Burnley are preparing for their return to the Premier League next season and could now enlist Vincent Kompany’s support in their pursuit of an exciting signing.
Burnley look ahead to Premier League return
Scott Parker has emerged as something of a promotion specialist since stepping into the dugout, and he has repeated the trick with the Clarets in some style this term. Following another exciting Championship campaign filled with drama, Burnley have a chance to claim the league crown against Millwall on Saturday lunchtime before preparing for life back in the Premier League.
Burnley managerScottParker
With the gap between England’s first and second tiers growing year-on-year, Turf Moor chiefs will have their work cut out in seeking reinforcements to give them a fighting chance of staying up in 2025/26.
Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a target for Burnley after being told he is free to leave Stamford Bridge after one season, which may be the sort of signing Parker is after to give his side a genuine shot at survival. Harrison Reed could also be on his way to the Clarets if Fulham are willing to cut a deal this summer, adding some experience to an engine room that is already bristling with talent.
Ipswich now pursue new deal for £27,500-a-week star amid Burnley interest
Burnley and Leeds are once again going head-to-head but this time off the pitch.
ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025
Bridging the gap won’t be an easy endeavour for Burnley. The Premier League is notoriously demanding at the best of times, but they have shown an ability in years gone by to mix it with the best.
Now, the newly-promoted outfit have set their sights on an international goalkeeper who could be on his way out of one of Europe’s most reputable clubs, per recent developments.
Burnley looking to sign Bayern Munich's Daniel Peretz
According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Burnley have initiated talks over signing Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz after making ‘specific enquiries’ through former boss Kompany regarding his availability. Hamburg are also keen on the Israel international, who is set to leave the Allianz Arena either permanently with a buyback clause or on loan over the next few months.
Commended for his “great potential” by Jan-Christian Dreesen, Peretz has made seven appearances for Bayern in total since joining from Maccabi Tel Aviv, keeping a solitary clean sheet. Despite being behind Manuel Neuer in the pecking order, the 24-year-old has made ten saves on Bundesliga duty this term, equating to a percentage rate of 66.7%.
Burnley will need to recruit stars with pedigree this summer and Peretz’ background at one of the world’s elite clubs could be an appealing factor as they look forward to life back in the Premier League.
Manchester City have moved three points closer to Champions League qualification.
On Saturday afternoon, late goals from youngster Nico O’Reilly and then substitute Mateo Kovačić saw the Sky Blues snatch a 2-0 victory over Everton, as they visited Goodison Park for the 100th and final time.
This maintains the Citizens’ place in the Champions League positions, above Nottingham Forest, with a key clash against in-form Aston Villa to come on Tuesday.
Despite the victory, two Man City stalwarts did not impress, suggesting they could both be victims of the impending summer rebuild.
Kevin De Bruyne's final matches for Manchester City
Last week, Kevin De Bruyne confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of this season, having made over 400 appearances for the club, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League, amongst many other honours.
In his first appearance since this announcement, Jamie Jackson of the Guardian reported that everyone inside the Etihad got the opportunity to ‘revel in the sublime talent’ that De Bruyne is, with the Belgian putting in a talisman performance as his team fought back from 2-0 down to beat Crystal Palace 5-2 a week ago.
However, this Saturday, the 33-year-old did not impress quite as much, with Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News reporting that the Belgian ‘got worse as the game went on’ having failed ‘to make the decisive breakthrough’ before being replaced by Manuel Akanji with two minutes remaining.
De Bruyne
However, De Bruyne may not be the only Man City veteran heading for the exit door come the summer, with another multi-Premier League champion in his thirties suggesting he is also not the player he once was.
After De Bruyne: Man City's next star on his way out
In that previously sighted Simon Bajkowski player rating piece for the MEN, he described Bernardo Silva’s 5/10 display at Goodison as ‘too slow’, adding that he ‘couldn’t make anything happen’.
