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The sight of former Manchester United players instantly hitting the ground running away from Old Trafford has become a common theme of recent years, escaping the extreme pressure that comes with the Red Devils and becoming revived in new surroundings.

Such a trend has been particularly obvious in recent weeks, with Marcus Rashford marking his return to English football with a stunning brace against Newcastle United, clinching a 2-1 win for loan side, Barcelona.

Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, scored on his first start for Napoli against Fiorentina, while even Andre Onana has found his groove on loan at Trabzonspor, producing a Man of the Match display on debut, before even providing an assist last time out.

Those 2025 summer departures look to be paying off at present, with that trio no doubt hoping to emulate the success of a certain Scott McTominay, following the Scotland star’s breakout 2024/25 campaign in Naples.

A man who had strayed into super-sub territory during an impactful final season in Manchester, the 28-year-old is now front and centre for the Serie A side, having ended last term as the league’s MVP.

With a return of 14 goals and seven assists in 41 games for the Italian giants, the United academy graduate has won the hearts and minds of the Napoli faithful, while his efforts have been duly recognised…

Where Scott McTominay ranked in the Ballon d'or list

Scott McTominay and the Ballon d’Or didn’t appear to go together when considering his time back at United, with the 6 foot 4 midfielder something of a marmite figure for both fans and pundits alike.

Beloved by a string of managers, but also described as “not good enough” by the likes of Roy Keane, the Lancaster-born warrior was never the main man at United, restricted to a role in the supporting cast.

Now under Antonio Conte’s tutelage, ‘McTomadonna’ has deservedly stolen the limelight over the past 12 months or so, with that impact seeing him nestled among the 30 nominees for the famed Ballon d’Or award.

As revealed on Monday evening, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele may have claimed the crown, McTominay finished in a more than respectable 18th position among that stellar list of names.

For context, the United academy graduate finished ahead of the likes of Jude Bellingham (23rd), Declan Rice (27th) and Virgil van Dijk (28th), while also ranking higher than the man who ripped Ruben Amorim’s side to shreds in the Manchester derby – Erling Haaland (26th).

At a time when Amorim and co are crying out for midfield depth, the decision to part ways with McTominay looks to be coming back to bite them.

That being said, the midfielder was at least given more than enough time to prove himself at Old Trafford – 255 games to be precise – with the same certainly not true of another academy product, Alvaro Carreras.

Why Man Utd made a bigger mistake than McTominay

Much of the focus during Amorim’s time at the helm has been on the dynamic of the midfield pairing, amid the summer pursuit of Carlos Baleba, yet the problems at wing-back have almost been overlooked.

As explored following the 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday, the over-reliance on Patrick Dorgu to be the main man at left wing-back is of particular concern, with the young Dane seemingly the only viable, senior option in the first-team squad right now.

Oh how Amorim likely wishes that his predecessor Erik ten Hag hadn’t turned his nose up at the aforementioned Carreras – formerly referred to as Alvaro Fernandez at United – with the 22-year-old Spaniard now blossoming away at Real Madrid.

Dorgu vs Carreras
Stat (per 90)	Dorgu	Carreras
Non-penalty goals	0.05	0.00
Assists	0.05	0.13
Pass completion	78%	84.4%
Passes attempted	42.31	65.20
Progressive passes	3.08	6.73
Progressive carries	3.59	2.47
Successful take-ons	0.56	1.40
Tackles	2.65	1.47
Interceptions	0.75	1.67
Aerial duels won	1.66	0.80
Stats via FBref

The attack-minded left-back had initially been plucked from Los Blancos back in the summer of 2020, part of a trio of Spanish-based imports including Alejandro Garnacho from Atletico Madrid and right-back Marc Jurado from Barcelona.

Unlike hero turned villain Garnacho, Carreras was never actually afforded an opportunity at senior level in a competitive game, despite having notably shone on loan at Preston North End during the 2022/23 campaign, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst has noted with regard to Radek Vitek’s temporary move to Bristol City this summer, young players whom United loan to the Championship are typically those who are viewed as having a role to play back in the first-team later down the line.

Unfortunately for Carreras, even an extended injury crisis at left-back didn’t alter his fortunes, with 2023/24 proving particularly frustrating on his part.

With both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw missing almost the entirety of the season, United brought in Sergio Reguilon on loan initially, while also deploying the likes of Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and even Sofyan Amrabat as makeshift options instead.

