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Liverpool took a gamble when they signed Darwin Nunez in 2022. FSG have a way of doing things on the financial front, you see, and that modus operandi is built on the premise that data-driven analysis dictates the strategies.

But Nunez impressed in the 2021/22 Champions League, scoring against Barcelona, Bayern Munich and, crucially, Liverpool, thus convincing Jurgen Klopp to push for a deviation from the typical approach, signing a raw but brilliant prospect for a lofty £64m.

Nunez will depart Anfield this summer having failed to activate the full £85m payment of his transfer, with wastefulness in front of goal and struggles to adapt to Arne Slot’s system alienating him, leaving him with one Premier League start since Boxing Day, scoring only seven goals all season.

He goes with Merseyside’s blessing, but he needs to leave this summer. The 25-year-old has suitors in Italy and the Saudi Pro League, and when movement starts to happen on that front, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes can move ahead with the signing of a new first-class number nine.

Liverpool in race for new striker

As per Football Insider, Victor Osimhen is still on Liverpool’s radar as FSG prepare to cash in on Nunez. After completing a successful loan spell with Galatasaray, Osimhen will leave Napoli this summer.

Valued at £67m, the Nigerian striker has also piqued the interest of Manchester United, but Liverpool will hope European football, a title-winning team and more stable conditions will hold sway in the race.

Al-Hilal had been pushing to sign Osimhen, but a deal fell through after the player made known his preference to remain in Europe. The door is very much open for the Anfield side.

Why Liverpool want Victor Osimhen

Now that Liverpool have agreed a £116m deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, they can turn their attention toward the front of the ship, and Osimhen could be the perfect man to upgrade on Nunez, affordable and fantastic at his job.

Hailed as “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, Osimhen has been one of the most prolific marksmen in Europe for several seasons now, and despite his unhappy divorce with Napoli, has jetted the flame alive out with Galatasaray this term, posting 37 goals and eight assists across just 41 games.

24/25 – Galatasaray

41

37

8

23/24 – Napoli

32

17

4

22/23 – Napoli

39

31

5

21/22 – Napoli

32

18

6

20/21 – Napoli

30

10

3

His consistency bespeaks his elite-class ability, and with nine goals and an assist from just 17 outings in the Champions League, the 26-year-old has the perfect arsenal to thrive for Slot’s Liverpool, a fierce blend of pace, power and potency in the final third.

It really goes without saying that he’d prove an upgrade on Nunez, whose struggles have been personified by his profligacy in England’s top flight, only scoring 25 Premier League goals across three campaigns and missing a staggering 55 big chances, as per Sofascore.

To be fair, Osimhen has missed 64 big chances across league performances over the same timeframe; the difference, however, is that he’s tucked away 67 strikes.

Ranked among the top 9% of strikers across Europe last season for aerial battles won, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and the top 18% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, Osimhen is more than just a focal point, instead, utilising his athleticsm and strength to dominate in the final third, linking play together and controlling in the air.

Osimhen might cost a fair amount this summer, but the proof is in the pudding with this one, and there’s little question he’d prove a huge upgrade on Nunez.

Slot's new Gakpo: Liverpool still in the running for "one of the best STs"

Liverpool are looking to sign new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 13, 2025

Newcastle United will be aiming to bolster their defence this summer, and Marc Geuhi is still earmarked as a target.

The Crystal Palace defender has been on the club’s radar for a while now, and, with his contract set to expire next year, Eddie Howe may look to strike a deal to bring him to the club.

A recent report states that the Toon might be able to strike a deal worth £40m to sign Guehi this summer, given his contract status.

With other interest in him from elsewhere, however, might Howe target an alternative?

Newcastle could target a move for Liverpool defender

While Guehi has been a target for the Magpies for quite some time now, it looks as though he could perhaps miss the boat.

According to The Chronicle, Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah is a player who remains on the club’s radar this summer, as they look to bolster their defensive options.

Although the Anfield side won the Premier League title last term, the Englishman played a bit-part role in the success and could move on to pastures new.

He is also attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen, with Erik ten Hag looking to launch a bid worth around £40m for the Liverpool starlet this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

While Guehi remains one of the players that Howe is desperate to bring to Newcastle, the window is getting shorter for this move to happen.

Could he perhaps strike a deal to bring Quansah north instead? Only time will tell.

