Crystal Palace, Everton, and West Ham are definitely at risk as we rank the top ten non-Big Six stars most likely to secure an upwards transfer to a giant in 2026.
The 2025 summer transfer window re-established the traditional Big Six as they dominated the market, while Aston Villa and Newcastle United were put in their box.
This is likely to continue next year as the 14 Premier League clubs not in the giant category risk losing their best players to elite clubs in England and Europe.
So we thought it best to rank the 10 most likely stars to be lured elsewhere next year, with this list (which will be updated throughout the season) based on form and those ever-reliable transfer rumours…
10) Daniel Munoz
Munoz has been one of many great finds for Crystal Palace in recent years, with the wing-back establishing himself as one of the best players in his position in the Premier League.
The Palace standout is the perfect modern wing-back and he recently sparked transfer speculation by admitting that he “dreams” of playing for Manchester United. He certainly would suit them more than Liverpool…
9) Iliman Ndiaye
It says a lot about how good Ndiaye has been for Everton this season that he has outshone a resurgent Jack Grealish.
The 25-year-old is one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Premier League and if he carries on his current form, it is only a matter of time before he secures a move to a Big Six side. Spurs look to be the most interested English side at the moment, but they will surely face competition from others next summer.
8) Jarrod Bowen
We encourage you all to read our very own Dave Tickner’s explanation of why Bowen is the human star in a Muppets movie, with the England international far too good for basket case West Ham.
Spurs are already said to be lurking for Bowen, with others to surely show interest in a potential overdue transfer from West Ham. If they miraculously survive, an exit for Bowen feels likely, but it’ll be certain if they get relegated.
7) Igor Thiago
No Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Christian Norgaard, or Thomas Frank? No problem for Brentford. This is largely thanks to the remarkable scoring form of Thiago, who has been ‘like a new signing’ after missing most of his debut campaign due to injury.
Thiago is currently Erling Haaland’s nearest challenger in the Premier League Golden Boot race with 11 goals in 16 appearances, making him likely to be Brentford’s next big-money sale.
6) Lucas Paqueta
That pesky Fabrizio Romano got in the way of the Brazil international’s move from West Ham to Aston Villa in the summer; it’s almost as if the reporter’s overinflated influence has taken the excitement away from the transfer window.
Paqueta subsequently kissed the West Ham badge to indicate where his allegiances lie, but this appears to have been an empty gesture as he’s already manoeuvring to leave the sinking ship and could even end up at Man Utd.
5) Adam Wharton
It is a matter of when, not if, Wharton leaves Crystal Palace as he’s likely to be their next huge money sale after Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, while another key star prepares to leave for nothing.
Man Utd, Liverpool, and Real Madrid have already been sniffing and it’s been reported that he has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Crystal Palace, but they proved in the negotiation over Marc Guehi that they will hold firm on their demands for their prized assets.
4) Carlos Baleba
Naturally, Man Utd’s audacious summer move for Baleba did not go through as Brighton’s demands were too high, but the defensive midfielder could be one to watch next year as he’s also been linked with Liverpool and Manchester City.
The 21-year-old has been back to his normal self after initially being impacted by the failed Man Utd move, but he could still be available for a cut-price fee in January…
3) Elliot Anderson
Anderson is another central midfielder who could be a major talking point in the transfer world next year, as the Nottingham Forest sensation has suddenly emerged as a likely World Cup starter in our latest England ladder.
His transition from a winger to No.6 has been remarkable as Forest have unearthed a diamond, though this does mean that they will only have him for so long. Newcastle United would obviously love to have him back, but he will have better options.
2) Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo has improved year on year in the Premier League and is well on track for his best season to date for Bournemouth, grabbing seven goals and three assists in 15 Premier League games.
However, Semenyo looks unlikely to see out the season at Bournemouth. His £65m release clause, which reduces to £50m in the summer, becomes active in January and most of the Big Six are desperate to sign him.
Semenyo replacing Mohamed Salah at Liverpool is one of the likeliest winter transfers…
1) Marc Guehi
While the other players on this list are likely to be transferred in 2026, Guehi is certain to secure a move as he is the belle of the ball in the final year of his current contract.
A move to Liverpool still feels pretty inevitable, though his contract situation opens the door for European giants to strike amid links with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.