Despite being recalled from a loan spell at Granada in January 2024, with Ten Hag and co cutting short Reguilon’s own loan, Carreras was then shipped off again to Benfica, on a deal that included an option to make the move permanent.

As it proved, the Primeira Liga side saw enough in those six months to fork out the initial £5m fee, rising to £7.5m in add-ons, with the young full-back enjoying a remarkable 2024/25 season subsequently, after racking up nine goals and assists in 52 games in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Such form didn’t go unnoticed, and despite United possessing the chance to utilise their buyback clause of around £17m, the defender was ultimately snapped up by his former side, joining Madrid on a €50m (£42m) deal this summer.

United raked in £8m as a result of that switch due to a 20% sell-on clause, although with Carreras now already a firm fixture of Xabi Alonso’s side, starting all six games this season, the failure to integrate him into the first-team continues to sting.

Indeed, such is his talent, ex-Preston boss Ryan Lowe has even made the comparison between the ex-Spain U21 international and his new Madrid teammate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, having told the Athletic earlier this year:

Alexander-Arnold may not be the most popular name in Manchester – nor now in Liverpool, for that matter – but his exploits at Anfield are hard to ignore. 92 assists in 354 games for the Merseysiders, among a plethora of major honours, speaks to his unique, rare quality.

At a time then when Amorim’s system places so much reliance on the left wing-back, in particular, to provide a creative threat, having a Trent-esque figure like Carreras on board would no doubt have been perfect.

Dorgu, at just 20 himself, still has plenty of time to develop. Yet dishing out £30m on his signature in January, while selling Carreras for just an initial £5m, doesn’t reflect well on anyone back at Old Trafford.

Homegrown Mbeumo: 18-year-old Man Utd star is an "ideal Amorim wing-back"

Manchester United still have some elite youth potential waiting to break onto the scene.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 23, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have received a £100 million cash injection from their billionaire owners, the Lewis family, in what the club is calling a “statement of intent”, a clear message that Spurs are going nowhere but up. After months of whispers about potential takeovers, the North London giants have slammed the door shut, promising investment, ambition, and control firmly in the hands of the family that built their empire.

New era, new money, new power at Spurs

The financial boost comes as Tottenham sit third in the Premier League, with only one defeat in 11 matches under new boss Thomas Frank, the man who has turned post-summer uncertainty into serious title chatter. While £100m might not stretch far in today’s hyperinflated football economy, many are calling it “the beginning, not the end” of a new financial drive at Spurs. Behind the money is a new face of Tottenham power, Vivienne Lewis, daughter of the late billionaire patriarch Joe Lewis. Alongside her brother Charles and son-in-law Nick Beucher, Vivienne has taken personal charge of the family’s football jewel, regularly attending matches and meetings to steer the club’s new direction. Since ousting long-serving chairman Daniel Levy in September, the Lewis family has tightened its grip, rebuffing three separate consortium offers from Saudi, Chinese, and American investors.

A source close to the family told as reported by "This is initial additional funding. As the club's management decides what's needed to deliver success, more money will be available. The Lewis family is committed to backing the club to be successful."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSpurs are building for the future

In a powerful club statement released on Thursday, Tottenham confirmed the fresh equity boost was designed to “strengthen the club’s financial position” and “equip the leadership team with resources for long-term sporting success.” 

It read: "We are pleased to announce that our majority shareholder, the Lewis family trust, has, through ENIC Sports & Development Holdings Ltd (“ENIC”), injected £100 million of new capital into the Club.

"This equity injection will further strengthen the Club’s financial position and equip the Club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success. This additional capital is part of the Lewis family’s ongoing commitment to the Club and its future."

Peter Charrington, Non-Executive Chairman, Tottenham Hotspur, further added: “As I stated a few weeks ago, our focus is on stability and empowering the management team to deliver on the Club’s ambitions. I know the Lewis family are also ambitious for the future. Today’s capital commitment reflects that ambition and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Vinai and his team are supported in the best way possible to take this Club forward.”

£4.5bn bid rejected: ‘Tottenham not for sale'

The news comes hot on the heels of a staggering £4.5 billion takeover bid led by American entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick, which has now been officially withdrawn after Tottenham’s flat refusal to sell. Earick’s record-breaking proposal would have included £3.3bn to acquire the club and another £1.2bn for transfers and wages, making it the biggest football takeover in history. But the Lewis family’s stance was unflinching:  Tottenham Hotspur are “not for sale under any circumstances.” After weeks of negotiations with legal advisors and investors, including reported NBA mogul Dan Gilbert, Earick’s 12-member U.S. consortium conceded defeat. While Earick’s group has reserved the right to “acquire shares in the future,” sources in London are adamant; the Lewis family has no intention of ever relinquishing control.

