Birmingham City are now in talks to sign a right-back who has been likened to Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier, according to a new transfer report.
Birmingham City sign wingers Gray and Osayi-Samuel
The Blues have been busy in recent days, bringing back academy graduate Demarai Gray on a permanent deal ahead of the Championship season.
Gray returns to St Andrew’s from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq and penned a three-year deal in the Midlands.
Birmingham City enter race to sign £6m "monster" ahead of Sheffield United
The Blues have joined the race to sign a defender from a Premier League club.
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Shortly after, Birmingham also announced a permanent transfer to sign Bright Osayi-Samuel after he left Fenerbahce, with the versatile winger also signing a Blues contract until 2028. Talking after making the move to Birmingham, Osayi-Samuel said:
The club and co-owners Tom Wagner and Tom Brady aren’t stopping there, though, with striker Kyogo Furuhashi also in advanced talks over a move from Rennes.
With all these attacking additions, Chris Davies and co also want to strength at the back, and now, a new full-back is also of interest.
Birmingham City in talks to sign right-back compared to Trippier
According to reports in Sweden, relayed by Sport Witness, Birmingham City are one of the clubs in talks to sign SC Braga right-back Joe Mendes.
Mendes spent last season on loan at FC Basel, however, the Swiss side have decided against signing the 22-year-old on a permanent basis.
Championship rivals Sheffield United and Southampton are also in discussions for Mendes, as are German side Union Berlin and Turkish outfit Samsunspor. The talks are described as concrete negotiations, with Mendes set to be on the move over the coming months.
Kieran Trippier
Newcastle United
Ferland Mendy
Real Madrid
Angelino
Roma
Aleksa Terzic
RB Salzburg
Manuel Lazzari
Lazio
Should he end up at St Andrew’s, Birmingham will be getting a right-back who has been labelled as “another gem” from the AIK academy, providing conception to Ethan Laird in the process.
As can be seen, FBref have likened Mendes to Newcastle star Trippier among others following his displays in the 2023/24 Champions League, so he could be another exciting addition ahead of the new campaign.
Crystal Palace have now held direct talks with a Brighton & Hove Albion player over a potential summer move to Selhurst Park, according to a report.
Palace awaiting Europa League verdict
Despite Palace finishing below rivals Brighton in the Premier League table, a move to Selhurst Park could be the more attractive proposition this summer, given that they secured qualification for the Europa League courtesy of their FA Cup triumph.
However, there is still no clarity as to whether the Eagles will be allowed to take part in the competition next season, given issues surrounding multi-club ownership, with UEFA’s decision recently being delayed until Monday.
Despite Lyon being relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial issues, the French club have struck a deal to compete in the Europa League next season, which could also be a blow to Oliver Glasner’s side’s chances of taking part even after the news of John Textor’s sale to Woody Johnson.
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It remains to be seen whether Crystal Palace will be allowed to compete in Europe, but in the meantime they have been pressing on with their summer transfer business, with approaches being made for Andy Diouf and Ousmane Diomande.
According to a report from El Diario Vasco (via Sport Witness), Palace have also made a bold attempt to sign a Brighton player, having directly spoken to Igor Julio over a potential summer move to Selhurst Park.
A phone call has been held with Igor, but the Eagles are not the only club in the race for his signature, with Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers also expressing an interest, alongside La Liga side Real Sociedad.
A move to Sociedad appeals to the Brazilian, as he wants to seal a move away from England this summer, but the Spanish club are concerned that Palace or Wolves could outbid them, considering the English sides have ‘plenty of money to burn’.
Igor could be "excellent" signing for Palace
Not only would the addition of the 27-year-old allow Palace to get one-up on their major rivals, but there are signs he could be a solid addition to Glasner’s squad, with the manager in need of greater depth if his side are to embark on a European campaign.
Journalist Lorenzo Lepore has singled the defender out for particularly high praise in the past, saying: “Igor is a really great defender, who is capable of helping his team in both phases of play: he’s competent with his feet and in defence.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in action with Brighton & Hove Albion'sIgorJulio
“He has excellent technique and he is a capable playmaker, too. He is strong, he is good in one-on-one situations.”
