The Premier League is one of the major European leagues which will see its transfer window open on Friday, June 10.
International deals cannot be officially completed until July 1, but that will not stop clubs negotiating with each other as they aim to strike up deals for their top targets ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
In recent years, there have been a number of English players who have ventured abroad, with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho, Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham all deciding to test themselves away from the Premier League.
Considering the success that many of these players have had away from their homeland, several others – whose futures have become uncertain – may decide to follow suit for the benefit of their careers.
Here, Sports Mole picks out five Englishmen who could move abroad in this summer's transfer window.
RAHEEM STERLING – MANCHESTER CITY
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Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium for the last 12 months and with just a year remaining on his contract, a potential exit seems likely.
The arrivals of Erling Braut Haaland and Julian Alvarez this summer could also further hinder the 27-year-old's chances of regular first-team football, which is something the England international will crave heading into the prime years of his career.
Sterling, who has won 10 major trophies during his seven-year spell with Man City, admitted last year that he would be open to a move abroad, which is understood to have alerted Barcelona, Real Madrid and AC Milan who are all contemplating a move for the forward.
The former Liverpool man is thought to be one of Milan's leading targets this summer, while both Barca and Real have stepped up their pursuit of the forward, with the latter identifying the Englishman as an alternative to Kylian Mbappe.
Sterling is believed to be considering leaving City on a free transfer when his deal expires in June 2023, but the Premier League champions will be keen to receive a transfer fee for a player of his ability if he decides against renewing his contract.
JESSE LINGARD – FREE AGENT
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Jesse Lingard endured a frustrating 2021-22 campaign with Manchester United, starting only four of his 28 appearances across all competitions, and the midfielder will now seek pastures new when his contract expires on June 30, ending his 11-year association with the club.
The 29-year-old is not expected to be short of suitors this summer and a potential return to West Ham United or a move North to Newcastle United could be on the cards.
However, Lingard may be tempted by a switch to Italy with Serie A giants AC Milan, Juventus and Jose Mourinho's Roma all allegedly interested in signing the midfielder.
Both Milan and Juve are believed to be leading the race for Lingard's signature, although a reunion with Mourinho, as well as teaming up with compatriots Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham in the Italian capital, could be an enticing option for the 32-cap England international.
Spanish duo Barcelona and Valencia have also been credited with an interest in Lingard, who recorded 35 goals and 21 assists in 232 appearances for Man United across all tournaments.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – MANCHESTER UNITED
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The long-term future of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Manchester United has been questioned in recent months, after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
With Erik ten Hag planning to 'renew' his first-team squad this summer, Wan-Bissaka is one of a plethora of players who have been tipped to move on ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
The 24-year-old, who arrived at United for around £50m in 2019, has reportedly been offered to one unnamed Spanish club this summer, amid interest from Atletico Madrid who are still on the lookout to find a replacement for Kieran Trippier.
Roma are also understood to have identified the Croydon-born defender as a potential target this summer, while a return to Crystal Palace has also been mooted.
United would prefer to sell Wan-Bissaka this summer, although they would also be open to the prospect of loaning out the right-back if an obligation to buy were to be included in the deal with another club.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – CHELSEA
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Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be another who decides to test himself abroad, if he is not guaranteed regular starts under Thomas Tuchel next season.
The 26-year-old began just 18 of his 40 appearances across all competitions in 2021-22, and although Tuchel seems to appreciate the midfielder as a valuable squad member, he could fall down the pecking order if the Blues decide to strengthen their squad this summer.
A switch to Italy has been speculated, with one report claiming that Maurizio Sarri's Lazio have identified Loftus-Cheek as a potential replacement for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The player's agent Jonathan Barnett revealed at the end of last month, however, that talks are yet to take place between both parties.
Inter Milan are also contemplating a move for Loftus-Cheek, who is valued at around £17m, although the Serie A giants would prefer to negotiate a loan move for the Englishman.
Loftus-Cheek, who has previously spent time on loan with Crystal Palace and Fulham, is under contract at Chelsea until June 2024.
THEO WALCOTT – SOUTHAMPTON
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At the age of 33, Theo Walcott is entering the latter stages of his career and the forward is now believed to be considering his options after struggling for game time at Southampton last season.
The Saints academy graduate started only six of his 12 appearances in all tournaments in 2021-22, and has seemingly fallen out of favour under head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl.
A report last month claimed that Walcott was pondering the prospect of playing in the MLS next season, with a move to either Los Angeles or New York preferred by the experienced forward.
MLS quartet Los Angeles FC, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York City FC and New York Red Bulls could therefore be potential destination options for the Englishman this summer.
Walcott, who last played for Southampton back in February in an FA Cup fixture, will soon be entering the final year of his contract at St Mary's.
Oliver Thomas
