All posts by n8rngtd.top

By their own usual standards, it’s been a very quiet transfer window at Nottingham Forest so far – albeit while having reportedly completed the £10m capture of Botafogo striker, Igor Jesus.

During their first two seasons back in the Premier League, the Garibaldi signed 24 and then 11 more senior players, before just the ten additions were made last season.

So now, with the confirmation of Jesus’ deal seemingly imminent, are they about to ramp up their transfer business even further?

Nottingham Forest chasing defensive reinforcements

Of course, following last season’s seventh-place finish, Nottingham Forest are preparing to feature in European competition for the first time since 1995/96, dumped out by Bayern Munich at the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Cup back then.

This time, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are currently scheduled to feature in the Conference League, although they could be catapulted into the Europa League, if Crystal Palace are thrown out of the competition due to multi-club ownership rules.

Either way, they’re going to have exponentially more matches to content with, so will require a bigger squad, hence why a report by Turkish outlet Fanatik claims Forest are lining up a £13m offer for centre-back Arseniy Batagov, albeit with his club Trabzonspor holding out for closer to £17m.

The 23-year-old Ukrainian began his senior career at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, before joining Zorya Luhansk, making 63 appearances for them and catching the eye of Trabzonspor, who signed him for around £1.5m a year ago.

Transfer Focus

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

Batagov has earned international recognition too, starting all three of Ukraine’s matches at last summer’s Olympic Games, before also doing the same at last month’s U21 Euros, captaining his country against the Netherlands in Prešov.

So now, could he be on his way to the City Ground?

How Arseniy Batahov would improve Nottingham Forest

Despite their run to the FA Cup semi-finals, Nottingham Forest played just 44 matches across all competitions last season, while there is the potential for them to play 17 in Europe alone this time round, should they get all the way to the final, so more options will be required.

Fair to say, Nuno’s starting centre-backs remained settled throughout the campaign, as the table below outlines.

In short, what the table emphasises is the fact that Nikola Milenković and Murillo played almost every minute of every game last season, which is understandable, given that Adrian Clarke of the Premier League argued that they were the best pairing in the division.

Morato, meantime, was primarily used alongside the aforementioned duo when Nuno switched to a back three, often in-game, while fourth-choice option Willy Boly saw 250 minutes fewer than James Ward-Prowse, despite the fact he returned to West Ham in January, underlining his lack of importance.

This time, however, Milenković and Murillo cannot start, potentially in excess of, 60 games, so a capable deputy will be required.

Well, Batahov appears to have the attributes to be that player, described as “quality” by Hayatımız Futbol, who also praise his “positioning” and “play-making ability” from the back. Like Murillo, the promising left-footer typically operates at left centre-back.

Meantime, he has also been labelled as Ukraine’s next ‘promising prodigy’, making 23 appearances for Trabzonspor this season, most notably starting May’s Türkiye Kupası Final against Galatasaray, as his side were beaten 3-0 in Gaziantep.

Batahov scored en route to the final against İskenderunspor, but his campaign was largely hampered by various injuries, although it says something about his quality that there is still Premier League interest in him.

Like Murillo, when he arrived from Corinthians for a reported £15m two summers ago after making just 27 appearances for the Brazilian side, not too much is known about Batahov.

That said, this wildcard move, in the mould of Murillo’s capture, could lead to a repeat success, as the Ukrainian certainly has the potential to improve and become a star, just as his potential future teammate has done at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest now ready to make £21m offer for "superb" midfielder

The Tricky Trees are now prepared to make an opening bid for a midfielder, having recently made contact over a potential deal.

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 1, 2025

Having already agreed a deal to sign Jaka Bijol, Leeds United are now reportedly keen to solve their left-back problem by signing a Champions League-level defender.

Leeds discover Premier League opener

The chaos of the transfer window isn’t the only thing stealing the headlines this week. The Premier League fixtures have officially been announced and Leeds now know where they’ll be and when at the most important stages of their top-flight return.

