The winter transfer panic is over, which means the longer, more drawn-out nervousness of the summer is only a few months away.

Many big European sides kept their purse strings fairly tight in January in a bid to splash big at the end of the campaign. That will impact a number of players who continue to be linked with moves.

Let's have a look at a few of them.

Darwin Núñez, Liverpool

Front-runners: Any Saudi club

Dark horses: AC Milan

Remember when Darwin Núñez signed for Liverpool and Erling Haaland signed for Manchester City in the summer of 2022? The comparisons were endless, especially after the former's goal in the Community Shield that helped the Reds top Pep Guardiola's side.

Since then, though, it's not really happened for the Uruguayan. He's the kind of striker fans love having in their squad. He's energetic, passionate and capable of the sublime. He's also the kind of striker who can miss a simple chance and disrupt the team's rhythm through a lack of concentration.

Both Saudi Arabia and Milan are reportedly interested in his services. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot clearly has Darwin down as a bit-part player, so it makes sense he is moved along in the summer as he'll raise a useful chunk of cash.

It's a shame for Premier League fans, but the 25-year-old has so much more to give (and mess up).

Rodrygo, Real Madrid

Front-runners: Any Saudi club

Dark horses: Liverpool

There has to be a shout for Rodrygo being one of the most underrated world-class players on the planet. It's likely because he is never the biggest name at Real Madrid; he's not Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior or Kylian Mbappé. He is, however, an unbelievable technician and goalscorer who would be the biggest star at most other clubs.

Just like other recent windows, his future came under a little scrutiny in January, when reports of Saudi interest circled. Liverpool are also allegedly interested and have even held exploratory talks with Madrid in a link that is likely to increase as Mohamed Salah moves towards his inevitable Anfield exit.

Rodrygo, 24, has 10 goals and six assists in 25 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League this season. He continues to be a decisive player for Carlo Ancelotti and is capable of stepping up whenever his team needs him. That sounds like a pretty appropriate replacement for Liverpool's Egyptian king.

Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth

Front-runners: Tottenham Hotspur

Dark horses: Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United

Although his form has been overshadowed by Justin Kluivert in recent weeks, Antoine Semenyo is a prime target for a big move in the summer.

In many ways this has already been the 25-year-old's breakout season. He's scored seven goals for a Bournemouth team that is vastly outperforming expectations, he's versatile and plays with a fearlessness that makes big teams take notice.

With that in mind, it's no surprise Semenyo is being linked with a number of clubs.

Tottenham are likely to say goodbye to Timo Werner in the summer and will have space for the upgrade, while Semenyo would slot straight in alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in an electric Newcastle frontline. Of course, there's a good chance Isak leaves, which would make the pursuit of Semenyo even more likely.

While Arsenal and Liverpool are also linked, those don't feel like the best moves for the Ghana international. He would likely be a squad player at either club at a time when he needs to push on and consolidate his burgeoning reputation as a bona fide Premier League star.

Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford

Front-runners: Arsenal

Dark horses: Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Newcastle United

There's a certain level of proven Premier League player that the big teams seem to miss out on before they blow up. Bryan Mbeumo is one. You can also throw Matheus Cunha, João Pedro and Semenyo into the mix. Major talents who will earn their teams a lot of money because they were given a chance to excel at a smaller club.

Mbeumo is a ready-made star for whichever team grabs him next. The versatile Brentford forward is immensely difficult to pin down during games and has the directness to trouble any defence in the world. He's stepped up since Ivan Toney's departure (remember him?) and already has 14 goals to his name after establishing a brilliant partnership with Yoane Wissa this season.

The Cameroon international has the quality to be a starter for any team in the division. At 25 years old and with multiple Premier League seasons behind him, he's entering his prime.

Mbeumo genuinely could be one of the signings of the summer as Arsenal, Liverpool and others reportedly weigh up an approach.

Dean Huijsen, Bournemouth

Front-runners: Chelsea, Manchester United

Dark horses: Liverpool

Speaking of talent the big clubs didn't spot, say hello to Dean Huijsen.

The 19-year-old Bournemouth centre-back has only started 13 games in the Premier League and it already seems like Juventus' decision to let him go was a mistake.

The market for young defenders is likely to be fierce in the summer. Chelsea and Manchester United are among those reportedly interested in the teenager, while we can expect Liverpool to consider the future without Virgil van Dijk whether he signs a contract extension or not.

Huijsen's calmness, aggression and eye for a pass make him an attractive prospect who has plenty of development ahead of him.