Why Newcastle must sign Jarell Quansah

There is no doubt that Guehi is heading into the peak years of his career. He will turn 25 next month and helped Palace win the FA Cup just last month.

Quansah, on the other hand, just turned 22 earlier this year and still has plenty of years left before he hits his peak, which is why he could be a dream alternative to the Eagles star.

Metric (per 90)

Guehi

Quansah

Pass success rate

87%

89%

Tackles

1.1

1.5

Total duels won percentage

60%

64%

Possession lost

7.4

8.4

Interceptions

0.7

1.1

Balls recovered

4.8

4.2

As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international has the potential to offer more than Guehi from a defensive perspective, as he won a higher percentage of his duels and averaged more tackles and interceptions per 90 in the Premier League.

Under Jürgen Klopp, the defender made 17 league appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign. He suitably impressed, finishing the season with an 89% pass success rate while winning 64% of his total duels contested and losing possession just 8.4 times per game.

When compared to his peers in the top flight that season, Quansah also ranked in the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90 (3.4) and in the top 3% for non-penalty goals (0.15) per 90.

It was perhaps no wonder that he was dubbed an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig that season for his performances. He hasn’t quite settled into Arne Slot’s side during the Dutchman’s maiden season at Anfield, however.

The defender was restricted to just 25 appearances during 2024/25, with only 13 of those coming in the starting XI.

Does he need a fresh start to fulfil his potential? Newcastle would be the perfect place for him to gain regular gametime.

With Champions League football on the horizon, Quansah could become a regular under Howe at the Magpies as a dream alternative to Guehi this summer.

He could be better than Mbeumo: Newcastle enter race for £38m "future icon"

Newcastle need a new forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025

Although their focus has been on finding a new manager, Rangers are now reportedly seriously interested in signing a European talent who they’ve already scouted ahead of the summer transfer window.

Rangers' manager shortlist

Before anything, the Gers must finally find a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, having decided against handing Barry Ferguson the job following a brief interim spell at the end of the season. To that end, a number of candidates have unsurprisingly already emerged in the race to land the vaccant position at Ibrox.

Names such as Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti have stolen the most headlines, but that hasn’t stopped the likes of Russell Martin from receiving links to the job in recent weeks. The former Southampton manager has been out of a job since being shown the door at St Mary’s and is now an outside candidate to arrive in Scotland as well as being linked with the Leicester City job.

Plenty have had their say on just who should arrive, including Rangers legend Ally McCoist. He told reporters when quizzed on Gerrard’s next move: “It’s absolutely vital that his next job is the right one, It didn’t quite work out at Villa or in Saudi Arabia. It’s similar to Frank Lampard—his move to Coventry has been crucial in getting his managerial career back on track. Steven’s in that same position. His next step needs to be spot on.”

Whether a return to Rangers is a move that would be “spot on” for Gerrard is a question that those in Scotland may just get an answer to in the coming weeks, as the 49ers ramp up their managerial hunt.

Same agent as Gerrard: Rangers want cheap deal to sign £1m int'l defender

He could arrive with the potential new manager.

ByTom Cunningham May 28, 2025

As soon as they find their next manager, of course, Rangers must turn their attention towards the summer transfer market and that’s when they could make their move to sign an attacking addition who they’ve already scouted.

Rangers seriously interested in Djurgarden winger Fallenius

According to Fotboll Direkt in Sweden, the 49ers are now seriously interested in signing Oskar Fallenius after Rangers completed their scouting mission on the 23-year-old Djurgarden winger. The Swede could be part of a much-needed list of arrivals as those at Ibrox look to turn their side back into true title contenders and bridge the gap on Celtic in the process.

A player who has featured on the European stage and scored in the Europa Conference League, Fallenius has seemingly done enough to earn the attention of Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window.

If the 49ers are looking to improve the Gers whilst maintaining their budget, then the arrival of a player who could be on the verge of bursting into his best form should be the way forward. And Fallenius would fall into that category.

The Scottish giants arguably got it all wrong last summer, but with new owners on the way they have the chance to start fresh and close the gap on Celtic for the first time since 2021. Whether that results in Fallenius’ arrival will certainly be interesting to see.

Arsenal agreed personal terms with a “powerful” player last summer, and while a move ultimately didn’t come to fruition, it could happen this year instead.

