All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United’s business in the transfer market has left a lot to be desired over recent years, with many of their additions failing to make the grade in the Premier League.

Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example in the current squad, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023, but has struggled to make the desired impact.

The Dane has only scored four times in the league throughout 2024/25, leading to rumours over his long-term future at Old Trafford, with a return to Serie A on the cards this summer.

It’s crucial that the hierarchy back Ruben Amorim in the market over the coming months, but more importantly is that they hand him the right players to operate in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Matheus Cunha has been the first addition, but if the club are to have any chance of rising up the table next campaign, added reinforcements are needed to help the Brazilian within the final third.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

A striker has been the priority of United so far this summer, especially after missing out on number one target Liam Delap to fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea.

Since his move to Stamford Bridge, the likes of Victor Osimhen, Dušan Vlahović and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all been touted with a move to join the Red Devils.

However, other forwards have also been on their radar, with Lyon winger Malick Fofana the latest player linked with a move to Old Trafford, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Their report states that Jason Wilcox is considering making a bid for the Belgian youngster, who registered 16 combined goals and assists across all competitions – costing in the region of £38m.

It also claims that Chelsea are firmly in the race for his signature, with Amorim’s side once again facing the prospect of a transfer battle with Enzo Maresca’s side for a player’s signature.

Why United’s £38m target could be Amorim’s next Amad

Despite Hojlund’s failures within the final third this campaign, other players around him have managed to star, including Ivorian forward Amad Diallo.

The 22-year-old was seen as an outcast under former boss Erik ten Hag, but was handed the platform to impress after Amorim’s arrival in late November last year.

He’s since taken his career to the next level at Old Trafford, registering 19 combined goals and assists across all competitions in 2024/25, with his £36m transfer fee now looking somewhat of a bargain.

Amad even scored a hat-trick in the comeback win over Southampton and bagged the winner in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad, a feat that made him an instant hero among the fanbase.

Such a deal needs to be replicated going forward, with new target Fofana providing just that should he make a move to Manchester in the coming months.

He possesses a similar skillset, with both being nimble left-footed forwards who can operate off either wing, potentially operating in a wing-back role in Amorim’s system if needed.

When comparing his stats to those of Amad from the recent campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.

Games played

29

26

Goals & assists

9

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

48%

36%

Progressive carries

6.3

5.1

Carries into final third

3.2

2.5

Take-on success

47%

46%

Crosses completed

4

1.9

Fouls won

2.1

1.3

Fofana, who’s been labelled “special” by journalist Zach Lowy, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, demonstrating his clinical ability in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries and more carries into the final third per 90, handing the side an added threat given his desire to get forward with the ball at his feet.

The Belgian’s trickery has made him a constant nuisance to opposition defenders, completing 47% of his attempted take-ons and winning more fouls per 90.

£38m in today’s market is a solid price for a 20-year-old star who could improve massively in the years ahead under Amorim’s guidance, offering the side a new star in attacking areas.

If he can replicate Amad’s success in the Premier League in the near future, it would be another bargain and an addition that could take the club back towards their former glory.

An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent

Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 17, 2025

Sunderland will be all too aware of how challenging the Premier League can be, having been relegated four times from the intimidating division since its 1992 rebrand.

The Black Cats will be up against it too when you consider how poorly the newly promoted sides have done in recent memory, with the last six teams to go up triumphantly sinking straight back down with a whimper.

Regis Le Bris, of course, will have other plans as he embarks on his first-ever season in England’s well-known top-flight, but signings galore will need to take place to give the Frenchman and his wide-eyed team a fighting chance at survival.

One dream incoming would have been the amazing return of Amad Diallo to the Stadium of Light, but with his Old Trafford career finally now taking flight, it looks like an unlikely route to explore.

Amad's fan favourite status at Sunderland

Rumours have already begun to circulate that the entertaining Ivorian could be on the Sunderland shopping list, with this deal perhaps even bolder than the Black Cats’ reported attempts to tempt former star Jordan Henderson back to home turf.