Opening the season at Elland Road against Everton, Leeds will then face their first top six side of the season when they travel to Arsenal, before Newcastle United at home rounds off a tough start.

If the Whites do find themselves in a relegation scrap, meanwhile, then games against Sunderland in March and Burnley in one of their final fixtures in May could prove to be all-important in their battle to survive.

Better than Aaronson: Leeds submit bid to sign £21m Sadiki alternative

Leeds are looking at signing a new midfielder this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 17, 2025

Alas, the 49ers have known the challenge that lies ahead for some time now and have been making moves away from the pitch in the hope of building Daniel Farke a side capable of avoiding the dropzone.

The first to arrive on that front looks set to be Bijol. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, all documents are signed and sealed for the defender to complete his move from Udinese this summer and become Leeds’ second signing back in the Premier League after Lukas Nmecha.

After Nmecha and Bijol, however, Leeds are still not done on the transfer front. Yet to solve their left-back problem, reports are now suggesting that the Whites are keen to sign a Champions League-level solution.

Leeds keen to sign Gudmundsson

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are now keen to sign Gabriel Gudmundsson from LOSC Lille this summer. The Swedish left-back would instantly solve Farke’s biggest problem area with Firpo set to leave and Sam Byram also heading for the exit door to leave the German without a viable option down that side of his backline.

Whilst it remains to be seen how much Lyon demand to sell their defender this summer, Gudmundsson hasn’t hesitated to share his own verdict about his future now that he’s into the final year of his contract, telling reporters: “I’m very likely to leave. It will be a very interesting summer.”

Whilst the 26 year-old would not replace Firpo’s attacking output, he would provide a better option defensively and that’s arguably more important in the Premier League.

What’s more, the Swede’s experience of playing Champions League football for Lille last season, which included games against Real Madrid and Liverpool, means that he would likely take no time to adjust to the level required in the Premier League.

Celtic recently confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window when they unveiled left-back Kieran Tierney as the newest arrival to Parkhead.

The Scotland international is joining from Premier League side Arsenal on a free transfer when his contract with the Gunners expires at the end of this month, six years on from his move to The Emirates in 2019.

Tierney, as you can see in the graphic above, won five Scottish Premiership titles during his first spell in Glasgow, and he will be hoping to add to that tally in the years to come.

Whilst the Hoops will be looking to add more options to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window, Brendan Rodgers will also have to deal with speculation over the future of his star players.

Football Insider reported last month that Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda have both attracted interest from other clubs this summer, and it remains to be seen whether or not they will remain in Glasgow beyond the end of the window.

Rodgers will, of course, not want to lose any of his star attackers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as Kuhn, for example, would leave a big hole to fill on the right flank.

Why losing Nicolas Kuhn would be a big blow for Celtic

The German winger leaving Parkhead before the end of the summer transfer window would be a big blow for the Scottish giants because of the quality that he can provide at the top end of the pitch.

Kuhn, who joined the club from Rapid Vienna at the start of 2024, had six months to settle into the Premiership in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, before he hit his stride this term.

The 25-year-old ended the season with an eye-catching haul of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, which included three goals and one assist in ten outings in the Champions League.

As you can see in the table above, the bulk of his assists came in the Premiership, where he led the league for assists among wingers and in all positions.

The former Bayern Munich academy star also provided a big goal threat in the Scottish top-flight, though, with a return of 13 goals in 32 appearances in the division.

His contributions at the top end of the pitch, as both a scorer and a creator of goals, are why losing him would be such a blow for Celtic, but they are reportedly eyeing up a star who could be their next Kuhn.

Celtic in talks to sign £2m attacker

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic are in talks with Nordsjaelland winger Benjamin Nygren’s representatives over a potential move to Parkhead this summer.

The reporter claims that the Hoops have already approached the Danish club to seek permission to speak to the forward, and they are now in discussions with his agents.

