Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur was the final nail in the coffin for what has been a truly dismal 2024/25 campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s side have ended the campaign without any form of European football next season, currently sitting in a measly 16th place in the Premier League table.

Such a loss could see the club lose up to £200m throughout 2025/26, having a real impact on the financial situation and any potential transfers this summer.

An overhaul is desperately needed, given their failures during the current campaign, with new signings and departures required to hand the manager the tools he needs to change the current situation.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work is already being done behind the scenes at Old Trafford to land players who would certainly add to the squad currently at Amorim’s disposal.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A striker has been on United’s radar over the last couple of months, with Viktor Gyokeres a name constantly touted, given his previous time under Amorim at Spotting CP.

The Swede would undoubtedly be an excellent option for the Red Devils given his record of 53 goals in his 51 appearances, but could be set for a summer switch to fellow English side Arsenal.

As a result, the club will have to target other options in such an area, leading to rumours over a deal for Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He’s claimed that the Red Devils hierarchy have already held face-to-face talks with the 22-year-old, after he scored 12 goals in his 36 league appearances for the Tractor Boys this campaign.

It’s also reported that he will be available for around £30m this summer, after his relegation release clause became active, but they could also face keen interest from Chelsea during the off-season.

Why United’s latest target could end Hojlund’s time at Old Trafford

Rasmus Hojlund arrived at United with huge excitement back in the summer of 2023, costing a staggering £72m from Serie A outfit Atalanta, after scoring 10 goals throughout 2022/23.

The Dane has since struggled to replicate his best form in England, scoring 26 goals in his 94 appearances for the Red Devils, with only four of his strikes coming in the league this season.

He’s endured long droughts throughout 2024/25, including a run that saw him go 21 matches without a goal in all competitions – leading to frustrations amongst the fanbase.

His showing in the Europa League final was another one to forget, featuring for 71 minutes and only registering a total of 15 touches, losing possession every 3.75 touches.

If the club are to make the step under Amorim next campaign, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back him in the summer, handing the funds to make the changes he requires in such a department.

Delap would be an excellent addition for the fee mooted for his signature this summer, massively outperforming Hojlund in numerous key areas when comparing their respective stats.

The Ipswich star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has massively outscored the Dane, whilst registering a higher shot-on-target rate – showcasing the clinical threat he poses.

How Delap compares to Hojlund in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Delap

Hojlund

Games played

36

31

Goals & assists

14

4

Shot-on-target accuracy

45%

38%

Shots on target

1.1

0.5

Progressive carries

2.1

1.2

Progressive passes

1.1

0.7

Take-on success

47%

28%

Aerials won

42%

23%

Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries and more take-ons, handing Amorim the all-round option in the final third he’s often lacked throughout his tenure at Old Trafford.

Delap has already won 19% more of the aerials he’s contested, handing the side a focal point to play off, subsequently allowing the likes of Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes to improve their own tallies.

£30m could prove to be an excellent price for a player who has bags of time to build on his excellent debut season in England’s top flight, given his tender age.

Given the interest from elsewhere, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a player who could easily end Holland’s time at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Posts ByRobbie Walls May 22, 2025

It seems like Chelsea will try and sign a new winger in the summer transfer window. With Jadon Sancho potentially returning to Manchester United, if they decide not to buy him permanently, they could well need reinforcements in wide areas.

Enzo Maresca’s current crop of wide men are certainly not uninspiring. Aside from Sancho, those permanently at the club include the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.

Those two wingers have six and 11 goals to their names across all competitions, respectively, this season. In recent weeks, Tyrique George has broken through, and Cole Palmer now plays a more central role.

However, they could well look to sign an additional player in wide areas, and are seemingly plotting an ambitious move this summer.

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a winger

Chelsea have been linked with a number of options should they try and sign a new winger this summer. One of those players is another Red Devils star, Alejandro Garnacho. News broke on Thursday, courtesy of talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, that Chelsea are ‘interested’ in the 20-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

Alternatives are also seemingly being considered, as the Blues could well be set to target Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to Caught Offside. The report suggests the West London outfit are ‘stepping up their pursuit’ of the Brazilian forward this summer.