A potential reunion will always catch the eye of Sunderland supporters just for how impactful Amad’s first stint at the club was, with his heroics from down the right wing clinching playoff football for Tony Mowbray’s men during the 2022/23 campaign.

They would eventually slip up at the semi-final stages, but nobody could knock the 22-year-old’s efforts during the near-miss season, with Amad picking up a hefty 14 goals and four assists across 42 appearances.

Since then, he has been able to firm up his Manchester United starting spot under Ruben Amorim, scoring 11 goals this season, so a stunning move back to Wearside would surely be a tall order to pull off.

But, Le Bris might well be able to win Sunderland’s next version of the spellbinding 22-year-old if another move comes to fruition.

Sunderland could sign their new Amad

It will be all about striking a fine balance between picking up signings by the bucket load and ensuring the star performers from their promotion heroics are given a fair chance up a level.

As per a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Black Cats could be about to bolster their attacking arsenal even more away from the likes of Romaine Mundle and Wilson Isidor with the addition of Kwame Poku. Indeed, the Mackems are just one of 26 clubs who are looking to seal the winger’s signature on a free transfer after his contract with Peterborough United came to a close.

The concern on Sunderland’s end, however, will be whether Poku can make that gigantic leap up from League One to the Premier League look seamless.

But, as was the case with Amad, he had never really been exposed to the ins and outs of the English game before his Stadium of Light loan experience – minus one or two United senior chances – with the rest now history as he tears up the Premier League for the Red Devils.

The “unplayable” Ghanaian – as he was hyperbolically labelled by Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson last season – could well take the top-flight by storm too if given time to impress, with Poku’s trickery, flair and ability to finish off a chance at League One level making him very similar to Amad at his Black Cats peak and shows off a player ready for an increase in quality.

To rubber stamp that comparison, you only need to look at their dribbling numbers from the 2024/25 campaign with EFL hotshot, Poku, averaging 1.9 dribbles per match to Amad’s 1.6. Their eel-like ability on the ball is almost uncanny.

Games played

147

Goals scored

30

Assists

30

Trophies

2x

L1 Player of the Month

2x

LT Team of the Season

1x

Unfortunately for Le Bris and Co, they were unable to get the very best out of Amad over a long period of time, but with Poku – who is fresh off tallying up an insane 21 goal contributions from only 29 clashes last season – he will have so much more to give the cause permanently, considering he is only 23 and will be surrounded by some top-notch teammates equally eager to succeed up a division.

He might not instantly hit the ground running, but if there’s one location that should be able to get the optimum out of him eventually, it’s Sunderland with the likes of Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and Amad all blossoming here so early into their playing days.

His value's soared 3,868%: Sunderland have struck gold on their new Clarke

Sunderland have hit the jackpot with this star who could be their next Jack Clarke.

ByDan Emery May 28, 2025

With the summer transfer window set to open on the 1st of June, it is clear that Chelsea are going to sign a striker. The Blues, who face Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday, are strongly linked with several new names who could lead the line for them.

A recent report from Kieran Gill for The Mail named some of the striker targets the Blues are chasing this summer. They include Eintracht Frankfurt youngster Hugo Ekitike, also wanted by Liverpool, and fellow Bundesliga striker Benjamin Sesko, currently playing for RB Leipzig.

However, there is another man the West Londoners are interested in, for whom they are thought to be leading the race to sign.

Chelsea’s main striker target

It will be fascinating to see who the Blues pursue this summer, with regards to their centre-forward targets. Of course, they seem to be strong contenders to sign Ekitike and Sesko, but they are arguably not their preferred choice.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, according to a report from Chris Wheeler of The Mail, Chelsea are currently the favourites to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The Blues have ‘edged ahead’ in the race in recent days, perhaps swung by their Champions League qualification, which was confirmed on Sunday.

This has been corroborated by journalist Graeme Bailey, with the transfer insider outlining that the Blues are now ‘confident’ that they will beat Manchester United in the battle for his signature, having already held ‘fresh talks’ with the player.

Any deal for the in-demand striker would cost in the region of £30m, owing to a relegation release clause in his contract at Portman Road.

Why Delap would be a good signing

Few players in their first Premier League campaign have made as much of an impression this season as Delap. In what was a disappointing season for Ipswich as a whole, the England under-21 forward certainly made a big impact.

