The Premier League is preparing for what promises to be an important transfer window in January. The first half of the season has exposed the weaknesses of several clubs. They'll be eager to address them when the transfer market reopens in winter. That could lead to many players arriving in the English top flight from other divisions.
Meanwhile, there could also be notable departures from the division. In fact, the year 2022 looks set to witness many elite superstars calling time on their spells in the Premier League. These are players who have spent the last few seasons in the English top flight, and are now ready to embrace new challenges.
With just a few days left till the end of the year, here's a look at five big-name superstars who could leave the Premier League in 2022:
#5 Dele Alli
Dele Alli looks set to leave Tottenham Hotspur as early as the January transfer window, having seen himself relegated to a bit-part role in recent weeks.
It is obvious Dele Alli isn't in manager Antonio Conte's plans in North London. That is evident in the fact that the Englishman has played just one Premier League game since the former Inter Milan boss took charge of affairs at the club.
According to reports, the player has been given the green light to find a new club when the transfer window reopens next month. Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to be interested in the player's services.
#4 Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger is also one of the big names who could end up bidding goodbye to the Premier League in 2022. The German has apparently reached the end of the road at Stamford Bridge, and is reportedly looking forward to his next destination.
Rudiger is already in the final year of his contract with the Blues, meaning he can start talks with suitors in January. As per multiple sources, the defender is determined to run down his deal with the Londoners, and leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are said to be leading the race for the centre-back's signature. The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be monitoring his situation.
#3 Edinson Cavani
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani came very close to leaving the Premier League giants following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo this summer. The Uruguayan lost his no.7 jersey as well as his spot in the starting line-up to the Portuguese superstar, prompting his desire to leave.
Cavani's situation seems to be getting worse at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old has started just two games for the Red Devils across competitions so far this season. Overall, he has made just eight appearances for the club, scoring one goal.
If rumours are anything to go by, the former Paris Saint-Germain sharpshooter is still open to a move away from Old Trafford. A possible loan move to Barcelona is said to be on the cards for him.
#2 Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling looks destined to bid farewell to the Premier League in 2022. The Manchester City winger admitted during an interview in October that he'd love to leave the English top flight, and have a new experience elsewhere.
He was quoted as saying:
"If there was an opportunity to go somewhere else, I would be open to that at this point in time. Football is the most important thing to me, challenges that I’ve set myself from a young age, and dreams as well, to be honest with you, to play abroad.
"As an English player, all I know is the Premier League, and I have always thought one day I would love to play abroad and come up against that challenge."
#1 Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba's future has been the subject of speculation for several months. The Manchester United midfielder is in the final year of his contract with the club, and he's yet to sign an extension.
According to reports, the Frenchman has no intentions of remaining in the Premier League beyond this season. It is believed he wants to run down his deal with the Red Devils, and leave as a free agent at the end of the campaign.
Multiple sources have suggested that Pogba could join either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer next summer. A potential return to Juventus has also been rumoured. It remains to be seen where he'll end up at next season. From many indications, it will likely not be in the Premier League.