According to the article, Chelsea are the side who ‘are currently leading the race’ to sign the Los Blancos superstar, but they are not the only team in the hunt.

Their Premier League rivals, Manchester City ‘are keeping a close eye on the situation’ and could also make a move. Whichever side win the race, Madrid could command a huge fee of £101m.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing

Make no mistake about it, Chelsea would be signing a global superstar if they manage to bring Rodrygo to Stamford Bridge. Described as “terrifyingly good” by Sam Tighe, a football journalist and broadcaster, he has been fantastic for Madrid once again this term.

It has been a productive season again for the Brazilian this season. Across all competitions for the La Liga giants, he has found the back of the net 14 times and provided a further ten goals for his teammates in 51 games.

In fact, the 24-year-old’s underlying numbers from this season from Sofascore reinforce the fact that he has played well. For example, he has averaged 2.1 key passes and 2.1 successful dribbles in those 51 appearances this season.

Key passes

78

2.1

Big chances created

10

0.3

Dribbles completed

77

2.1

Tackles and interceptions

71

1.9

Expected goal involvements

12.12xGI

0.32xGI

If there is one competition that the winger thrives in, it is the Champions League. Rodrygo has a strong record in the competition, with 39 goals and assists in 64 games. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig rightly pointed out that he “loves the UCL”.

It is a competition that Chelsea are hoping to be in next term, and they will hope Rodrygo can turn up on the biggest stage again.

Should the West London side bring Rodrygo to the club, he could be the second coming of Diego Costa. Not in the sense of how he was as a player, of course, given the former Atletico Madrid star was a striker and Rodrygo is a winger.

Instead, the similarities between the two are the fact that they are both Brazil-born, high-profile La Liga stars, who were expensive, too. Sky Sports reported that the then-25-year-old striker cost Chelsea £32m, which in today’s money, according to The Transfer Index, would be £61.5m, a steep fee indeed.

Costa was sensational for the Blues. The Spain international, who has not yet retired but is currently without a club, scored 59 goals and registered 21 assists in 120 games.

Across three Premier League seasons, they won two titles, and Costa scored 20 league goals in both of those.

If Rodrygo can have anywhere near the impact at Chelsea that Costa managed, then it would be an excellent piece of business. Of course, the fee is expensive, but to acquire a player of his talent, you have to pay that kind of money.

Costa joined the Blues from La Liga and became a club legend, taking the West Londoners to astronomical heights. They will surely want Rodrygo to do the exact same thing if he moves to Stamford Bridge.

Could be another Sterling: Chelsea lead Arsenal in race for "superstar"

Chelsea are looking to add depth to their side this summer

ByJoe Nuttall May 22, 2025

Mikel Arteta decided to star Leandro Trossard up top again for Arsenal’s game against Bournemouth on Saturday, and it would be fair to say it didn’t really pay off.

While not terrible, the Belgian international was pretty anonymous throughout the match, failing to score or assist a goal and fully deserving of the 6/10 match rating he received from the Standard’s Simon Collings.

Like most of his fellow attackers, it’s not been as good of a campaign for the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace as it was last season, when he managed to rack up a tally of 20 goal involvements in 46 games.

So, it’s not surprising to see the club linked with an exceptional international winger ahead of the summer transfer window, a winger who’d be a significant upgrade on Trossard.

Arsenal's winger search

With their attack being the biggest problem this season, Arsenal have been linked with a number of top wingers in recent weeks, such as Nico Williams and Francisco Trincão.

Transfer Focus

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

The former, who has racked up 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season, has been a long-term target, and with a £50m release clause in his current deal, could finally make the move to North London this summer.

The latter is a more recent target, and while his reported £66.5m price tag seems steep, he’s been nothing short of spectacular for Sporting CP this season, chalking up a tally of nine goals and 18 assists in 51 games.

However, to take the club to the next level, the Gunners might have to make a statement signing and bring in an established superstar, someone like Rodrygo Goes.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have inquired about the £204k-per-week star, who Real Madrid are actually considering selling.

Alongside the North Londoners, the report has revealed that Premier League rivals Manchester City are also keen and that the winger should be available for around €100m, which is about £85m.