Since then, the £15m defender has also gone on to prove himself in the Premier League, featuring regularly for the Seagulls when fit, although there may be some concerns about the former Fiorentina man missing 18 games through injury last season.
Igor could be a solid signing for Palace, who may have to bring in a new centre-back this summer, amid Marc Guehi’s uncertain future, but it would be surprising if Brighton are willing to strengthen a rival club.
As Graham Potter looks to shape his West Ham United side ahead of his first full season in charge, the Hammers have reportedly made contact to sign an impressive Serie A midfielder who once pocketed Declan Rice.
West Ham keen on attacking additions
It’s a big few months ahead for Potter and his side following a tough start to life at the London Stadium for the former Chelsea manager. After arriving to replace the struggling Julen Lopetegui, many expected Potter to make his mark from the off and ensure that any Stamford Bridge failure became an afterthought. That new manager bounce never truly came, however, and the pressure is now on.
Games
20
Wins
6
Draws
5
Defeats
9
Following just six wins in his first 20 games and a frustrating 14th-place finish in the Premier League, Potter and West Ham must ensure that they get off to a quick start next season.
What should help that is their potential work in the summer transfer window. Already, they’ve reportedly set their sights on attacking additions such as Adama Bojang and AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham.
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The latter would be a particularly wise addition given his past Premier League experience and the Hammers could yet land a relatively routine deal following his struggles on loan at AC Milan last season.
Abraham, like West Ham, endured a season to forget last time out and could certainly do with a return to the Premier League if he is to rediscover his best form in the next campaign.
It’s not just their frontline that West Ham must improve, however. Amid previous reports that David Moyes’ Everton side are interested in signing Tomas Soucek this summer, those at the London Stadium could be forced to find a replacement. And what better way to replace the towering midfielder than by signing a player who “shut down” former star Rice?
West Ham make contact to sign Musah
According to TeamTalk, West Ham have now made initial contact to sign Yunus Musah from AC Milan this summer. The American international initially looked on his way to Serie A champions Napoli in a deal worth €25m (£21m) before Milan changed their stance and demanded that price as well as add-ons. Now, the Hammers have a chance to sneak in ahead of Napoli.
Whether West Ham are willing to do what Napoli are not will be the big question, but their interest in Musah should come as no surprise. At 22 years old, the midfielder already has some impressive experience under his belt at the top level, including at the 2022 World Cup.
It was in Qatar that the Milan man caught the eye for the USA, especially against England as he helped his side earn a 0-0 draw against the Three Lions. Earning the praise of Jacek Kulig as a result, the scout claimed that both Musah and Tyler Adams “shut down” an England midfield which included Rice and Jude Bellingham.
Next season is set to be another new dawn for Tottenham Hotspur.
Daniel Levy and Co. made what looks to have been the unpopular decision to sack Ange Postecoglou last Friday and, in his place, hire Thomas Frank.
While fans might’ve liked the club to back the manager who ended their trophy drought, the Danish coach is an exciting appointment, as he took Brentford up from the Championship and turned them into one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, then, the North Londoners have been linked with one of the Bees’ best players, Bryan Mbeumo, but if reports are to be believed, they could decide to sign someone else, someone better.
Tottenham Transfer news
Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented players touted for a move to Spurs in recent weeks, like Eberechi Eze and Xavi Simons.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has been a long-term target for the North Londoners, and while his £68m release clause would represent a significant investment, his tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 games this season suggest he’d be more than worth it.
Likewise, the £67m it would reportedly take to secure Simons’ services this summer may sound like a lot – because it is – but when you consider he’s still just 22 years old and was able to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in just 33 games this year, it doesn’t sound so bad.
However, another Premier League-proven attacker has entered the frame for the North Londoners, someone who could be better than Mbeumo: Antoine Semenyo.
Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports, Spurs have maintained their intense interest in the Bournemouth star, even though that interest originated prior to Postecoglou’s sacking.
The report does not mention a potential price for the Cherries ace, but stories from earlier this month claimed that he could be available for close to £70m.
It would likely be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line this summer, but given Semenyo’s immense ability, it’s one Spurs should be all over, especially as he could be an even better signing than Mbeumo.
How Semenyo compares to Mbeumo
Okay, so we know that Mbeumo is one of the most talked-about targets in England at the moment, and understandably so, as in 42 appearances this season, he was able to score 20 goals and provide nine assists.
AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on
But for our money, Semenyo would be the better signing, and there are several reasons why.
Firstly, while he wasn’t able to produce quite as many goal involvements, the Ghanaian international was still an incredibly effective attacker, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in as many appearances for Bournemouth.
Moreover, as we all know, a winger is and should be judged on more metrics than just his goals and assists in the modern game, and when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, the Cherries ace starts to come out on top.
For example, while the former Troyes gem does better in some metrics like shot and goal-creating actions as well as progressive passes, the former Bristol City star comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, tackles and more, all per 90.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.44
0.42
Progressive Passes
3.06
3.72
Progressive Carries
3.93
3.43
Shots
3.49
2.08
Shots on Target
1.11
0.94
Passing Accuracy
73.4%
66.1%
Non-Penalty xG
0.28
0.20
Shot-Creating Actions
3.71
3.80
Goal-Creating Actions
0.37
0.53
Tackles
1.54
1.29
Blocks
1.88
0.69
Successful Take-Ons
1.94
1.37
Ball Recoveries
4.44
4.12
Aerial Duels Won
1.85
0.90
Moreover, on top of being the more statistically well-rounded player, the 25-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is incredibly versatile.
For example, thanks to him being ambipedal – equally able to use both feet – he’s more than happy playing off the right as he is on the left and can even play up top or in midfield if he’s needed to.
Therefore, the dynamic “maverick,” as dubbed by Mattinson, could come in and fill in wherever he’s needed, in turn giving Frank far more tactical flexibility than he’d get from someone only dangerous off the right.
Ultimately, either Mbeumo or Semenyo would be excellent additions for Spurs, but thanks to the latter having the more impressive and promising underlying numbers, combined with his ability to play almost anywhere, we reckon he would be the better signing for the North Londoners.
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It would be best for Spurs to cash in and help Frank kickstart his time at the club.
They might have finished second in the Premier League and made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League, but we aren’t sure anyone at Arsenal would consider this season to be a success.
Long gone are the days in which a top-four finish was celebrated like a trophy at the Emirates, as, thanks to Mikel Arteta and Co, the team are now serious contenders for every competition they enter – meaning a third runners-up medal in as many league campaigns is far from ideal.
Considering the team created the best defence in the league while scoring 17 goals fewer than the eventual winners, it’s pretty clear that to help the squad get over the line next year, the board must invest in offensive players.
Arsenalplayers pose for a team group photo before the match
This line of thinking may help to explain Arsenal’s reported interest in Aston Villa’s brilliant Morgan Rogers, although even if he were to join the club, he’d be worth millions less than one of his new teammates.
Why Arsenal want Rogers
So, if the reported price tag of around £100m proves to be true, just why do Arsenal want to spend that sort of money on one player, and would he even be worth it?
Market Movers
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Well, the answer to the second question is most certainly yes, and there are a few reasons why, starting with his output.
For example, in 54 appearances for Villa this season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born star was able to score 14 goals and provide 15 assists.
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games or every 155.03 minutes, and that is just the sort of offensive capability the North Londoners need in their squad.
For example, Martin Odegaard is the team’s current starting attacking midfielder, and while he’s been brilliant in seasons past, he really struggled this year, ending the campaign with six goals and 12 assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3447 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 2.5 games, or every 191.5 minutes.
Just imagine if Arteta could take the Norwegian off, or rest him completely, and start the dynamic Englishman in his place.
Finally, at just 22 years old, the five-capped international could grow alongside some of the team’s other younger stars, and then there is his ability to play in multiple positions, from midfield to out wide.
Left Winger
83
21
9
Attacking Midfield
46
14
10
Right Winger
39
9
13
Centre-Forward
21
6
4
Left Midfield
8
3
1
Right Midfield
6
1
3
Second Striker
1
0
0
Yet, even then and at the fee reported, Rogers would be joining Arsenal with a lower valuation than one of his new teammates.
The Arsenal star worth millions more than Rogers
Now, while Arsenal are blessed with a host of incredibly talented players these days, from Declan Rice and David Raya to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, it’ll likely come as no surprise that the star in question is none other than Bukayo Saka.
