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West Bromwich Albion fans will no doubt still be missing the presence of the passionate Carlos Corberan on the sidelines at the Hawthorns.

After all, when the much-loved Spaniard departed the club for Valencia in late December, the Baggies had only lost three league clashes and were just outside the playoff picture in seventh spot.

Fast forward to the end of the season, however, and West Brom ended up finishing in a lower ninth position, with the experiment of bringing back Tony Mowbray not working whatsoever.

Therefore, it’s crucial that the bruised Baggies get this next managerial appointment spot on, with an ever-growing list of intriguing names being rumoured to step in and replace Mowbray.

West Brom could now appoint Corberan 2.0

In an ideal world, West Brom will be able to unearth their next iteration of Corberan with whoever takes on the ongoing vacancy.

There is a shout to say Ryan Mason could be Corberan 2.0, considering he’s been a background figure at Tottenham Hotspur for most of his coaching career to date – much like the Spaniard was at Leeds United – before exploding into life as the main presence in the dug-out.

But, the Championship outfit could look to a more left-field shout than Mason in ex-Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay, with new reports suggesting the 33-year-old is now one of the frontrunners over the much-talked-about Spurs man.

Much like Mason, Ramsay arriving on the scene at the Hawthorns could have the same impact Corberan once had on proceedings, with an argument to be had that the former Wales assistant manager has more in his arsenal than his Tottenham counterpart in the main manager game with Minnesota United.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Why Ramsay could be Corberan 2.0

Whilst his name is more recognisable for being a second-in-command figure to Erik ten Hag and Rob Page for Manchester United and Wales, Ramsay is beginning to forge an impressive name for himself in the MLS with Minnesota.

Amazingly, his blistering Minnesota side downed a Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami 4-1 last time out in MLS action, with that comprehensive victory taking him all the way up an impressive 23 wins in total from 49 games in charge.

Corberan will be able to resonate with Ramsay’s unorthodox start to management out in America, with the now Valencia boss having to start his own journey in the lower leagues of Cyprus and he would initially struggle, before his first EFL opportunity as a main manager would come about with Huddersfield Town.

Amazingly, Ramsay can boast seven more victories from his first 49 games in charge of Minnesota than Corberan was able to pick during his first 49 games as a head coach, but the Spaniard would go on to grow and improve past this point to turn both the Terriers and the Baggies into Championship playoff candidates.

Moreover, the former Man United coach’s growing experience of the game he’s managed to achieve from the dug-out in the MLS makes him a far more capable option than the alternative face of Mason, with the promising coach picking up just six career wins when handed the temporary Spurs reins.

Once hailed as “one of the best young coaches in football” by Page when appointed Wales assistant manager, the proof could soon be in the pudding if he can transform West Brom’s fortunes on his potential return to England.

If it does work out, it would be another worthwhile gamble taken by the powers that be at the Hawthorns, with Corberan once just a plucky coach trying to cut his teeth in the men’s game like Ramsay, before very nearly turning West Brom back into a Premier League side.

West Brom could sign a "sensational" star who'd be Fellows 2.0

West Bromwich Albion could soon land their next Tom Fellows with this summer purchase.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 12, 2025

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola isn’t used to going entire seasons without a trophy.

Indeed, the 2024/25 campaign was just the second in his career without a single major trophy being won, and he needs to change things this summer.

The summer transfer window could be the most important in the club’s recent history. Kevin De Bruyne is departing, while several other players could be sold.

In terms of incomings, Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White have both been routinely linked over the previous few weeks, but the latest on that is that Wirtz will not be heading to the Etihad.

Recent news has seen AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders linked with a move too.

Why Man City must sign Tijjani Reijnders

With De Bruyne leaving and several midfielders aged 30 or over, Guardiola looks set to bring in someone younger during the summer.

Reijnders fits the bill, especially as he is coming to the peak of his powers. The Dutchman has enjoyed a sublime campaign with Milan throughout 2024/25.

There has been a distinct lack of goals from City’s central midfield options this term. Matheus Nunes is the highest scorer with four, but the Milan sensation will be able to add an attacking threat to Guardiola’s side.

