Leeds United are now set to sign another defender and this time for a fee of under £500,000, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Leeds announce Gudmundsson on four-year deal
With Junior Firpo exiting Elland Road, Leeds needed to bring in a new left-back, and they have wasted no time in their pursuit of Lille’s Gabriel Gudmundsson, with the defender signing a four-year contract on Tuesday.
The fee is thought to be in the region of €12m (£10m) although the club’s announcement does not disclose the true figure, after the 26-year-old completed his medical checks on Monday.
Gudmundsson is not the only left-back set to make a move to Elland Road, however, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal the Whites are on the verge of signing a defender from a rival Premier League club.
The transfer expert states that Manchester City’s Jayden Lienou “will join Leeds United” for a package amounting to under £500k, with the 17-year-old set to link up with the U21 team to begin with.
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Leeds United are in the mix of teams who want to sign a highly rated midfielder.
2 ByBrett Worthington Jul 7, 2025
Andrew Taylor and Adam Underwood are said to have been “key” to securing a deal for Lienou, and the deal now appears to be completely agreed, suggesting that an official announcement could be imminent.
Leeds’ opening Premier League fixtures
Date
Everton (h)
August 18th
Arsenal (a)
August 23rd
Newcastle United (h)
August 30th
Fulham (a)
September 13th
Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)
September 20th
Gudmundsson and Lienou are savvy signings for Leeds
Lienou has been showing some promising signs at youth level, most notably scoring a remarkable solo goal for Wales a little over a year ago, showcasing his quality on the front foot.
However, at 17-years-old, the Welshman is clearly one for the future, and Gudmundsson is more likely to make more of an instant impact at Elland Road, given that the Sweden international is vastly experienced.
The Malmo-born defender made nine appearances in the Champions League last season, and his performances across the campaign clearly impressed journalist Joe Donnohue, who described the full-back as a “fun” player and a “risk-taker”.
The former FC Groningen man also caught the eye in an attacking sense during his time with the Dutch club.
Given that Firpo was well-known for his attacking contributions, Gudmundsson could be an ideal replacement for the Dominican Republic international, while Lienou’s performances at youth level indicate he could also be a savvy signing with the potential to become a prototype modern day attacking full-back.
Manchester United have a huge summer ahead of them to try and transform their fortunes on the pitch next season and subsequently avoid a repeat of this campaign.
The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim unable to transform their fortunes after taking the reins in November following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
However, it appears as though the 40-year-old will have some serious money to spend throughout the summer in a bid to improve the current players at his disposal.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
He’s already splashed over £60m to complete the signing of Brazilian international Matheus Cunha, with a deal also heading in the right direction for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
It’s likely that the summer activity won’t end there, which could lead to various big-money additions making the switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, under the watchful eye of sporting director, Jason Wilcox.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions
Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the latest names on their radar this window, with the Red Devils entering talks with PSG over an £85m move for the teenage midfielder.
He’s not the only name mentioned in recent days, as West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has been of interest after an enquiry was made for the 24-year-old’s signature.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
However, another new name has entered the mix over the last few hours, with Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak appearing on their radar, according to Italian outlet Tutto Juve.
They claim that United have been closely monitoring the Swedish international, potentially plotting a move after he scored 23 times in his 34 league appearances this campaign.
It also states that Chelsea and Arsenal are in the race to land the 25-year-old, but the Magpies are preparing a new contract for the forward, who’s currently valued at around £150m.
Why United’s £150m target would be a better signing than Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres has been a player in their sights over recent seasons, but their interest has skyrocketed after Amorim’s arrival – understandably so given his time with the striker at Sporting CP.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
The Swede has registered a staggering 54 goals in his 52 outings in 2024/25, leading to a whole host of English sides being linked with a move for his signature.
Arsenal appeared to be leading the race this window, but it appears as though the Gunners have moved on to different targets, subsequently bringing Amorim’s side back into the picture.
His rumoured £68m fee would undoubtedly tempt the hierarchy given his staggering goalscoring record, but they should look past a move for Gyokeres and put their attention on a deal for Isak.
Whilst the Sporting talisman has registered more goals this season, the Newcastle star has consistently thrived in England’s top flight – having the skillset that would make him an immediate success at Old Trafford.
