The forward line at Manchester United has massively disappointed throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly having an impact on their lowly Premier League standing.

Ruben Amorim’s team have only managed to find the net on 42 occasions within their 35 league outings – an average of just 1.2 per game, with numerous players failing to deliver.

Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have been the two senior forward options throughout the campaign, but have largely struggled in the final third, netting just seven league goals between them.

Such form has allowed youngster Chido Obi to emerge into the first-team squad at just 17, becoming the youngest United starter in the Premier League after his appearance from the off against Brentford on Sunday.

However, if they are to get anywhere near their former glory next season, it’s crucial the board back Amorim and hand him the funds to allow him to make themselves changes he desires.

The latest on United’s hunt to sign new attackers

A new striker needs to be high up on the club’s list this summer, with the hierarchy evidently wasting no time after entering talks to land Nigerian talisman Victor Osimhen.

The 26-year-old, who’s spending the year on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, appears to be of interest to the club after scoring 24 times in 27 league appearances.

However, the striker isn’t the only forward on their radar, with Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao firmly on their radar ahead of the summer, according to CaughtOffside.

The report states that manager Amorim is leading the charge to the 25-year-old’s signature after previously managing the attacker during his time in charge of the Liga Portugal outfit.

It also claims that the boss has personally requested the board to land the Portuguese international who’s said to be available during this window for a fee in the region of £34m.

Why United’s £34m target could be Amorim’s next Amad

Ivorian Amad Diallo has been a key player for United throughout this campaign, registering 17 combined goals and assists across all competitions.

However, his progress has been massively halted over the last three months, only returning to action in recent weeks after his extended lay-off, but he has already showcased his quality.

The 22-year-old scored off the bench in the defeat to Brentford last weekend, but his return to full fitness could hand the Red Devils a mammoth boost in their Europa League triumph hopes.

Regardless of who’s signed this summer, Amad will remain a key member of the side, undoubtedly playing a crucial role in any success they could achieve in the manager’s first full campaign in charge.

However, Amorim could land his new version of the Ivorian in the form of Trincao, who possesses very similar attributes, given their ability to cut inside onto their favoured left foot off the right-hand side.

They can also both feature in a wing-back role if needed, with the Sporting ace massively outperforming the current United star when delving into their respective figures from this season.

Trincao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Rafael Hernandez, has notched more combined goals and assists, highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

How Trincao compares to Amad in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Trincao

Amad

Games played

32

23

Goals & assists

22

13

Shots taken

3.3

2.3

Shot-creating actions

5.1

4.5

Progressive passes

4.9

3

Passes into final third

3.1

1.3

Take-ons completed

2.3

2

Aerials won

40%

37%

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more take-ons per 90, having all of the tools to hand other attackers the chance to increase their own tallies in the final third.

The former Barcelona ace has also managed to take more shots per 90, whilst also winning more aerials, certainly handing Amorim an all-round presence to transform his attack in 2025/26.

£34m in today’s market is an excellent price for a player who’s proven his quality, producing countless stats that are well above those of current star Amad.

Depth is also just as important to the first-team squad next season, handing the manager the opportunity to rotate his side and have the best possible chance of success in multiple competitions.

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Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing a Manchester United player as a replacement for outgoing hero Florian Wirtz this summer, according to a new transfer rumour.

Man Utd gearing up for busy summer

The Red Devils continue to be linked with new signings in the summer window, with the club reportedly readying a shock move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Italian could be a great signing at Old Trafford, having been such a key man for the Magpies.

United are also believed to be planning a late hijack of Tottenham’s move for Lille and England ace Angel Gomes, with the midfielder potentially sealing a return to the Premier League giants as a free agent.

Wolves star Matheus Cunha has been mentioned as a leading summer option for the Red Devils, too, and the attacker is still being linked with a switch to the club, possibly even alongside Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

A new goalkeeper is also arguably important for United ahead of next season, with Andre Onana a hit-and-miss performer between the sticks, and Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma has been mentioned as a target. He has been magnificent this season, playing a big role in his side reaching the Champions League final.

Bayer Leverkusen want Man Utd player to replace Wirtz

According to a new update from The Sunday Mirror [via Man Utd News], Leverkusen are keen on signing Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho to replace Wirtz at the end of the season, with the German potentially departing for as much as £100m.

