Summer Transfer Window 2026 Predictions: The Deals That Could Shake Football

But the question is, will we see movement that could upset the odds collated by the brand and the expert football picks? Only time will tell as we close this season and open up the markets for next season.

So, who's moving where? We asked Richardson to provide her thoughts...

When Does the Summer Transfer Window Open and Close? Across the Premier League and Europe...

The summer transfer window varies from league to league but typically across European leagues it opens on June 15, shortly after the FIFA World Cup starts and ends on the last day of August. However, in some countries, like Spain, it does run a couple of days longer into September 1.

Once that deadline closes, clubs can no longer sign players until when the winter window opens in January 2027.

The Most Significant Transfers That Could Take Place in the Summer of 2026

Mo Salah

One of the main transfers that will be talked about is where Mohamed Salah will be moving on to. He announced recently that he would be leaving Anfield, in a statement writing: "This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

"I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It's a passion. It's history. It's a spirit. I can't explain it in words to anyone not part of this club."

Where he will go it is to be seen, with Saudi Arabia or the MLS the most likely according to bookmakers. Outside of that, Richardson suggests Serie A outfit Napoli or Ligue 1 side PSG could also be an option if the Egyptian wants to stay in Europe, with the Bundesliga or La Liga unlikely. But as a poster boy for Middle Eastern football and the Muslim community, as well as the wealth in Saudi, it would be hard to see him move anywhere but there.

Not a shock for football, perhaps, but it will no doubt be one of the biggest moves of the window.

Cole Palmer

Just what is happening at Chelsea? The club is in a bit of a mess with trophies seemingly off the cards in favour of a buy young, sell high model. Becoming a selling club isn't going to wash with some of the bigger stars, whose careers will be dictated by silverware. Cole Palmer is one of those players and there have been rumours of a move back to Manchester. Only to the red side.

Despite winning the FIFA Club World Cup and the Conference League  tournament with the Blues, it could be the perfect switch for the 23-year-old who would be moving to Old Trafford during another period of reinvention. Except the England man would be the exact type of quality needed to edge the Red Devils back towards EPL title challengers.

Sandro Tonali

Since Newcastle United's takeover in 2021 it seems to be one step forward two steps back for Eddie Howe's men. Having found a top striker in Alexander Isak, they lost him to Liverpool and it could well be that Sandro Tonali is next on the move.

The club, due to FFP restrictions, haven't really been able to invest heavily in the playing squad and it's emerged of the star players they do have, Tonali could be the next to go.

Fabrizio Romano recently said of his future: "Tonali is also appreciated by Man City and Arsenal. But Tonali, for sure, remains a name on Manchester United’s shortlist. Again, there are several factors we will see. Man United also appreciates the player – we know that."

It's a tricky situation for the Magpies, particularly with him likely moving to another Premier League club, but if they can get a good price it could welcome investment in other parts of the pitch, which are desperately needed.

Elliot Anderson

There is no doubt that Elliot Anderson will be leaving the City Ground this summer, but where has yet to be determined. The future of Forest and Anderson's exploits at the World Cup will influence who comes in and at what cost but his performances across the season has already rightly warranted interest.

Manchester United and Manchester City are the two favourites, but Real Madrid were also rumoured a few months ago, so La Liga and a link up with Jude Bellingham may also be on the cards.

Manchester City are thought to be leading the charge, and he could prove a solid replacement  for Rodri in the heart of the midfield, with the Spaniard potentially moving on from the Etihad.

Rodri

Speaking of which, Rodri has been flirting with Real Madrid and a move could be imminent. City have missed the experienced holding midfielder when they've not had him in the team, but since returning from injury he's not been quite the same player either. It could be the perfect time to move on, with Pep bringing in some fresh legs as part of his regeneration project.

Still, it's a risky move. Rodri is just 29 and has plenty of years at the top left in him and selling to a Champions League rival isn't ideal, even if Pep recently said: "If he is not happy just knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality and after that he doesn't belong to the club - only himself."

You get the impression that this will be one that rumbles on across the summer.

Which Clubs Will Be Spending the Most Money Before the Window Closes?

It'll be interesting to see who spends the most across the top leagues and that could well come down to who is manager of the club and the license they've been given. Manchester United will likely be backed heavily, whether it be Michael Carrick or someone else in charge, particularly after a promising back end of the season. Building on that is crucial.

Liverpool will be on the hunt for a Salah replacement and, again, it's unclear if Arne Slot will still be in charge. That said, the Reds spent an awful lot last summer and may be reluctant to do the same again.

Manchester City's rebuild will continue while Real Madrid are always on the hunt for the next Galactico, and if someone emerges from the World Cup, there's no doubt there will be some discussions with their agent about a move to the Bernabeu.

So, The Biggest Transfer of the Summer?

There's nothing too outlandish being mooted at the moment but there will be some big tussles for key players. The destination of Salah will be hotly followed, but it's unlikely he'll be threatening any of Europe's elite-elite teams, while in the Premier League the movement of Elliot Anderson will be the most talked about domestic move before the transfer window closes.

Still, there's tons of time and that rumour mill will keep turning and like any good drama, there will be plenty of twists and turns.