Transfer Focus

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

Joseph adds that the Hoops will move on to talks with Nordsjaelland if they can agree personal terms with the attacker, as they are yet to agree a fee with his current team.

Meanwhile, CeltsAreHere adds that a fee of £2m will be enough to secure a deal for the 23-year-old star’s services, as his current contract with the Danish outfit is due to expire at the end of December, and that there is also interest from clubs in Belgium and Germany.

Celtic must, now, work hard to convince Nygren to make the move to Glasgow this summer because he could come in as a natural replacement for Kuhn, or as fantastic competition for his place in the team.

Why Nygren could be Celtic's next Kuhn

The 23-year-old star would be a fantastic replacement for the German attacker from a stylistic perspective, as they are both left-footed forwards who like to drift infield from the right flank.

This means that Nygren could play a similar tactical role to the one that Kuhn currently plays for Rodgers in Celtic’s team, which suggests that he could slot into the side with ease, either as a replacement or as competition for him.

The Sweden international, who was described as an “underrated” talent by Danish Scout on X, also has the quality on the ball to replicate Kuhn’s impact in front of goal in that position.

Nygren produced 15 goals in 34 games during the 2023/24 campaign and 16 goals in 32 matches in all competitions this season, which speaks to his ability to make a difference on a regular basis in the final third.

As you can see in the table above, he was one of the top-performing wingers in the Superliga during the 2024/25 campaign, ranking incredibly highly among his peers as both a scorer and a creator.

His meagre assist tally of two should not be a cause for concern because of his xA of 5.97, which suggests that he was let down by wasteful finishing from his teammates, rather than only having two assists due to a lack of creativity.

Therefore, Rodgers could find his next version of Kuhn by completing a deal to sign Nygren, because he is another left-footed right winger who has the potential to deliver goals and assists, or at high-quality chances created, on a regular basis for the Scottish giants.

It is now down to Rodgers and the club to convince the player to turn down interest from Belgium and Germany in order to win the race for his signature before the start of pre-season next month.

More exciting than Osmand: Celtic in the running to sign "terrific" winger

Celtic are interested in a deal to sign a winger who would be an even more exciting signing than Callum Osmand.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 12, 2025

Liverpool’s summer transfer window is beginning to form a coherent picture, with FSG acting quickly to tidy up the defensive flanks and get the mammoth deal for Florian Wirtz over the line.

The Bayer Leverkusen superstar gave curious Liverpool supporters a taste of his quality during Germany’s Nations League semi-final tie against Portugal this week, scoring during the 2-1 loss.

His intelligence, tenacity and movement underscored the playmaker’s ability, having been utterly fantastic during his time in Leverkusen’s squad, winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga Player of the Year after triumphing as an invincible before claiming more Man of the Match awards than any other player across this term’s Champions League campaign.

We’re a whisker away from a positive development in Liverpool’s bid to secure a marquee deal, but it might be a case of one out, one in.

While the Wirtz deal won’t have any bearing on the potential sale of Luis Diaz, the Colombian’s departure is something to consider.

The latest on Luis Diaz's future

On Thursday, Liverpool rejected an approach from Barcelona for forward Diaz, who scored 17 goals and laid on eight assists for Slot’s side this year.

The 28-year-old, who is entering the penultimate year of his contract, will only be allowed to leave if Liverpool are offered a significant sum; the Saudi Pro League have known admirers of the South American talent.

Though the thought of Diaz and Wirtz combining in a new-look Liverpool frontline is exciting, there may well be an opportunity to secure a new, younger signature.

FSG’s no-sell stance is laced with the undertow of an openness, should the right offer be tabled.

Especially when talks have been held for an almighty replacement on the left flank.

Liverpool hold talks for marquee signing

According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Liverpool held discussions concerning Real Madrid’s Rodrygo last month, their intrigue persisting after initially drawing him up as a Mohamed Salah successor, should the Egyptian have left 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.