The Portuguese midfielder’s statistics don’t make for good reading either.
Bernardo Silva vs Everton in numbers
Statistics
Silva
Match rank
Minutes played
90
=1st
Touches
67
7th
Passing accuracy
89%
12th
Shots
Zero
=10th
Dribbles attempted
1
=10th
% of ground duels won
20%
23rd
Possession lost
9
=11th
All statistics courtesy of SofaScore
As the table outlines, Silva did not impress against Everton, losing possession nine times as well as four of his five ground duels, mustering no shots and attempting just a solitary dribble, which isn’t what Pep Guardiola would want from his winger.
Bernardo
This though, is not a one-off, given that Silva’s powers have certainly started to wane this season, scoring just three goals and registering only four assists across all competitions, having accumulated 11 of both last time round, a big drop-off.
Zak Garner-Purkis of Forbes believes that the 30-year-old ‘has been one of the main malfunctioning components’ as Manchester City have fallen below their own lofty expectations this season, also stating that his ‘aging legs’ have been a key factor behind the team’s ‘sudden decline’.
Meantime, James Holland of TEAMtalk claims that Silva will depart Man City this summer, with Barcelona ‘eyeing’ a move for his services.
Thus, with Manchester City set for a summer rebuild, Kyle Walker and De Bruyne are already on the way out, and Silva could be poised to follow them out the exit door.
Bad news for Rico Lewis: Man City readying offer to sign £41m "engine"
Full-back has been a clear problem for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this season, but are the Sky Blues preparing to sign an “excellent” youngster?
Arsenal are now willing to spend big to win the race for a “world-class” striker, who manager Mikel Arteta is a fan of, according to a report.
Season-defining PSG clash on the horizon for Arsenal
The Gunners have fallen short in their pursuit of the Premier League title, and there is now a growing possibility that they won’t even finish in second place, after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side still have an outside chance of having a season for the history books, should they be able to overturn the one-goal deficit and beat Paris Saint-Germain to progress to the Champions League final on Wednesday night.
It will be a tall order for the north Londoners, however, and there is a feeling that a new striker may be required if they are to have a more successful 2025-26 campaign, having identified a number of potential targets.
Arsenal and Berta eye move for £68m star if Saliba is sold to Real Madrid
Real Madrid are interested in the Arsenal defender.
2 ByTom Cunningham May 4, 2025
One player on the shortlist is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with Arteta’s side believed to be very keen on the Serbian, and there has now been a new update on their transfer pursuit.
According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now willing to make a significant bid to win the race for Vlahovic, who could be allowed to leave Juventus for a fee of around €50m – €60m (£43m – £51m) this summer, a fee the Gunners can ‘easily afford’.
Dusan Vlahovic in action with Genoa'sKoniDeWinter
Arteta is a fan of the striker, with the Spaniard of the belief he could have the quality to help his side compete for major honours, and the fact that Juventus are open to a sale means it may not be too difficult to get a deal done.
The Serie A side are set to listen to offers for the forward, who currently earns a whopping £364k-per-week, which indicates wage demands could be a potential stumbling block.
Why "world-class" Vlahovic may not be the answer
It is clear that Arsenal are planning to bring in an out-and-out striker this summer, and there are some signs that Vlahovic could be a quality addition, having been lauded as “world-class” by journalist Siavoush Fallahi, courtesy of his performances in Italy.
However, the Belgrade-born striker hasn’t exactly set the world alight this season, netting just nine goals in 26 Serie A outings, failing to score in his last six matches.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Serie A
26
9
4
Champions League
9
4
1
Italian Cup
2
1
0
While an asking price of £51m is reasonable, the fact the 25-year-old’s wage demands could be high is another issue, and Arsenal may be better off making a move for a striker who has been in much better form this season.
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is an interesting option, having scored a remarkable 52 goals in 49 games this term, although there may be concern about the fact he is unproven in a major league, so there is no easy solution to Arsenal’s striker search.