While Chelsea have an obligation to sign him for £25m this summer, it is claimed that the Blues aren’t interested in making his loan move permanent, paying a £5m penalty to take themselves out of the agreement after BBC reported his move there is in doubt.

The £100,000-a-week Sancho has been a big disappointment for United, hence their willingness to allow him to join Chelsea on loan last summer, so allowing him to leave for good makes complete sense.

It is simply a transfer that hasn’t worked out, with the 25-year-old clearly an extremely talented footballer, with Ian Wright calling him “amazing” and Blues manager Enzo Maresca sharing that sentiment: “Jadon is doing well. He needs to continue in the same way; work hard, every day. As I’ve said before, for sure he is going to help us. We really believe that he is a special player. But the only way for him to confirm that is by working hard every day and never be happy and always be ambitious. He needs to want more and more and more.”

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United should now be looking to cash in on Sancho, in a summer that could also see the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony move on, allowing Ruben Amorim to bring in the wingers that he feels can best suit his style of play moving forward.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca looks set for a busy summer indeed. He may be close to leading the Blues to their first trophy since 2021, but the Italian is already thinking ahead to next season.

There has been no shortage of big-name players being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks.

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is one trending target, with reports coming from Spain that the club would love to sign the Brazilian.

Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as another potential option to bolster Maresca’s frontline this summer. Journalist Simon Phillips claimed that Chelsea had been scouting the Frenchman ahead of the summer transfer window following his excellent campaign for Eintracht Frankfurt.

While the need for attacking players is obviously key for Maresca, especially if the club secures Champions League qualification for 2025/26, bringing in another centre-back or two is equally important.

Across all competitions this season, the club have conceded 57 goals, including 43 in the Premier League.

The battle for a top five spot

Team

Games

Wins

Draws

Defeats

points

2. Arsenal

37

19

14

4

71

3. Newcastle

37

20

6

11

66

4. Chelsea

37

19

9

9

66

5. Aston Villa

37

19

9

9

66

6. Man City

36

19

8

9

65

7. Nottingham Forest

37

19

8

10

65

They will face tougher competition in Europe certainly, heightening the need for a defender capable of stepping up to the plate.

It looked as though they were frontrunners to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, but that plan was scuppered recently…

Chelsea have missed out on Dean Huijsen

Following an excellent season for the Cherries, Huijsen certainly attracted attention from elsewhere, and it appeared as though he would be leaving the south coast sooner rather than later.

According to the Mail, Chelsea were targeting a swoop for the Spanish defender, with the report claiming fellow admirers Liverpool, believed that the Blues were leading the chase.

Recent developments, however, now mean that the youngster won’t be making the move to London this summer.

Real Madrid activated the £50m release clause in his contract in order to secure his services at the end of the season.

This is a big blow for Maresca, as capturing Huijsen, especially with clubs such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool showing interest, would have signalled a statement of intent.

Now, the Italian will have to turn to other defensive targets ahead of the transfer window opening on June 1. By that time, the Blues will know which European competition they will be playing in next season.

Could this allow the club to sign more high-profile players?

Chelsea keen to open talks with teenage defender

Maresa could turn to Premier League defenders Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite as potential alternatives this summer, according to Sky Sports.

It is likely both Crystal Palace and Everton will attempt to put Chelsea off by placing huge price tags on their prized assets. If so, the Blues could well turn to the continent for another centre-back.

According to TEAMtalk, with Huijsen now unavailable, Chelsea are reportedly keen on opening talks with Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

The 19-year-old is a sought-after player, with the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal all showing interest in prising him away from the Netherlands.

Ajax have set an asking price in the region of €45m-€50m (£38m-£42m), meaning if the Blues were to sign him, he would be cheaper than Huijsen.

The report claims that talks are set to begin soon between the Premier League side and Hato. If so, Maresca will be looking to get this deal over the line as quickly as possible.

Why Chelsea must sign Jorrel Hato

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig is used to waxing lyrical about young talent, but his praise for Hato back in 2023 proves just how highly-rated he really was.

“17 years of age. De Toekomst’s Finest. One of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.” Said Kulig and the youngster has gone from strength to strength since.