It would be a costly and potentially complicated transfer to get over the line, but it’s one Andrea Berta and Co should push for, as Rodrygo is one of the “best players in the world” in the eyes of Carlo Ancelotti.

How Rodrygo compares to Trossard

While Rodrygo’s most played position is right wing, he’s also incredibly accomplished playing off the left, and, with Bukayo Saka being as essential as he is to Arsenal, the left is undoubtedly where the Brazilian would play.

Therefore, one of his primary competitors for a starting berth would be Trossard, so who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their output, it’s the Real ace who emerges victorious.

For example, in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, the 24-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games, or every 143.04 minutes.

In contrast, the Belgian has scored ten goals and provided eight assists in 52 appearances, totalling 3241 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.88 games, or every 180.05 minutes.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.37

0.44

Non-Penalty G+As

0.60

0.48

Progressive Passes

4.68

3.75

Progressive Carries

5.06

2.76

Shots

2.64

2.62

Shots on Target

1.02

0.86

Passing Accuracy

85.7%

74.5%

Key Passes

2.08

1.38

Passes into the Final Third

2.88

1.86

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.12

1.65

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.10

0.36

Shot-Creating Actions

4.56

3.15

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.42

Successful Take-Ons

2.15

1.14

The one-sided nature of the comparison continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

For example, in almost every metric, the “spectacular” Champions League winner, as dubbed by manager Carlo Ancelotti, comes out ahead, including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, key passes, shots and shots on target, passes into the final third, shot-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Trossard remains a useful player for Arteta and Arsenal, it’s clear that, in practically every way, Rodrygo is a massive upgrade and, therefore, someone the club should be going all out to sign this summer.

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1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 5, 2025

Alexander Isak will enjoy the off-season knowing two things: Newcastle United will play Champions League football in just a matter of months, and their success in achieving this feat (again) is largely down to his prowess in the final third.

The “intelligent” striker, as he’s been dubbed by reporter Ryan Taylor, will know more than two things, of course, but it’s these two facts which shape his footballing future and it’s this which matters most to the adoring Magpies faithful.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein believes the 25-year-old is staying put after his prolific Premier League campaign, but he’ll want to be rewarded, along with his teammates, after such a historic year, and Eddie Howe is on the same page, hoping to attack the looming transfer window with rapidity.

Here is a complete and balanced team, but it could do with some fine-tuning, for sure. With impressive prudence, Newcastle have planned ahead and are ready to strengthen their frontline.

Newcastle pushing to sign Premier League forward

As per The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Newcastle are indeed planning for a busy window and are ready to pounce for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, having made a right-sided forward one of their priorities.

Transfer Focus

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

Edwards reveals that the Magpies are ready to lodge bids for both the winger and Crystal Palace star, Marc Guehi, in what he describes as a ‘crucial summer’ for Howe and co.

The Cameroon international has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, and the Bees would be looking for as much as £60m to grant their talisman’s departure.

Manchester United also have a vested interest, but their ongoing efforts to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha have led PIF to believe they can take the lead in the coming days.

What Bryan Mbeumo would bring to Newcastle

Howe’s walked across the breadth of the Premier League terrain, the good and the bad. He’s scrambled out of the pit of the division with Newcastle and he’s led them toward the peak, having now sealed a route into the Champions League across two of the past three seasons.

Though they’ve invested, United haven’t employed a scattergun approach on the level of some direct rivals, and yet they’ve found a formula for fluency, with Isak fronting a slick and coherent system.

Now just imagine Mbeumo in there too. Jacob Murphy has been immense all year, but Mbeumo would bring a different breed of potency, a new focal point which would ease Isak’s responsibilities and, paradoxically, allow him to take even larger strides in his remarkable development.

1)

Mohamed Salah

38

29

2)

Alexander Isak

34

23

3)

Erling Haaland

31

22

4)

Chris Wood

36

20

4=

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

Mbeumo’s 20-goal haul in the Premier League this season left him behind an exclusive trio of powerhouses, with analyst Ben Mattinson rightly describing him as “one of the most deadly” players in the division.