Indeed, the 26-year-old has scored 15 times and provided five assists for the Serie A side.

Furthermore, when compared to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the midfielder ranks in the top 3% for both non-penalty goals (0.29) and progressive carries (3.11) per 90, along with ranking in the top 16% for touches in the attacking penalty area.

This suggests the Dutchman loves bursting forward into dangerous positions regularly and could give City some much-needed dynamism in the heart of the pitch.

What a move for Reijnders would mean for City

If he does sign, it could be curtains for Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan played a key role for City during his first spell at the club, winning everything that was on offer.

A single-year sabbatical in Barcelona didn’t go as planned for the former Borussia Dortmund star, and he returned to the Etihad last summer.

Hailed as “exceptional” by Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, upon his arrival, he failed to replicate the feats of his first spell back in Manchester.

Across 48 matches, the 34-year-old recorded just seven goal contributions in all competitions for the club, a far cry from the 18 he registered two seasons ago.

Of course, age catches up with us all, but the midfielder simply failed to offer much for Guardiola throughout the campaign, especially in the Premier League.

Not only did he create just three big chances across 31 league games, but the Turkish-born star failed to score a single goal, won less than 50% of his total duels and made only 0.8 tackles per game.

If City capture the signing of Reijnders in the next few weeks, it will surely mean the end of Gundogan’s second stint in England.

They say never go back. In Gundogan’s case, perhaps he should have remained in Barcelona.

Viana now moving to sign £59m Crystal Palace star who destroyed Man City

He’s been in sensational form as of late.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 18, 2025

Having already reached a verbal agreement to sign Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly ready to take the next step in their move to sign a 20-goal forward this summer.

Nottingham Forest reach agreement to sign Jesus

Whilst both Cuibana and Cunha are impressive in their own rights, Jesus is the name that stands out the most. The talented forward is a Brazilian international and joins after showcasing his goalscoring prowess in Brazil – netting seven and creating another one in 24 games throughout the current campaign. With Chris Wood not getting any younger, the arrival of the 24-year-old couldn’t be coming at a better time.

Spending for the first time this summer, owner Evangelos Marinakis clearly means business. The Greek businessman will, like everyone else at the City Ground, will be desperate to see a repeat of the season just gone when August arrives.

Nottingham Forest came within touching distance of Champions League qualification, before being forced to settle for the Europa Conference League. Set for a European tour nonetheless, Nuno Espirito Santo and his side will be hoping to cause even greater shocks next season.

Nottingham Forest on verge of signing "one of the most exciting strikers"

The Tricky Trees could make a significant series of moves…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 2, 2025

Whether those in the Midlands prove to be one-hit-wonders or push on next season is the big question. Already, the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White have been linked with moves away to Manchester City in what would be a damaging departure for Forest.

As stars head for the exit door, however, further arrivals could yet join Jesus, Cunha and Cuiabano at the City Ground to strengthen Espirito Santo’s squad.

Nottingham Forest readying next step in Wissa move

According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are now readying their next step to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford this summer. Those at the City Ground were interested in the forward in January, but were quickly put off by his £40m valuation. Now, six months later, it looks as though they’re set to go again in pursuit of the impressive striker.

Negotiations are unlikely to be easier this time around, though. Brentford are already likely to lose Bryan Mbeumo this summer amid interest from Manchester United and there’s no denying that losing Wissa on top of their main talisman would deal Thomas Frank the biggest blow of his time in the Premier League.

After scoring 20 goals in all competitions throughout the campaign, Forest’s interest in Wissa should of course come as little surprise. Frank is well aware of the quality that his forward, who has become a superstar in his homeland with 31 caps for DR Congo, possesses.

The Brentford boss was full praise for both Wissa and Mbeumo back in April, telling reporters: “It’s a duo, of course, him and Wissa. Wissa is fantastic. He has scored actually more open-play goals than Brian still. But Brian is the penalty taker, unbelievable at penalties, assists, work ethic, an unbelievable player.”