The 22-year-old, who is the son of Stoke City cult hero Rory, played 37 times in his first full Premier League season. In that time, he managed to bag himself 12 goals and also chipped in with two assists.

One of the biggest positives about Delap is his consistency. His longest goal drought in 2024/25 was seven games, which actually came in the final few games of the season.

Aside from that, he was a consistent scorer for the Tractor Boys, even finding the back of the net against Chelsea in a 2-0 win at Portman Road.

If the Blues do manage to sign Delap, then he is in safe hands under Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach certainly knows how to get the best out of a clinical goalscorer, given the form Jamie Vardy showed under him for Leicester City last season in the Championship.

In 37 games under the now-Chelsea boss, the Foxes legend helped himself to 20 goals and two assists. That included 18 strikes in 35 Championship appearances, to help his side win the league and return to the top flight.

Maresca certainly knows how to handle a deadly centre-forward and get the best out of him, be it as an individual goalscorer or his general striker play.

In a team that scored 89 goals in 2023/24, Vardy had to be selfless too, and Maresca helped him fit in with the team’s dynamic.

Well, that can certainly be said about Delap, too. One person full of praise for the Ipswich star is analyst Ben Mattinson, who described him as “a problem for every Premier League defence”. He’s also been described as a “monster” by teammate Alex Palmer.

The stats on Sofascore from this season show he is more than just a goalscorer, but a well-rounded striker. For example, Delap won an average of two aerial duels per game and played 21 key passes this term.

Shots

2.3

68

Shots on target

1.1

32

Dribbles completed

1.4

40

Aerial duels won

2

58

Expected goal involvements

0.37xGI

10.75xGI

Vardy and Delap are also noted as similar players among those in their position in both Europe’s top five leagues and in the Premier League, as per FBref, reflecting their statistical likeness.

For example, the Ipswich forward averages 0.34 goals per shot on target and 0.24 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Vardy averages 0.35 goals per shot on target and 0.32 goal-creating actions each game.

The fact that they are so similar surely plays into Maresca’s hands, too. He surely knows how to get the best out of his number nines, and they are certainly like-for-like players, as the stats back up.

Maresca knows what he is doing when it comes to getting the best out of a striker. Delap will surely fit the bill nicely, as someone who is happy to work hard for his team and can score goals at a good rate, too.

If he can be as good as Vardy was under Maresca, then Delap will surely be a success at Stamford Bridge.

He's shades of Drogba: Chelsea open discussions to sign "the next Mbappe"

Chelsea needs to sign a striker or two this summer

2 ByRoss Kilvington May 27, 2025

Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final last night, after a 4-1 win at Old Trafford against Athletic Club, building on their triumph from the first leg.

Goals from Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro secured the win for Ruben Amorim’s side, setting up a tie with fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur.

The 7-1 aggregate victory demonstrated the clinical nature posed by the Red Devils, something which they will need to replicate if they are to claim the title at the end of the month.

Should they manage to once again win in Bilbao, it would secure Champions League football for the club, putting a superb end to what’s been a terrible season on the pitch.

Despite the convincing victory, numerous players failed to deliver at the Theatre of Dreams, potentially putting their places in the side at huge risk.

United’s poor performers against Athletic Club

After Diogo Dalot’s injury, Noussair Mazraoui was forced to operate in an unnatural right wing-back role, largely featuring as part of the back three since Amorim’s arrival.

The Moroccan failed to win any of the tackles he entered, whilst losing 100% of the ground duels he contested – with last night’s showing one to forget for the former Bayern Munich star.

He wasn’t alone in failing to impress, with forward Alejandro Garnacho once again falling way below the high levels of performance he’s set for himself at United.

The youngster only managed to complete one of his three attempted dribbles and only registered one effort on goal as he failed to add to his tally in Europe this campaign.

However, despite the showings from the aforementioned duo, one other Red Devils star failed to deliver, potentially becoming a new version of one other former failure at Old Trafford.

The United player who’s becoming the new Amrabat

Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat arrived at United with high hopes of being a success last season, but ultimately failed to deliver during his temporary spell at the club.