He would elevate the existing stars, to be sure, and though Murphy and Anthony Gordon would help supply Mbeumo’s quest for goals, Isak could prove the most exciting partner for him, with the Sweden international noted to be the “best all-round forward in the Premier League” by pundit Ally McCoist.

The 23-goal Isak was only outscored by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah this season, but he also finished the 2024/25 campaign ranked among the top 16% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The complete striker indeed. Isak could turn Mbeumo into a veritable monster, cementing his giddy form at a higher level and ensuring he enters some lofty conversations in the years to come.

The next Trippier: Newcastle express interest in "stupidly good" £29m star

Newcastle are looking to add to their depth at right-back

ByJoe Nuttall May 28, 2025

A £150k-a-week Liverpool player is now on the verge of sealing a move elsewhere, with the deal at a very advanced stage, according to a report.

Important summer ahead for the Reds

Few would have predicted Arne Slot securing the Premier League title in his first season as manager, but the Reds have defied all expectations to secure top spot, with captain Virgil van Dijk set to get his hands on the trophy on May 26th.

However, despite the success this season, Slot is set to have a big job on his hands this summer, as the manager will be tasked with bringing in a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract.

Clubs from across Europe are also queuing up for Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan falling short of expectations this season, meaning a replacement is likely to be needed at striker, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak believed to be the dream target.

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By
Ethan Lamb

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One of the only additions Slot has made to his squad is Federico Chiesa, with the winger being handed a £150k-a-week contract last summer, but it appears as though the Italian’s time at Anfield could be coming to an end.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Chiesa’s prospective move to Napoli is now at a ‘very advanced’ stage, with the forward excited by the opportunity to return to his home country after a disappointing spell on Merseyside.

The Serie A side are now stepping up their pursuit of the forward, having already submitted an offer, and a deal is close to completion, with Napoli keen to bring him in on a loan deal initially, with the option for a permanent purchase.

Slot should cash-in on Chiesa this summer

Rather than agreeing to an initial loan deal, the Reds should look to get the 27-year-old off the books permanently if possible, given that he has failed to adapt to life in the Premier League since arriving from Juventus.

While injuries have not helped the Italy international, he has made just five appearances in the Premier League, featuring for just 41 minutes in total, having been unable to make a name for himself on Merseyside, despite his previous exploits for club and country.

The former Juventus man’s only notable moment in a Liverpool shirt came in the EFL Cup final, scoring a late goal against Newcastle United, but his side were unable to force their way back into the game.

Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph underlines the fact they do not need Chiesa, so it is good news they are looking to get him off the books this summer.

Sunderland fans will be nervously counting down the days until Saturday’s Championship playoff final with only one huge match now standing in their way of Premier League glory.

There are some bad omens heading into the clash with Sheffield United, considering the Black Cats haven’t won on their last three visits to Wembley, but Regis Le Bris will pray his side can just get the job done by any means necessary in front of their raucous supporters.

It could also be another occasion where Daniel Ballard bails his team out in the most dramatic of fashions, with Sunderland entirely reliant on the ex-Arsenal man to guide them to the playoff final.

Ballard's astonishing heroics versus Coventry

If it wasn’t for Ballard popping up with a last-gasp header, the second leg tie against Coventry City would have headed to the nauseating lottery of penalties.

Thankfully, the Northern Irishman was in the perfect position to nod home Enzo Le Fee’s late corner kick, with the header undoubtedly leaving Coventry reeling, but it was a moment of unbelievable ecstasy for the Stadium of the Light to take in.

Ripping his shirt off in delight in the chaos that ensued, Ballard’s imposing presence from these scenarios could well be an effective weapon for Le Bris and Co to call upon for the final, particularly if it’s a tight and scrappy affair.

The Frenchman will also hope his attackers pack their shooting boots to try and upset the Blades on the biggest stage, with one promising forward player now actually worth the same as Ballard after he too played his part in Sunderland knocking out Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues.

The Sunderland star who's now worth as much as Ballard

Sunderland do have a whole host of sellable assets on their books, meaning promotion up to the Premier League will be key in attempting to keep the likes of Jobe Bellingham around for longer.

Ballard was even rumoured to be on the Blades’ shopping list once upon a time, but down the line, Sunderland number 12 Eliezer Mayenda could well be eyed up by some higher suitors himself with his performances for the Black Cats this season showing off a very promising striker that’s still got lots of room to improve.