Celtic continued their dominance of Scottish football at the end of last month by claiming their fourth successive Scottish Premiership title with a 5-0 win over Dundee United.
Ryan Strain’s own goal gave the Hoops an early lead in the match before braces from Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah wrapped up a comfortable victory for Brendan Rodgers and his men.
The Glasgow giants, now, have the chance to complete a domestic treble for the second time in three seasons if they can beat Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup at Hampden Park at the end of this month.
It has been another successful season for Celtic, irrespective of the result against Aberdeen, as they have already won the Premiership and the League Cup.
Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor, the Hoops captain, has now won a staggering ten league titles for the club, to go along with eight League Cups and six SFA Cups, although he is yet to taste European glory at Parkhead.
The Celtic skipper turns 32 this summer and is currently contracted through to 2028, but the Bhoys may start to think about what life could look like beyond having him in midfield.
Why Callum McGregor would leave big boots to fill at Celtic
Aside from his leadership qualities and what he brings to the table as the captain, McGregor would leave big boots to fill at Parkhead because of the quality that he provides in the middle of the park.
The left-footed star is a metronomic midfield player who acts as the heartbeat of the team with his ability to dominate and dictate matches with his passes, allowing Celtic to control games in the Premiership.
McGregor has also added a goalscoring touch to his game this season, as shown in the clip above, with eight league goals to his name so far this term.
The bulk of the former Scotland international’s work on the pitch for Celtic, however, is what he does with the ball at his feet as a passer, rather than as a goalscorer, because he is a metronomic presence for the Hoops.
24/25
42
73.6
94.3%
23/24
41
66.3
91.5%
22/23
34
72.5
92%
21/22
42
67.6
90.1%
20/21
44
68.9
90%
19/20
32
64.1
91.3%
As you can see in the table above, McGregor is an incredible passer who has proven, over the last six seasons, that he can consistently find his teammates at an exceptional rate whilst attempting plenty of passes per 90.
This shows that he can retain possession to help Celtic dominate matches, which then allows him to dictate the tempo of games to suit what the team needs.
This shows that McGregor will leave big boots to fill when the Hoops eventually decide that they need to replace him as a regular starter, whenever in the future that may be.
Celtic tipped as possible destination for international star
Former Scotland international Pav Nevin has suggested that there is a star currently playing in one of Europe’s major leagues who could be the next Callum McGregor at Parkhead, and it would be a shock move if it were to happen.
Nevin has claimed that Billy Gilmour is in a “strange” place in his career because he has failed to nail down a regular starting spot at Napoli, having had the same problems with Chelsea, Norwich, and Brighton in England.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The pundit told the Daily Record: “So you’ve got two choices. Choice number one is accept that’s your career, that’s your life, that’s what happens. You are going to play with some great clubs, win some trophies, people are going to love you and you are going to play until you’re 40 because you’re going to be relaxed and that’s a good career for Billy.
“The other possibility, I wonder if Celtic and Rangers need a controlling, creative player. It is that one where, if he comes up to Celtic or Rangers, he takes over from Callum McGregor or becomes the new Barry Ferguson. That’s it.”
It would be a shock to see Gilmour arrive at Parkhead, because he came up through the ranks at Rangers before his move to Chelsea as a teenager, but he would not be the first player to tread that path.
In fact, current Celtic star Greg Taylor came through the Gers academy before his move to Kilmarnock, from where he then went on to sign for the Hoops, which suggests that it is not an impossible move, albeit it would still be a shock.
Why Billy Gilmour could be the next Callum McGregor
If the Scottish giants were to pursue a move for Gilmour, whether that is this summer or in the future, he could be the dream signing to replace McGregor in the middle of the park.
Like the Celtic captain, the former Rangers academy starlet is a deep-lying central or defensive midfield player whose main qualities revolve around his ability to pass the ball and dictate matches.