Arsenal would be Anfield’s most notable rival in the race, and though the Gunners have a vested interest, they have not yet launched an official bid for the Brazil forward.

Rodrygo, 24, has become disillusioned with life at Santiago Bernabeu, frustrated to be perceived to be in the shadow of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

For their part, Real no longer consider Rodrygo untouchable, but would only cash in if their €100m (about £84m) valuation was met.

What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool

While the jury will remain out for a little while as Xabi Alonso’s plans at Real Madrid begin to shape up, it’s difficult to imagine the Spanish tactician will remove Vini Jr. from his left-sided berth.

This could lead Rodrygo to make the eventual decision to leave Los Blancos, having featured 267 times, posting 118 goal contributions, for the club since signing from Santos for a £39.5m fee when he was just 18.

However, most of those outings have come off the right wing, whereas the right-footed forward prefers the alternate side as he feels it is here he reaches his zenith.

If the 2024/25 campaign has any say on the matter, it certainly looks like this is the case, which is why Liverpool could hit the jackpot in bringing Rodrygo over as Diaz’s heir.

Especially when considering the partnership that could be forged with Wirtz, the two starring in the Champions League and driving Anfield through the domestic campaign.

Wirtz brings so much to the game, astounding in his creative output and indeed willingness to take on his man and drive the ball into the danger area himself.

The German international ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga this season for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

For a gifted and technically crisp winger in Rodrygo, this could be a brilliant way to add intensity and fluency to an already thriving Liverpool frontline. Rodrygo, indeed, is a natural-born goalscorer, with his finishing once described as being “terrifyingly good” by journalist Sam Tighe.

Though he only managed to score six goals in La Liga this season, the “special” Rodrygo, as he has been praised by Carlo Ancelotti, only missed one big chance, as per Sofascore, highlighting the underlying data that Wirtz’s prowess would only enhance at Liverpool. Wirtz, in fact, created 17 big chances and supplied 12 assists in the Bundesliga this term despite only starting 25 matches.

Whether Liverpool act on their interest and launch a big-money bid for the star remains to be seen, but there’s no question he would be an incredible addition to one of the best teams in the world.

For now, we will have to wait and see whether FSG accelerate their intrigue in the superstar, but with Arsenal keen and yet to show their hand in the transfer market, it would certainly help if sporting director Richard Hughes could draw rumours over Diaz’s future to a close.

If a suitable offer does arrive, Rodrygo might just follow Wirtz through the Anfield gates, consolidating Slot’s team as a goliath of the modern European game – here to stay.

Caicedo revenge: Liverpool can hijack Chelsea move for "England's best LW"

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz faces an uncertain future with firm interest in his signature.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 5, 2025

A Premier League star is now more inclined to join Chelsea over Man Utd after a U-turn behind-the-scenes, with both clubs reaching out for talks recently.

Chelsea kickstart transfer plans amid Champions League qualification

Levi Colwill’s second-half tap-in against Nottingham Forest on Sunday arguably came as Chelsea’s most important goal of the 2024/2025 campaign, with Enzo Maresca’s side confirming their place in the Champions League next season as a result.

£172k-per-week striker is waiting for Chelsea to contact him about joining

Chelsea are set for a big summer after qualifying for the Champions League.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

May 26, 2025

This will have a profoundly positive effect when it comes to Chelsea’s recruitment drive over the summer window, as the west Londoners are set for a considerable financial windfall and gifted far more pull in the market, given they will be competing in European football’s most prestigious competition.

Finishing in the top five could truly prove to be season-defining for 2025/2026, with Chelsea setting their sights on a proven goalscorer as one of their many transfer priorities before the next campaign kicks off.

It is believed that Chelsea could even bring in two strikers this summer, which is made all the more possible by their Champions League place, and journalist Simon Phillips reports that the Blues want to register one of them before the Club World Cup next month.

That man could well be Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, following his excellent 12-goal season in an otherwise dismal side, according to various reports.