The Hale End superstar has developed into a talismanic figure in North London since his debut under Unai Emery, and his valuation reflects that, with the CIES Football Observatory pricing him at a whopping €157m earlier this year.
That converts to a staggering £132m, or £32m more than Rogers could end up costing the Gunners this summer, and while that is a sizable difference, it would be hard to argue it’s not fair.
Appearances
37
54
Minutes
2619′
4496′
Goals
12
14
Assists
14
15
Goal Involvements per Match
0.70
0.53
Minutes per Goal Involvements
100.73′
155.03′
For example, even though the 23-year-old missed over three months of the season with a hamstring injury that required surgery, he was still able to rack up a sensational haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling just 2619 minutes.
That means the North Londoners’ “future legend,” dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or 100.73 minutes, which is not only better than the Villa ace managed but also simply world-class.
Okay, how do their pair stack up against one another when we look at their underlying numbers, then? The Claret and Blue star did spend a sizable part of the season out wide.
Well, rather unsurprisingly, it’s the 43-capped superstar who once again comes out on top, doing better in almost all relevant metrics, such as actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, tackles, shots and shots on target, key passes and more, all per 90.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.71
0.42
Non-Penalty G+As
0.78
0.52
Progressive Passes
3.65
3.55
Progressive Passes Received
13.3
5.43
Progressive Carries
5.00
3.29
Shots
3.44
1.59
Shots on Target
1.15
0.58
Passing Accuracy
75.5%
73.2%
Expected Assists
0.41
0.15
Key Passes
3.02
1.47
Passes into the Final Third
0.78
2.11
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.98
1.62
Crosses into the Penalty Area
0.63
0.09
Live Passes
33.5
24.7
Shot-Creating Actions
6.09
3.04
Goal-Creating Actions
1.20
0.46
Tackles
1.51
1.24
Blocks
1.15
0.75
Interceptions
0.16
0.17
Clearances
0.42
0.58
Successful Take-Ons
2.14
1.91
Ball Recoveries
3.65
3.44
Ultimately, Arsenal should be looking to sign Rogers this summer, as he’d add far more creativity and attacking flair to the team, but he’d have to hit the ground running to see his valuation even approach Saka’s.
Arsenal set to submit bid for "incredible" star who's like Rodrygo & Yamal
The impressive winger would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Manchester United are now reportedly shock contenders to sign a struggling player from arch-rivals Manchester City this summer.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time that a player has crossed the Manchester divide. The likes of Carlos Tevez and Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel spring to mind in what is a list full of controversy. Tevez’s switch proved to be particularly successful too, with the Argentine winning the Premier League ahead of his former club whilst at The Etihad.
Appearances
99
148
Goals
34
73
Assists
14
32
Since the talented forward, many have decided against crossing the divide between the two Manchester clubs. The trend isn’t completely dead just yet, however.
Across the last 12 months, as Leroy Sane has deliberated over a new contract with Bayern Munich, Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign the German winger alongside many others. Sane, of course, enjoyed great success at Manchester City but could now join the Red Devils on a free transfer when the summer arrives.
What is clearer than ever is that the narrative has flipped between the two sides. Whilst in the Schmeichel era, it was the Citizens watching on with envy, hoping to steal Manchester United’s stars, it is now the complete opposite. The Red Devils would likely take several of Pep Guardiola’s stars in a heartbeat at Old Trafford, especially following such a disastrous campaign.
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On course to finish as low as 16th off the back of already losing the Europa League final, Manchester United and Ruben Amorim must get things right this summer. In a desperate position, it could be the perfect time for a Manchester trend to reappear in the transfer window.
Man Utd shock contenders to sign Grealish
According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, as relayed by GiveMeSport, Manchester United are now shock contenders to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City this summer in a deal that all parties could yet be happy to complete. The former Aston Villa star has struggled to take his place in the spotlight for some time at The Etihad despite taking home over £15m each year in wages, so City would be happy to sell while the player himself wants a regular starting role.
One Manchester club’s trash may well prove to be another’s treasure, then. For all of Grealish’s struggles, he remains a three-time Premier League winner full of the experience that Amorim desperately needs at the heart of his side.
Even though he has failed to break into his strongest side too, Guardiola has shared plenty of praise for Grealish – telling reporters following an impressive performance in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient: “Both wingers have been outstanding; Savinho and Jack were outstanding, they created chances.