Gilmour is not a physical midfielder who patrols the park to make big challenges and win aerial battles. Instead, he is a diminutive star who can use his technical and athletic attributes to help his side dominate games on a regular basis.
The £13.6m-rated star, who currently plays for Napoli in the Serie A, has proven his quality as a metronomic passer during his time in Italy and England.
24/25 (Napoli)
27
59.1
89.4%
23/24 (Brighton)
41
77.1
91.8%
22/23 (Brighton)
17
60.5
90%
21/22 (Norwich)
28
46
83.4%
20/21 (Chelsea)
12
72.5
88.8%
19/20 (Chelsea)
11
65
88.7%
As you can see in the table above, his spell with Norwich, who were relegated from the Premier League that season, is the only time that he has not been an incredibly reliable and frequent passer in the middle of the park.
Typically, Gilmour is a midfielder who attempts and completes a high number of passes per 90 at an exceptional rate, which is what McGregor does for Celtic in midfield for Rodgers.
Callum McGregor
The 23-year-old star is significantly younger than the Hoops captain and this means that he could be the long-term heir to the Scottish star’s throne in the middle of the park in Glasgow, if the club signed him from Napoli.
Gilmour could, therefore, be McGregor 2.0 for Celtic because he has the passing quality and the experience at the very top level to suggest that he would be a star as a ‘controlling’ midfielder for the club, which is why they should consider making a shock move for his services.
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ByDan Emery May 5, 2025
However, there is nothing to suggest that he is an active target for the club at this moment in time, so it remains to be seen what will happen to Gilmour and his future at Napoli. But, given Nevin’s comments, it is an interesting transfer to think about and one that could be viable in the future.
Chelsea are now looking at signing a Netherlands international, who Arsenal have watched since he was 16, with Enzo Maresca’s side threatening to snatch a very long-term Gunners transfer target.
Chelsea targeting new defenders this summer
A new defender or two is reported to be high on BlueCo’s transfer agenda this summer, and a few high-profile names are already being mentioned ahead of the first window’s opening on June 1st.
Chelsea will now sell player who Maresca is "crazy" about for just £30m
It could be very unpopular with their manager.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025
The Premier League confirmed that 2025 will have two summer windows (one open from June 1st to June 10th, and the other from June 16th to September 1st), which allows the likes of Chelsea and Man City to bring in new players before the Club World Cup.
Fulham (away)
April 20th
Everton (home)
April 26th
Liverpool (home)
May 4th
Newcastle (away)
May 10th
Man United (home)
May 18th
According to reliable Stamford Bridge journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are expected to invest significantly in a new centre-back, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth sensation Dean Huijsen both mentioned as top targets.
Guehi is entering the final 12 months of his Palace contract, and Chelsea are believed to be seriously considering the prospect of re-signing the Cobham academy graduate, who departed for Selhurst Park in 2021 (The Mirror).
Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Huijsen is expected to depart the Vitality Stadium this summer, with his £50 million release clause attracting attention from a host of top Premier League sides, including Chelsea.
As reported by David Ornstein, Chelsea have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, alongside the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal, as England’s elite bid to battle for the Spaniard’s in-demand signature. However, there is also competition from abroad, as Vincent Kompany reportedly tells Bayern Munich to move for Huijsen as well (Football Insider).
Amidst their hot pursuit of the 20-year-old, Maresca’s side may also bolster their full-back options.
Jules Koundé was mentioned as a Chelsea target this week, according to reports in Spain, but they’ve also got their eyes on Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.
Chelsea eye Ajax defender and long-term Arsenal target Jorrel Hato
As per The Mail, Chelsea are now considering a move for Hato, who has become a mainstay for the Eredivisie side and one of the Netherlands’ rising stars.
The 19-year-old has been scouted by London rivals Arsenal since he was 16, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, so he has a big admirer in Arteta.