Fabrizio Romano backs up whispers that Chelsea have held talks with Delap’s camp, and other media sources claim that the Englishman is set to make a decision on his next destination “this week” (Simon Phillips).

Liam Delap inclined to join Chelsea over Man Utd

This is echoed by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who told the broadcaster that Delap is actually more inclined to join Chelsea over Man United, after the former qualified for Champions League football next season.

While the 22-year-old’s spoken to United, Newcastle and Everton as well as Chelsea, it appears the latter are in pole position as things stand.

“My understanding was that he was leaning towards Manchester United because he wanted to go back and live in the north west. He’s a former Manchester City player,” said Crook on air.

“But he does want to play in the Champions League. So I wonder if that may have scuppered United now.

“And the noises I’m hearing this morning are more that maybe he’ll end up at Chelsea.”

Delap’s sky-high potential stretches far beyond just goals, as the ex-City starlet’s power, speed and physicality also make him a real force to be reckoned with. Teammates like Alex Palmer have endorsed Delap’s talent as well, calling him a “monster” up front.

“You look at him and he’s a monster,” said Palmer.

“He’s a young lad that’s got the enthusiasm and energy – and also the talent.”

After such a dismal season in 2024/25, Manchester United have a huge opportunity to end the campaign on a high with the Europa League final on the horizon.

Ruben Amorim’s men face Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday night, looking to claim his first trophy in charge and secure a place in the Champions League next year.

Such an achievement could be vital in their pursuit of landing new talent this summer, with the manager already targeting new additions to help revitalise his current squad.

Qualifying for the biggest club competition in Europe could hand the Red Devils a boost of offering top-level talents an exciting project despite their lowly Premier League standing.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already been done behind the scenes to hand Amorim with the tools needed to be a success at Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s pursuit of new talents this summer

Matheus Cunha appears to be edging ever closer to completing a switch to join United this summer, with the deal entering its final stages, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 25-year-old has already accepted a proposal to move to Old Trafford this summer, with the hierarchy ready to trigger his £62.5m release clause in four instalments.

However, he could be joined at the Theatre of Dreams by one of his compatriots, with Atalanta’s Ederson the latest player on their radar, according to reports in Italy.

They claim that the Red Devils have been in contact with a move to land the Serie A star, currently having the advantage over Manchester City and Juventus in the race for his signature.

The journalist also confirmed that the 25-year-old would cost a fee in the region of £50m this summer, but that the hierarchy are set to enter negotiations after the Europa League final.

Why United’s £50m target could be Amorim’s own Pogba

Paul Pogba still holds the club-record for the highest fee paid for a player, costing £89m from Juventus back in the summer of 2016, just a couple of years after departing on a free transfer.

The Frenchman made over 200 appearances during his second spell at Old Trafford, helping them win the Europa League – something which Amorim could hope to replicate this week.

The midfielder caught the eye in his box-to-box role for the Red Devils, often producing a moment of magic with the ball at his feet, resulting in countless excellent strikes in the North West.

Despite leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, his spell at the club was a success, potentially replicating such a deal with a move for Ederson in the coming months.

The Atalanta star could follow in Pogba’s footsteps by completing a switch from an Italian outfit, also possessing a similar skillset, which could make him a key component in Amorim’s overhaul at the club.

When comparing his stats to those of Pogba’s from his first year at United, the Brazilian has managed to star at both ends of the pitch, making him a superb option as a box-to-box in the manager’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Ederson, who’s been labelled “monster” by The Mirror’s Ryan Taylor, has achieved a higher pass completion rate, handing other players at Old Trafford the chance to improve their own tallies.

Despite registering fewer combined goals and assists, the Brazilian has notched a higher shot-on-target rate along with a better goal-per-shot-on-target rate – highlighting the clinical edge he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also won more tackles per 90 and completed more interceptions, offering Amorim the added defensive cover he needs within the midfield department at Old Trafford.