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Getty Images SportA statement that shakes the league

This £100 million boost isn’t just about finances. It’s about power, intent, and pride. By injecting capital and publicly rejecting the biggest takeover bid in football history, the Lewis family has delivered a message to rivals, fans, and investors alike. Manager Frank has quietly transformed Tottenham into one of England’s most organised and entertaining sides, and there's even been talk of a return for Harry Kane. But as the season intensifies, he’ll need every ounce of backing to keep Spurs fighting on multiple fronts. The club faces a brutal October schedule, hosting Aston Villa after the international break before travelling to Monaco in the Champions League, tests that could define their season. Behind the scenes, Frank has the full support of the Lewis family, who could reportedly fund at least one marquee signing in January if Spurs remain in the title hunt.

Not having Jasprit Bumrah for the initial few games of IPL 2025 “is a challenge” and “hopefully he can join the team soon”, Mahela Jayawardene, the Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach, said at a press interaction in Mumbai on Wednesday. Jayawardene further said that the fast bowler “is in good spirits” as he recovers at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (formerly the National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru.”[Bumrah] has just started his progress. We have to wait and see what their [BCCI medical team] feedback is on him,” Jayawardene said. “At the moment, everything is going well. But, obviously, it is on a day-to-day basis. He is in good spirits. Not having him is a challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world and he has been a fantastic pro for us for many years.”We’ll have to wait or find an opportunity for someone else to step up. That’s how I see it. It gives us an element of trying a few things and see how things work. The early part of the season allows us to do that.”Related

• IPL 2025 FAQs: What's new this season? Any changes in format?

• Jayawardene banks on MI's core group and 'old faces' to 'paint our destiny' in IPL 2025

• Suryakumar to lead in Hardik's absence in Mumbai Indians' IPL 2025 season opener

• What can MI do to cope with Bumrah's absence at the start?

Bumrah has played all his IPL cricket for MI, starting in 2013 and picking up 165 wickets in 133 matches over the years. The only IPL season he missed since he started playing was in 2023, when he had a back injury.The MI squad has Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Reece Topley and Corbin Bosch (replacement for Lizaad Williams) as the other frontline quicks, along with captain Hardik Pandya, the allrounder, and the uncapped Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana Raju, Arjun Tendulkar and Raj Angad Bawa. Bumrah’s absence could force a rethink of MI’s bowling plans, since Boult and Chahar are predominantly powerplay bowlers, leaving them short of proven T20 experience in the death.As ESPNcricinfo reported last week, Bumrah hasn’t recovered from the stress-related back injury that has kept him out of action since January, and he could join the MI squad in early April.1:54

Bond: Transition from IPL to Tests a danger period for Bumrah

He suffered the injury on the second day of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney on January 4. Bumrah was subsequently ruled out of the Champions Trophy, which India won earlier this month. This is the first time Bumrah has gone down with a back injury since his surgery in March 2023.While announcing the Champions Trophy squad in January, Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, had said that Bumrah had been asked by the BCCI medical team to offload for at least five weeks (from the SCG Test). Since the Champions Trophy only started on February 19, Bumrah had been included in India’s provisional squad. He travelled to Bengaluru for fresh scans in early February, but continued to feel discomfort and was not named in the final squad.MI’s first two IPL 2025 fixtures are away. They start their campaign in Chennai against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 and then play Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. MI’s first home match is two days later, when they host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31. They then play two matches in first week of April: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on April 4 and at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7.

There has been a real focus from Leeds United to strengthen in attack this summer. The Whites have signed three new forwards, with Noah Okafor the only one they paid for, joining from Milan for £18m. Lukas Nmecha was one of the free signings, and he scored on his debut against Everton from the spot.

The other centre-forward who didn’t cost a penny was Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The England international switched to Elland Road after his Everton contract expired. However, his debut for the club, a Carabao Cup tie defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday, saw him miss a couple of chances and a penalty in the shootout.

Daniel Farke seems to think there is still work to be done in attack, with Leeds looking at signing another forward.

Leeds' new attacking targets

Even though they scored more goals than any side in the Championship last season, the Whites have still focused on bolstering their attack.

Transfer Focus

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

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One name who has cropped up recently is Nottingham Forest winger Jota Silva, with the forward emerging as a target for Leeds.