“Jorrel Hato is still a player they love – they’ve done all the work on him for years – they’ve been following him since he was 16,” said Bailey to The Boot Room recently.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
“Liverpool like him as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if Hato came to England this year.”
The price of his signature, according to other reports, sits at around £40 million – which could be a bargain where Chelsea are concerned.
The versatile teenager can play at both left-back and as a left-sided centre-back when required, plugging two different gaps for Maresca, and there is a reason that no Ajax player has been handed more league minutes than Hato this season (WhoScored).
A worrying injury update has now emerged on a Sunderland star ahead of this weekend’s trip to Coventry City in the first leg of the Championship play-offs.
Black Cats gearing up for play-off clash
The Black Cats have earned the opportunity to end their eight-year absence from the Premier League, courtesy of a fourth-placed finish in the second tier, but they could have their work cut out, given their form heading into the play-offs.
Regis Le Bris’ side are winless in their last six Championship games, losing their last five games on the spin, while upcoming opponents Coventry have fought valiantly in the second half of the season to secure a play-off finish under the helm of Frank Lampard.
While it could be difficult to re-gather momentum heading into the play-offs, Le Bris has insisted that a lack of a prize to play for may have affected his team towards the tail end of the season, saying: “We had nothing to chase and in that situation, it’s very difficult for all the teams in the world.
Worry for Le Bris as Newcastle eye possible move for £25m Sunderland star
This would be a massive blow for the Black Cats.
ByHenry Jackson Apr 13, 2025
“Look at Paris St Germain, for example. They won the title and went unbeaten all season. But as they started to prepare the (Champions League) semi-final, they lost two games in a row.”
The Sunderland boss had been hoping Romaine Mundle would return to selection for play-offs, which could have given his side a much-needed boost, but there has now been a worrying update ahead of Friday’s trip to Coventry.
Le Bris said: “I don’t know exactly who will be available but I don’t think we will quite have a full squad,”
“I think it will be a little bit soon for Romaine and also for Aji to be involved in the first leg. Most of the squad will be available. Romaine and Aji can hopefully be involved on Tuesday night.”
"Brilliant" Mundle could be huge miss for Sunderland
It looks very unlikely that Mundle will be involved this weekend, with Le Bris indicating he may not even be able to be involved in the second leg, and the winger could be a huge miss for the Black Cats.
The 22-year-old has been a key player when fit this season, picking up five goals and two assists in the Championship, and his absence coincides with the major drop-off in form, underlining his importance to the side.
Sunderland’s last five fixtures
Result
Queens Park Rangers (h)
0-1
Oxford United (a)
2-0
Blackburn Rovers (h)
0-1
Bristol City (a)
2-1
Swansea City (h)
0-1
Captain Dan Neil will also be disappointed by the news that the forward is unlikely to play a part in Saturday’s game, having lauded his teammate as “brilliant” in the past.
The news that Mundle is set to be unavailable will be a major concern for Sunderland ahead of the play-offs, especially considering their very poor form heading into the tie against Coventry.
When it comes to world-class players, Tottenham Hotspur have had their fair share in the Premier League era.
For example, while they never managed to get over the final hurdle, the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Mousa Dembélé were unreal under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, go back just that little bit further, and you get to Gareth Bale, who for quite some time was arguably one of the best wingers in world football.
So, fans should be ecstatic about recent reports that have linked the club with another sensational wideman who could be their best winger since the Welshman.
Tottenham transfer news
With just how terribly this season has gone for Tottenham, it’s unsurprising to see the club linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, such as Marcus Rashford.
The Englishman could be available for around £40m in the summer, which might prove to be a reasonable price for the Manchester United product, as across his time with the Red Devils and Aston Villa this term, he’s produced 20 goal involvements in 41 appearances.
A slightly cheaper and far younger option is Tyler Dibling.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Southampton gem has been one of the few bright sparks for the Saints this season, could be available for about £35m and would fit in with the club’s current crop of young talents.