Players Chelsea have signed from Ajax

Player

Year joined

Hakim Ziyech

2020

Daishwan Redan

2017

Juan Familia-Castillo

2016

Per Weihrauch

2006

Moubarak Boussoufa

2002

Jesper Gronkjaer

2001

Mario Melchiot

1999

Via Transfermarkt

Despite only turning 19 in March, the Ajax sensation has already racked up 111 competitive appearances for the club, registering 13 goal contributions in that time.

Although the club collapsed over the final few games, allowing PSV Eindhoven to steal the Eredivisie title away from them, Hato enjoyed a wonderful campaign.

His 90% pass accuracy in the top flight was third-best in the squad, behind only Youri Baas and Josip Sutalo, while he ranked first for tackles (1.9), fifth for interceptions (0.7) and third for clearances (2) per game for Ajax.

He also won 4.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 52% – while recovering 4.2 balls per game in the Eredivisie this term.

These performances led Kulig to hail him for his “immense quality” and for having an “excellent season” for the Dutch club.

Huijsen may be on his way to Madrid, but is there a case for Hato to perhaps turn out to be the better long-term prospect for Chelsea?

Why Jorrel Hato can be a better signing than Dean Huijsen

While Huijsen is a superb centre-back, Hato offers positional flexibility which could see him thrive under Maresca.

Not only is he an excellent ball-playing centre-back, but Hato is also just as comfortable at full-back, particularly on the left side of the defence.

Domestically this season, the Dutch youngster has registered eight goal contributions for Ajax, along with recording 0.45 goal-creating actions, winning 36 tackles, making 33 carries into the final third and taking 413 touches in the final third.

Compare these statistics to Huijsen, however, and it is clear who could fit into Maresca’s style better.

The Spaniard has recorded four goal contributions for the Cherries this term, while he also recorded 0.12 goal-creating actions, wins 26 tackles, made 29 carries into the final third and has taken only 137 touches in the opposition’s final third in the top flight.

Hato’s ball-playing ability in advancing out of his own half could give Chelsea a new dimension next season.

Huijsen may have been flavour of the month for a while, but for a cheaper transfer fee, Maresca could sign a defender who has the potential to be even better.

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And just like that, Arsenal’s Premier League dreams are officially over for a third year on the bounce.

Mikel Arteta’s side had to watch Liverpool claim the title yesterday afternoon after they blitzed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at home.

While there have certainly been some extenuating circumstances this year, it would be fair to say that the Reds are deserving winners, as with four still left to play, they’ve outscored the Gunners by 17 goals.

With this in mind, it’s no secret that Arsenal fans are desperate for the club to sign a new striker in the summer, so it’s rather unfortunate that Arteta sanctioned the sale of one who’s currently outscoring two of their most heavily linked targets: Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak.

Why Arsenal want Isak & Sesko

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at why Arsenal would want to sign Isak and Sesko this summer, as the last few months have seen them constantly linked with the club.

Starting with the former, the most obvious answer is that, since moving to Newcastle United, he’s become a lean, mean goalscoring machine.

For example, this season alone has seen him rack up a brilliant haul of 26 goals and six assists in 39 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.21 games.

However, what is just as important is that he’s performing at this level in the Premier League, meaning he’d likely need little to no time to adapt at the Emirates.

In contrast, Sesko doesn’t have that experience, but on top of his 26 goal involvements this term, he has two other advantages.

The first is that, at just 21 years old, there is every chance he could continue to develop into a seriously impressive player by the time he reaches Isak’s age, and the second is that, at 6 foot 5, he’d help make the Gunners even more intimidating to play against.

However, while either striker would be a fine addition to the club, it must be frustrating for Arteta to know he oversaw the sale of a player who’s outscoring both of them.

The former Arsenal ace outscoring Isak & Sesko

While Arteta made several impressive sales last summer, like Eddie Nketiah’s £30m move to Crystal Palace and Emile Smith Rowe’s £34m move to Fulham, he made one which has since backfired.

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In July, the Gunners agreed to sell young striker Mika Biereth to Austrian outfit Sturm Graz for about £4m.

The Danish poacher had spent the latter half of the previous campaign on loan with the club, where he racked up a reasonably impressive tally of nine goals and four assists in 22 appearances, so it would be fair to say that even at the time, the fee seemed low.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, that has since proven to be the case, as in the first half of this season, he ended up scoring 14 goals and providing five assists in 25 appearances.

