Ham's recent competence owes much to Bowen's individual excellence. Without him, the Hammers would likely already be staring relegation square in the face. A Newcastle switch beckons if West Ham's fortunes worsen.

11. Morgan Gibbs-White

The England international would have joined Spurs last summer given the choice, but Evangelos Marinakis' intervention proved fortuitous given Forest's subsequent collapse. Despite signing a three-year contract, Gibbs-White remains Forest's premier attacking outlet and a summer departure remains plausible.

10. Joao Gomes

Manchester United have circled the midfielder as a budget-friendly alternative to pricier targets. A summer exit appears inevitable, though whether he'll land at a genuine contender or settle for mid-table remains unclear.

9. Mateus Fernandes

West Ham's transfer strategy has been largely calamitous, yet the £38m Southampton acquisition has justified his fee. Real Madrid have registered interest, though relegation could force a sideways move to a Big Six club instead.

8. Marcos Senesi

With his Bournemouth contract winding down and Barcelona sniffing around, Senesi's departure appears increasingly likely. The Catalan club's appetite for bargain defenders may yet prove decisive.

7. Igor Thiago

Brentford's surprise package has emerged as an unexpected Golden Boot challenger to Erling Haaland with 17 goals in 27 games. His prolific form guarantees a summer exit, with Aston Villa and Spurs among the interested parties.

6. Morgan Rogers

The Rogers versus Jude Bellingham conversation remains genuinely competitive, testament to the Aston Villa forward's exceptional campaign. With 13 goal involvements in 27 league games, transfer guru David Ornstein has flagged him as one to monitor. A £100m departure would represent Villa's next significant sale.

5. Sandro Tonali

Tonali's stock has risen sharply since his agent attempted to engineer a January switch to Arsenal. The midfielder's representatives clearly believe he's outgrown Newcastle, with Juventus and Big Six clubs all potential destinations come summer—though any fee will command premium pricing.

4. Adam Wharton

Crystal Palace fans have endured a torrid period as their manager and best players have exited or signalled departure intentions. Wharton's summer will be no different, with Manchester United and Liverpool both circling. A gentleman's agreement with Palace adds intrigue to proceedings.

3. Carlos Baleba

Manchester United's failure to land Baleba last summer—priced out at £100m—merely delayed the inevitable. A reduced fee could facilitate his arrival once United's primary midfield target decamps elsewhere.

2. Elliot Anderson

The England international's departure from Forest is now a matter of when rather if. Reports suggest a Manchester club will be his destination, making a summer exit virtually certain.

1. Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta's winter proved frustrating as a deadline day AC Milan switch collapsed due to knee injury concerns. His relationship with Palace appears irreparably damaged, guaranteeing a summer exit—though at a reduced fee compared to what Milan might have paid.