Arsenal braced for Champions League semi-final tie against PSG

Mikel Arteta’s side have a golden opportunity to make 2024/2025 their most memorable campaign in decades, despite missing out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by some distance.

A better signing than Gyokeres: Arsenal keen on landing the "new Haaland"

Arsenal are on the hunt to bolster their forward line this summer.

5 ByMatt Dawson Apr 27, 2025

Two season-defining European semi-final legs have the potential to pay dividends for Arteta’s side, with their first Champions League final appearance since 2006 on the line, not to mention the possibility of being crowned winners for the first time in their illustrious history.

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Arsenal face-off against a PSG side who they’ve already beaten once this term, a 2-0 league phase win back in October, with Luis Enrique’s side also tasting defeat in Ligue 1 for the first time this season against Nice last week.

Riding high off their sensational 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the last round, Arsenal go into the tie carrying plenty of encouragement, with Arteta urging his players to play with bravery.

“You’ve seen it first hand the way we approach the game against Real Madrid, the way we approach the game when we played [PSG] before, the way we approach every week,” said Arteta in his pre-match press conference.

“That’s not going to change, that’s who we are, it’s our biggest strength. The good thing as well about us is that we are able to adapt to very different contexts, and we have shown that again this season. Because sometimes you don’t want to, but the teams are able to take you to a different game, and feeling comfortable playing that game, and overcoming that game with yourself in a position that you play more of the game that you want, is a big strength. I think this season again we have demonstrated that we have the capacity to do that.”

Away from the pitch, sporting director Andrea Berta is preparing for his first summer window at the club. Reports suggest Arsenal want to sign a new second-choice keeper, and links to Espanyol starlet Joan Garcia are re-emerging as a result.

Joan Garcia teases summer transfer after agreeing terms with Arsenal last year

Arsenal are tipped as one of the main contenders to sign Garcia once again this summer, after the 23-year-old agreed terms on a move to the Emirates last year (Fabrizio Romano).

Now, the Spanish shot-stopper has dropped an update on his future, confirming Arsenal’s interest last summer and teasing the possibility of a move away from Espanyol this summer.

“There was a lot of interest last summer, especially from Arsenal, but I stayed here and since then I’ve been 100% focused on this season,” said Garcia to press in Spain.

“We all know the situation, not just mine but the club’s, and anything can happen. But the future will tell, and we’ll worry about it when the time comes.”

Garcia is viewed as one of La Liga’s standout goalkeeping talents after another great season, and he’d undoubtedly be a great back-up to David Raya. The cost of his signature, as things stand, is around £21 million – the current value of his release clause – but this could be seen as a real snip.

“García is such an athletic GK. His legs are so powerful and springy enabling him to generate more power to reach the ball,” said Football Analyst Ben Mattinson.

“Good flexibility, agility and his proactiveness enable him to be an alert shot-stopper in the box and recover to make double saves.”

While the mood around the club is still rather jubilant following their incredible win over Real Madrid in the Champions League this time last week, one thing remains true about Arsenal: they don’t score enough goals.

To give them credit, Mikel Arteta’s side have scored more goals than most teams in the Premier League, but that’s still not enough when the club are desperate to lift the title following what now looks like it’ll be three seasons of finishing in second place.

For example, the Gunners have put the ball in the back of the net 57 times in the league this year, which is only the fourth most, behind Tottenham Hotspur with 60, Manchester City with 62 and Liverpool, who have already scored a brilliant 74 goals so far.

Now, one of the most obvious ways to address this problem in the summer is to sign a new striker to lead the line, and while that’ll likely help, it could be just as important to add more quality wingers to the squad, although whoever they sign is unlikely to be worth anywhere near as much as one of Arteta’s key men.

The wingers Arsenal could sign

So, when it comes to wide reinforcements, there is one name that has followed Arsenal from last summer’s transfer window to this one: Nico Williams.

The Spanish international winger is one of the most exciting wingers in Europe at present, and while there will undoubtedly be plenty of competition for his signature, he does seem to be gettable thanks to a £52m release clause in his current contract.

It’s certainly a lot of money to spend on a 22-year-old, but it’d be worth it, as just this season alone, the Pamplona-born “level-raiser,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 41 appearances.

However, it’s not just youngsters that the North Londoners could sign this summer, as recent reports have also touted Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman for a £39m move to the Emirates.