When comparing their underlying stats from the current season, Isak has dominated, further showcasing why he would be the better option ahead of 2025/26.
The Magpies attacker, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Thomas Hammond, may have been outscored, but has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.
Games played
34
33
Goals scored
23
39
Goals per shot on target
0.5
0.4
Pass accuracy
75%
71%
Progressive passes
2.9
2.1
Passes into final third
1.2
0.5
Take-on success
46%
45%
Carries into final third
1.4
1.3
He’s also completed more passes and more passes into the final third, having the tools to provide the players around him at Old Trafford with the opportunities to thrive.
Isak has also completed more take-ons and made a higher tally of carries into the final third per 90, having the skillset to create his own opportunities rather than be dependent on other options around him.
The £150m price tag would be a club and English record, but the deal could prove to be worth every penny, especially if he can carry his form from St James’ with him to Old Trafford.
Gyokeres may still be some supporters’ first choice this window, but it’s evident that Isak would be the better option for the Red Devils and Wilcox in their pursuit of rising up the table in 2025/26.
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Manchester United appear to be laying the foundations over a move for a sensational young talent.
Tottenham Hotspur’s frontline has impressed throughout the 2024/25 campaign, posting some impressive figures despite their lowly Premier League standing.
The Lilywhites posted a total of 64 league goals in their 38 outings – an average of 1.68 per game, with only six teams in the division scoring more throughout the same period.
Brennan Johnson finished as the club’s top scorer with 11 goals, securing an impressive turnaround after criticism from the supporters led to the Welsh international deactivating his social media accounts.
His £47.5m switch from Nottingham Forest was seen as a huge investment, but given his goal in the Europa League final, it now looks to be money well spent by the hierarchy.
They have the opportunity to land another deal of that magnitude this summer, with new boss Thomas Frank undoubtedly needing funds to transform the squad ahead of 2025/26.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, new attackers have been on Spurs’ radar, as the hierarchy look to further boost the options currently available in the final third.
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has constantly been touted as a potential option for the club, with the Lilywhites in a battle with Manchester United for the Ghanaian’s signature.
However, another name has been mentioned over the last couple of days, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa also on the club’s radar, according to The Guardian.
They report that the hierarchy have held internal talks over a move for the DR Congo international, who netted 19 league goals in 35 appearances under Frank this campaign.
It also states that they could face competition from Nottingham Forest, after Nuno Espírito Santo’s side once again entered the race after having a £22m bid rejected back in January.
Why Wissa would be a better signing than Mbeumo for Spurs
After the arrival of Frank from Brentford last week, it’s no surprise to see some of the Dane’s former players linked with a move to North London during the off-season.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
Alongside Wissa, winger Bryan Mbeumo has also been mentioned as a potential target, unsurprisingly so given his 20-goal season for the Bees in 2024/25.
The Cameroonian has been one of the most dangerous attackers this season, being one of only five players in the division who have achieved such a feat.
However, Frank will face stiff competition from Manchester United for the 25-year-old’s signature this window, with the London outfit demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with him this summer.
Such a fee seems a little steep, with any pending arrival taking playing time off top scorer Johnson, which could be a controversial decision given his form this campaign.
As a result, Wissa would be a better addition, with the “unbelievable” forward, as labelled by Frank, offering a central option – a position that has been a struggle since Harry Kane’s departure.
When comparing his stats to those of current talisman Dominic Solanke, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing the need to pursue a move for the Congolese star.
Games played
35
27
Goals & assists
23
12
Shot-on-target accuracy
46%
40%
Pass accuracy
77%
70%
Passes into final third
1.4
1.1
Aerials won
46%
43%
Progressive carries
1.9
1.2
He’s massively outscored the club-record signing, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical nature when in the final third.
The Bees star has also completed more passes and made more passes into the final third, handing the likes of Johnson to improve their own tallies in 2025/26.
His all-round quality is also reflected in his aerial success rate and progressive carries per 90, able to play as a focal point or play on the shoulder of the defender if needed.
It’s unclear how much the Bees would demand for his signature this summer, but he’s proven that he’s a top-level Premier League forward who could further improve Spurs’ fortunes.