The Moroccan, who joined on loan from Fiorentina, featured for a total of 30 times across all competitions, often being utilised as a bench player and brought on late in matches.

However, despite his poor displays, he was useful in terms of seeing out games, managing to regain possession and winning 60% of the tackles he entered at Old Trafford.

Fast forward to the present day, Amorim has found his own version of the 28-year-old in Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte, who failed to impress once again last night.

The former PSG ace has been impressive during his early days at the club, managing to follow in Amrabat’s footsteps of impressing in regaining the ball for the Red Devils.

Last night was no different, winning two tackles and seven duels, managing to break up the play in the heart of the side – undoubtedly contributing to the victory.

However, with the ball at his feet, he struggled to make a huge impact, losing possession 15 times and managing to complete just 67% of the passes he attempted.

Minutes played

62

Touches

48

Passes completed

22/33 (67%)

Possession lost

15x

Tackles won

2

Duels won

7

Dribbles completed

1/2 (50%)

Ugarte also only competed 50% of the dribbles he attempted and was unable to make a single key pass, having little to no impact on the club’s goalscoring antics.

As a result, the midfielder was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst – further highlighting how poor he was throughout the triumph.

After such a showing, it’s safe to say the Uruguayan could be on borrowed time within the starting eleven, with other options needing to be considered ahead of the final.

With nothing left to play for in the league, Amorim can use the matches as an opportunity to trial other players in such a role to bolster their ambitions of claiming the trophy in the coming weeks.

Not just Mount: Man Utd's undroppable 8/10 ace now "has to start the final"

Man Utd’s late show helped to rubberstamp their place in the Europa League final

1 ByRobbie Walls May 9, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur “would like to sign” a “sensational” forward, who has now expressed his desire to leave his current club this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Spurs pursuing a forward

In truth, Tottenham may feel the need to strengthen in a number of positions in the summer transfer window, after what has been a disastrous Premier League campaign, but they appear to be particularly keen on strengthening their attacking options.

West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus has recently been revealed as a potential target, with Spurs joining Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Nassr in the race for the Ghanaian winger, who has an asking price of £74m.

A new striker is also of interest to the Lilywhites, given that Dominic Solanke and Richarlison haven’t exactly been prolific when fully-fit, and they have now held talks with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, after the Englishman’s impressive breakout campaign.

52-year-old spotted at Spurs after Levy talks as pundit tips appointment

The Lilywhites chairman has sat down with him recently.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025

Delap is expected to leave Ipswich this summer, with his side almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League, and one of Europe’s big-name wingers could also be on the move, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

In a recent update on X, Plettenberg revealed Coman has now “internally expressed his desire to leave” Bayern Munich this summer, which has led to interest from Saudi Arabia, with multiple clubs now planning to hold talks over a deal.

Following the winger’s transfer request, Tottenham have also been named as potential suitors, but his high salary could be a stumbling block, which means they currently remain in a “waiting position”.

Arsenal could also provide competition for the 28-year-old’s signature, with a move to the Emirates Stadium viewed as “the most concrete option” in England, indicating they are currently ahead of their north London rivals in the race.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Nottingham Forest (h)

April 21st

Liverpool (a)

April 27th

West Ham United (a)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (h)

May 10th

Aston Villa (a)

May 18th

"Sensational" Coman has track record of success

Tottenham still have a chance to make this season a success, should they prevail in the Europa League, however, they are at serious risk of missing out on yet another trophy.

As such, it could make sense to pursue new players with a track record of success this summer, and the Bayern Munich winger certainly fits the bill in that regard, having won 10 league titles, as well as the Champions League in 2020.

The Frenchman has also proven himself as a reliable source of goals and assists during his time with Bayern, having picked up 138 goal contributions in 329 appearances for the German club.

Previous reports have revealed that Coman could be available for a fee of £38m this summer, and having also been lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, there are plenty of indications he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham.

Everton are nine games unbeaten in the Premier League. Nine. David Moyes lost his opener against Aston Villa after replacing the beleaguered Sean Dyche, but the progress has been otherwise breathtaking.

