Manchester United wrapped up their transfer business on deadline day with a quiet sense of relief.
After months of uncertainty, they managed to offload four of the five players dubbed the “Bomb Squad.”
Marcus Rashford went to Barcelona, Antony joined Real Betis, Alejandro Garnacho headed to Chelsea, and Jadon Sancho sealed a move to Aston Villa.
Only Tyrell Malacia remains, though he could still leave with some transfer windows abroad still open.
But as soon as the dust settled, a fresh dilemma emerged — the release of official European squad lists.
Across England, clubs found themselves making tough calls, and several big names now find themselves watching European nights from the sidelines.
How European Squad Rules Shape Decisions
Unlike the Premier League, UEFA competitions impose stricter homegrown player requirements.
Clubs can register up to 25 players, but only 17 can be non-homegrown.
Of the remaining eight spots, four must be filled by players trained at the club itself and four by players trained in the same domestic league.
This balancing act forced managers into some painful decisions.
For a few high-profile stars, it meant waking up to the disappointing news that their names were not on the European squad lists.
Goalkeeper Surprise: Gunn Left Out
Nottingham Forest’s recent signing Angus Gunn might not have expected his European adventure to end before it began.
Signed less than a month ago, the goalkeeper was left out as Forest were forced to cut down to 22 players due to a lack of club-trained options.
With just two keepers named, Gunn misses out.
Defensive Exiles Raise Eyebrows
One of the biggest shocks is Chelsea’s Axel Disasi. Signed for £38.5 million only two summers ago, the French international is now training away from the first team after a failed loan at Aston Villa and lingering doubts over his future.
A potential move to Saudi Arabia may still materialize, but for now he’s stuck in limbo.
Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin is another absentee, though his omission is injury-related.
Out until mid-October, Thomas Frank opted against rushing him back into continental action.
Forest also raised questions by leaving out Jair Cunha, the 20-year-old Brazilian defender they signed for £10 million this summer.
With experience in the Copa Libertadores already under his belt, many expected him to get valuable minutes in Europe.
Then there’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, another notable Forest exclusion.
Given Nuno Espírito Santo’s complaints about lacking full-back depth, leaving out a player of Zinchenko’s European pedigree is a puzzling call.
Midfield Omissions Add to the Drama
Ross Barkley’s career has taken yet another twist.
Despite Aston Villa’s need for midfield depth, the 31-year-old didn’t make their Europa League squad.
With injuries keeping him sidelined and no minutes played this season, Unai Emery’s faith in Barkley delivering his best again seems slim.
Facundo Buonanotte’s case is just as awkward.
Fresh from joining Chelsea on loan from Brighton, he spoke about how excited he was to play in the Champions League.
Just days later, he discovered he wouldn’t be part of the squad at all — making for some uncomfortable conversations at training.
Attacking Stars Missing the Cut
Forest again made headlines by leaving out Omari Hutchinson, their record £37.5 million signing.
The decision points to underlying tensions between manager Nuno Espírito Santo and the club’s new head of global football, Edu.
For Hutchinson, it’s a bitter pill to swallow after arriving with so much promise.
Elsewhere, Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa, Tottenham’s Mathys Tel, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus all found themselves excluded, despite their reputations and attacking firepower.
Other Big Names on the Sidelines
Several other players across the Premier League were also left out of European squads:
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Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
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Naouirou Ahamada and Cheick Doucouré (Crystal Palace)
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John Ruddy and Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle)
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Cuiabano, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Jota Silva (Nottingham Forest)
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Yves Bissouma, James Maddison*, and Dejan Kulusevski* (Tottenham)
(* denotes players currently sidelined with long-term injuries.)
A Harsh Reality of Squad Management
For all the glamour of European competition, the reality is that squad rules force managers into difficult choices.
While some omissions can be explained by injuries or tactical needs, others hint at deeper issues — from failed transfers to dressing room politics.
For the players left behind, it’s a frustrating reminder that in modern football, talent isn’t always enough to guarantee a spot under the European lights.