However, it seems that they could jump ahead of Premier League rivals in the race for another striker. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Farke’s side have ‘swooped in’ to sign Christantus Uche from Spanish side Getafe.

He looked destined to join Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, but an issue agreeing on personal terms has opened the door for Leeds to hijack the move.

West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, as well as Serie A giants Milan, have also shown interest in the £17.5m-rated star, but Leeds are now ‘pushing hard’ to get a deal done.

Why Uche would be a good signing

With Leeds looking to add further depth to their attack, it is no surprise that they have rejoined the race to sign Uche.

The Nigeria international has a unique profile, standing at 6 foot 3, and can play as a striker and a number 10.

Described as a “defender’s nightmare” by football scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old certainly showed his threat in the final third last season. In 33 games for Getafe, he bagged four goals and assisted a further six. Not mindblowing numbers by any stretch of the imagination but he caught the eye.

The 2025/26 campaign has begun superbly for Uche. Getafe’s number 10 is already on the board this term and grabbed an assist, with both contributions coming in their season opener against Celta Vigo. The La Liga side won 2-0, with Uche playing a key role in both goals.

The same cannot be said for Calvert-Lewin, who struggled on his debut for the Whites.

His final season as an Everton player saw the 28-year-old find the back of the net just three times in 26 appearances.

Unfortunately, that tough form continued in his first game as a Leeds player. Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Lee Sobot gave him a 5/10 post-match rating and described his night as a “debut to forget”, with WhoScored explaining his missed chances had an expected goals tally of 2.14 xG.

It is easy to see how Uche could be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin already in Farke’s squad. He has been quick out of the blocks this season, whereas the new Leeds star struggled on debut. On top of that, Getafe’s number 10 outscored him last term.

The stats from the 2024/25 season back up the sentiment. For example, the Nigerian star averaged 0.36 goals and assists and 2.82 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Leeds’ new number nine averaged 0.22 goals and assists and 1.46 shot-creating actions each game.

Uche & Calvert-Lewin 24/25 key stats

Stat (per 90)

Uche

Calvert-Lewin

Goals and assists

0.36

0.22

Goals per shot on target

0.29

0.16

Key passes

1.05

0.39

Shot-creating actions

2.82

1.46

Ball recoveries

3.99

1.96

Stats from FBref

With his effectiveness in front of goal, the unique profile and the versatility that he offers, it is easy to see how Uche would be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

Ultimately, Leeds need goals to stay in the Premier League, and will be relying on both to find the back of the net often.

Hijacking this deal for the cheap price of £17.5m would surely be a smart move for the Yorkshire side as they look to beat the drop this season.

Related New Phillips: Leeds chasing big move to sign "generational" England star

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Posts ByDan Emery Aug 26, 2025

He hasn’t played ODIs since the 2023 ODI World Cup but hopes to make a return for Pakistan next month

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jan-2025

Fakhar Zaman has not played for Pakistan since the 2024 T20 World Cup•ICC/Getty Images

Fakhar Zaman is “100% certain” he will play for Pakistan again and is gearing up for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 and will be hosted in Pakistan and Dubai.”A 100%, I will play for Pakistan (again),” Fakhar, 34, told the . “Actually, many people do not know about that, but after the T20 World Cup I got sick and because of the medical condition I was not fit, so I was not a part of the team.”But now I [have] recovered 100%, and you will see me in the next white-ball series which Pakistan play.”Related

Saim Ayub to travel to London for ankle fracture treatment

Champions Trophy 2025: Dubai to host all India matches, including the knockouts if India qualify

PCB issues Fakhar Zaman show-cause notice after post in support of Babar Azam

Fakhar, once an integral part of the Pakistan white-ball setup, has not played international cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup last June in the USA and West Indies, where Pakistan were eliminated in the group stage. He last played an ODI in the 2023 ODI World Cup but is hopeful of returning for the Champions Trophy at home.Incidentally, it was in the 2017 Champions Trophy that Fakhar shot to prominence with a title-winning 114 against India in the final at The Oval in London. “My plan has been around the Champions Trophy,” he said. “I did not play in the Australia tour or in the South Africa tour, so my whole plan was just to play in the Champions Trophy, to make myself available and to be fully fit for the tournament.”That was in the back of my mind, and I am thankful, and I am lucky to be fit right now. I started from the Champions Trophy 2017 and that went really well for me and now I am very excited for the next edition also. I talked to the selectors, the head coach, and everyone wanted me to play in the Champions Trophy.”Fakhar Zaman is currently in the UAE for his maiden ILT20 stint•Associated Press

