Transfer Targets Who Could Revive Struggling Clubs

2 September 2025

Every football season, some clubs find themselves in a rut—either battling relegation, failing to meet expectations, or struggling with inconsistent performances. When things go south, clubs often turn to the transfer market, hoping to find that one player who can reignite their form and turn things around.

With the summer and winter transfer windows offering opportunities for reinforcements, let’s take a look at some potential transfer targets who could breathe new life into struggling teams.

1. João Palhinha – A Defensive Midfield Enforcer

Potential Fit: Manchester United, West Ham

Manchester United’s midfield has been a glaring issue this season, with Casemiro looking past his peak and Sofyan Amrabat failing to impress. West Ham, on the other hand, has struggled to replace Declan Rice adequately. That’s where João Palhinha comes in.

The Fulham midfielder has been a revelation in the Premier League, ranking among the top players for tackles and interceptions. His aggressive ball-winning ability, composure on the ball, and leadership make him an ideal signing for clubs that lack midfield stability.

If Palhinha joins a struggling club, he could offer the defensive security needed to control games better and provide a solid foundation for the attack to flourish.

2. Dusan Vlahović – A Striker in Need of a Fresh Start

Potential Fit: Chelsea, AC Milan

Chelsea’s striker woes have been well-documented, with neither Nicolas Jackson nor their makeshift forwards delivering consistent goals. AC Milan, too, has struggled up front, relying on veterans like Olivier Giroud without a long-term successor in place.

Dusan Vlahović, currently at Juventus, has shown immense promise but has struggled to find consistency in Italy. A move to a club desperate for firepower could be the catalyst to reignite his career.

His excellent hold-up play, lethal finishing, and physical presence make him an ideal fit for a team lacking a reliable No. 9. If Vlahović finds the right system, he could be the difference between mid-table mediocrity and a Champions League push.

3. Jadon Sancho – A Winger in Need of Redemption

Potential Fit: Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United

Jadon Sancho’s situation at Manchester United has been a disaster. Once considered one of the most exciting young wingers in football, he has found himself sidelined due to a fallout with Erik ten Hag. But does that mean he’s finished? Absolutely not.

A return to Borussia Dortmund could see him regain confidence, while Newcastle United’s ambitious project could provide him with an exciting fresh start. His dribbling, creativity, and ability to take on defenders could add a new dimension to any struggling attack.

Sancho’s talent is undeniable—he just needs the right environment to revive his career. If he makes the right move, we might see the best version of him once again.

4. Kalvin Phillips – A Midfielder Starved for Minutes

Potential Fit: Everton, Aston Villa

Kalvin Phillips’ move to Manchester City has been a disaster. Stuck behind Rodri, he's barely played, and when he has, he’s looked rusty. Yet, let's not forget—this is a player who was instrumental for Leeds United and England during the Euros.

Everton and Aston Villa could both use a midfield enforcer who brings energy, pressing, and ball progression. A move away from City could be his best chance to get his career back on track.

With regular game time, Phillips could become an engine in midfield, helping a struggling club maintain control in key matches.

5. Antonio Silva – A Defensive Solution for Leaky Backlines

Potential Fit: Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur

Both Liverpool and Tottenham have had defensive concerns, often conceding goals due to lapses in concentration. While Liverpool has an aging Virgil van Dijk, Spurs have struggled with injuries and inconsistency at the back.

Antonio Silva, the highly-rated Benfica center-back, could be the solution. At just 20 years old, he’s already shown great composure, ball-playing ability, and a knack for reading the game.

A move to a bigger European league could accelerate his development, and for clubs struggling defensively, he could be a long-term fix.

6. Serhou Guirassy – The Bundesliga’s Surprise Hitman

Potential Fit: Manchester United, Atletico Madrid

Serhou Guirassy has been tearing up the Bundesliga for Stuttgart, scoring at an alarming rate. Yet, he remains under the radar compared to other high-profile strikers.

Manchester United desperately needs a reliable goal scorer, and Atletico Madrid could use a natural finisher to complement their attack. Given his form, Guirassy could be a realistic, cost-effective signing compared to other big-name strikers.

If he continues his goal-scoring form in a stronger league, he could be a revelation for any struggling side in dire need of goals.

7. Lucas Paquetá – A Midfield Magician with Flair

Potential Fit: Barcelona, Arsenal

Lucas Paquetá has been one of West Ham’s most creative players, but he deserves to play for a team competing for major titles. Barcelona and Arsenal could both use his dynamism in midfield to unlock stubborn defenses.

For a club struggling offensively, a player like Paquetá could be the creative spark they need to turn their fortunes around. His ability to link play, take on defenders, and score spectacular goals makes him an invaluable asset.

8. Randal Kolo Muani – A Versatile Attacking Threat

Potential Fit: Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich

After a big-money move to PSG, Randal Kolo Muani has struggled to hit his stride. However, his versatility and work rate make him an attractive option for clubs needing attacking depth.

Spurs, looking for a proper Harry Kane replacement, might consider him given his speed and ability to lead the line. Bayern Munich, still unsure of their long-term striking solution, could also turn to him.

A fresh start under the right coach could help Kolo Muani rediscover his best form and become a game-changer.

9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – A Playmaker in High Demand

Potential Fit: Manchester United, Real Madrid

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia burst onto the scene with Napoli, quickly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting wingers. However, Napoli has struggled this season, and Kvaratskhelia might be looking for a new challenge.

Manchester United, needing someone to take their attack to the next level, could benefit from his creativity. Likewise, Real Madrid could view him as a future Galáctico.

For a struggling club lacking flair, Kvaratskhelia could be the star they need to bring excitement back to their season.

Conclusion

Struggling clubs don’t always need a managerial change or a complete squad overhaul—sometimes, one or two well-placed signings can change everything. Whether it’s a defensive rock, a midfield engine, or a lethal striker, the right transfer could be the key to turning things around.

With the transfer windows offering a lifeline, the clubs that act smartly could be the ones pulling themselves out of trouble. Will any of these players make a move and revive a struggling team? Only time will tell.