Brentford's YoaneWissacelebrates scoring their first goal
Given his impact, the hierarchy need to look past Mbeumo and focus on Wissa, with his addition handing Frank another attacking star in his quest in North London.
Better than Semenyo: Spurs open talks to sign "one of the best wingers"
Tottenham are looking to sign a new forward this summer.
The close relative of a “great” Liverpool transfer target has claimed that his move to Anfield this summer is now “basically a done deal”, in an exciting new update.
Florian Wirtz week at Liverpool
The Reds have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen since the end of last season, but this week has the potential to be a particularly memorable one at Anfield.
Liverpool appear to be edging closer to the stunning signing of Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz all the time, with fresh reports claiming that he will be in England on Thursday, with his medical and official unveiling taking place on Friday.
While much focus is on Wirtz currently, which is no surprise considering he is seen as one of Europe’s best players currently, a move for Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth is also close to happening.
The 21-year-old has emerged as the perfect left-back to come in and be Andy Robertson’s long-term successor at Liverpool, and now a new update suggests that the transfer is closer to happening than ever.
Liverpool signing Kerkez "basically a done deal"
Speaking to Super Indirektno [via The Mirror], Kerkez’s father, Sebastijan Kerkez, claimed that his son’s move to Liverpool is “basically a done deal”, also discussing the huge influence of sporting director Richard Hughes.
“It’s only Liverpool for us and we’re not going anywhere else and we won’t talk to other clubs. Everything is done between us (personal terms) we just need to sort out some details but it’s basically a done deal. Richard Hughes brought us to Bournemouth, if he said we go to India, then we go to India, everything is agreed, just some little things.”
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
This is fantastic news for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, with Kerkez looking tailor-made to thrive in this Premier League-winning team under Arne Slot.
Appearances
38
Starts
38
Minutes played
3341
Goals
2
Assists
5
Clearances per game
2.6
Tackles per game
1.4
Interceptions per game
1.2
The Hungarian caught the eye so often with his performances for Bournemouth in 2024/25, standing out as one of the best left-backs in the country and being hailed by manager Andoni Iraola.
“Milos has improved a lot from past season. He has done a great job defensively. I think he’s a player that because of his physical condition arrives so many times to the last third with the ball under control to put good crosses that the number of assists, of good balls he was having, was quite low past season, but this season I think he’s deciding much better. He’s adding quality to his deliveries.”
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There is always a risk that any move won’t work out, but assuming he avoids serious injury, the £40m-rated Kerkez looks primed to be a massive player for Liverpool for many years to come.
Fresh off the back of what Erling Haaland described as a “boring” season, Manchester City are looking to bring back the excitement amid what has been a hectic start to the transfer window at the Etihad.
With the intriguing Club World Cup on the horizon, Pep Guardiola’s side have acted swiftly in order to bolster their ranks for the competition, with a deal having been agreed for AC Milan sensation, Tijjani Reijnders.
The capture of the Netherlands international – who had joined the Serie A side from AZ Alkmaar back in 2023 – is expected to cost an initial fee of around €55m (£46m), thus providing Guardiola with further depth in the midfield department.
Elsewhere, meanwhile, the Citizens are “advancing” their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Rayan Ait-Nouri, with his namesake – Rayan Cherki – also agreeing personal terms.
A bid is expected to be lodged for a player who could cost just £25m to prise from Lyon, having registered 32 goals and assists in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side at the age of just 21.
The suggestion is that the Frenchman could well be a “future Ballon d’Or winner”, according to The Athletic’s Alex Barker. Perhaps the same is true of a potentially even more exciting summer target…
Man City make move for Premier League sensation
Hoovering up Britain’s best young talent has been a common theme of the City recruitment drive in recent years, with notable arrivals including the West Ham United pairing of Divin Mubama and Divine Mukasa – the latter of whom registered 42 goals and assists in just 41 games at youth level in 2024/25.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That youth-centric transfer approach only looks set to continue, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano having revealed that the Manchester side have agreed a deal for Sheffield Wednesday striker Caelan Cadamarteri.
Such news also comes amid reports which suggest that City are hoping to raid Arsenal for the signing of teenage sensation, Max Dowman, with Football Transfers noting that the 2023 treble winners, as well as Barcelona, have ‘expressed interest’ in the Hale End star.