Fakhar had high praise for 22-year-old opener Saim Ayub, who has become a regular across formats for Pakistan. Ayub has had a sensational start to his ODI career, with three centuries and a fifty in nine innings, which includes hundreds in Australia and South Africa. However, an ankle fracture sustained during the first morning of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town has put his Champions Trophy campaign in jeopardy.”I hope and I believe that he will recover quickly, and I was thinking yesterday to call Saim just to talk to him about this injury,” Fakhar said. “Believe me, he is such a great player that if he continues to play for the next four to five years, he will be at the top and he will be amongst the top three players in the world.”While Fakhar wants to open the batting for Pakistan, he may not find a slot there, with Ayub, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan already at the top of the order.”In Pakistan, we have three of the best players in the world in Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub, so sometimes I feel lucky to be in the team even if I am not able to make my place in the team as an opener,” Fakhar said. “If the team has faith in me and they want me to bat at number four or five, that totally makes sense, because for me the team is always first and I play wherever the team wants me to play, but I always prefer to open.”Fakhar is currently gearing up for his maiden ILT20 stint where he will feature for the 2023 runners-up Desert Vipers. “There are many Pakistani players who have played for the Desert Vipers including Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Azam Khan and Mohammad Amir and they talk really highly about this team, the environment, the management, the way they play the cricket and the way their mindset is,” Fakhar said. “So when I got the offer, without any discussion with anyone, I said ‘yes, I would love to play for this team.'”The ILT20 begins on January 11, with the Dubai Capitals taking on MI Emirates in Dubai.

Birmingham City and minority owner Tom Brady want to seal a double deal for two players from the same cub, and they have had an offer accepted for one.

Brady wants Birmingham to keep spending to compete with Wrexham

The Blues are preparing for their immediate return to the Championship after a record-breaking League One title-winning campaign.

So far this summer, Brady, Tom Wagner and co have made 10 new signings, splashing the cash on striker Kyogo Furuhashi from Rennes.

Kyogo Furuhashi

Rennes

£10m

Alfons Sampsted

FC Twente

£1.7m

Taylor Gardner-Hickman

Bristol City

£1.5m

Bright Osayi-Samuel

Fenerbahce

Free

Kanya Fujimoto

Gil Vicente

Free

Demarai Gray

Al-Ettifaq

Free

Phil Neumann

Hanover 96

Free

Tommy Doyle

Wolves

Loan

Eiran Cashin

Brighton

Loan

James Beadle

Brighton

Loan

Brady doesn’t want to stop there, though, and in recent comments relayed by PA, said Birmingham have to keep spending to complete with the likes of Wrexham and Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Now, an update has emerged on two targets who those at St Andrew’s and Chris Davies will already know well.

Birmingham want double deal for Rangers duo

According to GiveMeSport, Birmingham City are interested in bringing Rangers duo Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell back to the Midlands before the September 1 deadline.

Davies, on £27,000-a-week, played 44 times for the Blues last season on loan from Ibrox but hasn’t featured under Russell Martin so far due to an injury.

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Dowell, who picks up £16,000-a-week, contributed to 10 goals in 23 Birmingham appearances last season and has played some part in Rangers’ pre-season.

Both players are out of contract at Ibrox in 12 months time, and according to Football Insider, Birmingham are in advanced talks over a £750,000 transfer for Davies.

Birmingham backed to sign "proven goalscorer" who Wenger wanted at Arsenal

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FI add that a ‘deal is expected to be finalised when Davies has recovered from a minor injury’, so Davies and Birmingham could be delighted if they managed to bring Dowell back down south as well.

GMS say that ‘Rangers are holding out for fees for a couple of players who may or may not form part of Martin’s plans’, so Birmingham and Brady may need to get the chequebook out for Dowell as well.

حدد وليد صلاح الدين، مدير الكرة بالأهلي، موعد التفاوض مع ثنائي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالقلعة الحمراء، من أجل تجديد عقديهما في الفترة المقبلة.

ويبحث الأهلي عن الحفاظ على القوام الأساسي وتجديد عقد لاعبيه الذين اقتربت عقودهم من الانتهاء، من أجل الاستمرار مع الفريق.

