5 players who need to leave their club this summer

The World Cup has stolen a considerable amount of limelight off the transfer window as many have been left unaware of quite a number of transfers that have gone through in the past month. However, with the greatest show on earth steadily reaching its business end, the transfer window is set to become the centre point of attraction for the football world again.

If the flood of reports continuously linking players to different clubs are to be believed, the spectators could be set to experience another enthralling summer as good as its predecessors.

While some may use the transfer window to secure lucrative contracts and moves to giant clubs, some also view it as the best chance to revive their dwindling careers and start afresh.

On that note, let's have a look at five such players who direly need to switch their clubs in order to save their careers.

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#5 Leonardo Bonucci (AC Milan)

Leonardo Bonucci left the supporters surprised with his move to the San Siro

Italian centre-back Leonardo Bonucci left the football world flabbergasted with his shock move to AC Milan after being crowned as a Serie A champion for the sixth successive time with Juventus. Having established himself as one of the best centre-backs of the current era, it would have been only fitting to see him join the elite institutions in Europe as a free agent.

A year fast forward, its safe to say Bonucci might have realised the error in his ways. The defender appeared to be far too good for a revitalized AC Milan who tried to redeem themselves after having an impressive summer.

However, the results were far from fulfilling the expectations and Milan have also been banned from participating in the Europa League next season as a punishment for breaching the FFP rules.

Leonardo Bonucci could save himself from all the misery by joining a new club. PSG and Manchester United have been linked with the Italian and there's no doubt he would do good by joining either of the two heavyweights, knowing that they will guarantee him silverware.

#4 Xherdan Shaquiri (Stoke City)

Xherdan Shaqiri is too good for Stoke City

Another move that appears as mysterious as Bonucci's to AC Milan. Xherdan Shaqiri joined Stoke City from Inter Milan in 2015 and it has already taken him 3 valuable years to realise that he is too good for a club like the Potters.

However, time isn't past yet and at 26 the Swiss attacker still has a chance to redeem himself. He also expressed about the lack of quality around him in the dressing room, the most crucial reason why Stoke City became the first team to be relegated to the second tier last season.

Shaqiri is a lightning-quick attacker who can improve any team he decides to join. Moreover, he is a player deserves to win silverware on a consistent basis. Manchester United and Liverpool have shown an interest in signing the Swiss attacker and its not a rocket science to understand that either of the two clubs will guarantee him a better shot at trophies than the one he is currently at right now.

#3 Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

Anthony Martial is mulling over his future at Manchester United

It has become a common sight these days to see a Man United fan biting his nails over the Anthony Martial transfer saga. The Frenchman, an immense fan-favourite and now a contract rebel at Old Trafford, is mulling over his future, with his current deal set to expire in summer 2019.

While the club has a fair and correct set of reasons to hold on to the 22-year-old, one cannot blame the player for being confused over the decision to stay put at the club.

Martial was used as a substitute for most of the season on the left behind fellow teammate Marcus Rashford. The arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January affected his playing chances drastically, a situation that also saw him miss out on the World Cup squad.

Anthony Martial has already shown the world the vast potential that he possesses. No doubt he could culminate into one of the best players in the world in the years to come. However, for that to materialise, he needs to have adequate chances on a consistent basis.

While he may find it difficult to play week in week out at Old Trafford, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Barcelona could provide him with the stage required to succeed. However, with the Red Devils hell-bent on holding on to their star youngster, the Frenchman's transfer saga will definitely be one to watch out for this summer.

#2 Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)

Riyadh Mahrez has been forced to stay put at Leicester City

Riyad Mahrez was one of the standout performers when Claudio Ranieri's Leicester City clinched the Premier League in 2016. The 27-year-old interested a bunch of clubs in the following two summers, but has failed to secure a move he so righteously deserves.

However, it would be nothing short of a sin if history repeats itself and Mahrez finds himself playing in the blue of Leceister in the next season. Currently entering the prime of his career and with Leicester no nearer to winning a title than they were two years ago, a move to a top club appears to be the best decision if he wants to taste glory again.

Leicester City itself is the biggest hurdle he has to cross since the club has been thwarting his move to top clubs. Manchester City is the only major club that has been linked with the Algerian but that isn't too bad, is it? Pep Guardiola will definitely know how to bring the best out of Mahrez and should he succeed, Mahrez could well be destined for greatness in England.

#1 Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid)

Mateo Kovacic is far better than being a second fiddle to Casemiro

If there's any player in the world who should jump and grab the opportunity to leave his respective club at the moment, it has to be Mateo Kovacic.

Back when he announced himself to the football world during his stint with Inter Milan, the Croatian was hailed as the new Andrea Pirlo. However, he has spent time more than enough playing as a second fiddle to Casemiro, Real Madrid's first-choice anchorman. No doubt he has tasted success players would die to experience for, but that would have been sweeter had he contributed more frequently to Real's glory.

The aftermath of the lack of playing time has reflected in the World Cup; the 24-year-old hasn't been able to cement his place in the starting XI, competing with Marcelo Brozovic for the holding midfield role in the tournament.

There's no doubt Mateo Kovacic has the potential to become a player to reckon in the future, but he needs to be on the pitch more often than not. The Manchester giants and Chelsea have shown an interest in acquiring his signature and he would do better to shake hands with any of those clubs, should he receive a concrete and a worthy offer.