“I’m pleased for Jack. Jack has the sense of the street, a player from the street. Most of the players, for our fault – the manager – are so academic. Jack is one of those players that came to fight in these stadiums when the people shout; he is a fighter.”
Manchester United have now moved ahead of rivals Manchester City in the race to sign a “world-class” £50 million+ midfielder, according to a recent report.
Fernandes believes Europa League win can change Man Utd’s future
The Red Devils are hours away from getting the most important game of their season underway, as they play Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, with a place in next season’s Champions League up for grabs. It’s been a poor campaign for United, but winning the Europa League would bring a sense of optimism to the club, as it would be a third trophy won in three years.
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In fact, talisman and captain Bruno Fernandes believes United winning the Europa League could mean a consistent change in fortunes for Ruben Amorim and his side: “Every game you have a chance to win a trophy is very big, but part of that is every game at this club is massive. As Harry [Maguire] has just said, this club is so big; from one week you can be the hero, and the next one, you’re the villain.
“As players, you just think about what we have ahead of us, and what we have ahead of us is the chance to get our hands on the trophy. It won’t change the past. It won’t affect what the past has done for us either, but what I can affect is the future. Probably, yes, winning a trophy gives a lot of things. In this case, a place in the Champions League and a lot of revenue for the club. It gets, obviously, more players wanting to come to the club.
“But I think this club doesn’t change much in that aspect because I think every player wants to play for Manchester United. This is a thing that will never change. The name of this club speaks for itself. But the main thing, of course, is what is ahead of us, and that is a massive final against a team we know very well.
“But in a competition different to the Premier League, so it’s going to be a completely different game.”
Man Utd lead Man City in race to sign "world-class" £50m+ midfielder
As Fernandes looks ahead to what is a massive night for United, the club’s hierarchy are already working on a way of improving his midfield partners for next season. According to the Italian press, relayed by Football Transfers, Man United are now closing in on the signing of Ederson from Atalanta.
The report states that United have held more talks about signing the midfielder, and negotiations over completing a deal are said to progress following the Europa League final. It goes on to add that Man City and Juventus are also interested in signing Ederson, but it is United who lead the race for his signature, as they are the ones who moved the quickest.
However, the Red Devils still need to find an agreement with Atalanta, with the Serie A side asking for at least €60 million, which is roughly £50 million. Ederson, who has been dubbed “world-class” by former England manager Fabio Capello, would likely become United’s second Brazilian signing of the summer, with a deal for Matheus Cunha close to completion.
Apps
138
Goals
13
Assists
4
The Brazilian is under contract until 2027, so United will hope to take advantage of his contract running down as they look to replace Christian Eriksen, who is set to leave Old Trafford, and also find a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who could also depart during the summer transfer window.
No club has been as active in the transfer market as Chelsea in recent years.
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed the takeover of the club three years ago, the Blues have signed over 40 first-team players costing in excess of £1bn.
Some of these signings have proved to be major successes, some have come and gone without a trace, while others have proved to be a massive waste of money, with one current squad member, who arrived just last summer, proving to be very reminiscent of, arguably, Chelsea’s worst-ever signing; Danny Drinkwate.
Danny Drinkwater's Chelsea career
Drinkwater will always be remembered in history as a key figure in Leicester City’s momentous Premier League title triumph of 2015/16.
He started 35 league games that season, forming a partnership alongside N’Golo Kanté that many, including Bleacher Report labelled ‘formidable’.
Danny-drinkwater
A year later, Drinkwater was reunited with Kanté at Chelsea, the Blues paying a reported £35m to secure his services, but it’s safe to say this move did not pay off, and the table below helps support this assertion.
Appearances
23
Starts
12
Minutes
1,181
Goals
1
Matches an unused sub
12
Matches not in the squad
118
The England international’s final appearance for Chelsea came in the 2018 Community Shield, never seen again in blue after that, spending brief loan spells with Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasımpaşa and Reading, before retiring back in October 2023.
Four Four Two Magazine believes Drinkwater to be Chelsea’s worst-ever signing, noting that few players have ever endured such a career ‘nosedive’, but is a current member of the Blues’ squad in danger of repeating this miserable drop-off?
