Summer transfer window 2025: 10 players who were expected to move but stayed put

The summer transfer window across Europe's top leagues closed last Monday, leaving several high-profile players still at their clubs. Here is a look at 10 players who were anticipated to move but ultimately stayed put.

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

Linked with a £35m move to Liverpool, Marc Guehi saw his transfer to Anfield collapse in the final moments of the summer window, with Crystal Palace unable to secure a replacement in time. Under contract until June 2026, the England centre-back has refused to extend his deal and is now planning to leave on a free transfer at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Malick Fofana (Olympique Lyonnais)

Despite interest from Premier League clubs like Everton and Newcastle United, Lyon never received an acceptable offer for the 20-year-old winger. The Belgian international is expected to be a transfer target again in January.

Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

No longer part of Enzo Maresca’s plans, Raheem Sterling was encouraged to find a new club this summer. Under contract with Chelsea until June 2027, the England winger attracted interest from Fulham, but the Cottagers never submitted an offer strong enough to sway the Blues, despite a relatively modest asking price.

Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid)

Interested in signing a midfielder, Olympique de Marseille had reached an agreement with Real Madrid for a loan with an option to buy Dani Ceballos, targeted as a replacement for Adrien Rabiot. However, the deal fell through after the Spanish international requested time to consider his options. Under contract until June 2027, the former Arsenal player did not leave the Bernabeu.

Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

France’s No. 1 goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, wanted to leave AC Milan for Chelsea in the early days of the summer transfer window, aiming to compete in the Club World Cup with the Blues. However, Maignan, who is under contract until June 2026, was held back by the Rossoneri, who reportedly demanded between €20m and €25m (£17m - £22m) for the former Lille player.

Matthis Abline (FC Nantes)

Despite interest from clubs in France (OM, Paris FC) and in the Premier League (Sunderland, Newcastle, Wolverhampton), Nantes' €40m (£35m) asking price for Matthis Abline deterred potential suitors, and the 22-year-old forward stayed in Ligue 1.

Axel Disasi (Chelsea)

Chelsea's surplus of loaned players prevented a move for Disasi, even though Marseille and Monaco showed interest. The 27-year-old defender remains at Stamford Bridge under contract until June 2029.

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC)

Out of favour with Atalanta Bergamo’s management, Ademola Lookman had been hoping for a change of scenery. Targeted notably by Inter Milan, the Nigerian forward faced the club’s steadfast refusal, with Atalanta demanding a €50m (£58m) fee. The Serie A side ultimately decided not to sell, unwilling to weaken further following the departure of Mateo Retegui.

Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Asked to leave Juventus, who had identified Jonathan David as his numerical replacement, Dusan Vlahovic was linked with moves to AC Milan and Newcastle. However, the Old Lady, reportedly asking around €25m (£22m), did not reach an agreement. Performing well at the start of the season (2 Serie A goals), the high-earning Serbian striker ultimately remained at the club.

David Alaba (Real Madrid)

The 33-year-old Austrian defender, earning approximately €22.5m (£19.5m) annually, was expected to leave due to limited playing time and high wages. However, Alaba declined Real Madrid's offer to terminate his contract early and remains at the club.

This article was originally published on Top Mercato.