This Toffees team is a far cry from the previous version, refashioned only a few months ago with just Charly Alcaraz welcomed from the transfer gates in January.

If the 15th-placed club are to compete at a higher level over the coming years, it’s important that the market is well utilised. What Everton need is a superstar signing, comparatively speaking.

Well, The Friedkin Group certainly have a shock move lined up. You need only look over to Anfield Road to find this player’s signature.

Everton lining up move for Liverpool star

According to recent reports, via The Mirror, Everton are weighing up a move for Liverpool talent Ben Doak in what would be a shocking transfer. Doak has excelled on loan at Middlesbrough this season and Moyes is thoroughly impressed.

The Toffees are preparing to test the waters with a £25m offer, which falls into a similar ballpark as bids from Bournemouth and Crystal Palace back in January, both rebuffed by the Reds.

Dealings between the Merseyside rivals have been sparse in modern times. In fact, Abel Xavier is the last player to transfer directly between the two teams, joining Liverpool from Everton in 2002.

Everton could land their next Wayne Rooney

Let’s be honest, this would be as difficult a deal to orchestrate as any. However, saying that, Liverpool have been open to selling Doak in recent months and their ostensible interest in Jarrad Branthwaite suggests negotiations could be somewhat amenable.

And Doak would be worth the effort. Only 19, the Scotland winger has dazzled through the maiden years of his career, so brisk and powerful and purposeful down the right flank.

On that note, with Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom’s loans at Goodison Park wrapping up this summer, the urgency for a fresh right flanker is doubly important.

Across 24 Championship appearances this term (21 starts), he’s scored three goals and assisted seven more, leading former Scotland manager Craig Levein to say: “This kid could be a world-class player.”

Few teenagers carry themselves with such swagger and potency, but Doak’s certainly one of them. Moyes knows a thing or two about developing exciting prospects – he handed Wayne Rooney his professional debut, after all.

Rooney: scorer of great goals, leader of men. He’s one of the greatest footballers to do it in the Premier League, behind only Alan Shearer and Harry Kane in the division’s all-time scoring charts (with 208 goals).

Any youngster compared to the retired Three Lions captain is worth their salt, and Doak has indeed been claimed to have a stylistic semblance to Rooney, with his agent, Jackie McNamara, actually labelling him “a Scottish Wayne Rooney.”

His electric pace, his strong-limbed bursts into the danger area, do carry a hint of the former Premier League star, with Doak’s metrics from the 2024/25 campaign highlighting his barrelling style.

Goals scored

0.15

Top 69%

Assists

0.35

Top 9%

Shot-creating actions

4.15

Top 30%

Pass completion

79.1%

Top 21%

Progressive passes

2.83

Top 65%

Progressive carries

6.78

Top 1%

Successful take-ons

1.77

Top 24%

Everton need such a player, and Moyes has shown in the past that he has the tactical nous to bring the best out of such a youngster’s talent.

Now, it boils down to Liverpool and Everton’s ability to negotiate. It won’t be easy, but this could be quite the deal if pulled off.

A dream for Branthwaite: Everton will have £25m bid accepted for Mina 2.0

Everton are planning to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 31, 2025

Leeds United have conducted some phenomenal pieces of business in the transfer market over the last couple of years, aiding Daniel Farke’s attempts of taking the club back to the Premier League.

Dropping back into the Championship was a huge disappointment for the Whites, but the German has done an excellent job of building a side capable of challenging for promotion.

Manor Solomon arrived on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, with the club bagging themselves a top-flight level talent to bolster their attack in 2024/25.

The Israeli international has produced the goods consistently this campaign, notching a total of seven goals and seven assists, helping the club sit top of the table.

However, his limelight has often been stolen by another player who has thrived beyond all imagination after his summer move to Elland Road in 2024.

Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds United in 2024/25

Japanese international Ao Tanaka joined Leeds in a £3.5m deal from German outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf, with not many knowing what to expect, arriving as an unknown quantity.

However, when he got his chance as a regular starter, he took it with both hands, now being an integral part of Farke’s side’s success throughout this campaign.