This incredible start to the campaign was enough to convince AS Monaco to spend around £10.8m on him in the January transfer window.

Since moving to the French Riviera, the “outrageous” talent, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has gone from strength to strength, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in just 17 appearances for his new club.

That means that the young striker, who Arteta sold for what now looks like pennies on the dollar, has managed to rack up a tally of 27 goals and eight assists in just 42 appearances, which works out to a goal involvement every 0.83 games.

Biereth vs Isak vs Sesko
Player	Biereth	Isak	Sesko
Appearances	42	39	42
Goals	27	26	20
Assists	8	6	6
Goals Involvements per Mat	0.83	0.82	0.61
All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, Biereth is currently outscoring Isak and Sesko, making Arsenal’s decision to sell him in the summer all the more baffling.

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A Champions League club are now “pushing hard” to sign a Sunderland star “immediately”, with a bid currently in the works, according to Sky Sports reporter Patrick Berger.

Wembley trip on the horizon for the Black Cats

The Black Cats didn’t exactly finish the Championship campaign in ideal fashion, losing their final five games, but they have managed to turn on the style when it matters, booking their spot at Wembley for the play-off final with a dramatic victory against Coventry City.

However, Regis Le Bris isn’t content with simply reaching the final, with the manager insisting his side must get the job done, saying: “Our focus is now fully on the final. It’s really clear — this is the main objective of the season.

“We have to take the final step. It will be tough, but we must put the work in now to make sure we’re ready.”

The importance of Sunderland restoring their Premier League status cannot be understated, not least because they could have a battle trying to keep hold of their key players beyond the summer, should they fail to return to the top flight.

In fact, in an update on X, Berger has now revealed that Borussia Dortmund are “pushing hard” to sign Jobe Bellingham “immediately”, with the German club keen to sign the midfielder prior to this summer’s Club World Cup.

An offer is currently being prepared, which Dortmund are planning to submit after Saturday’s play-off final, although they are yet to reach an agreement with Bellingham on personal terms, and they don’t believe they are in pole position for the youngster.

Should the Black Cats be willing to sanction a departure this summer, they would be looking to receive a fee of €25m – €30m (£21m – £25m).

Black Cats could struggle to keep hold of Bellingham even if they go up

It could be a very difficult task for Le Bris’ side to keep hold of the 19-year-old beyond the summer, given that a number of other English clubs are also in the race for his signature, such as Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

The hope will be that the teenager is tempted to test himself in the Premier League, should Sunderland prevail against Sheffield United, but the opportunity to play in the Champions League could be tempting, with Dortmund recently securing qualification for next season’s competition.

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In truth, news of Dortmund’s increased interest is an unwanted distraction ahead of the play-off final, and full focus must remain on Saturday’s game, which could be pivotal in terms of Sunderland’s future trajectory.

The Championship play-off final has become known as the ‘richest game in football’, and this year’s edition is set to be the most lucrative to date, with the winners set to receive a minimum of £220m in extra income next season.

Leeds United have a huge summer ahead of them in the coming months, needing to build a side capable of surviving the drop in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

The Whites will be attempting to do something which no side has managed in the last two seasons, in maintaining their top-flight status after securing promotion from the Championship.

Southampton, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United have all tried and failed, handing Daniel Farke a huge task to prevent the club from being added to such a list.

The German has already had questions asked about his future at Elland Road, with the Whites manager potentially being replaced before the start of the next campaign.

Regardless of the situation, the foundations have already been laid for the summer window, with numerous players already linked with a summer switch to Yorkshire.

An update on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last few weeks, rumours have emerged over Leeds making a potential move for Newcastle United’s midfielder Sean Longstaff, but could face huge competition from other top-flight sides for his signature.

Everton have been named as the latest side to enter the race for his services, with the Magpies only demanding a £10m fee to part ways with the 27-year-old.

His experience in the division could be vital for the Whites’ chances of securing survival next season, potentially being joined by Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, if recent reports are to be believed.

It was reported by BILD via Sport Witness that the Whites are keen on a move for the 27-year-old this summer, looking to cement his place as number one under Farke.

It also states that no asking price has yet been set for his services, but that he could be open to a move to the Premier League to further his career at the top level.