Celtic have an abundance of talent that could attract interest from elsewhere this summer, but Brendan Rodgers won’t let his star players leave on the cheap if recent developments are to be taken as an indication.

Celtic set to field interest in star players this summer

The Bhoys enjoyed another successful season and came out the other side with a domestic double, enjoying plenty of highs along the way including progression in the Champions League.

In a tale as old as time, proving yourself in Glasgow under the pressure of playing for Celtic usually attracts watchful eyes from elsewhere, so it will come as no surprise to hear that Nicolas Kuhn is of interest to Premier League outfit Brentford.

Following a campaign where he registered 36 goal contributions, the former Germany Under-20 international has emerged as a candidate to replace Bryan Mbeumo at the Gtech Community Stadium should the latter complete a £60 million switch to Manchester United.

Greg Taylor is set to become a free agent and has a two-year deal on the table from PAOK. It is still unclear if he plans to stay at Parkhead or move on to new pastures at this point in time.

Either way, Brendan Rodgers could be set to ring the changes at Celtic this summer. The Bhoys endured a moderate level of inconsistency towards the end of the campaign, indicating that freshness is needed to prop up their quest for a fifth Scottish Premiership title on the trot.

Rodgers could sign Celtic their new Giakoumakis in 25-goal sensation

As Celtic continue their search for a new forward this summer, should the sign a “technically gifted” striker for free, reminiscent of Giakoumakis?

1

By
Ben Gray

Jun 6, 2025

Retaining their star players will be a central part of that mission, though there have now been further developments regarding another high-level operator who is wanted by two of Europe’s giants.

The state of play on Daizen Maeda's Celtic future

According to Sozcu vis Sport Witness, Fenerbache could step up their pursuit of Celtic forward Daizen Maeda after their initial plan to bid £8.5 million for the Japan international was deemed ‘laughable’ by the Scottish champions.

Now, it is said that the Bhoys want to recoup at least £21 million if he is sold, while Tottenham Hotspur have also entered the race for his signature off the back of claiming the Europa League title and could hijack Fener with a higher number.

Maeda is contracted to Celtic for another two years and has a new agreement on the table in Glasgow. There has been no news regarding whether he plans to accept an extension, making transfer interest a natural consequence now the window is here.

Despite the Hoops’ penchant to sell for profit, Maeda is a unique case and is arguably their most important player at the moment.

Keeping the 27-year-old around for the immediate future is imperative, though if one of Fenerbache or Tottenham Hotspur meet Celtic’s demands, it may become difficult to retain his services.

Chelsea are planning to overhaul a key area of Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer, with BlueCo looking to sell two players and potentially open new talks for an elite-level star.

Chelsea continue transfer planning after botched CWC deals

In high-profile fashion, Chelsea missed out on a couple of anticipated deals before the pre-Club World Cup transfer deadline at 7pm on Tuesday.

Chelsea are in ongoing talks with Neymar-like forward – Sky journalist

The west Londoners are still working beyond the Club World Cup transfer deadline.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 11, 2025

While Chelsea do have the arrival of Liam Delap to celebrate, with the English sensation set to bolster Maresca’s forward options for the CWC, the Blues couldn’t quite get Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens or AC Milan’s Mike Maignan over the line.

The former was a top target for Maresca in the wide area, and Chelsea did their utmost to make it happen – lodging three different offers in the build up to Tuesday’s deadline, only for Dortmund to reject them all and demand more money (Florian Plettenberg).

Chelsea went as high as £47 million in their bid to sign Gittens, but it was no use, with the west Londoners deciding to walk away from talks once it was clear a deal could not be done in time.

Their attempts to sign Maignan were equally frustrating.

Milan wanted around £25 million to sell the France international, who’s about to enter the final year of his contract and won’t sign a new one, but Chelsea were only willing to pay up to £13 million, meaning no agreement could be found (The Athletic).

Given the 29-year-old’s pedigree as, arguably, one of the world’s finest keepers and France’s undisputed number one, there is frustration among Chelsea supporters that they didn’t stump up the cash for a player who would’ve undoubtedly been an upgrade on their current crop.