طالع| هاني رمزي: الأهلي خسر هذا المدرب.. ويهاجم اللاعبين “بلا دم ولا روح”

ويستعد النادي الأهلي، لمواجهة سيراميكا كليوباترا، مساء اليوم الجمعة، في إطار الجولة السابعة من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وعلم بطولات أن وليد صلاح الدين، مدير الكرة بالأهلي، قرر التفاوض مع أليو ديانج وأحمد نبيل كوكا، لتجديد عقود الثنائي عقب مباراة كهرباء الإسماعيلية.

ومن المقرر أن يلعب الأهلي أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في الخامس من شهر أكتوبر المقبل في الدوري المصري، وبعدها يحصل اللاعبون على راحة من أجل التوقف الدولي.

Leeds United were given a very timely reminder of how easy it can be to get recruitment wrong at Premier League level when they sanctioned a loan exit for Max Wober this month.

The central defender has been sent out on loan to Werder Bremen for next season, having been deemed not to be good enough to play a key role for Daniel Farke next term.

Wober was initially signed by Victor Orta for £11m from Salzburg in January 2023 whilst Leeds were in the Premier League, but he was unable to prevent the team from being relegated.

The Whites have already added Lukas Nmecha, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Jaka Bijol to the squad that is hoping to avoid the drop next term, but there is still plenty more work to be done before the window slams shut.

Here’s what Leeds United’s dream squad could look like if everything goes according to plan this summer.

The goalkeepers A new number one

Leeds know that they need to recruit a new first-choice goalkeeper to line up between the sticks for them next season, because Illan Meslier is not going to cut it.

The French goalkeeper made three errors that directly led to goals and conceded 2.73 more goals than expected, based on the xG against him, in the Championship last term.

This does not suggest that Meslier is likely to be good enough to make the step up to the top tier again, which is why Leeds should cash in on him amid interest from Fenerbahce.

Leeds have reportedly made contact over a deal to sign goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who has a £19m release clause, from Torino this month, and he would arrive as the new number one in an ideal world.

Appearances

39

37

Save percentage

71%

76%

Penalties committed

1/4

4/7

Goals prevented

-2.73

+10.56

Pass accuracy in own half

93%

93%

Error led to goal

3

1

As you can see in the table above, the Serbia international could come in as a gigantic upgrade on Meslier, as both a reliable goalkeeper who does not make many errors, and as a shot-stopper.

Full list of goalkeepers: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns

The defence A whole new left side for Leeds

The last six teams that have been promoted from the Premier League have been relegated at the first attempt, which suggests that it is likely that the Whites will have a busy defence next season as they bid to avoid joining that statistic.

Leeds did only concede 30 goals in 46 matches in the Championship, despite Meslier’s dire form, which may be why Jayden Bogle could stay as the first-choice right-back, and Sam Byram has penned a new deal to provide depth at right-back and left-back when needed.

Farke has already bolstered his ranks at centre-back, though, with the arrivals of Jaka Bijol from Udinese for £15m and Sebastiaan Bornauw from Wolfsburg for around £5m. They will now look to compete with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk for the two starting roles at the heart of the defence.

It is on the left side of the defence where it will be all change for Leeds, though, as they do not have any senior left-backs in the building following Junior Firpo’s exit.

Gabriel Gudmundsson has joined for a reported fee of £10m to replace Firpo, but the Whites have also been touted with interest in Slavia Prague’s £22m-rated Malick Diouf.

The Senegal international, who is only 20, could be a back-up to Gudmundsson initially, with the potential to explode as an exciting left-back option in the future, after he scored seven goals in 27 league games in Czechia last season.

Full list of centre-backs: Joe Rodon, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk

Full list of right-backs: Jayden Bogle, Sam Byram

Full list of left-backs: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Malick Diouf

The midfielders Farke reunites with former star

The midfield section of the squad is split into two profiles, with one group of midfielders to play in the double pivot of the 4-2-3-1 formation, and the other group as options for the number ten position.

In the first section, Farke currently has Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu, and Ilia Gruev to pick from, but they are reportedly looking to add to their options in that area of the pitch.

They are said to be interested in Hoffenheim giant Anton Stach, who is valued at £17m, after he started 29 matches in the Bundesliga for his club last season.

Possible signing Anton Stach

6 ft 4

Ilia Gruev

6 ft 1

Ethan Ampadu

6 ft

Ao Tanaka

5 ft 11

Brenden Aaronson

5 ft 10

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old German titan would bring some much-needed height and physicality to Farke’s options in the middle of the park.