Now, the Frenchman hasn’t had as good of a season this year, only racking up ten goal involvements in 35 appearances, but he would bring with him an abundance of top-level experience.

For example, since making his debut for Paris Saint Germain over a decade ago, the Paris-born winger has won two league titles in France, two in Italy with Juventus and eight in Germany with Bayern Munich, where he has also scored the winning goal in a Champions League final.

In short, both players would be good additions to Arsenal’s squad this summer, but neither one would be even nearly as much as one of the team’s star players.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Williams & Coman

While they haven’t been as productive as in seasons past, Arsenal do have a few talented wingers in their squad, such as Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, but when it comes to being a true leader within the team, only one attacker comes to mind: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale Ender is unquestionably the best player in Arteta’s squad, as not only has he worn the captain’s armband on occasion, but he’s also the most productive player in the entire team this year, with 24 goal improvements even though he missed over three months of action following hamstring surgery.

So, with all that said, it should come as no surprise that Transfermarkt currently values the 23-year-old at a whopping €150m, which is about £128m, or £76m more than Williams would cost and £89m more than Coman may cost.

That is an enormous difference in the three wingers’ valuations, but when you compare their output from this season, it’s hard to argue that it’s not fair.

For example, the Bilbao star has produced his 17 goal involvements in 41 appearances, totalling 2859 minutes, which comes out to an average of one every 2.41 games or every 168.17 minutes.

Appearances

28

41

35

Minutes

1998′

2859′

1597′

Goals

10

10

6

Assists

14

7

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.85

0.41

0.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

83.25′

168.17′

159.7′

The Bayern dynamo has produced his ten goal involvements in 35 appearances, totalling 1597 minutes, which comes out to an average of one every 3.5 games or every 159.7.

Last but most certainly not least, the Gunners’ “future legend,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored his ten goals and provided his 14 assists in just 28 appearances, totalling 1998 minutes.

That means the 43-capped Englishman is averaging a goal involvement every 1.16 games or every 83.25, which simply has to be considered world-class.

Ultimately, signing Coman or Williams would help improve Arsenal’s squad, but it seems far-fetched to imagine either one ever reaching a valuation on par with Saka’s.

Huge upgrade on Merino: Berta wants Arsenal to sign £55m "goal machine"

Given that Mikel Merino is playing the makeshift centre-forward, Arsenal are in the market for a striker, so do they lead the race for a goal machine?

1 ByBen Gray Apr 13, 2025

As interest continues to arrive over Eberechi Eze’s signature, Crystal Palace have reportedly turned their attention towards a talented attacking midfielder who could replace their star man.

Man Utd interested in Eze

Among the clubs interested in Eze are Manchester United. The Red Devils are desperate for reinforcements this summer, and as Ruben Amorim searches for the perfect attacking midfielder to slot straight into his 3-4-2-1 system, Eze could be an ideal choice.

The Crystal Palace star has once again been vital for Oliver Glasner’s side, who find themselves in an FA Cup semi-final and pushing for a top-half finish.

Glasner is certainly well aware of Eze’s importance too, albeit in a “strange season”, having told reporters after Crystal Palace thrashed Fulham 3-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final tie: “I think Ebere has had a strange season, he hasn’t had many goals in the Premier League and he has been unlucky, but he keeps going, he’s also struggled with strange injuries.

“The goal against Latvia and his first for England means a lot for him. He always has the confidence, we know he’s an amazing finisher to cut inside on his right foot with an amazing finish. We need this quality, he helped us today massively.”

Mateta swap deal: Crystal Palace could now get chance to sign £70m+ striker

He desperately needs a move.

2 ByTom Cunningham Apr 4, 2025

It’s the type of quality that has attracted those at Old Trafford, who will reportedly have to splash out as much as £60m if they are to lure the England international away from Selhurst Park this summer.

Palace, of course, have eventually managed to cope without Michael Olise following his departure to Bayern Munich last summer. Now, they’ve reportedly set their sights on a player who could replace Eze in the event of his exit this time around.

Crystal Palace racing to sign Sem Steijn

Already preparing for the worst, the Eagles have reportedly set their sights on replacing their star man. According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now battling to sign Sem Steijn from FC Twente this summer, having already sent their scouts to watch the talented attacking midfielder in action in recent months.