The 26-year-old has started 30 times in the Championship this campaign, notching four goals and two assists, but it’s his underlying stats that have been even more impressive.

The central midfielder has registered a 90% pass completion rate, whilst winning 1.7 tackles per 90 and making 1.6 interceptions per game – being the perfect box-to-box option at the heart of the Whites side.

There’s no denying that he’s a strong contender for the division’s signing of the season award, but one other first-team member has greatly impressed, often being caught in Tanaka’s shadow given his form in Yorkshire.

The Leeds star who could battle Tanaka for the signing of the season

After failing to win promotion in the play-off final last season, it was pivotal Leeds came back with a vengeance to write the wrongs, but also bolstered the squad to increase their chances of promotion.

However, the defeat saw numerous big-money talents depart the club, including academy graduate Archie Gray, who operates out-of-position for large spells, featuring on the right-hand side of the Whites’ backline.

Such a transfer may have injected huge money into the club, but saw them lose one of their key components to why they were so successful during Farke’s maiden campaign.

Despite the sale, such worries have been pushed aside, with Jayden Bogle nailing down the right-back role this season after his £5m move from Sheffield United last summer.

The 24-year-old has featured in 36 of the 38 league outings in 2024/25, having a real positive impact at both ends of the pitch, providing the quality that was needed in such an area.

He’s managed to register five goals and two assists despite his defensive position, with his latest effort coming in the 2-2 draw with QPR before the international break.

However, defensively he’s been just as impressive, winning 62% of the tackles he’s entered to date, whilst also winning a staggering 5.9 duels per 90, helping the club boast the second-best defensive record in the division.

Games played

36

Goals & assists

7

Pass accuracy

76%

Tackles won

62%

Duels won

5.9

Duel success rate

53%

Times dribbled past

0.8

Bogle, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has come out on top in 53% of those duels, with his defensive solidity being demonstrated by being dribbled past less than once per 90 across 36 matches.

His fee, coupled with his ability to slot in and seamlessly nail down the position is what has made his time at Elland Road so impressive, certainly going under the radar.

If it wasn’t for Tanaka’s form in Yorkshire, the full-back would certainly be a huge favourite for the award, still having bags of time to improve further under Farke’s guidance.

Not just Bamford: 49ers must sell Leeds dud who's rinsed them of £20m

Leeds United need to brutally offload Patrick Bamford and one other star this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 26, 2025

Manchester City now want to sign a winger who terrorised Matheus Nunes in the Champions League earlier this season, having identified him as an ideal target to strengthen their attack, according to a report.

New winger needed at the Etihad

Jack Grealish’s struggles this season are well-documented, and there have now been reports Man City are ready to accept a bid for the £300k-per-week winger, which means Pep Guardiola will be tasked with bringing in a suitable replacement.

Sporting CP’s Trincao has recently emerged as a potential target, with City looking to hijack Manchester United’s move for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man, while SC Braga youngster Roger Fernandes is also a subject of interest.

AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is among the most high-profile players on the Sky Blues’ shortlist, with the Portuguese forward being identified as a key target, and another winger who has impressed in the Champions League this season is now also under consideration.

Man City secure summer signing of "unbelievable" £66m star, claims report

Pep Guardiola’s side are said to have sealed a move for a midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Mar 11, 2025

According to a report from Spain, Man City now want to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who has become a key player for Luis Enrique’s side this season, stepping up in the absence of Kylian Mbappe.

Barcola is viewed as an ideal option to strengthen Guardiola’s frontline, and there are suggestions City are very keen on a deal, but it may be difficult to get it over the line.

PSG are not willing to sanction the £107k-per-week winger’s departure unless they receive a substantial fee, given his importance to the French side’s long-term project.

Barcola could be "one of the best" left-wingers in Europe

The Frenchman has received high praise from freelance scout Ben Mattinson this season, who described him as “one of the best” left-wingers in Europe back in October, while also lauding him for stepping up since Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid.

City fans may remember the PSG star from his impressive performance in the Champions League clash back in January, picking up an 8.6 SofaScore match rating after bagging a goal and an assist, on a night where Nunes had a very tough time at right-back.