Max Dowman
As per the report, both clubs are believed to have made ‘initial approaches’ to ‘signal their interest’ in the England youth international, albeit with the Gunners determined to keep hold of their 15-year-old prodigy.
The suggestion is that City would look to offer a similar pathway to that of Phil Foden, who was carefully nurtured and developed before cementing a first-team role for himself, with Barca said to be at a disadvantage as Dowman would not be able to join until he turns 18.
Any potential excitement over signing a player who doesn’t turn 16 until December may appear premature, although all the signs point to the teenager being a genuine star of the future.
Why Man City should sign Dowman
As noted by Football Transfers, Arsenal are desperate to avoid letting their homegrown diamond depart, and why wouldn’t they be? This is a player who, despite his youth, is already earning rave reviews from across the game.
Already part of first-team training in north London – amid the confirmation that he will join the pre-season tour this summer – Dowman has been given the backing of senior teammate Declan Rice, who described him as the “best 15-year-old in the country”.
Such words have been echoed by Arsenal insider, Will Balsam, who has claimed that the in-demand playmaker is the “biggest talent in England”. Talent scout Jacek Kulig, meanwhile, has hailed Dowman as the “most exciting prospect” he has seen “since Yamine Lamal”.
Rayan Cherki
It is those words which showcase just why the rising star is earning admiring glances from some of Europe’s elite clubs, while equally, it also illustrates why he could prove to be an even more exciting capture than the mercurial Cherki.
Indeed, it does appear that a first senior appearance is a matter of when and not if for the Emirates ace, not least having already registered 30 goals and assists in just 25 U18 appearances for the club, as per Transfermarkt.
Nicholas Oyekunle – Southampton
23
27
4
Luca Williams-Barnett – Spurs
20
19
9
Reigan Heskey – Man City
19
18
7
Dan Casey – Arsenal
21
18
1
Divine Mukaka – Man City
20
16
15
Marcus Neill – Sunderland
22
16
6
Victor Musa – Man Utd
19
16
3
Max Dowman – Arsenal
15
15
5
Matty Warhurst – Man City
21
15
2
Charles Ebuka Agbawodikeizu
14
15
0
Comfortable on the right flank or in a central role – much like Cherki – Dowman is a simply joyous talent to witness, possessing a wand of a left foot and a dazzling ability to breeze past defenders.
That was evident during the club’s FA Youth Cup run, as he put in a statement display in the semi-final clash with Manchester United, despite ending up on the losing side, having notably won and converted a penalty for the Gunners following a surging solo run from deep.
Described as a ‘superstar in the making’ by the Standard’s Simon Collings following that 3-2 loss, Dowman appears destined to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly under Mikel Arteta – provided Guardiola and co don’t make their move, of course.
While landing a talent like Cherki is nothing to be sniffed at, being able to secure arguably the ‘biggest talent in England’ from one of your Premier League rivals would certainly take the biscuit.
After Reijnders: Man City to submit bid for Mahrez 2.0 "in the next hours"
Man City’s squad overhaul looks set to continue this summer, amid Tijjani Reijnders’ expected arrival.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly made contact with a £20m target who used to play for Paris Saint-Germain.
AS Roma eye Espirito Santo move
After a season full of success, Nottingham Forest could be set to become the victims of that success when the summer transfer window arrives. The Midlands club, as is often the case when clubs enjoy an unexpected rise, have already seen the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White linked with moves away and could yet lose manager Nuno Espirito Santo on top.
With reports suggesting that Italian outfit AS Roma are interested in Nuno, the Nottingham Forest boss could leave the City Ground and cause a major shock this summer. It’s a departure that Evangelos Marinakis should hope to avoid at all costs above any potential star players.
Since the boss’ arrival, Forest have simply been a side transformed from a side battling relegation into a side who will be disappointed that Champions League qualification is out of their hands.
Nottingham Forest now ready to take formal steps to sign "elegant" £51m ace
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The Portuguese manager may just be getting started, too. With Europa League football, at the very least, now confirmed for next season, Forest should be in their strongest position for quite some time to welcome some of Europe’s impressive talents.