In the number ten role, Leeds have been linked with an interest in Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia, who is valued at £20m, as a player who has worked with the manager before.

The Argentina international produced 24 goals and 41 assists in 121 appearances for the boss at Norwich, which suggests that he may offer more to Leeds at the top end of the pitch than Brenden Aaronson, who only managed nine goals and two assists in 46 league games last season.

Full list of central midfielders: Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev

Full list of attacking midfielders: Emiliano Buendia, Brenden Aaronson

The forwards Surprise move for huge Premier League flop

Lukas Nmecha, as a back-up striker, is the only attacking signing that Leeds have made to bolster Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch, but they are expected to be active in the forward areas.

They may already be content with what they have on the right flank, though, as Dan James has put pen to paper on a new contract at Elland Road, and they have Wilfried Gnonto in reserve, whilst Buendia is also capable of playing on the right flank.

There does look set to be a change through the middle for the Championship champions, though, as they are in the market to sign another striker on top of Nmecha.

Leeds are reportedly keen on a deal to bring Nikola Krstovic, who is valued at £21m, to Elland Road from Italian side Lecce, and he may be the best available option for the club to pursue.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

16 (20/21 Premier League)

Nikola Krstovic

11 (24/25 Serie A)

Rodrigo Muniz

9 (23/24 Premier League)

Evan Ferguson

6 (23/24 Premier League)

Josh Sargent

5 (20/21 Bundesliga)

As you can see in the table above, Krstovic has the most recent history of hitting double figures for goals among the club’s top centre-forward targets, as Calvert-Lewin’s best season came five years ago.

The Montenegro international has proven that he can score goals in a major European league and could come in to start in the number nine position, leaving Joel Piroe and Nmecha behind him as depth options for Farke, which could also see Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford seek game time elsewhere.

For the left flank, talks to bring Manor Solomon back on a permanent basis from Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stalled, which means that they may have to explore other options.

As an alternative to the Israel international, Leeds should make a surprise move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Fabio Silva, who was linked with a move to Yorkshire back in June.

Silva was a huge flop in the Premier League with Wolves, scoring four goals in 62 games after a £35.6m move from Porto, but his form on loan in LaLiga with Las Palmas last season suggests that he has developed since then.

The Portugal international, who was once described as a “generational” talent by scout Jacek Kulig, delivered ten goals and three assists in La Liga, playing off the left and through the middle as a versatile forward, which suggests that he could be a solid addition on the flank for Leeds at a reported fee of £21m.

That would leave Largie Ramazani, who managed six goals and two assists in seven league starts last term, as the back-up option on the left wing next season, and possibly force Jack Harrison out of the squad.

Full list of right wingers: Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto

Full list of centre-forwards: Nikola Krstovic, Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha

Full list of left wingers: Fabio Silva, Largie Ramazani

It finally happened: After weeks of waiting, Arsenal announced their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Granted, it might not be the most exciting deal of all time, but acquiring a player of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s quality for just £5m is astute business and helps address the issue of a backup goalkeeper.

However, while the likes of Eberchi Eze and Rodrygo are also being touted for moves to the club, so too is another Chelsea player, Noni Madueke.

Fortunately, another Premier League winger has now been linked with Arsenal, a player who’d be a way better signing than the Blues star.

Arsenal target Madueke upgrade

It’s become something of a running joke that a transfer window is not fully complete until Arsenal sign a Chelsea player, and with Madueke now being linked with the North Londoners, there is a chance they could sign two.

Transfer Focus

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

According to reports from as recently as yesterday, the Gunners might have already submitted an offer to the English international.

It’s not entirely clear how much he’d cost Mikel Arteta’s side, but based on stories from late last month, the fee could be around the £50m mark.

While he might be talented, it’s hard to imagine fans being particularly on board with signing another of the Blues’ seemingly unwanted attacking players, so it’s good news that they’ve now been linked with another winger target: Anthony Elanga.

At least that’s according to a recent report from TBR Football, which claims that the Gunners are one of several sides interested in the Nottingham Forest star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all keen on the dynamic wideman, with the Toon already making an offer.

On top of having to contend with the fierce competition, the North Londoners will also have to stump up a fee of around £60m to get their man.

It won’t be an easy transfer to get over the line, but Elanga has shown he could be a valuable addition to a team like Arsenal, and a far better signing than Madueke at that.

How Elanga compares to Madueke

So, if it comes down to signing one winger or the other, why would Arsenal be better off going for Elanga over Madueke?