The former Lyon man has 30 goal contributions to his name in all competitions this season, including 20 in 25 Ligue 1 games, having shown real signs of development since being forced to become PSG’s talisman.

Season

League appearances

Goals

Assists

2021-22

11

0

1

2022-23

26

5

8

2023-24

25

4

7

2024-25

25

13

7

Barcola may be the ideal replacement for Grealish this summer, and given that he is just 22-years-old, he could make the left-wing spot his own for years to come.

Manchester United are only at the beginning of Ruben Amorim’s era in charge at Old Trafford, but they look set to enter the market this summer for some exciting additions.

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United transfer rescue mission

Following a quiet transfer window for Manchester United, Ruben Amorim managed to bring in Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to bolster the ranks. Limited funds were available to strengthen a squad in need of regeneration, though the Portuguese boss was able to mitigate his main problem position at left-back amid Luke Shaw’s injury problems.

Expectedly, the former Sporting manager will return to the market this summer in search of youthful exuberence to freshen up a group littered with depreciating assets. The likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are taking up valuable Manchester United wage space, while others are simply not pulling their weight and may need shipped out.

While Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s inefficiency in front of goal has made the headlines, there is no doubt the engine room has to be replenished further once the window opens again. Nevertheless, Toby Collyer deserves a special mention following his emergence as an option that could succeed one or two of his counterparts.

Homegrown English talent is the way to go for Manchester United. Not only do they represent pure profit in line with PSR regulations; they also ease registration worries for European competitions. With that in mind, could they turn to the Premier League for a sprinkle of stardust?

Manchester United still retain strong Adam Wharton admiration

As per TEAMtalk, Manchester United still hold strong internal admiration towards Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton after decision-makers at the club wanted him as a replacement for Eriksen last year.

Around the time the Red Devils planned on offloading the Denmark veteran, Wharton suffered an injury which halted his progress following an explosive breakthrough in South London. Now, he will be monitored by Amorim’s men for the foreseeable future despite alternative interest from Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Manchester United midfielders’ contract expiry dates

Christian Eriksen

June 2025

Casemiro

June 2026

Kobbie Mainoo

June 2027

Bruno Fernandes

June 2027

Mason Mount

June 2028

Manuel Ugarte

June 2029

Toby Collyer

June 2027

Despite Crystal Palace preparing to charge a huge price for the Three Lions midfielder, who has been labelled ‘top-level’ by Declan Rice, United chiefs remain head over heels for the star and his situation will be one to watch as the summer draws closer.

Limited in his involvement this term, Fotmob show Wharton has won ten tackles, made 11 interceptions and 53 recoveries on Premier League duty, with six of those coming in the opposition’s final third.

Tentative excitement is in the air at Old Trafford once Amorim has the chance to fully assess his squad in the summer. Arrivals are bound to supplement departures, and reducing the age of the squad has to be a priority. Fitting the bill, Wharton is someone who could fit the bill as a long-term solution as the Red Devils roadmap a route to success to put themselves back among the elite in English football.

Ange Postecoglou cemented his legacy at Tottenham Hotspur when he led his side to glory in the Europa League last season, ending 17 years of searching for silverware down N17.

However, Spurs’ 17th-place finish in the Premier League pass judgment on Postecoglou’s tenure, ending his time in the dugout after two campaigns that were fraught with setbacks but charged by excitement.

Now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham will hope to build on last year’s success and establish themselves as one of the most dangerous clubs in England once again, having sealed their place in the Champions League too.

Matches

76

152

Wins

31

54

Draws

11

38

Losses

34

60

Goals scored

138

228

Goals conceded

126

224

Points

104

200

PPG

1.37

1.32

Daniel Levy will no doubt be doing some soul-searching after making the contentious call, but in Frank, the Londoners have bagged a manager capable of shaping talented players into shining stars.

The Danish tactician will relish the chance to work with Tottenham’s crew, but he will need to be backed this summer, strengthening the squad with one or two attacking additions.

Spurs lining up attacking signings

Sure, Tottenham need reinforcements across the park, but with Heung-min Son entering the autumn of his career and attracting interest from suitors in the Middle East, fresh recruits are needed.