£50m may seem to be another hefty investment from the hierarchy this summer, but it’s one that would drastically improve the options currently at Amorim’s disposal.

Should he manage to reach similar levels to those produced by Pogba, it would be an excellent pickup, potentially playing a key role in any success down the line under the current management team.

Man Utd flop who should be "fourth choice" has been even worse than Onana

This Manchester United flop has been an even worse signing than Andre Onana.

By
Dan Emery

May 20, 2025

With the Premier League title now wrapped up, alongside the relegated sides sinking without a trace, the only real point of drama in England’s elite division rests on the race to finish inside the top five positions.

Newcastle United, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all find themselves closely bunched together in the thrilling division heading into the final games of the season, with Sunday’s early kick-off between the Magpies and Enzo Maresca’s Blues a potential humdinger in terms of who clinches a coveted European spot.

Obviously, Eddie Howe’s men will be hoping Champions League football returns to St James’ Park over any other destination, knowing full well that landing targets such as Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo will be dependent on whether they’re able to make these European dreams a reality.

Newcastle's ongoing Mbeumo pursuit

Adding in Mbeumo would make Newcastle’s already frightening attack even more of a mouth-watering watch, but the Magpies aren’t alone in wanting the Bees’ star-man.

Recent reports suggest that Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all also keen on snapping up the entertaining forward, with this frenzied interest coming about off the back of Brentford allegedly being ready to listen to offers for their £60m-rated ace.

After all, Howe’s men know all about the 25-year-old’s exceptional firepower, considering he rifled home this stunning effort back in December versus the Toon.

Up to 18 league goals now for the season, he would undoubtedly boost Newcastle’s forward positions which already boast the likes of Alexander Isak.

But, St James’ Park might already be the home of a talent very similar to the in-demand Cameroonian, with many a shout forming now that this enthralling attacker should start in the crunch clash later today versus Chelsea.

Newcastle's own version of Mbeumo

Newcastle fans watching on will pray that their side are at their free-flowing best against the Blues, with only Liverpool and Manchester City scoring more this season in league action than the Magpies’ impressive 66-goal haul.

Isak has chipped in with a sizeable 23 of those strikes, but faces such as Anthony Gordon have also been a joy to watch in this regard, with nine goals and six assists from the ex-Everton man in league action enabling that goal total to steadily increase.

Further, adding Gordon back into the main XI for the tricky challenge of Chelsea could prove to be an inspired alteration when you realise he bagged this sweet strike versus the Blues just last season, away from impressing recently off the substitutes’ bench.

With Jacob Murphy suffering from a crisis in confidence as of late too – with just one weak effort registered against Brighton and Hove Albion last time out – Gordon could even be pushed out to the right flank for the Toon to replace the ex-Norwich City man, with the usually left-sided winger equally capable of making an impact here in what is Mbeumo’s preferred spot on the pitch.

The table above further illuminates their similarities – as noted by FBref – as fast-paced attackers more content with peppering opposition goalkeepers than linking play up, but Gordon does amazingly better his £60m counterpart when taking in many of the numbers, despite Mbeumo being way ahead of the 24-year-old’s goal count.

Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will splash the cash on attempting to land Mbeumo after all, knowing they already have their own “nightmare” – as Gordon once confidently labelled himself – attacker in a similar vein to the Bees star.

The former Toffees winger will hope he can live up to his own hype if he is handed a start versus Chelsea, with the Toon needing to be on their A-game from minute one to blow away Maresca’s challengers.

Howe's next version of Joelinton: Newcastle pushing to sign "monster" star

Newcastle are looking to add a robust new presence to their midfield this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 8, 2025

This isn’t the summer for sagas. Manchester United need to get things done quickly this time around, with far too many transfer windows having descended into chaos and deadline day desperation.

Thankfully, for Ruben Amorim’s sake, it would appear that the club are keen to get their business done early, with Premier League duo Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha having been identified as leading early targets.