He showed off his instinctive game when firing home the late winner in the first leg against Coventry, with Mayenda staying alert to any possible errors before rounding Ben Wilson confidently to finish off the gifted opportunity.

That would bump up his goal tally for the season to a nine strikes despite the 20-year-old only starting 22 Championship contests, with ex-Black Cats great Kevin Phillips even complimenting Mayenda as a “handful” after his winner at the CBS Arena.

The decision to snap up Mayenda for a measly £843k as a promising teenage talent has proven to be a steal, therefore, with the Zaragoza-born striker now worth around £3m according to Transfermarkt, which is the exact same value as Ballard.

Games played

48

Goals scored

9

Assists

5

Original value when joining

£843k

Value now

£3m

Much like Bellingham’s value has skyrocketed amongst other shrewd Black Cats buys, it’s not out of the question to assume Mayenda’s value will continue to rise and rise too, particularly if he becomes a Premier League player very soon.

Before anyone gets too carried away at the Stadium of Light and starts picturing top-flight utopia, however, the playoff final is obviously a nerve-wracking day out that will really test the resolve of Le Bris’ young squad.

But, it could also be the perfect time for his group to mature even more, with both Mayenda or Ballard no doubt ready to be heroes again if a chance falls their way.

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ByKelan Sarson May 19, 2025

Birmingham City are currently preparing for a season in the Championship after they took League One by storm to secure the title with a record 111 points.

Chris Davies led his side to 34 wins and just three defeats in 46 matches in the third tier in his first campaign in charge of the club, and he is now tasked with building a team to take on the second tier.

As is natural with a promotion to a higher level, there are some players who played regular football in League One for Birmingham who may not make the cut as regulars next term.

One player who may not have as much game time for the Blues is left-winger Keshi Anderson, who started 27 of his 37 appearances this season.

Why Birmingham need an upgrade on Keshi Anderson

The 30-year-old attacker joined the club from Blackpool in the summer of 2023 and failed to deliver much in front of goal in the Championship during his first season, with a return of zero goals and two assists in 20 matches.

Transfer Focus

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

Birmingham’s relegation to League One provided Anderson with an opportunity to produce more quality in the final third at a lower level, with seven goals and five assists in his 27 starts in the third tier.

The left winger’s dismal return at Championship level in the 2023/24 campaign for the Blues and his decent but unspectacular haul this season in League One do not suggest that he is likely to be a key player for Davies next term.

Birmingham should aim for a forward who has the potential to deliver more quality, in terms of goals and assists, on a regular basis at Championship level, which is why they should swoop for Louie Barry.

Why Birmingham should sign Louie Barry

The Championship side should make a move to sign the English winger from their rivals Aston Villa, as GIVEMESPORT recently reported that he could be an option for the club.

Villa are set to send the 21-year-old star, who they valued at around £12m in January, out on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, and Birmingham should take advantage of that to bring him to St. Andrew’s this summer as an upgrade on Anderson.

Barry, whose composure was once hailed as “incredible” by Declan Rice, only played four times for Hull in the Championship in the second half of this season before an injury put an end to his time with the Tigers.

However, his form on loan at Stockport County in League One during the first half of the campaign suggests that he has the potential to be a big upgrade on Anderson.

Appearances

23

Goals

15

Conversion rate

21%

Big chances created

5

Key passes

23

Assists

2

As you can see in the table above, Barry scored more than twice as many goals as the Birmingham winger did in League One, despite leaving the division in the January transfer window, whilst fulfilling a similar tactical role as a right-footed forward on the left flank.

This suggests that the Villa youngster could come in to improve the firepower in Davies’ side heading into the Championship campaign, as he appears more likely to offer a threat at the top end of the pitch in the Championship than Anderson would be.

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1 ByKelan Sarson Jun 2, 2025

Therefore, Birmingham should put their rivalry with the Villans aside to thrash out a loan move for the right-footed star, who could take Anderson’s place in the team and potentially play a key role in a promotion push in the second tier next season.