It goes without saying that adding depth in preparation for European football will be crucial to any success next season, and the rumours have already been coming thick and fast over just who could complete a move to the City Ground to add exactly that to Nuno’s squad.
Nottingham Forest make contact with Bulka
According to Polish outlet Meczyki, Nottingham Forest have now made contact with Marcin Bulka over a summer move to the City Ground, with Marinakis now eyeing a £20m move to sign the shot-stopper.
Fresh from a solid campaign in Ligue 1 for OGC Nice, Bulka has earned the interest of Forest and may well find himself on his way back towards Europe’s elite for the first time since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.
Starts
34
37
Clean Sheets
8
13
Saves per 90
4.74
4.41
Save Percentage
75.8%
74.2%
When compared to Forest No.1 Sels, who has enjoyed an excellent season in his own right, Bulka’s numbers certainly make for interesting reading. The Nice shot-stopper has just about outperformed Sels for save percentage as well as saves per 90, albeit whilst keeping fewer clean sheets.
If Forest are to strengthen, then they could do far worse than welcoming the former PSG man this summer. With plenty of football to share around next season too, having two options so similar in quality would be no bad thing.
With Forest reportedly in contact with his representatives, Bulka could certainly be one to watch in the coming months.
Chelsea lost 2-0 to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the Premier League on Sunday, but they could still have a successful end to the 2024/25 campaign.
The Blues are fifth in the league, on course to qualify for the Champions League, and are in the final of the Conference League after their semi-final success over Djurgarden.
Enzo Maresca and the board, however, already have one eye on the upcoming summer transfer window, as the club have reportedly held talks to sign a LaLiga star.
Chelsea at the front of the queue to sign LaLiga star
According to The Boot Room, Chelsea are one of the teams eyeing up a deal to sign Athletic Club forward Nico Williams, and they have already held talks with his representatives over a move to Stamford Bridge.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report claims that the Blues have had meetings with the player’s camp to convince him to make the move to England, but he is unwilling to make a final decision until the end of the season.
It also reveals that Arsenal and Chelsea are the two teams at the ‘front of the queue’ to land the Spain international, who is also of interest to Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
Possessing a reported release clause of £48m, it’s not a move that would totally break the bank, which is certainly good news.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
If Williams does decide to move on from Athletic Club this summer, Maresca’s side appear to be well-positioned to swoop in, which should come as great news for Cole Palmer.
Why Nico Williams would be amazing with Cole Palmer
The Chelsea superstar would surely love it if the club signed the Spanish winger because they could be amazing together at the top end of the pitch next season and beyond.
Palmer, as evidenced by the 38 ‘big chances’ he has created in the Premier League since the start of last season, is an attacking midfielder who is constantly looking for a defence-splitting pass to create chances for his teammates.
Williams is a winger who has shown that he can finish chances effectively in LaLiga and in the Europa League this term, which suggests that he could make the most of the high-quality opportunities that the England international consistently creates.
Starts
21
12
xG
3.84
2.85
Goals
5
5
Big chances missed
2
2
Assists
5
2
As you can see in the table above, the Spanish sensation has outperformed his xG in both competitions, whilst only missing four ‘big chances’ in 33 matches.
These statistics suggest that he has the finishing quality to find the back of the net on a consistent basis if provided with the constant stream of ‘big chances’ that Palmer has proven he can create at Premier League level.
Williams, who was dubbed a “relentless” dribbler by analyst Ben Mattinson, would also come in as another young talent with room to improve at the age of 22, which means that the Spaniard and Palmer, 23, could be an exciting pairing for Chelsea for many, many, more year to come.
It is now down to the Blues to win the race for his signature in the summer transfer window because his electric pace and lethal finishing could make him an amazing partner for their creative maestro in the Premier League next season.
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Manchester City have not set the Premier League alight by their lofty standards this season, but there are still some positive green shoots beginning to appear.
Indeed, the likes of Nico O’Reilly and Omar Marmoush have settled in swimmingly to first-team life in Manchester, with the exciting academy product a first-team regular now, alongside his entertaining Egyptian teammate who already has six Premier League goals to his name.
That’s the case despite the City number seven only being on the books of Pep Guardiola’s men since January, meaning there will plenty of optimism in the air that deals happening this coming transfer window can be equally as impactful.