In the case of Cunha, the Brazilian appears to be edging ever closer to agreeing on a move to Old Trafford, with the 25-year-old having enjoyed a fine campaign after netting 15 times in the league alone.

Formerly of RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid, among others, the £62.5m star has adapted nicely to English football in recent seasons, with 42 goals and assists to his name in just 80 Premier League appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Signing a ready-made, proven talent like Cunha could help to buck United’s recent trend of looking abroad – and in the Eredivisie especially – for new signings, with Amorim in desperate need of players who can make an immediate impact from the get-go.

Cunha would then be ideal in that regard, although that’s not to say every summer move has to be with a Premier League focus…

Man Utd's search for a forward

Aside from incomings, there will also be a keen eye on potential outgoings from Old Trafford, with a worst-case scenario likely to be the departure of influential skipper, Bruno Fernandes, amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

According to Football Transfers, if the Portuguese hero does opt to seal a shock move away from the club to join Al-Hilal, among other suitors, the Red Devils have lined up a potential replacement in the form of Athletic Club star, Oihan Sancet.

As per the report, while negotiations haven’t started regarding a move for the 25-year-old, it is claimed that internal talks have been held in Manchester, with Amorim a ‘huge admirer’.

Transfer Focus

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

The in-form Spaniard – who missed both legs of the recent Europa League semi-final meeting due to injury – does still have seven years left to run on his existing deal in Bilbao, ensuring it would not be easy to prise him away from the LaLiga outfit.

Indeed, the report adds that Sancet would cost in the region of €80m (£67m), amid the presence of a release clause in his contract, with it yet to be seen whether INEOS will firm up that interest, should Fernandes depart.

Even if the United captain does stay put, there is an argument that Sancet could represent a worthy alternative to Cunha if required, with the Athletic man just as big of a talent.

How Oihan Sancet compares to Cunha

As noted previously, it has been a fine season for Cunha to date, with the wantaway star netting 15 goals in the top-flight for the Old Gold, alongside a further two goals in the FA Cup.

Sancet, meanwhile, has also matched that tally of 17 goals in all competitions, having scored twice in the Europa League, while also netting 15 goals in Spain’s top-flight from his advanced midfield role.

As noted by analyst Ben Mattinson, he is a “box-crashing” talent in that almost second-striker role, showcasing “striker-like instincts” that could make him perfect for one of Amorim’s two number ten berths.

Something of a Scott McTominay in that regard, perhaps, Sancet has also been described by Mattinson as “one of the most underrated players in Europe” right now, further evidence of just what a talent he is.

As indicated in the table below too, while Cunha provides a greater creative spark, it is Sancet who is the bigger goal threat. Indeed, his 15 goals have come despite making only 18 LaLiga starts this season.

It could be argued that for a side who have now failed to score in 14 Premier League games in 2024/25, United are desperately in need of that type of clinical presence in front of goal, with Sancet’s goal return of one every 100 minutes certainly a reason for encouragement.

What also stands out is that the 6 foot 2 ace is also far less erratic on the ball, as indicated by his pass accuracy rate and possession lost count, with potentially a calm head needed to counterbalance the maverick talents of the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.

Of course, it would appear that Sancet will only be considered if Fernandes departs, although there is an argument to be made that he might actually be a dream alternative to Cunha, should that deal hit the skids.

He'd be Bruno's new Rashford: Man Utd lead race for "unplayable" £60m star

Man Utd need to revive Ruben Amorim’s struggling squad this summer…

By
Robbie Walls

May 13, 2025

As concerns over William Saliba’s future continue, Arsenal are now reportedly eyeing a summer move to sign a potential replacement for the Frenchman in a deal worth a hefty £68m.

Arsenal's Saliba concern

After another season without a Premier League title and potentially without a major trophy altogether, Arsenal could face consequences for failure that they’ll be all too familiar with. Real Madrid, meanwhile, could land one of Europe’s best centre-backs.