Why Leeds’ target could be Farke’s next Tanaka

The 2024/25 season has been a hugely successful one for Leeds, ending their stay in the Championship, but also landing key talents such as Ao Tanaka in the process.

The Japanese international joined from Fortuna Düsseldorf last summer for a reported £3.5m fee, cementing himself as a key player in Farke’s starting eleven throughout the last few months.

He’s managed to rack up 44 appearances across all competitions, notching six combined goals and assists – even being named in the Championship Team of the Season.

Such a deal has been one of the club’s best in recent years, playing a pivotal role in their success and hopefully taking the Premier League by storm after his debut year in Yorkshire.

However, the manager could be about to land his next version of the star this summer in the form of Dahmen, who could follow in Tanaka’s footsteps by joining the Whites from a German side.

If he manages to get anywhere near the level of the Japanese star, he will be a fan favourite in no time, potentially playing a vital role in their chances of staying up.

The German has excelled in recent months, making 16 appearances, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding just ten goals during such a period – leading to journalist Christian Pohlmann labelling him as “extraordinary”.

Games played

16

Clean sheets

9

Goals conceded

10

Save percentage

85%

Saves made

3.5

Errors leading to goals

0

Pass accuracy

68%

His staggering numbers don’t stop there, saving 85% of the efforts that he’s faced this campaign, averaging 3.5 saves per 90 – handing Farke that added solidity he needs at the back.

Dahmen has also not made a single error leading to a goal, and is more than capable of playing out from the back, 68% of the passes he’s attempted throughout 2024/25.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the club back this summer, the stats he’s produced are incredible, certainly bolstering the ranks at Elland Road.

Their dealings with landing players from Germany in recent months have been successful, as seen with Tanaka, which could lead to Dahmen being the next star to make the switch to England.

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Chelsea have now identified one of the Premier League’s best defenders as a top target for the summer transfer window, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Chelsea set out to sign new centre-back

The summer transfer window is edging ever closer, and it has become apparent that the Blues are looking to upgrade their defence, with several potential targets being identified at centre-back.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is one of the options from within the Premier League, with the west Londoners looking at taking the Englishman to Stamford Bridge this summer, while they have also set their sights on Benfica’s Tomas Araujo.

The interest in Araujo came about after missing out on AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who has now agreed to join Real Madrid after a stellar debut campaign with the Cherries, with internal talks also being held over a move for versatile Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton

£100m

Tomas Araujo

Benfica

£46m

Jorrel Hato

Ajax

£42m

However, in a recent interview with Football Insider, Brown has now revealed that a different centre-back could well be Chelsea’s first-choice centre-back signing for the summer, transfer window, namely Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Brown said: “There’s been a clear improvement and he’s now one of the best in the country, starts for England and has led his team to winning the FA Cup.

“I know Chelsea have been looking at him as one of their top targets at centre-back. Obviously, he came through their academy so they know him well. They’re not the only ones interested, though, so they might have to move quickly.”

Guehi could be excellent signing for Chelsea

Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City was one of the major shocks of the season, and Guehi played an instrumental role in the Eagles’ success, helping his side pick up clean sheets in the final three rounds of the competition.

Indeed, the last goal Palace conceded in the FA Cup was against Millwall in the round of 16, with their captain playing a particularly important part in their semi-final triumph against Aston Villa by making a number of key defensive contributions to keep Unai Emery’s side at bay.

Marc Guehi vs Aston Villa

Statistic

Number completed

Clearances

6

Interceptions

1

Tackles

1

Duels won

4

In what will come as good news for Chelsea, there are signs that Palace’s asking price for the centre-back may also have dropped, as a £60m fee could now be enough, despite knocking back a £70m bid from Tottenham Hotspur back in January.

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Not only that, but Enzo Maresca has also admitted he is a fan of Guehi in the past, so Chelsea should undoubtedly look to get a deal for the England international done this summer.

Leeds United are looking to sign a “fantastic” defender as a replacement for Junior Firpo this summer, with the left-back potentially leaving the Whites, according to a report.

Firpo's time at Elland Road may be coming to an end

Firpo played an important role in Leeds’ promotion from the Championship last season, with the Dominician Republic international picking up four goals and ten assists in 32 league appearances.