However, as promising as the Exeter-born prospect is, he’s not going to come in and make an instant impact, unlike Jarrod Bowen.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are keen to land the West Ham United star from their London rivals this summer.
Alongside the Lilywhites, Liverpool have also been credited with interest in the Englishman, and while the Hammers do not want to sell, the two parties could make an offer of up to €60m for the 28-year-old, which is about £51m.
It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Bowen’s immense ability, it’d be one worth fighting for.
Why Bowen would be Spurs' best winger
So, should Spurs get their way and leapfrog Liverpool to sign Bowen this summer, why would he instantly become their best winger in a long time?
Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring for England
Well, there are a couple of reasons, but perhaps the most important is that he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.
For example, in just 32 appearances this term, he’s scored ten goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games.
In contrast, Son has scored 11 goals and produced 12 assists in 43 appearances, which comes out to one every 1.86 games.
Brennan Johnson has scored 16 goals and produced seven assists in 46 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.
Appearances
32
43
46
17
Goals
10
11
16
3
Assists
9
12
7
0
Goal Involvements*
0.59
0.53
0.50
0.17
And finally, Wilson Odobert has scored just three goals in 17 appearances this season, which comes out at one every 5.66 games.
On top of the number of goals and assists he produces, the Irons’ “game-changer,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, has also proven that he can handle the most significant occasions, as he scored the winning goal in the 2023 Conference League Final.
Last but not least, while he thrives out on the right, the Englishman is incredibly versatile and can play up top and as a second striker as well as off the left at times, which would allow whoever’s in the Lilywhites’ dugout far more tactical flexibility.
Ultimately, while he might not reach the same levels as peak Bale did, Bowen has the ability and application to be Spurs’ best winger since the Welshman left.
Uh oh: Ange hints £190k-a-week Spurs star could miss Bodo/Glimt with injury
Postecoglou has dropped a worrying injury update ahead of Tottenham’s crucial Europa League tie.
Arsenal have moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign a “unique” target this summer, after sporting director Andrea Berta’s talks with his representatives.
Arsenal identify transfer targets ahead of crucial summer window
Mikel Arteta and Berta appear very likely to orchestrate a major rebuild in the off-season, and they’ve reportedly sealed their first signing of the window already.
Shades of Aubameyang: Arsenal lead race to sign "mind-blowing" goal machine
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ByJack Salveson Holmes May 12, 2025
After months of talks, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has reached an agreement to join Arsenal, and the Spaniard appears set to arrive at N5 with Fabrizio Romano even giving his famous ‘here we go’ to the deal.
With Arteta’s side set to formalise Zubimendi’s move by triggering his £51 million release clause, Berta has a key Arsenal item ticked off his agenda nice and early.
2. Arsenal
68
3. Newcastle United
66
4. Man City
65
5. Chelsea
63
6. Aston Villa
63
7. Nottingham Forest
62
However, there is still plenty of work to do for the Italian, as it is reliably believed the Gunners are actively scouring for new forwards. Arsenal are looking at signing a new right-winger, left-winger and striker, with Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams thought to be a top target.
The £170,000-per-week wide player is one of Europe’s most exciting talents, racking up an incredible 19 assists in all competitions last season and helping Spain to glory at Euro 2024.
Williams endured a slow start to the 24/25 campaign but picked up his form over the second half of the season, and his departure from Bilbao is highly anticipated.
In one of his “first acts” as sporting director, Berta held talks with Williams’ camp over a summer switch to Arsenal, according to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons.
Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race to sign Nico Williams
He would arguably come as the perfect alternative to Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard on the left-hand side, and Williams’ contract includes a tantalising £49 million release clause.
As per journalist Graeme Bailey and The Boot Room, following Berta’s widely reported contact with the 22-year-old’s agents, it is believed that Arsenal remain frontrunners to sign Williams this summer, alongside Chelsea.
While Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle United have also contacted his camp, it is believed Arsenal and Enzo Maresca’s side are ahead of their Premier League rival trio as things stand.
Arteta and Berta appear to have the upper hand, but there is an aspect of caution to this transfer, as reports suggest Williams is set to demand a marquee salary to join any interested suitor – with The Mail even claiming that he wants around £400,000-per-week.
There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind over Williams’ obvious quality at this point, with legendary manager Jose Mourinho calling him a “unique” attacker, but the major obstacle could prove to be financial.
This summer is a huge one for Leeds United, with multiple key additions needed across the squad to bolster the ranks and give them the best chance of Premier League survival.
Daniel Farke has done an excellent job in leading the club out of the Championship, but the real test starts now for the German to build on the success he’s endured in his two years in the role.
It’s been reported that he will have around £100m available to make the additions he wants to the first-team squad at Elland Road, hopefully aiding him in his attempts.
However, to make room for such signings, other players currently on the books in Yorkshire may have to be sacrificed to help with the overhaul of the squad.
One player could be set to depart the Whites in the coming months, potentially putting an end to his long-standing stint as a first-team regular at the club.
The latest on Patrick Bamford’s future at Leeds
Striker Patrick Bamford has been a superb servant to Leeds over the years, netting a total of 60 goals since his big-money arrival from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2018.
However, he’s missed a large chunk of 2024/25 through injury, restricting him to just 17 league appearances – none of which have come from a starting position.
The 31-year-old has also failed to find the back of the net once across all competitions during the recent season, but hasn’t deterred Wrexham from previously being interested in hanging the experienced ace.
He was utilised as a late substitute towards the back end of the campaign after recovering from injury, but given the promotion to the Premier League, now is the perfect time to part ways with the striker.
It would be an emotional departure given his previous impact in England’s top-flight for the Whites, but ultimately it’s a decision that needs to be made, potentially being joined by another player out of the door in Yorkshire.
Not just Bamford: £20k-per-week Leeds man also needs to leave
The previous six promoted teams from the Championship have all been relegated from the Premier League at the first attempt – highlighting the gap between the two divisions.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkeapplauds fans
Such situations have proven that huge money needs to be spent to bridge the gap between the two divisions, with the Whites not able to carry any passengers in such a league.
It’s an unforgiving league which will punish you if you’re not at your best, something which the club have previously experienced after relegation back in 2022/23.
If they are to be a success, they will have to be brutal and avoid handing a new contract to full-back Sam Byram despite his impressive campaign under Farke this time around.
The 31-year-old, who joined on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, has made 76 appearances during his second stint at Elland Road, offering a dependable option in the backline.
However, ultimately, he’s not a Premier League player, with funds needing to be spent wisely if they are to have the calibre of players needed to avoid relegation.
The £20k-per-week earner has started 16 league matches in 2024/25, registering one goal and one assist, but given his £20k-per-week wages, the hierarchy could save £1m a season to invest in other areas with his departure.
Appearances
36
Starts
16
Pass accuracy
83%
Goals & assists
2
Tackles won
1.2
Duel success rate
55%
Fouls committed
1.2
His contract is set to expire at the end of June, with such a situation providing a timely ending to his time in Yorkshire, allowing for fresh blood to enter the club and improve the squad.
It may prove to be an unpopular decision given his squad role under Farke, but unfortunately for Byram, he’s been a victim of their success this season.
He and Bamford departing the club would allow for space and money in the first-team squad, handing Farke added funds to build a competitive outfit for England’s top-flight next year.
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The transfer circus is now in full swing, it would appear, with speculation raging over just who will be added to Ruben Amorim’s ranks at Manchester United this summer.
After acquiring Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in January, it looks as if the Red Devils are set to continue this squad overhaul with the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha.
As has been widely reported, United have held positive contract talks with the Brazilian amid the prospect of striking an early deal, with the 25-year-old available for £62.5m amid the presence of a release clause in his existing deal at Molineux.