Maignan was also known to be very keen on a move to Chelsea, and for just £25m, the shot-stopper could’ve been a serious bargain.

However, their transfer plans are continuing into the summer, with reliable journalist Simon Phillips suggesting that a move for Maignan certainly isn’t off the cards.

Chelsea could hold new Mike Maignan talks next week

The Blues want to sell both Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic, with Chelsea reportedly valuing the latter at around £21 million. Sanchez joined the club for around £25 million from Brighton, and you’d Chelsea would want to recuperate a large portion of that fee.

With the £46 million duo up for sale, one source has told Phillips that Chelsea could even reopen talks for Maignan as early as next week.

“They held talks with Milan, Maignan wants the move, and Chelsea actually believed they were about to sign him with a fee agreement close,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“AC Milan moved the goalposts on the fee in the final stages and that was enough for Chelsea to back out, for now.

“However, they are likely to go back for Maignan. I know initially we heard yesterday that they wouldn’t be going back for him at all. But after further digging by our sources last night, we’ve heard that Chelsea are now likely to revisit this deal later in the summer window. One source even suggests they could go back in for talks as soon as next week.

“Chelsea don’t want to be pushed over in negotiations so some of this is about sending messages as well as not appearing desperate to land a new goalkeeper.

“And that is because they want to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez this summer. Obviously this needs suitors and those suitors to pay the valuations to make this happen, but this is their intentions.”

Called “one of the best” keepers in world football by Alisson, the Liverpool star also heralded Maignan’s “quick” burst of pace off the line, and a truly quality number one could be one of the final missing pieces of Maresca’s jigsaw.

Birmingham City are looking to put themselves in contention for promotion to the Premier League and have made contact to sign a prolific goalscorer from one of Europe’s top-five leagues, according to a report.

Birmingham City line up summer signings

The Blues are looking forward to returning after claiming promotion to the Championship last time out, and it is fair to say there is plenty of progress being made in their hunt for summer signings.

Recent reports have noted that Birmingham are hotly pursuing Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph and it is said that Real Betis and RC Strasbourg are also competing for his signature.

Intriguingly, Joseph hasn’t closed the door to an exit from Elland Road, citing his need for regular game time in a recent interview while enjoying some downtime during the off-season.

He stated: “We achieved our goal as a team, but I personally want to be more involved in the final stretch of the season. I think I need more participation to continue developing as a player.

“The season has just ended, and we have to stop and evaluate. We’ve been promoted to the Premier League. We’ll see what the club says, but I want to play more to continue growing.”

Birmingham City want to beat EFL rivals to sign Klarer 2.0 this summer

Birmingham City could land their next Christoph Klarer by signing this gem from Germany.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 18, 2025

Oli McBurnie could also join Birmingham after becoming a free agent following Las Palmas’ relegation from La Liga, albeit competition from all angles exists regarding the Scotland international’s availability.

It does feel like the Blues will arrive into the new campaign with a genuine shot at something more than consolidation. However, if they manage to pull off a deal for their latest target, it could signal they are looking to put themselves in the mix for promotion.

Birmingham City eye ambitious Kyogo Furuhashi swoop

According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Birmingham City have made contact with Rennes over Kyogo Furuhashi’s availability after the Japan international fell out of favour in France.

Despite only joining Habib Beye’s men in January for £10 million, the 30-year-old has barely featured and now appears primed for a quickfire exit.

Labelled “excellent” by Brendan Rodgers, Furuhashi has scored 156 career goals, combining his exploits for club and country and is most revered for his time at Celtic, where he became a pivotal force in helping the Scottish champions claim nine major honours.

The former Yokohama F. Marinos man has endured a difficult few months, but a move to Birmingham could be the perfect tonic to reignite his fortunes as the Blues look to put themselves in contention for a return to the Premier League under Chris Davies.

Chelsea are currently in negotiations over signing another player after completing deals for Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens, with BlueCo showing zero sign of slowing down after an already exciting start to the summer.

£195k-a-week Chelsea star now "pushing" for exit with Maresca forced to sell

The Blues are set for another entertaining window.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 2, 2025

Enzo Maresca is set to welcome both Pedro and Gittens in a double-deal worth north of £110 million.