Manchester United have opened talks over the signing of a “fantastic” player, who is now a prime target, and they are making significant moves to get a deal done, according to a report.

Man Utd's summer rebuild now underway

The Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur once again underlined the need for Ruben Amorim to have a mass clear-out this summer, and the manager’s rebuild has now commenced, with Matheus Cunha becoming the first player to sign on the dotted line.

However, in order to re-shape his squad more significantly, Amorim may have to sanction some departures, and the manager was seen visibly laughing when questioned about Alejandro Garnacho’s future, amid widespread links to other clubs.

Andre Onana is another player who could be in the firing line, having failed to adapt to life in the Premier League, with Lyon’s Nemanja Matic famously dubbing him “one of the worst keepers in Manchester United history” back in April.

As such, United have been looking at replacements for Onana, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, opening talks over a deal for the 25-year-old in the past week.

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That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Red Devils are now making significant moves to sign Svilar, who could be a low-cost replacement for Onana, with Roma likely to hold out for a fee of around £21m – £25m.

The Serbian would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and AS Monaco all monitoring the goalkeeper’s situation in Italy.

"Fantastic" Svilar now prime target for Man Utd

The Belgium-born shot-stopper is said to have been identified as a prime target for Man United this summer, and it is clear to see why, having averaged a very impressive save percentage and clean sheet percentage over the past year, when compared to other goalkeepers.

Mile Svilar Statistics

Average per 90

Save percentage

77.9% (94th percentile)

Goals against

0.96 (92nd percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

38% (86th percentile)

Not only that, but former manager Claudio Ranieri lauded the Serbia international for his performances during the 2024-25 campaign, saying: “Mile is having a fantastic season.

​​​​​​

“When a goalkeeper is not very busy and is suddenly called into action, showing readiness at all times like Mile does, then it means that he is truly a great goalkeeper.”

It is clear that Onana will need to be replaced this summer, having performed very poorly over the past year, and Svilar could be a savvy signing at just £21m, freeing up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.

The summer transfer window officially opened for business on Sunday and Manchester United have already completed their first signing to bolster the squad.

Matheus Cunha was officially unveiled as the first addition of the summer on Sunday, joining from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on a permanent deal.

The Brazil international will compete for one of the number ten positions behind the central striker in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system in the 2025/26 campaign.

Cunha racked up an impressive haul of 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League for Wolves this season, and could provide a big goal threat for the Red Devils.

The Brazilian star appears to be an exciting addition on paper, given that he has already proven himself in the Premier League, and there could be more forwards to come through the door yet.

Liam Delap, however, will not be one of them because the Red Devils look set to lose the race to land the England U21 international this summer.

Why missing out on Liam Delap is a blow for Manchester United

Chelsea are reportedly set to sign the English forward from Ipswich Town, following their relegation from the Premier League, for a fee of £30m, due to a release clause in his contract in Suffolk.

Champions League football is reportedly a big factor in his decision to make the move to Stamford Bridge, which may be why he is not on his way to Old Trafford, which will not be hosting any European football next season.

United were previously reported to be in pole position to sign Delap, before they lost the Europa League final, and missing out on him now should come as a blow to the club.

The 22-year-old joined the Tractor Boys on a permanent deal from Manchester City last summer and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League, despite failing to keep his side in the division.

24/25 Premier League

Liam Delap

Appearances

37

xG

9.34

Goals

12

Conversion rate

18%

Big chances created

3

Assists

2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Delap was clinical in front of goal for Ipswich, scoring 12 goals from just 9.34 xG, and proved that he can score goals on a regular basis at that level.

The release clause in his contract also meant that he was available for a bargain fee of £30m, and the Red Devils may now have to pay more than that to find an alternative centre-forward option.

There is now a fresh report that reveals that the Premier League giants are looking at numerous other options to bolster their attack in the coming weeks.

Manchester United target Bundesliga centre-forward

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United missing out on Champions League football was a ‘major blow’ because it cost them a deal to sign Delap from Ipswich.

The report adds, however, that Amorim has other centre-forwards on his radar for the summer transfer window, as he looks to provide Cunha with a number nine to play behind.

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It reveals that RB Leipzig number nine Benjamin Sesko has emerged as one of the options being targeted by the Red Devils, alongside Sporting marksman Viktor Gyokeres.