However, it now looks as though the left-back’s time at Elland Road could be coming to an end, with the 28-year-old’s contract set to expire this summer, and he has been attracting interest from the likes of Lazio and soon-to-be Premier League rivals Everton.

Last week, there were reports that Daniel Farke’s side have submitted a contract offer to extend the defender’s stay in Yorkshire, but a more recent update indicates that Firpo is set to depart, with the Whites now identifying a Premier League defender as a potential replacement.

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According to a report from Football Insider, Leeds are now looking to sign Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas, who would go straight into Farke’s starting XI, with the Reds likely to accept a bid of around £12m – £15m for the left-back in the summer.

With Arne Slot’s side making moves to sign AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, they won’t stand in Tsimikas’ way if a suitable offer is received, potentially opening the door for a move to Elland Road.

Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke also offered a further update on Firpo’s future, saying: “Leeds are going to be in the market for a new left-back in this summer’s window with Junior Firpo likely to leave… [Tsimikas] could come straight into that team and improve them.”

Tsimikas could be "fantastic" Firpo replacement

The Greek defender didn’t exactly play a major role in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph, making 18 appearances throughout the campaign, but he has impressed for the Reds in the past, having once been dubbed “fantastic” by journalist Ian Doyle.

With Leeds looking to avoid relegation from the top flight next season, it could be important to bring in players with top-level experience, and the 29-year-old fits the bill, receiving the Man of the Match award against RB Leipzig in the Champions League last October.

The Liverpool ace is also strong at winning back possession, ranking in the 95th percentile for interceptions per 90, and the 79th percentile for tackles, when compared to other full-backs over the past year.

Of course, it would be a shame to see Firpo leave, given the role the defender played in Leeds’ promotion last season, but there are plenty of signs that Tsimikas could be a solid replacement, and a fee of £15m wouldn’t break the bank.

Manchester City’s Premier League title success at the end of the 2023/24 season feels like a lifetime ago now with their reputation as English football’s dominant force taking a bruising this campaign.

Indeed, Arne Slot showed no fear coming up against Pep Guardiola’s assured outfit during his debut season at the Liverpool helm with top spot secured in style by the Dutchman. Moreover, Newcastle United would reign supreme in the EFL Cup, away from City getting their hands on another honour.

There is still the FA Cup up for grabs for the Citizens – alongside a space inside the Premier League top five – but it’s fair to say it’s been a big reality check for Guardiola and Co regardless. To potentially regain their position as the top dog soon, a handful of new signings could well do the trick this summer.

The latest on Man City's transfer plans

Even though their stature isn’t quite what it used to be, City do still have plenty of spending power when it comes to transfers into the Etihad.

After all, in January alone, Guardiola’s men managed to splash out a whopping £180m on new recruits, with faces being linked to the building now in the form of Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz not coming in on the cheap side either.

Gaining the German’s services looks especially tricky, with anything below £127m deemed as unsatisfactory on Bayer Leverkusen’s end, meaning alternate targets in attack are being lined up.

One of those targets is Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo. According to reports from Spain, it’s stated that City are planning to come forward with a bid for the captivating Brazilian.

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It’s noted that City’s ‘strategy is clear’ as they go about launching an offer and engaging in talks with Madrid.

If previous rumours are anything to go by, a more modest – but still excessive – £85m could be seen as acceptable here.

Amazingly, acquiring the sensational South American could see City still win their own answer to Wirtz, with the 24-year-old similar in play style to the £100m+ man according to FBref, despite not lining up as a primary number ten option like the Leverkusen ace.

Why Rodrygo could be Man City's answer to Wirtz

Of course, Rodrygo hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders for Madrid as of late, with the 33-time Brazil international letting the last 12 La Liga games pass him by with no goals or assists being picked up.

Yet, he still has an encouraging total of 23 combined goals and assists this season from 50 overall clashes, which included one assist even being notched up against Guardiola’s side in Champions League knockout action back in February.

City will be very familiar of his “world-class” ability – as he was once lauded by revered teammate Luka Modric – away from just this assist, with four strikes also tallied up from nine appearances against his potential new employers.

But, away from his explosiveness in-front of goal being similar to Wirtz’s – who has amassed 16 goals himself in both the Bundesliga and Champions League for Xabi Alonso’s giants this season – both stars in question are capable of being flexible to fit their team’s needs, seen in the many different attacking positions they can slot into at a moment’s notice.

