Five players who desperately need a move before transfer deadline
FT Desk
- Updated: 1 Sept 2022 18:24 BST
- 4 min read
There are just hours to go before the transfer window closes in Europe and time is running out for players who want to find a new club.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most high-profile player who is looking for a new club, but who else risks being stuck at a team they are unhappy at?
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Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s situation at Man Utd this summer has been farcical as he missed the club’s entire pre-season tour, officially due to family reasons.
He also went home at half-time during the pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano, leading to a backlash.
Ronaldo requested to leave the club in July and his agent Jorge Mendes has been talking to numerous European clubs - namely Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSG, Atletico Madrid and Roma - trying to find a suitor.
But until now no team has been prepared to make a concrete move. Ronaldo’s last hope was seemingly Napoli but that flame has burned out.
Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid last year after two miserable seasons at Barcelona but his time back in the Spanish capital has been just as bad.
Having shone at Atletico between 2014 and 2019, Griezmann now looks a shadow of that formerly great player.
He is 31 and Atletico want to get rid of him. They even initially decided not to give him a squad number this season as they will have to pay Barca a huge fee if he completes a certain number of minutes this term.
The problem is he is on loan for one more season from Barcelona, which complicates their chances of releasing him, while there doesn’t appear to be any interest in him anyway. Barca, certainly, will not take him back.
Hakim Ziyech
The signing of Raheem Sterling and the failed pursuit of Raphinha made it clear to Hakim Ziyech that he is not seen as an integral part of Chelsea anymore.
The winger has never quite lived up to his potential at Stamford Bridge and his situation is not helped by the Blues looking to sign another winger.
Tottenham and Milan were among those interested in Ziyech and it would be best for his career if he moves on.
Hector Bellerin
Arsenal are well-stacked with right-back options, and it is clear that Hector Bellerin has no future at the Emirates having spent the last season away on loan.
The Spaniard was at Real Betis, where he had a successful spell with the club, even winning the Copa del Rey with them as they beat Valencia in the final.
The Gunners are keen to sell and Bellerin has had offers from a number of Italian clubs. However, it seems as if he is holding out for Barcelona. A risky strategy with only hours left in the window.
Marco Asensio
Marco Asensio desperately needs a transfer to kick-start a career that had seemed destined for greatness.
The Spanish winger had a bright start to life at Real Madrid in 2016 and was seen as one of the country’s biggest talents when he was coming through.
However, Asensio’s injury luck hasn’t been great and that has hindered his progress at Real Madrid, which has led to belief the club will be open to selling.
Asensio’s contract at the club runs out next year and Real Madrid can get a fee for the player, but Gareth Bale's departure and Eden Hazard's fitness record suggests that Asensio won't be going anywhere.