Chelsea were given the green-light to seal switches for the highly-rated attacking duo when their fourth total offer for Gittens was accepted, with the club set to pay £55 million for the Englishman’s services, while Pedro is set to arrive for another £55m, which could rise to £60m with add-ons.

With Liam Delap, Pedro and Gittens summing up Chelsea’s major transfer dealings thus far, they could soon be followed by West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian is also attracting reliably reported interest from Tottenham, who’ve opened talks with both Kudus and the Hammers (Fabrizio Romano), but according to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are by no means out of the race.

Chelsea in talks for Mohammed Kudus as "next top target"

Recent reports suggest that Chelsea are suitors for Kudus, and West Ham would apparently prefer he joins the Blues over Spurs given their tense business relationship (GOAL).

The Hammers and Tottenham haven’t agreed any deals at all since Scott Parker’s switch to Hotspur Way in 2011, with Phillips now reporting that Chelsea are directly rivalling Thomas Frank’s side in pursuit of the 24-year-old.

Chelsea are apparently in talks for Kudus and pushing to get a deal done, with the ex-Ajax sensation also keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, though his eagerness to quit West Ham means he’s just as open to Tottenham.

“Chelsea are working to try and sign Mohammed Kudus right now! But they may have to be quick due to Tottenham advancing on the deal. Newcastle are also keen as well as clubs in Saudi,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“Chelsea are absolutely working on Kudus right now – and it may not even depend on selling players first. This is because other clubs are working to try and bring Kudus in, and Chelsea have identified him as their next top target for attack. Chelsea and West Ham are currently in talks for Kudus, but as said, Spurs are also advancing.

“On the player side, we’ve heard that he wants Chelsea but is also content to go to Spurs. He is just keen to move after not seeing eye to eye with Graham Potter, and sees Chelsea as his ideal move.

“The Blues have wanted Kudus since he was at Ajax and will keep pushing to try and agree a deal to bring him this window.”

West Ham are reportedly prepared to accept a £60 million bid for the wantaway winger (The Guardian), which would take Chelsea’s spending this window to around £200 million.

Only Man City’s Jeremy Doku completed more successful take-ons per 90 than Kudus in the Premier League last season on average (WhoScored), and this was despite an overall lack of form when compared to his exceptional debut campaign at the London Stadium.

Kudus’ directness, pace and strength on the ball is clear, but Chelsea will be eager not to overspend, after already seeing a £50 million offer rejected for him (Simon Phillips).

They could apparently offer up players in a separate ‘unofficial swap deal’ to sweeten talks with West Ham, as per Phillips again, so this is definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming days.

Yet again in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Manchester United are in the midst of a pivotal, ‘transitional’ summer under a new manager, with Ruben Amorim needing to oversee a sizeable rebuild at Old Trafford.

Fresh from the disappointment of a 15th-place Premier League finish and a limp Europa League final defeat, a fresh start is needed in Manchester. What better way to kickstart a new era than with new signings.

£62.5m has already been spent on Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha, while the Red Devils are also confirming the £7m capture of Paraguayan teenager, Diego Leon, having struck a deal with Cerro Porteno in January.

If improvements are to be made on a dismal few years at Old Trafford, those deals must surely mark the beginning, rather than the end of the club’s dealings this summer, not least with a gruelling set of fixtures to kick things off.

When Arsenal come to town on 17 August, Amorim could do with having everything settled and sorted, avoiding the typical deadline day drama and desperation. If everything does go to plan, here’s how Man United’s dream squad could look for 2025/26…

The goalkeepers

Onana & Bayindir ruthlessly replaced

It might not be the priority, but if funds are available, there should well be a drastic overhaul in United’s goalkeeping department, with both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir in need of a fresh start elsewhere.

In the case of Onana, the former Ajax and Inter man has been tipped for a move to Saudi Arabia after enduring a miserable two seasons in English football, having made five errors leading to a goal across the Premier League and Europa League last term.