The Spanish giants have reportedly set their sights on signing Saliba this summer, with likely new manager Xabi Alonso a fan of the central defender.

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Matt Dawson

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The Madrid call is rarely one that players turn down and that should send alarm bells ringing around The Emirates. It’s a call that even Liverpool academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold is on course to accept and one that Kylian Mbappe accepted last summer. Now, Saliba could be next.

There’s no overstating the damage that the defender’s departure would do to Mikel Arteta’s side who have already struggled defensively when without Gabriel recently. Losing Saliba would be a whole new struggle for their backline as they look to make it a fourth-time lucky in the hunt for Premier League glory next season.

Known for their attacking prowess from set pieces, Arsenal’s struggles to defend such scenarios at the opposite end have gone under the radar this season. After Bournemouth came from behind to seal victory over the Gunners using two set pieces, however, it’s clear that with or without Saliba, Arteta’s side must improve on that front.

So, although losing Saliba would be a major blow, his exit would at least allow new sporting director Andrea Berta to welcome a fresh defender capable of turning that set-piece record around.

Arsenal set sights on £68m Diomande

According to Defensa Central in Spain, Arsenal have now set their sights on signing Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Club this summer as Berta plans for the worst-case Saliba scenario, should he leave for the Bernabeu. Alas, any deal won’t come cheap in the coming months. The Portuguese side have reportedly slapped a price tag worth as much as €80m (£68m) on their centre-back.

Whether the 21-year-old “monster” is at the necessary level to replace Saliba is the big question. When compared, it’s clear that the Sporting man would need plenty of patience if he did step in and replace a player who some may believe is irreplaceable at Arsenal.

However, what does stand out as a positive to take note of is Diomande’s aerial success compared to Saliba’s. Winning 20 more aerial duels in six less games, the Sporting man may have stood a far better chance of preventing Bournemouth’s two set piece goals in a frustrating Arsenal defeat last time out.

Also dubbed a player with “great” pace by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Diomande looks set to be one to watch if Saliba does swap Arsenal for Real Madrid in the coming months.

Crystal Palace are now exploring a bid to sign an “incredible” defender, but there could be stiff competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Palace set sights on new centre-back

At the end of the campaign, Marc Guehi will have just one year remaining on his contract, which means it will be Palace’s last chance to cash-in on their captain for a large fee, and a number of clubs remain interested in his signature.

Chelsea chiefs are adamant about signing Guehi, while Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been linked with moves for the defender, which means Oliver Glasner may have to bring in a new centre-back this summer.

Last week, the Eagles made their first move to sign Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco, making contact over a deal for the 23-year-old defender, who has been likened to former FC Barcelona centre-back Pique.

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IF Elfsborg’s Terry Yegbe is also of interest to the south Londoners, and they are believed to be leading the race for the Ghanaian’s signature, despite competition from rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Crystal Palace are pursuing some lesser-known centre-backs from across the globe, but there are also signs they could look at bringing in a defender with a plethora of experience at the top level, having now joined the race for Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Palace are exploring a bid for Skriniar, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce, where he has caught the eye with some impressive performances this season.

Fenerbahce want to sign the defender permanently, with PSG expected to demand a fee of €20 (£17m), but there could be competition for his signature from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"Incredible" Skriniar could be coup for Palace

The 30-year-old has previously proven himself at the top level across spells with PSG and Inter Milan, chalking up 37 appearances in the Champions League, and his performances this season indicate he still has a lot left to give.

Since arriving in Turkey back in January, the Slovakian has made nine Süper Lig appearances, showcasing his attacking threat by scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The former Inter man has been one of Fenerbahce’s most consistent performers since his arrival, averaging a 7.05 WhoScored match rating, and his previous exploits in the Serie A indicate he could have what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.

Lauded as “incredible” by former Inter chairman Steven Zhang, Skriniar could be a real statement signing for Palace this summer, and £17m seems like a very reasonable fee for his services.