How Man City could replace De Bruyne in the transfer window
The main area of the pitch that could do with some reinforcements is the number ten spot with Kevin De Bruyne edging ever closer to exiting the Etihad the more the season ticks away.
This has led City down the path of pursuing some statement buys with both names such as Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White on their agenda to try and adequately replace the constant heroics of De Bruyne.
But, Guardiola’s titans could plug the gap left behind by their iconic Belgian by snapping up Sporting winger Francisco Trincao instead, despite the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man’s main preference to line up down the flanks.
The Portuguese was linked with a move to the Etihad earlier this week but it won’t be an easy deal to get over the line.
That’s because top four rivals Newcastle United and Arsenal are also after the wide forward, while city rivals Manchester United have a vested interest too.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Why Trincao could replace De Bruyne's creativity
If Trincao were to relocate back to the Premier League, he would have a burning desire to prove any naysayers wrong after a turbulent stint at Molineux.
After all, the 25-year-old attacker – who was once hailed as “special” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – has proven himself to be an assist king ever since returning to his native Portugal, which could lead to De Bruyne’s sad exit being quickly forgotten about.
The on-fire Sporting number 17 was more cold than hot donning a Wolves strip, with Trincao only capable of picking up a mere three goals and one assist from 30 appearances for the Old Gold, before then retreating to a more comfortable environment in Lisbon.
Sporting Club's Francisco Trinaco and Viktor Gyokeres.
Now, he is front and centre of Sporting’s devastating attacking arsenal alongside goal machine Viktor Gyokeres, with this season alone seeing the reinvigorated forward pick up a substantial 18 assists from 51 total contests.
His career total of 53 assists – away from this season’s count – is some way off eclipsing De Bruyne’s unbelievable 177 tally at the Etihad, but the powers that be at City will just pray he can be as classy as the departing 33-year-old when cutting defences open if he joins, having also once been openly praised as “really exciting” by Wolves technical director Scott Sellars.
RW
171
27
36
LW
53
11
6
SS
24
7
3
RM
11
0
1
CF
8
3
1
LM
6
1
2
AM
1
0
0
To further back up Trincao as a likely heir to De Bruyne’s playmaking throne, the Portuguese superstar has also shown across his career to date that he can shine in multiple different positions.
Of course, the assist-heavy Belgian is most commonly known as lining up as a number ten for Guardiola’s giants, but he has lined up in eight different positions during his lengthy stay at the club, including as a main striker in recent times, a role Trincao can fulfil too.
Therefore, this is yet another box that Trincao ticks if he’s going to be the next ace up Guardiola’s sleeve, similar to De Bruyne’s high standards.
Adding in a player of the 25-year-old’s creative calibre can only be a positive for those at City, with a further low price-tag next to his name of just £34m making this potential summer move a must to complete.
Their answer to Wirtz: Man City preparing bid for "world-class" £85m star
Manchester City could still win their answer to Florian Wirtz by signing this superstar instead.
Fulham are now set to open talks over a deal for a “beautiful footballer” this summer, who is set to be available on a free transfer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Cottagers stepping up summer transfer plans
The Cottagers have been showing signs of year-on-year development under the helm of Marco Silva, and they are in a good position to record a top-half finish in the Premier League, which should put them in a good position to attract some quality players this summer.
Silva’s side have managed to progress despite losing some key figures in recent windows, with Joao Palhinha among them, but the midfielder’s move to Bayern Munich hasn’t gone exactly to plan, which means a return to Craven Cottage could now be on the cards.
The west Londoners are keen on strengthening in the middle of the park, and they are also looking to upgrade their defence, with contact being made to discuss a deal for versatile Juventus defender Nicolo Savona, who has impressed in the Serie A this season.
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Savona’s main position is right-back, but the Italian is not the only target in that area of the pitch, with Sky Sports reporter Sheth recently taking to X to reveal Fulham are now interested in signing Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters.
Walker-Peters’ contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which means he will be available on a free transfer this summer, and the Cottagers are expected to open talks with his representatives when the campaign comes to a close.
Southampton'sKyleWalker-Petersapplauds their fans after the match
Sheth states there will be “competition” for the defender, with London rivals West Ham United being named as potential suitors last month.