The 20-year-old Mathys Tel’s loan move has been wrapped up for £30m, which could prove a shrewd deal indeed, but there’s little question that more is needed, both out wide and as support for striker Dominic Solanke.

Looking at the flanks, West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus is available after a difficult campaign in east London, while L’Equipe have recently reported Lilywhites interest in AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who is valued at around €60m (£51m).

Bryan Mbeumo has also been at the centre of talks, and Frank would love nothing more than a reunion with his Brentford talisman. However, the prolific Cameroon international’s preference is to sign for Man United this summer.

No matter, Tottenham appear to have found their dream alternative.

Spurs make contact for Premier League star

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed that Tottenham have made an official enquiry for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. However, Daniel Levy has no intention of meeting the £70m asking price.

Man United are also keen but are in the same camp as Spurs, albeit they are leaning toward Mbeumo. With Semenyo thought to be keen on the move to north London, though, this one’s hardly dead in the water.

Saying that, the Cherries are under no pressure to sell after offloading Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.

Why Spurs should sign Antoine Semenyo

Bournemouth signed Semenyo from Bristol City for a smart £10.5m fee in January 2023, and has since gone from strong to stronger under the wing of Andoni Iraola.

Indeed, across the past two Premier League campaigns, the versatile winger has scored 19 goals and provided nine assists, underlaying his output with sharp, dynamic movements and a tenacious defensive attitude.

His completeness suggests Semenyo could even prove an upgrade on Brennan Johnson, 24, who is one of Tottenham’s most prolific players but is guilty of drifting in and out of games, waning at points.

Two seasons into his career down N17, the Welshman posted 18 goals and seven assists last term, the most notable of which was the bundled-in winner to seal the Europa League title.

But he needs to do more across the wider game. As per Sofascore, Johnson averaged just 0.6 dribbles, 2.8 successful duels, and 0.6 key passes over last year’s top-flight season, also creating just four big chances across his 33 appearances (24 of which were starts).

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Semenyo, however, is far more complete. Not only did he score 11 goals and add five assists in the league (Johnson’s haul was as follows: 11 goals, three assists), but the forward also averaged 1.9 dribbles, 6.1 duels, and 4.3 ball recoveries per game.

This suggests that the Cherries sensation could offer more to the team with his all-round game on the flank in comparison to Johnson’s limited performances.

Described as a “duel monster” and a “workhorse off the ball” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Bournemouth man is perfectly aligned with Frank’s vision, especially when considering he plays in a similar fashion to Mbeumo.

Indeed, FBref record the Englishman to be of a statistical likeness to the Bees star, ranked as he was among the top 5% of the Premier League’s attacking midfielders and wingers last year for shots taken, the top 20% for successful take-ons and the top 8% for aerials won per 90.

Right winger

46

13

3

Left winger

29

7

5

Centre-forward

6

1

0

Semenyo’s versatility has seen him provide a potent output both on the left and the right wing for Bournemouth, with his teammate Lewis Cook hailing his “aggressive” and “clinical” qualities.

Such praise underlines the Ghana international’s suitability for a place in a Tottenham team hoping to cement themselves among Europe’s elite for years to come while challenging for major honours with a newfound taste for triumph.

Of course, Johnson is hardly allergic to playing a definitive role in sealing silverware – just hark back to the Europa League final – but across the wider span of the campaign, Tottenham supporters cannot contest the fact that there was a consistent lack of consistency and fluency that led to the lowly Premier League finish.

Semenyo would change that, dovetailing into Frank’s new Spurs system and rising to become the astute manager’s new version of Mbeumo.

This wouldn’t necessarily relegate Johnson to the backbenches, for the transfer target is competent across both wings, but there’s no doubt that he would add a dimension which his counterpart has yet to unlock in its entirety.

Much depends on whether Levy can whittle down Bournemouth’s hefty £70m fee. If the shrewd businessman can do so, he would strengthen the new Tottenham project and then some.

Dream Son heir: Spurs set to enter bidding war for "generational" £50m star

The talented youngster could be a superstar at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 20, 2025