The 2023-24 season and the season before that did not go well for some players, meaning they must now play like their careers depend on it—because they actually might.
For these players, the patience of their clubs and fans is wearing thin, and it is now or never for them at their current clubs. Here, we discuss 10 players who have just one more season to prove themselves.
10. Ansu Fati
Ansu Fati is only 21 years old and still has his entire career ahead of him, but Barcelona have shown that they won’t be patient with their wonderboy forever. Loaned out to Brighton last year, he failed to make a significant impact. Now back at Barcelona under a new coach, Fati might get one more chance to prove himself. However, with Barcelona chasing Nico Williams intensely, Fati’s 2024-25 season will be crucial. If he doesn’t perform well, he might end up like Bojan, Riqui Puig, and other La Masia graduates who started off great but had less glamorous careers.
9. Antony
Antony, the Brazilian winger, has had two seasons in England with Manchester United, neither of which have been impressive. If he cannot rediscover his Ajax form in the new season, that would definitely be the end for the 100 million-euro man. Reports suggest that Manchester United are already contemplating letting him go this summer. If he remains, he needs to transform dramatically in the upcoming season to avoid being shown the door.
8. Rasmus Højlund
Another 21-year-old attacker who might have just one more season to prove himself is Rasmus Højlund. Manchester United spent 64 million pounds to get him from Atalanta last year, but he had a very underwhelming season, frustrating fans. Despite his young age, the club’s 50 million euro purchase of Joshua Zirkzee this summer does not bode well for Højlund. If the Danish striker doesn’t perform this season, the club may consider selling him, similar to how they handled Lukaku after a bad second season.
7. Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus moved to North London in 2022 with high expectations and started well, but his performance has since declined. Scoring just 15 Premier League goals over two seasons for Arsenal, Jesus faces tough competition. Kai Havertz scored 13 Premier League goals in just one season, primarily playing in midfield. If Jesus cannot regain his goal-scoring form, he may be let go, especially considering his high wages as the club’s second highest-paid player.
6. Jack Grealish
Only Haaland and De Bruyne earn more than Jack Grealish at Manchester City, but his on-field performance does not justify his salary. Since his 100 million pound move to the Etihad in 2021, Grealish has not reached the expected levels. With Pep Guardiola signing Doku and Savio, it seems the manager is preparing to move on from Grealish. If the Englishman cannot replicate his Aston Villa form in the new season, he will likely be shown the door, following in the footsteps of Jesus and Sterling.
5. Kingsley Coman
Kingsley Coman has scored just 22 league goals in the last four seasons combined, disappointing Bayern Munich fans. With Vincent Kompany at the helm, there is hope for a turnaround, but if Coman doesn’t improve, his time at Bayern may end. The signing of Michael Olise, the emergence of Mathys Tel, and Jamal Musiala’s ability to play on the wing mean Coman must perform exceptionally well this season to avoid being let go.
4. Richarlison
Richarlison has not met Tottenham’s expectations since joining. His inadequate performance as a center-forward led to Son being used as a 9, and he wasn’t effective on the wings either, prompting a loan for Werner. As he approaches three years at the club, Richarlison must excel this season or risk being let go. The club’s interest in other center-forwards suggests his position is under threat.
3. Marco Asensio
Marco Asensio joined PSG last year and had a frustrating debut season, scoring just five goals across all competitions and being dropped for key matches. With his contract expiring in 2026, Asensio needs a strong 2024-25 season to avoid being sold as PSG might seek to make a profit from his departure.
2. Mykhailo Mudryk
Chelsea spent 70 million euros to bring Mykhailo Mudryk to Stamford Bridge in January 2023, but he has failed to live up to expectations. If he underperforms under the new coach this season, the club might start considering cutting their losses. With numerous wingers already at the club and more expected to join, Mudryk must deliver in the 2024-25 season to secure his future at Chelsea.
1. Darwin Nuñez
Liverpool spent 75 million euros on Darwin Nuñez in 2022, but he has missed more big chances than he has scored goals. Fans were particularly frustrated last season when his missed opportunities cost the team in critical games. Despite his potential, another poor season could see Nuñez’s time at Liverpool come to an end.
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