Bayindir fared little better, shipping four against both Brentford and Newcastle United at the tail-end of last term, having got away with one against Aston Villa on the final day.

With veteran Englishman Tom Heaton set to stay, and promising academy star Radek Vitek returning from a loan spell at Austrian side BW Linz, two solid backups are already at Amorim’s disposal.

As for a new number one, a £50m move for Lille’s Lucas Chevalier has been touted, with the Frenchman regarded as “one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Full list of goalkeepers – Lucas Chevalier, Radek Vitek, Tom Heaton

The defence

Strength in depth despite limited recruitment

With so much work to be done at either end of the pitch, it could be argued that the defensive unit is of least concern heading into the new season, with Amorim blessed with strength in depth – provided everyone is fit and available.

The signings in attack could see Amad slip back into a right wing-back role, with the Ivorian memorably providing the assist for the first goal of the Amorim regime from that starting berth against Ipswich Town.

Lining up at right centre-back, exciting teenager Leny Yoro emerged as a real shining light in the back end of last term, with the experience of Harry Maguire – described as “perfect” for this system by his manager – likely to be invaluable next to him.

While long-term target Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new deal at Everton, United already boast a handful of options at left centre-back, with both Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw set to be in the frame, fitness permitting, while young Ayden Heaven will also be pushing for a more prominent role.

Amorim could also have three options to rotate at left wing-back, with January signing Patrick Dorgu likely to compete with the teenage duo of Harry Amass and recent arrival, Leon – the latter of whom has been described as like a “stream train” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Full list of right wing-backs – Amad, Diogo Dalot

Full list of centre-backs – RCB (Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui); CB (Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt); LCB (Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw)

Full list of left wing-backs – Patrick Dorgu, Harry Amass, Diego Leon

The midfielders

One key signing could make all the difference

With Cunha likely to be Amorim’s first-choice pick as a number ten, that acquisition may have sealed Bruno Fernandes’ fate, with the United skipper seemingly destined for a long-term role in one of the two midfield berths.

Again the chief creator in the division last term, the talismanic playmaker has shunned Saudi interest to remain in Manchester. Now all that is needed is a suitable partner.

Manuel Ugarte has prior experience working under Amorim, although his lack of involvement in the Bilbao showpiece outlined his initial struggles. Casemiro, meanwhile, could be kept on for his experience and leadership, but at 33, he should no longer be a regular starter at Premier League level.

Thankfully, the academy has produced the likes of Toby Collyer and teenage sensation, Jack Fletcher, for Amorim to lean more heavily on next term, although Fernandes’ first-choice partner could arrive in the form of Douglas Luiz, with talks reportedly being held with Juventus over a potential deal.

The Brazilian only left Aston Villa for £42m last summer, yet amid a testing time in Turin, a return to the Premier League could be on the cards. As United legend Roy Keane previously stated, he is a “quality” talent and has already proved himself in England. Box ticked.

Full list of central midfielders – Bruno Fernandes, Douglas Luiz, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, (Jack Fletcher)

The forwards

Major moves made to upgrade limp forward line

They say goals win games, but defence wins titles – well, right now, United are more concerned with the former, rather than the latter, having been so desperately poor last term.

It’s time for out with the old and in with the new, with Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony all in need of a fresh start, alongside Inter Milan target, Rasmus Hojlund.

If everything goes to plan, the Red Devils could be strengthened by three players who netted 51 Premier League goals between them last term, in the form of Cunha (15), Bryan Mbeumo (20) and Ollie Watkins (16).

A deal for the £70m-rated Mbeumo continues to rumble on, while reports have outlined that an approach has been made for Villa’s Watkins, with Viktor Gyokeres looking destined to end up at Arsenal. Watkins, it has been said, could fetch around £60m this summer.

While it is Brentford’s “mini-Salah” – as hailed by talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy – who enjoyed the more fruitful 2024/25, his former Bees teammate has been Mr Consistent in the top-flight for half a decade now, after reaching double figures for league goals in each of his five seasons at Villa.

A new look triumvirate could then lead the line under Amorim next term, and with the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo in reserve, the Old Trafford faithful could finally have something to shout about.

