10 Potential Loanees
The summer of 2025 feels like a reset across Europe. Big clubs are tightening squads, stars are fighting for minutes, and a new wave of talent is pushing through. That means one thing: plenty of familiar names might benefit from a loan move.
Here are 10 players who could really use a temporary switch, whether to reignite form, rebuild confidence, or remind the world what they can do.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
It’s been a turbulent year for Rashford. After a frustrating 2024–25 campaign marked by inconsistency and questions over attitude, the once-undroppable forward looks in need of a reset. Amorim’s United have moved toward a more system-based approach that hasn’t suited him.
Why he needs a loan: To rediscover joy and rhythm. Rashford still has the pace, finishing, and match-winning moments, he just needs a run of games away from the Old Trafford microscope.
What he offers: Direct threat, experience, and proven Premier League quality.
Possible destinations: A loan abroad could be perfect. Barcelona and AC Milan have both been loosely linked, while a domestic switch to a top-six rival seems unlikely but intriguing.
João Palhinha (Bayern Munich)
After finally sealing his long-awaited move to Bayern, Palhinha found minutes hard to come by in a crowded midfield. Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer, and Joshua Kimmich have all limited his starts.
Why he needs a loan: At 29, Palhinha can’t afford another stop-start season, he’s too good to sit on the bench.
What he offers: One of Europe’s elite ball-winners, a destroyer who adds defensive balance.
Possible destinations: Tottenham and Manchester United have monitored his situation; a Premier League loan would make sense before the World Cup 2026.
Samuel Iling-Junior (Aston Villa)
After moving from Juventus to Aston Villa in search of minutes, Iling-Junior’s game time has still been limited behind Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby.
Why he needs a loan: At 21, he’s at the stage where he must play regularly.
What he offers: Explosive dribbling, versatility as a winger or wing-back, and a fearless directness that can lift a crowd.
Possible destinations: Championship promotion hopefuls or a Serie A return, Bologna or Fiorentina would suit his profile perfectly.
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
Sterling’s Chelsea career hasn’t quite clicked the way many expected. With the club’s focus shifting toward younger, resale-value signings, he’s no longer guaranteed a starting role under Enzo Maresca.
Why he needs a loan: At 30, Sterling still has plenty to give but might need a new environment to find consistency and confidence again.
What he offers: Premier League experience, positional versatility, and leadership.
Possible destinations: A Premier League mid-table side like West Ham or abroad to the MLS or Saudi Arabia, though a one-year loan within England could rejuvenate him.
Jhon Durán (Al Nassr)
Durán’s talent is obvious, but his move to Saudi is a strange one for a player who had shown his quality in the Premier League in recent memory. A move back towards Europe would make sense given the decision may have been hasty to leave Villa.
Why he needs a loan: To play regular football and smooth out rough edges in his game.
What he offers: Power, pace, and a natural eye for goal, he just needs polish and maturity.
Possible destinations: A loan to a European club willing to start him weekly, perhaps in Spain or Portugal, could unlock his full potential.
Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
Sancho’s loan spell back at Borussia Dortmund reignited his spark, but United’s stance remains uncertain. He returned to Old Trafford this summer still facing an uphill battle to regain trust and a place in the team.
Why he needs a loan: To maintain momentum and rebuild reputation while United decide his long-term future.
What he offers: Technical brilliance, ball control, and creativity in tight spaces.
Possible destinations: Dortmund would love him back, while Juventus and Milan have also expressed interest.
Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
Grealish’s 2024–25 season was stop-start, fitness issues and competition from Jérémy Doku and Phil Foden left him on the fringes.
Why he needs a loan: At 29, he needs rhythm and confidence again; Pep Guardiola’s system demands intensity and sharpness that only regular minutes can restore.
What he offers: Retention, control, and an ability to change the tempo of a match.
Possible destinations: A short-term Premier League loan to a possession-heavy side like Brighton, or a continental move to Serie A, could give him the minutes he craves.
Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
Elliott remains one of Liverpool’s most promising young midfielders, but under Arne Slot’s more structured system, he may find starts harder to come by.
Why he needs a loan: To ensure he continues progressing rather than stagnating as a squad player.
What he offers: Technical precision, intelligence, and a knack for unlocking deep defences.
Possible destinations: A top-half Premier League side where he’d start every week, think Brighton, Brentford, or even Bournemouth.
Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Once hailed as the Premier League’s next great No. 9, Ferguson’s 2024–25 was underwhelming. Injuries and the rise of João Pedro curtailed his development.
Why he needs a loan: A season as an undisputed starter, perhaps abroad, could get him back on track.
What he offers: Finishing instincts, physicality, and link-up play beyond his years.
Possible destinations: A loan to a mid-table Bundesliga or Serie A side would expose him to a new style while guaranteeing starts.
Antony (Manchester United)
The Brazilian winger’s Manchester United career has stalled badly. Despite flashes of ability, his end product and confidence have plummeted.
Why he needs a loan: To reboot away from the Premier League spotlight.
What he offers: Left-footed balance on the right flank, energy in pressing, and potential if he rediscovers self-belief.
Possible destinations: A return to Real Betis or even Ajax could be the perfect soft-landing.
Every summer brings its share of headline transfers, but sometimes, the most valuable deals are the quiet ones. For players like Rashford, Grealish, or Sancho, a simple loan could do what all the tactical tweaks and press-conference soundbites can’t: let them just play football again.
The 2025–26 season could be defined not by who signs the biggest cheques, but by who makes the smartest temporary moves.