Chelsea's latest big-money flop
Last summer, Chelsea signed the lesser-spotted Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City for a reported fee of £30m, thereby reuniting with manager Enzo Maresca who, according to Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian, viewed him as an ‘ideal fit for Chelsea’s style of play’, forecasting he would be a ‘key player’.
Chelsea's KiernanDewsbury-Hallin action with Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana
Maresca also described the midfielder as “fantastic”, backing him to become an “important” figure.
Well, fair to say, this has not transpired, as the table below outlines.
Appearances
28
14th
Total minutes
1,564
15th
Total starts
17
15th
PL minutes
254
22nd
PL starts
2
2nd
UECL minutes
1,105
1st
UECL starts
12
1st
Total goals
3
12th
Total assists
3
16th
As the table outlines, Dewsbury-Hall has been nothing more than a bit part player in the Premier League this season, starting just two matches, while seeing a miserly 254 minutes on the field, which is fewer than João Félix and Axel Disasi, both of whom were allowed to leave on loan in January.
In the Conference League however, it’s been a completely different story, considering he has started 12 of the Blues’ 13 fixtures to date, introduced at half time of the other, scoring three times, on target during home wins over Gent, Shamrock Rovers and København.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old surely cannot be happy with this limited role, hence why Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider has reported that he will be ‘available for transfer’, while Ciaran McCarthy of TEAMtalk adds that the Blues, rather optimistically, will ‘demand’ to recoup the £30m paid for him last summer.
Jonathan Wilson of the Guardian believes Dewsbury-Hall will simply never get enough opportunities at Chelsea, so must therefore leave to avoid further stunted development, and the Blues should look to cash in on their depreciating second version of Dewsbury-Hall as soon as possible.
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Manchester United have now launched a blockbuster move to sign an “absolute genius” who they have been closely monitoring this season, according to a report.
Amorim keen to bolster attacking options
As we approach the summer transfer window, it is clear that Ruben Amorim wants to bolster his attacking options, with Rasmus Hojlund set to be allowed to leave, which means a new striker will be required.
The Red Devils are edging ever closer to sealing a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian “keen” on a move to Old Trafford, although he is expected to feature in a number 10 role for Amorim next season.
As such, United could bring in a different option as an out-and-out striker, and they are expecting to win the race for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, despite interest from Chelsea, while Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is also on the shortlist.
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Not only are Man United keen on an attacking midfielder and striker, but they could also look to strengthen out wide, and a report from Spain has now revealed they are obsessed with Paris Saint-Germain winger Desire Doue.
Amorim’s side are said to have launched a blockbuster move for Doue, as their interest ‘goes beyond casual monitoring’, and they could be willing to make a substantial offer to ensure they win the race amid interest from rival Premier League clubs.
Paris St Germain'sDesireDouereacts
PSG aren’t keen on sanctioning the 19-year-old’s departure, which means it would take a huge bid to prise him away from the French club, and reports from elsewhere have suggested Manchester City are now lining up a stunning £102m offer.
"Absolute genius" Doue could be coup for Man Utd
PSG have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title, and they now have one foot in the Champions League final after the 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, with the young forward playing a major role in their success.
The France international has amassed 13 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches in all competitions, having established himself as an important player for Luis Enrique.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Ligue 1
28
6
7
Champions League
14
3
3
Coupe de France
5
4
2
The teenager has also caught the eye of football scout Ben Mattinson, who believes he is one of the best attacking midfielders around at the moment.
Doue could be a real coup for Manchester United, but it seems unlikely they will be able to compete for his signature if they don’t manage to qualify for the Champions League.
Results remain inconsistent, yet Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system is starting to come to fruition at Manchester United, with the Red Devils heading into the international break in buoyant mood after convincing wins of Real Sociedad and Leicester City.
Even in Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, there were further signs of encouragement, albeit with Amorim himself admitting that his side “need to be better” in the final third.
That narrow defeat saw United fire off 23 shots without getting on the scoresheet, with the fact remaining that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have scored just six Premier League goals between them this season.
Such a return from the Red Devils’ only senior options at centre-forward simply isn’t good enough, with the wait still on at Old Trafford for a proven and consistent number nine to lead the line.