The Slovenia international is said to be one of the strikers on their radar, after missing out on Delap to Chelsea, and he reportedly has a release clause of £84m in his contract with the German side.

This suggests that Sesko could cost a lot more than Delap would have, £54m more to be exact, unless they can negotiate a lower fee, but he could still arrive as an exciting upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund for Amorim.

Why Manchester United should sign Benjamin Sesko

The Premier League giants should swoop to sign the Slovenian number nine this summer because he has the potential to be an excellent addition to the squad.

There is no hiding away from the fact that Hojlund did not produce enough in front of goal in the league during the 2024/25 campaign. The Denmark international ended the season with just four goals, from 5.24 xG, in 32 appearances in the division.

Manchester United’s first-choice centre-forward averaged a goal every 506 minutes in the Premier League, which is simply not good enough for a team that should have ambitions of challenging for the title.

With Sesko, the Red Devils could find a centre-forward who is more suited to challenging at the top end of the league table, given his form for RB Leipzig this term.

The 22-year-old star, who recently scored a sensational trivela goal against Bayern Munich, ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 21 goals and six assists in all competitions.

Sesko, who has been described as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, also scored 18 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig in the 2023/24 season, which shows that he has consistently scored goals at an impressive rate over a prolonged period of time.

24/25 season

Rasmus Hojlund

Benjamin Sesko

Appearances

32

33

xG

5.24

9.89

Goals

4

13

Conversion rate

13%

19%

Key passes per game

0.5

0.6

Assists

0

5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Slovenia international performed significantly better than Hojlund did at league level this season, with nine more goals and five more assists, despite playing just one more match.

Sesko, who also scored one more goal than Delap, could be way better than the Danish flop due to his ability to efficiently find the back of the net at an impressive rate, outperforming his xG by roughly three goals.

Whether that is enough to make him worth the £84m release clause in his Leipzig contract is up for debate, as it depends on how much money United are willing to spend and what they want to do in other areas of the squad.

Taking the financial aspect out of it, though, Sesko could be an exceptional addition to the squad to improve Amorim’s attacking options as a genuine goal threat in the number nine position, which is something that they have not had with Hojlund.

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Leeds United now face Burnley in a transfer battle to sign a Premier League level defender on a free transfer this summer, according to a new report.

Leeds eyeing more transfers after Nmecha deal

The Whites confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window on Sunday afternoon, as Lukas Nmecha agreed to join Leeds once his contract at Wolfsburg expires at the end of the month.

The attacking midfielder is a player who is likely to be an important figure in Farke’s team this season, but the club are not resting with just his arrival, as they are already working on more additions.

As reported by Africa Foot, Leeds have made contact with Manchester City over signing Juma Bah on a loan deal. The 19-year-old joined the Blues back in January but spent the rest of the campaign on loan at RC Lens. He now looks set for another temporary move away, with Leeds and Southampton fighting for his signature.

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Meanwhile, defender Jaka Bijol has agreed terms over a move to Elland Road this summer and a deal appears to be nearing completion. He is not the only defender on the club’s radar, as a report from Football Insider states that Alex Moreno is also interested in a move to Leeds this summer. The 32-year-old could be available for £5 million, as the Whites are in the market for a new left-back.

Leeds face Burnley in Keane battle

The list of potential new defenders to sign doesn’t stop there, as according to the Liverpool Echo, Leeds are among the teams interested in signing Michael Keane from Everton.

Keane, who has been at Goodison Park since July 2017, is out of contract at the end of this month, and while he remains in talks over a new contract, he is looking more likely to leave. That has alerted Leeds, who, along with Burnley and Sheffield United, are keen on swooping in and securing the defender on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old, who has been dubbed “immense” in the past by Harry Redknapp, has fallen down the pecking order at Everton in recent seasons. Keane went from playing 32 games in the Premier League during the 2021/22 season to playing just 12, 9 and 14 times in the last 3 campaigns.

Apps

230

Goals

16

Assists

10

Keane could be a viable option for the Whites to provide more depth behind Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, and there aren’t many free signings on the market who provide such a wealth of top flight experience.