This summer’s transfer window is shaping up to be less like a fresh start and more like a nostalgic reboot.
From fan-favorite returns to once-iconic stars eyeing comebacks, clubs across Europe are looking to reunite with familiar faces. Whether fueled by unfinished business, redemption arcs, or just sheer desperation, these potential moves could transform the 2025/26 season.
1. Richarlison to Everton – A Toffee Reunion in the Works?
Everton FC | Tottenham Hotspur
Richarlison’s time at Spurs has been a mixed bag, with injuries and form issues following a £60 million move from Everton. Now, the Toffees are eyeing a bold return, hoping to reunite with the Brazilian forward as they prepare for a new era—and a new stadium. The question remains: can Everton afford him, and would Richarlison be willing to step back?
2. Kalvin Phillips to Leeds United – A Homegrown Hero’s Return?
Leeds United | Manchester City
After a frustrating spell at Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips could be on his way back to newly-promoted Leeds. The 29-year-old barely featured for Pep Guardiola and endured underwhelming loan stints. A return to Elland Road might just reignite his career—and stabilize Leeds’ midfield.
3. Jack Grealish to Aston Villa – A Midlands Fairytale?
Grealish’s time at City could be coming to a close, with rumors swirling about a permanent exit. Despite winning titles, he’s reportedly no longer in Pep’s plans. Could a return to boyhood club Aston Villa, where he made over 200 appearances, be on the cards?
4. Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund – Back Where It All Began
Chelsea FC | Manchester United | Borussia Dortmund
Sancho’s Chelsea loan fizzled out after a promising start, and now Dortmund looks like a real possibility once again. Chelsea want out of their purchase obligation, and Sancho is reportedly keen on returning to the club where he made his name.
5. Joao Felix to Benfica – A Spark Rekindled?
Benfica | Chelsea FC | AC Milan
After disappointing stints at Chelsea and Milan, Joao Felix might be heading back to his roots at Benfica. But with Saudi clubs circling and Chelsea asking €35–40 million, this reunion is anything but simple.
6. Marc Guehi to Chelsea – A Youth Product Returns?
With Guehi entering the final year of his contract and unwilling to extend, Crystal Palace could be forced to sell. Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle are interested, but the Blues may have the inside track thanks to his academy ties.
7. Christian Eriksen to Ajax – One Last Dance in Amsterdam
Ajax Amsterdam | Manchester United
At 33, Eriksen’s time at Manchester United is ending, and a romantic return to Ajax—where he launched his career—looks possible. Ajax could offer Eriksen the perfect send-off in familiar surroundings.
8. Jamie Vardy to Sheffield Wednesday – A Boyhood Dream?
Leicester City | Sheffield Wednesday
Vardy is set to leave Leicester after 12 historic years, and the 38-year-old might be headed back to Sheffield Wednesday—his childhood club. The Owls could use a spark, and Vardy’s return would be the ultimate underdog storyline.
9. Lionel Messi to Barcelona – One Last Run at Camp Nou?
Though under contract at Inter Miami, Messi is rumored to want one last game at the renovated Camp Nou. However, issues with Barça president Joan Laporta and financial obstacles make this a complicated dream.
10. Neymar to Barcelona – The (Financially Risky) Fantasy Comeback
FC Barcelona | Al-Hilal FC | Santos FC
Talks are reportedly ongoing between Neymar’s camp and Barça for a return ahead of the 2026 World Cup. But with injuries, a Saudi stint, and Barcelona’s financial woes in the mix, this comeback might be more fantasy than reality.
Which of these dream reunions will come true?
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