AM

Rodrygo

3

0

1

CF

Rodrygo

82

22

8

RW

Rodrygo

145

43

30

LW

Rodrygo

78

23

16

CM

Rodrygo

0

0

0

SS

Rodrygo

1

0

0

CF

Wirtz

11

4

4

RW

Wirtz

11

4

3

LW

Wirtz

9

2

3

CM

Wirtz

5

0

3

SS

Wirtz

4

3

3

As can be seen glancing at the extensive table above, both players can pop up in a wide array of positions, with Rodrygo’s varied game in particular seeing him accumulate 69 goals and assists combined as a winger across his career to date, away from just lining up as a central option up top.

Whilst Wirtz might well be their more desired target, an opportunity to land Rodrygo – who has openly been lauded as “special” in the past by Carlo Ancelotti – would be too good an opening to reject, especially if he’s a slightly more price-savvy alternative to the in-demand 22-year-old.

Man City target who Pep loves not happy with £5m salary offer at PSG

Man City are now ready to sign a big name…

ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025

Manchester United will want to improve all areas of the pitch during the summer transfer window, needing to right the wrongs of the 2024/25 campaign, which was certainly one to forget.

The Red Devils lost in the Europa League final and also finished 15th in the Premier League, with no European football present at Old Trafford next season.

Such a failure will certainly have an impact on finances at the club, restricting any funds that boss Ruben Amorim may have had at his disposal had they claimed victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it could be a blessing in disguise, handing the manager the opportunity to work closely with his players and mount a serious charge for the Premier League’s top four in 2025/26.

Regardless of the terrible form, the hierarchy look set to give Amorim the benefit of the doubt and hand him funds to change their fortunes, with numerous players already on the manager’s radar.

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

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap have been on United’s radar in recent days, with the hierarchy holding talks with the Cameroon international over a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

The club have been quoted a fee in the region of £50m for the 25-year-old star, who’s managed to score 20 goals in the Premier League this season, but could face competition from Newcastle United for his signature.

However, the other end of the pitch is also in need of investment, with Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford emerging as a summer target, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the club are exploring potential reinforcements to bolster the ranks, with the future of Andre Onana at United uncertain given his recent showings.

It also states that it’s unknown how much Scott Parker’s side will demand for the signature of the 22-year-old, who kept a staggering 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season, but prior reports this year suggest it may be around £30m.

Why Trafford could be the next Sancho

Winger Jadon Sancho joined United in a £73m deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021, but it’s safe to say his time at Old Trafford has been a disaster.

The Englishman has made 83 appearances for the club, scoring just 12 goals and being sent on various loan spells – including back to the side which the Red Devils landed him from.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at fellow Premier League side Chelsea, but could well be back in Amorim’s side ahead of next season if the Blues trigger his £5m cancellation fee after originally joining with an obligation to join permanently.

He’s only scored four times in his 40 appearances across all competitions in West London, with the club undoubtedly set to lose a small fortune on their investment in the near future.

However, the club could land a repeat of Sancho in a summer move for Trafford, with the goalkeeper following a similar path in his career to the winger over recent years.

The pair both came through Manchester City’s academy, before moving elsewhere to make their name and potentially costing the Red Devils a small fortune in the process.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the hierarchy back this summer, it’s one they should look to avoid with better options available in the market.

Games played

28

38

Goals conceded

62

58

Save percentage

65%

75%

Saves made

3.7

3.9

Clean sheets

2

9

Clean sheet percentage

7%

23%

Pass accuracy

65%

73%

Trafford, who’s been labelled “world-class” by current boss Parker, was unable to better current ‘keeper Onana in numerous key areas during his last stint in the Premier League, even dropping to number two in the pecking order as a result.

Whilst there’s no denying that a new goalkeeper needs to be on the agenda this summer, Amorim and the board should be exploring other options, with a more experienced head needed between the sticks.

Given the similarities between him and Sancho’s career path, it’s another reason as to why they should steer clear – needing to find value for money elsewhere given the financial constraints.

He's like Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd expect to sign £30m star after Cunha

Manchester United could follow Matheus Cunha by signing Ruben Amorim’s new Viktor Gyokeres.

1 ByDan Emery May 27, 2025