Well, aside from the fact that a new left-winger feels like a more pressing need following the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri last season, the Nottingham Forest star is simply the more dangerous attacker.

For example, in 43 appearances for the Tricky Trees last season, the Hyllie-born phenom racked up a tally of six goals and 12 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 2.38 games.

In contrast, despite playing for a team that finished higher up the Premier League table, the Barnet-born wideman has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 44 appearances, three of which have come at the Club World Cup, which works out to an average of a goal or assist every 2.58 games.

Moreover, the one-sided nature of the comparison only extends when we take a look under the hood, at their respective underlying numbers from last season.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.61

0.44

Progressive Passes

2.27

3.05

Progressive Carries

3.67

6.81

Key Passes

1.80

1.42

Passes into the Final Third

1.15

0.71

Shot-Creating Actions

3.67

3.50

Goal-Creating Actions

0.65

0.35

For example, the former Manchester United gem comes out on top in most relevant metrics, including some truly key ones, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, key passes and shot and goal-creating actions per 90.

Finally, on top of having the output and statistics fall in his favour, the Swedish international has one more advantage over the Chelsea ace: his blistering pace.

Now, the Englishman is no slouch, but the Forest star is unusually quick, so much so that he dubbed himself “one of the fastest players in the league.”

That might sound a little arrogant, but it’s true, as his speed of 36.91km/h against Tottenham Hotspur in April 2024 was the fourth-fastest sprint in Premier League history.

Ultimately, Elanga is clearly the superior player to Madueke, and if Arsenal are going to be signing a new winger from the Premier League, they’d be far better off going for him over the Blues ace.

A better signing than Sesko: Arsenal exploring move to sign £70m "machine"

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attack this summer and could spend more than £70m on doing so.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2025

Over the years gone by, the Manchester United faithful have been blessed with countless attacking talents who have led them to numerous triumphs domestically and continentally.

Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best and Wayne Rooney are just three players from separate times who have starred at Old Trafford – with the latter remaining their record scorer to this day.

However, current boss Ruben Amorim unfortunately doesn’t have the same luxury, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund’s drought of 21 games without a goal earlier this season showcasing the problems they’ve faced.

The Dane has struggled to provide value for money after costing £72m back in the summer of 2023, with a move away from the club potentially on the cards before the end of the transfer window.

Any funds generated from such a move could allow the manager to land a new talisman who could offer the huge presence needed in their hopes of a revival in 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new talisman

With Matheus Cunha already arriving, but likely to operate in a number 10 role, Amorim will want the hierarchy to hand him added funds to make the big-money addition he craves at the top end.

Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the main targets in recent months, but a deal for the Swede appears to be dead in the water after it was confirmed he’s only interested in a move to Arsenal.

Such a turn of events over the last few days has seen a new name enter the mix, with Victor Osimhen the latest striker in their sights, according to one GOAL journalist.

He claims that the Red Devils have already made contact with the Nigerian’s representatives after he scored 37 times in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli this season.

Transfer Focus

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

Furlan also states that they face competition from PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, after he rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.

Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Ekitike for United

In their hunt for a new striker, United have stumbled across Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké in an attempt to improve the options at Amorim’s disposal.

The Frenchman has starred in the Bundesliga throughout 2024/25, registering 23 combined goals and assists in his 33 league outings – but he could cost a pretty penny this summer.

He’s also on the radar of fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea, but any interested party will have to fork out a fee in the region of £84m to land the talisman.

There’s no denying he’s a quality player, as seen by his impressive tally this campaign, but such a fee may prove to be too expensive – especially when considering the other options on the table.

Osimhen would certainly be a better signing, with the stats from their respective campaigns highlighting why the hierarchy should pursue a move for the Nigerian’s signature this summer.

The Napoli ace, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored Ekitike, whilst also posting a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also managed to win more aerials than the Frankfurt star, handing Amorim the focal point he needs in the attacking areas, subsequently offering a different dimension to the Red Devils’ attack.

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

31

23

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

38%

Aerials won

4.6

1.8

Aerial success rate

64%

45%

Take-on success

60%

44%

Whilst he’s likely to command a higher pay packet to prise him to the North West, it’s a price worth paying given the difference between the quality of the two options.

If the club are to have any chance of returning to their former glory in the near future, top-level talents are required, with Osimhen just the man to do that given his record within the final third in recent seasons.

Huge Hojlund upgrade: Wilcox opens talks to sign "new Mbappe" for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025