"Beautiful footballer" Walker-Peters could thrive in better side
It has been a season to forget for Southampton, who have recorded just two victories in the Premier League all season, which indicates it could be a gamble for Fulham to sign a player who has been a key part of such a poor side.
However, the 28-year-old has impressed in the Premier League in the past, chalking up 147 appearances in the competition, while also earning two caps for his national side.
Not only that, but the London-born defender has also received very high praise from former manager Russell Martin in the past, with the ex-Saints boss lauding him as a “beautiful footballer” after scoring in a 1-0 victory against Bristol City, before adding: “He can score more and assist more. It’s a brilliant, brilliant goal.”
As such, there are signs that Walker-Peters could thrive in a better side, and his availability on a free transfer is an added bonus for Fulham, making him a low-risk addition to Silva’s squad.
It’s set to be a massive summer of transfer activity for Arsenal this year; Mikel Arteta even told the media as much.
The main point of focus will undoubtedly be the frontline, with a new leftwinger and striker near the top of most fans’ wishlists following a season in which Mikel Merino has taken up the latter role due to injuries.
However, old habits die hard, and based on reports from earlier this month, it looks as if the manager wants to add yet another defender to his squad in the shape of Dean Huijsen.
AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsenduring the warm up before the match
The Bournemouth star has a £50m release clause in his current deal and would certainly improve the Gunners’ defensive options, but he’d have to really impress to see his valuation get anywhere close to one of Unai Emery’s best signings from his time at the club.
Why Arsenal want to sign Dean Huijsen
So, before we get to the player in question, why would Arsenal want to spend so much money on Huijsen in the first place?
Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana in action with AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsen
Well, the first reason is that, despite just turning 20 years old, the Spanish centre-back is already proving himself to be an incredible defender and someone mature beyond his years.
For example, he’s already made 30 appearances for the Cherries this term, in which he’s found the back of the net twice and provided one assist, and then, on top of that, he has also won two senior caps for Spain and started their second leg of the Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands last month.
Moreover, when compared to other defenders in the Premier League, his underlying metrics are simply sensational.
For example, FBref places him in the top 3% of centre-backs for interceptions and clearances, the top 5% for key passes, the top 4% for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 7% for expected assists and shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.
Interceptions
2.11
Top 3%
Clearances
7.15
Top 3%
Key Passes
0.60
Top 5%
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.17
Top 6%
Expected Assists
0.07
Top 7%
Shot-Creating Actions
1.60
Top 7%
In short, the Amsterdam-born gem looks set to be a superstar defender in the coming years, and with that in mind, his release clause starts to look much more reasonable.
However, it still pales compared to the valuation of a signing made under Emery’s Arsenal tenure.
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The Arsenal star worth millions more than Huijsen
So, when it comes to Arsenal’s defence, you could argue that any one of their players is their most important, but when it comes down to the most valuable, only one player comes out on top: William Saliba.
Yes, according to the CIES Football Observatory, the French international is now worth up to €101.8m, which converts to about £87m, or around £37m more than Huijsen’s release clause and a whopping £60m more than the £27m fee paid by the Gunners under Emery’s leadership in the summer of 2019.
Now, that is a tremendous amount of money, but with how well he has played over the last few years and just how important he has become to the North Londoners, it would be hard to argue it’s not fair.
Premier League
95
FA Cup
3
League Cup
5
Champions League
19
Europa League
4
Community Shield
1
For example, since making his competitive debut for the side away to Crystal Palace on the opening day of the 22/23 season, a game he was the man of the match in, the Bondy-born “monster,” as dubbed by content creator Connor Humm, has made 127 appearances, in which he’s scored seven goals, provided two assists and averaged 2.11 points per game.
On top of that, FBref places the “phenomenal” titan, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, in the top 1% of Premier League centre-backs for long pass completion, the top 3% for overall pass completion, the top 7% for passes blocked and the top 9% for live passes, all per 90.
Ultimately, while it may be a good idea for Arsenal to sign Huijsen this summer, he’d have to smash all expectations to see his valuation get anywhere close to Saliba’s in the coming years; he is just that good.
He's like Isak & Mbappe: Arsenal chasing Europe's "most inform player"
The incredible international would make Arsenal far more dangerous.