The 23-year-old has got better and better in recent seasons, culminating in an incredibly impressive campaign and his best yet in the Netherlands. Scoring 26 goals and assisting a further six goals in all competitions prior to this weekend, it should come as no surprise to see the likes of Jacek Kulig sending praise the Dutchman’s way.

The football talent scout rightfully described Steijn’s season as “amazing” following a campaign which has attracted the interest of Palace, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, among others.

If Eze does depart this summer, the impressive Dutchman should sit top of Crystal Palace’s list of potential replacements.

Manchester United and INEOS regret signing an Old Trafford “imposter” and want him sold alongside Andre Onana, according to a new report.

Andre Onana ‘unsettled’ at Man Utd and set to be sold

The Red Devils and Sir Jim Ratcliffe announced plans for a brand new 100,000-capacity stadium earlier this month, however, prior to that, the co-owner hit out at recent signings by the club.

Ratcliffe said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony, we’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying Onana, we’re buying Hojlund, we’re buying Sancho. These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”

He added: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid, but for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”

Approved by Amorim: Man Utd working on deal for "phenomenal" £38m maestro

The Red Devils have identified a young midfielder as a top priority for the summer transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Mar 27, 2025

In regards to Onana, it has been claimed that Man Utd regret signing the goalkeeper, who is unsettled and has been for some time at Old Trafford.

The Cameroon international, who has been a regular under Ruben Amorim, is wanted in Saudi Arabia and looks set to be sold over the coming months. However, the club are also kicking themselves at a more recent addition who could follow Onana out of Manchester.

Man Utd also regret signing Joshua Zirkzee and want him gone

According to a report from Spain, Man Utd regret signing Joshua Zirkzee and already want him out of Old Trafford.

The forward, who signed for just over £36m from Bologna last summer and was the first addition under Ratcliffe, has struggled to make an impact in England, scoring just six goals in 44 games, something which has raised doubts for United’s coaching team and staff.

The report adds on Zirkzee that the ‘possibility of a sale is already being considered from the boardroom if an offer comes in that allows for a partial recovery of the investment made’.

Talking earlier this year, pundit Jamie O’Hara slammed the Red Devils and singled out Zirkzee for criticism, calling the forward an “imposter” and “one of the worst players” he’s seen for Man Utd.

Man Utd 0-3 Liverpool

5.47/10

Everton 2-2 Man Utd

5.85/10

Ipswich 1-1 Man Utd

5.91/10

Man Utd 0-2 Crystal Palace

5.97/10

Man Utd 2-1 Brentford

5.98/10

“Manchester United are absolutely terrible – they’re one of the worst teams in the Premier League at the moment. They’re awful at the back and their midfield is non-existent. Their options in attack are terrible as well – Amad Diallo is the only player who looks like he deserves to play for them.

“Joshua Zirkzee is one of the worst players I’ve ever seen in a Manchester United shirt – it’s unbelievable that he’s playing for them. He’s an absolute imposter!”

With new England boss Thomas Tuchel set to name his first squad since replacing interim coach, Lee Carsley, next week, there may well be a raft of Manchester City connections running through the Three Lions roster.

Indeed, the German tactician could once again call upon the likes of Phil Foden and Rico Lewis, while ex-Etihad star, Kyle Walker, will also be looking to maintain his regular role as he targets 100 caps for his country. Jack Grealish and John Stones will, however, likely miss out through injury.

Perhaps more interestingly, there may also be a wave of one-time City academy stars involved for the March internationals, with Cole Palmer the headline name, while the likes of Liam Delap and Morgan Rogers – who have scored 17 Premier League goals between them season – may also have an outside chance of inclusion after starring for Ipswich Town and Aston Villa, respectively.

There could even be a wildcard opportunity for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens to shine after his return of 15 goals and assists in Germany in 2024/25 to date, with the dazzling winger having departed City on a free transfer back in the summer of 2020.

That handful of names may well be joined by another former Man City asset, with Pep Guardiola having perhaps been left to regret another notable sale of recent times…

Man City's goalkeeping dilemma

Among the number of issues for Guardiola and co to resolve this season is in the goalkeeping department, with the time perhaps having come to acquire a suitable, long-term replacement for Ederson in the sticks.