While previously linked with a move to Nottingham Forest and Arsenal back in January, it looks as if Amorim and co have now won the race for the former Atletico Madrid man, all being well, with attention turning to the impact that he could make at Old Trafford.
Where Cunha will fit into the Man Utd side
With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scoring just six Premier League goals between them this season, the addition of a new centre-forward appears to be a real priority this summer, not least with United scoring just 38 top-flight goals collectively to date.
Matheus Cunha
Despite having played through the middle in the past, it would appear that Cunha is not actually being targeted to be the new number nine, amid parallel interest in Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.
In the case of the current Wolves man then, he would instead be needed to strengthen Amorim’s options in one of the new number ten berths, not least with the exiled trio of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all looking set to depart permanently.
Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, is yet to truly convince that he can transition from being an out-and-out winger, while Amad Diallo – who has registered 12 goals and assists in 20 games under Amorim – has notably been hampered by injury over the last two seasons.
With Mason Mount also netting just once in total since his arrival in 2023, and with Bruno Fernandes having dropped into a deep-lying role of late, the options in the number ten role are scarce, hence why Cunha could flourish.
How Cunha compares to PL forwards – 24/25
Stat
Record (per 90)
Ranking
Non-penalty goals
0.56
Top 3%
Total shots
3.56
Top 7%
Assists
0.16
Bottom 46%
Shot-creating actions
4.27
Top 20%
Pass completion
71.0%
Bottom 20%
Progressive passes
4.75
Top 22%
Progressive carries
3.79
Top 31%
Successful take-ons
2.20
Top 16%
Tackles
1.36
Bottom 49%
Interceptions
0.64
Top 20%
Stats via FBref
Having registered 14 goals in the league this season while operating in a similar system under Vitor Pereira, the Brazil international would be a ready-made solution ahead of next term.
That statement signing appears to be needed – although it shouldn’t come at the expense of young Kobbie Mainoo.
Cunha stats
Man Utd's "generational talent" must not be sold
Be it the lack of options in attack – as noted above – or his own struggles as part of the midfield, the Amorim regime so far has brought with it a change for Mainoo, with the academy graduate largely lining up as one of the two ten’s of late.
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From making his first Premier League start as a defensive-minded option in front of the back four against Everton in November 2023, the 20-year-old has since even been deployed as a makeshift centre-forward against Crystal Palace and – more recently – Lyon, with a definitive role still yet to be found.
That transition has largely come about due to Amorim’s claims that the midfielder was “struggling a lot defensively” as part of the midfield two, albeit with the Portuguese coach also praising the youngster for his ability in the final third.
Indeed, last week’s thrilling triumph in the Europa League saw Mainoo net in almost trademark fashion with a delightful, curling effort inside the area, having previously scored in similar style against both Wolves and Liverpool last term.
That impact off the bench has highlighted just why the England starlet can thrive in a more advanced berth moving forward, albeit with the addition of a figure like Cunha only set to hamper his hopes of a regular role in the starting lineup.
For all his injury-related woes this term, it’s worth remembering that Mainoo had enjoyed a stunning emergence in 2023/24, resulting in his key role in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2024 final, having started every knockout stage game under Gareth Southgate.
Described as a “generational talent” by Hojlund, it would be a crying shame for the FA Cup final match winner to be nudged toward the exit door so swiftly, with speculation having been rife regarding his future, amid an apparent stall in contract talks.
Kobbie Mainoo
While there may be a desire to cash in on a player who is valued at around £74m, according to CIES Football Observatory – placing him ahead of the £62.5m-rated Cunha – that soaring valuation also indicates just what a diamond he truly is.
Of course, Amorim’s 3-4-3 system may be better suited to Cunha and the like, yet not being able to find a home for Mainoo in the starting lineup would reflect poorly on the manager.
This is the type of talent that United simply can’t afford to lose.
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