Xabi Alonso has already made one theme central to his first transfer window at Chelsea: balance. That word has framed the way he views a squad that still contains certain untouchables, but also a notable group of players who have been left off the club’s protected list.

That does not mean Chelsea are forcing anyone out. It means those players have been placed on the market at agreed prices, with The Athletic reporting that the total value of talent available could reach $600 million (£445 million). In a squad as crowded as this one, the question is not whether moves are possible, but which departures make the most sense.

Axel Disasi is among the clearest examples. He has not played a competitive match for Chelsea since January 2025 and has spent the last 18 months on loan in claret and blue. A return to West Ham United on a permanent basis could be available, although Chelsea’s asking price may prove difficult to meet. Even so, any fee approaching half of the $52 million they paid Monaco would represent a strong return.

Marc Guiu also looks like a player the club could be prepared to cash in on, while Benoît Badiashile appears to have reached the point where a sale would suit both sides. If Napoli were to offer more than $40 million for the defender, Chelsea would likely take notice.

Liam Delap’s situation is different. He started poorly and never quite recovered, but there is still interest from several Premier League clubs. Chelsea do not have the room to keep him in a forward line that is already crowded, especially without European football. A loan or a sale with a buy-back clause would protect the club’s position.

Nicolas Jackson remains harder to dismiss. His goal contribution rate and underlying numbers still point to a striker who consistently finds good positions, even if his finishing and discipline remain issues.

Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto are also under review. Chelsea would consider strong offers for both, particularly if a system is chosen that reduces Neto’s natural role. For now, the club’s challenge is to trim the squad without weakening it too far.

Manchester United enter the final month of the transfer window still balancing several needs as they look to strengthen for the 2026/27 season.

For some time, the expectation was that as many as three central midfielders would arrive to address both Casemiro’s recent exit and the shortage of depth last season. Left back, left winger and striker were also understood to be areas of interest.

Earlier in the summer, United appeared to step away from moves for Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Both players have since joined Tottenham Hotspur for a combined $249 million (£185 million), with cost and a lack of the same clear preference for Old Trafford previously shown by Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško all shaping that stance.

With Champions League football approaching, a larger squad would make sense, and using the budget carefully across several positions remains a logical approach. Yet a report from The Athletic suggests that may now come at the cost of a third midfield signing. It is “no longer certain” that another player will arrive for the deeper role in midfield, with Carlos Baleba, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Koné among those linked.

That has prompted fresh thought around “where to next put their resources” in the market.

At left back, Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall could prove difficult to land, although other options are likely available for less money. The situation on the left wing may only become clearer once there is a resolution to Marcus Rashford’s future.

Up front, United may be better served by adding an older backup option for Šeško rather than a similar young rival for the 23-year-old. Jean-Philippe Mateta fits that type, while Dušan Vlahović, 26, remains a free agent after leaving Juventus.

Manuel Ugarte’s long-term absence leaves Santos and Tielemans to support Kobbie Mainoo. Tielemans and Mainoo are described as intelligent architects with overlapping qualities, while Santos is seen as secure in possession, a strong runner and a capable defensive screen. Even so, none of them offer the same destructive presence Casemiro provided.

Liverpool’s reported position on Cody Gakpo has added another layer to their planning for the 2026/27 season. The club are said to be unwilling to part with the forward for less than $160 million, if they are willing to sell him at all.

At first glance, that stance appears to run against expectations. Liverpool have already brought in Víctor Muñoz, Rio Ngumoha is continuing to develop, and they are still pursuing Bradley Barcola. That trio led many to think Gakpo could be moved on, particularly with Muñoz operating on the left and Ngumoha also preferring that side. Barcola, meanwhile, can play on the right, a position Liverpool still need to strengthen after the release of Mohamed Salah, even though his best work at Paris Saint-Germain came on the left.

A report from The Athletic saying Liverpool have “no intent” to sell Gakpo therefore came as a surprise on the surface. Tottenham Hotspur have “registered interest” through the player’s entourage, but no formal talks have started and there has been no contact with Liverpool.

Liverpool’s valuation is said to reflect this summer’s completed deals, including the sales of Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson, both of which were completed for just under $160 million to Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.

There is also a clear footballing reason behind Liverpool’s thinking. With Salah gone and Hugo Ekitiké expected to miss the start of the season after suffering an Achilles injury in April, the club do not want to “reduce” their attacking options. The intention is to “add” to them instead. Gakpo may also be receiving the benefit of the doubt because Andoni Iraola is arriving as a new manager with fresh ideas.

Gakpo’s value is not limited to the left wing. During his Liverpool career, the 27-year-old has also been used as a No. 9, including several times last season. That role was his main position in 2023/24, his first full campaign at the club, when Luis Díaz started on the left. He also played centrally in the second half of 2022/23, scoring seven goals in 21 Premier League matches, which remains his most productive spell for Liverpool.