The unique Brazilian – who has remarkably recorded three Premier League assists this season – had lost his place to teammate Stefan Ortega earlier in the campaign, although has managed to wrestle back his starting berth of late, having started five of the last six top-flight games.

That said, the former Benfica man hasn’t exactly enjoyed a smooth recall to the side, having notably been branded “nowhere near enough” by CBS pundit Jamie Carragher, following the 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid last month.

As Carragher stated following the 31-year-old’s costly errors in that Etihad loss, it is now “at the stage with Man City where they need a new goalkeeper”, particularly with Ederson’s contract set to expire next year.

Ortega has largely been an able deputy, yet the German ‘keeper is even older than his teammate at 32, while having also endured a mixed spell of his own, after scoring an own goal in the narrow victory over Leyton Orient.

With all that in mind – and with reports in recent weeks suggesting that City may splash the cash to sign £62m-rated Porto stopper, Diogo Costa – Guardiola may well regret selling another bright young English talent who could well have walked into the current team.

Man City already sold the perfect Ederson replacement

Ederson may have been off the boil of late, yet it is worth remembering that this is a player who has helped Guardiola’s side sweep all before them over the past eight years or so, with the Citizens having undoubtedly struck a bargain with their £35m capture of the left-footer.

Market Movers

That said, there may be a tinge of frustration that a better succession plan has not been put in place at the Etihad, outside of signing an ageing Ortega as a backup.

Indeed, there may be those – with hindsight on side – who believe that Burnley number one, James Trafford, should have been kept on board, with the 22-year-old now shining in England’s second tier.

Stat (per 90)

Ederson

Trafford

Goals against

1.22

0.27

Shots on target against

3.61

2.24

Save percentage

69.2%

87.8%

Clean sheets

0.28

0.73

Clean sheet percentage

27.8%

72.7%

Save percentage (penalties)

N/A

100%

Passes attempted

34.5

34.5

Passes completed (launched)

3.22

3.39

Pass completion

86.6%

73.6%

Crosses stopped

0.50

0.52

Tipped to potentially join the likes of Palmer in Tuchel’s England set-up, the former City academy graduate – who joined the Clarets on a £15m deal in 2023 – has been integral to Scott Parker’s promotion-chasing side this season.

The 6 foot 6 stopper has racked up a ridiculous haul of 12 successive clean sheets in the Championship, while conceding just nine times in total in the division in 2024/25.

Such form has led to notable praise from his manager, with Parker stating back in January:

Also tipped to be “world-class” by ex-teammate, Palmer, Trafford was memorably the hero at the U21 European Championship in 2023, having saved a 96th minute penalty to steer the Young Lions to victory.

Of course, the Burnley ace did endure a difficult season last term in the top-flight, after conceding 62 goals in just 28 outings, yet his form this time around has not gone unnoticed, with Newcastle United seemingly showing serious interest.

Amid those links with the Magpies, the belief is that Trafford is worth around £30m, thus marking a 100% increase in relation to his £15m fee from almost two years ago.

If recent signs are anything to go by, that valuation will soar even higher, with City left to regret not holding on to yet another big English talent would could well have walked into the current starting lineup.

Savio upgrade: Man City may regret selling 'the best winger in the world'

Man City might rue selling a player who has shone for his current club since leaving.

ByRoss Kilvington Mar 3, 2025

Despite already welcoming as many as four fresh faces this summer, Derby County have now reportedly initiated contact to sign another Championship rival.

Who Derby County have signed this summer

It’s been a busy summer for the Rams so far, having signed Andreas Weimann, Danny Batth, Richard O’Donnell and Carlton Morris to get off to an excellent start. All four players have a lot of experience in the Championship and all four could make an instant impact on John Eustace’s side as a result – starting in pre-season.

Matlock Town vs Derby County

12/07/2025

RB Salzburg vs Derby County

18/07/2025

Walsall vs Derby County

22/07/2025

Burton Albion vs Derby County

26/07/2025

Solihull Moors vs Derby County

29/07/2025

Those at Pride Park just have a matter of days before their pre-season fixtures get underway and a full month until their Championship campaign commences with a trip to Stoke City.

The next month is, therefore, crucial and any business must get done before that Stoke trip arrives if Eustace wants to start the season with a settled side ready to avoid the drop and more.

Perhaps the most impressive to arrive so far, Morris told Derby’s official website after putting pen to paper: “It’s a massive club that I’ve heard a lot of good things about. When they came in for me, it was a bit of a no-brainer, really.”