As showcased below, not since Robin van Persie’s debut campaign has a player reached 20 league goals in a season for the club. Elsewhere in Manchester, by contrast, Erling Haaland has reached that milestone in each of his three seasons at the Etihad to date.
Season
Player
Goals
2024/25*
Bruno Fernandes
8
2023/24
Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund
10
2022/23
Marcus Rashford
17
2021/22
Cristiano Ronaldo
18
2020/21
Bruno Fernandes
18
2019/20
Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial
17
2018/19
Paul Pogba
13
2017/18
Romelu Lukaku
16
2016/17
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
17
2015/16
Anthony Martial
11
2014/15
Wayne Rooney
12
2013/14
Wayne Rooney
17
2012/13
Robin van Persie
26
Having actually only scored 37 goals in 30 top-flight games as a collective in 2024/25, it’s evident where the problem lies, with it seemingly no surprise that work is already being done on potentially trying to solve those goal-scoring woes.
Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker
In each of the last two summers, United have forked out for a ‘striker’ in the form of Hojlund and Zirkzee, with the pair costing just over £100m combined following their respective arrivals from Serie A.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As alluded to above, however, that extensive investment has not solved the Red Devils’ woes at the top end of the pitch, with the club almost back to square one in that regard, heading into the upcoming summer window.
Recent reports in Germany have named the likes of Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres among a raft of targets that INEOS are believed to be considering, with the latter man having scored 66 goals in just 68 games under Amorim’s watch at Sporting CP.
According to the latest claims, however, the Old Trafford side could look closer to home to find a new number nine, with the Daily Mail reporting that the club are stepping up their interest in Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.
As per the report, United have held internal talks regarding a move for the in-demand striker, with as many as five clubs seemingly battling for his signature.
Liam Delap against Manchester United for Ipswich Town.
The suggestion is that the presence of technical director Jason Wilcox – who knows the 22-year-old from their time at Manchester City’s academy – could have given Amorim and co an ‘advantage’ in that race, with the Englishman set to be available for around £40m, amid Ipswich’s looming relegation.
Such a move would be the first time United have plucked a new senior striker from within the top-flight since landing Romelu Lukaku back in 2017.
Why Man Utd could be set for their next Lukaku
Let’s face it, Lukaku’s time in Manchester is likely not looked upon favourably by all parties, with the Belgian star departing after just two years at the club, having been criticised by journalist Samuel Luckhurst for his “woeful and costly” finishing during Jose Mourinho’s final days in charge.
Romelu Lukaku
There were also criticisms made due to the fact that the now-Napoli man had “bulked up too much” ahead of his second season at Old Trafford, as Luckhurst noted, with those woes culminating in a swift £74m exit to Inter in the summer of 2019.
The one-time Chelsea man may not have delivered quite what was expected upon his £75m move from Everton in 2017, yet his goal return has aged impressively, when considering the woes of Hojlund et al.
Indeed, Lukaku – who was just 23 when he made the switch from Goodison Park – finished off with a respectable total of 42 goals in 96 games. Hojlund, by contrast, has scored just 24 times in 83 outings in all competitions.
Lukaku arrived with a fearsome reputation amid his tally of 87 in 166 for the Toffees, with the same perhaps true of young Delap, with the Man City youth product having scored ten times in his first full season in the top-flight for the Tractor Boys.
That return – which betters every United player in the league in 2024/25 – has seen the England U21 star described as a “problem for every Premier League defence” by data analyst Ben Mattinson.
Also described as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports reporter, Lewis Jones, Delap mirrors Lukaku in being able to offer that physical focal point in attack, having seemingly relished the battle with Harry Maguire in the meeting between the two sides at Old Trafford.
What has been particularly evident this season is the Ipswich star’s ability to drive his side forward, as he ranks in the top 18% of European strikers for progressive carries, and in the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Lukaku in his pomp at Everton was also that kind of bull-dozing centre-forward – as illustrated in his catalogue of goals below – with it having been understandable as to why Mourinho and co were so keen to land his services.
There may be a risk of Delap enduring similar woes to Belgium’s all-time record scorer, not least considering he is far less experienced in top-flight football, yet he does mirror a young Lukaku in being a high potential centre-forward who has showcased what he can do up against Premier League backlines.
He is a handful, no doubt about that.
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