Full list of number tens – Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo

Full list of strikers – Ollie Watkins, Joshua Zirkzee, Chido Obi

£185m signings with Cunha: AI predicts Man Utd's 2025/26 starting line-up

Four new faces could be in the side against Arsenal in August.

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By
Charlie Smith

Jun 22, 2025

It might sound like it, but it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to state that this summer has been one of Chelsea’s best in a very long time.

Enzo Maresca’s men came into it as Conference League champions and with Champions League football secured, only to then go and demolish Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.

On top of the successes on the pitch, the West Londoners have been incredibly busy off it, welcoming in a host of brilliant players, including striker duo Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Yet, the Pensioners are not done there, as reports have now linked them with a goalscoring monster who is so dangerous he could be bad news for the two forwards.

Chelsea's summer business

To ensure Maresca’s side can kick on next season, the board have gone out of their way to back the manager over the last month or so.

Transfer Focus

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

On top of the £60m for Pedro and the £30m for Delap, the West Londoners splashed £48m on the dynamic Jamie Gittens, who racked up 17 goal involvements in 49 games for Borussia Dortmund last season.

However, the Blues may have saved their most audacious transfer for last, as they’re now being linked to an incredibly in-demand forward who would possibly be bad news for Pedro and Delap: Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are one of a number of clubs who admire the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

Newcastle United are currently leading the race for his signature and have seen a £70m offer rejected, but Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen on the player, alongside the Blues, per Jacobs.

In terms of how much he’d ultimately cost, reports from earlier this summer claimed that an offer of around £85m should be enough to tempt the German side into selling.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, even if it would potentially be bad news for Pedro and Delap.

Why Ekitike could be bad news for Pedro and Delap

The first thing to say is that both Delap and Pedro are incredibly talented forwards, with the former already racking up a goal and an assist in six games for the Blues and the latter doing even better, scoring three goals in three games.

However, when it comes to pure output, the pair pale in comparison to what Ekitike was able to produce last season, and that ultimately is why his arrival could be bad news for their future game time.

For example, in 48 appearances this season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

In other words, the 23-year-old machine was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.

In contrast, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.

Likewise, the former Ipswich Town gem did well, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2670 minutes, but that still comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.85 games, or every 190.71 minutes.

Then, on top of his vastly superior output, the Frankfurt star, whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” also has the advantage of more top-level experience.

He has made four appearances in the Champions League and 12 in the Europa League, compared to six for the Brazilian and none for the Englishman.

Ultimately, there are enough games in a season for all three to get game time, but should Chelsea sign Ekitike this summer, his outrageous ability in front of goal would surely see Pedro and Delap relegated to second and third choice, respectively.

PL rivals eyeing £100m Chelsea star; his exit could make room for Ekitike

It would be wise of Chelsea to cash in and upgrade.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 16, 2025

Nico Williams faces around three weeks out of action after the Athletic Club star suffered a muscle injury while on international duty with Spain.

• Williams suffered injury against Turkey
• Winger had to be taken off at half-time
• 23-year-old to miss Champions League opener

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The winger had to be taken off just before half-time during the World Cup qualifier against Turkey on Sunday after sustaining an injury. The club issued an official statement to clarify his injury status, confirming a moderate adductor injury.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following a dramatic summer window, where his move to Barcelona was blocked by Athletic, and his contract was extended till 2035, Williams had started his campaign for the Basque club on a high note. He has already recorded one goal and two assists in three La Liga games. However, now Athletic find themselves in trouble. After the international break, they have six important games in 18 days. According to , the winger won't be available against Alaves this week and will be uncertain for the games against Arsenal on September 16 and Valencia four days later.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 23-year-old, who signed a long-term contract after flirting with a move to Barcelona in the summer, has a goal and an assist to his name in three La Liga appearances this season. He also set up Pedri's opener in the 6-0 win against Turkey.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ATHLETIC?

  Athletic will resume their La Liga journey on September 13 against Alaves. They currently sit second in the table, having accumulated nine points from three games. They have the same points as table toppers Real Madrid, but a lower goal difference keeps them behind Los Blancos.