Derby now set to sign "fantastic" star in £7m package after Batth & Weimann

He looks set to become their fifth signing of the summer.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 4, 2025

After suffering relegation with Luton Town last season, the forward will be keen to avoid suffering the same fate at Pride Park. Instead, his sights should be set on causing plenty of upsets alongside the rest of Eustace’s side.

Even after welcoming Morris and others, however, Derby still reportedly have unfinished business in the transfer window and could yet sign their fifth EFL rival in the coming weeks.

Derby County initiate contact to sign Brittain

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Derby have now initiated contact to sign Callum Brittain from Blackburn Rovers this summer. The Rams already set their sights on Brittain earlier this summer and are joined by Wrexham and Middlesbrough in the race to sign the right-back, who Blackburn are keen to keep hold of ahead of next season, but the Rams have now made a move.

Given that Brittain is into the final year of his current deal at Ewood Park, Blackburn may have no choice but to sell one of their key men this summer and that’s where Derby could take full advantage.

At 27 years old, the defender would once again bring plenty of experience and, more importantly, experience playing under Eustace. The Blackburn man featured 43 times for the current Derby boss during their time together in Lancashire and could now get the chance to reunite with his former manager at Pride Park.

Having previously dubbed Brittain a “leader”, Eustace will know more than most exactly what he could add to the current Derby side.

Manchester United are exploring deals to improve their squad during the summer transfer window, as they look to add to the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

The Red Devils are reportedly confident that they will be able to complete a deal to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

In the 2024/25 season, the Cameroon international delivered 20 goals and seven assists in all competitions, which suggests that he could add a huge threat to Ruben Amorim’s side next term.

Whilst the signings of Cunha and Mbeumo, if the latter goes through, show that United are looking for Premier League proven performers to help them kick on, the Red Devils are also looking further afield.

Man Utd eyeing up LaLiga ace

As well as wanting to improve their options at the top end of the pitch, by signing players who can score and assist goals, the club would like to improve their midfield.

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According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are one of a number of teams in the race to sign Barcelona defensive midfielder Marc Casado this summer.

The report claims that Amorim’s side are interested in a deal to bring the Spaniard over to England, but they have not made contact with the LaLiga champions yet.

It reveals, however, that their Premier League rivals, Chelsea and Arsenal, have spoken to Barcelona to enquire about a potential swoop for the 21-year-old talent.

Caught Offside adds that it will take a fee of around £43m to tempt the Spanish giants into cashing in on the midfielder, despite him having an £86m release clause.

Man Utd could find their next Carrick

If United can get a deal over the line for the Barcelona star this summer, Amorim could unearth his own version of Michael Carrick in the middle of the park.

The former Red Devils star, who recently managed Middlesbrough, was a metronome in midfield for the club during his playing days with his fantastic ability to dictate play with his quality on the ball.

From the 2009/10 season onwards (from when the data became available), the England international completed 88% of his attempted passes in 272 games before the end of his career.

In Casado, United could find a young midfielder with similar qualities to Carrick. However, at the age of 21, he is still very raw and needs time to develop and hit his stride at senior level.

He made 23 appearances for Barcelona in their LaLiga title-winning season last term, leading talent scout Jacek Kulig to hail his “incredible” form, and showcased the kind of qualities that you would associate with the former United midfielder.

Passes attempted

76.37

Top 5%

Pass accuracy

89%

Top 10%

Progressive passes

5.98

Top 18%

Assists

0.17

Top 22%

Passes into the final third

7.71

Top 6%

Passes offside

0.00

Top 4%

As you can see in the table above, he ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of possession-based metrics, with both his pass accuracy and progressive passing statistics pointing to his efficiency and effectiveness with the ball at his feet.

These statistics suggest that Casado could be moulded into a Carrick-esque figure for Amorim, as a deep-lying midfielder who can move the ball around and dictate games, whilst being progressive in doing so.

However, Casado only won 53% of his duels, including 28% of his aerial battles, and he may need to improve the physical side of his game to truly thrive in England.

This is why he may not be the finished article right away for Manchester United in the Premier League, but he does have the attributes to potentially develop into Amorim’s own Carrick in the future, or straight away if he can hit the ground running.

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2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 11, 2025