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Aston Villa have lofty ambitions for next season, despite missing out on the Champions League.

Unai Emery’s project is still very much ongoing, and the next step is for him to lead the club to their first major trophy in nearly 30 years.

The Europa League might be their best shot, especially as winning it will secure a spot in the 2026/27 Champions League.

In order to do this, he will have to sign a few high-profile players while also complying with PSR regulations in the process.

With this in mind, it looks as though the club are chasing a move for a current Barcelona player.

Aston Villa chasing swoop for Barcelona sensation

While it might be slightly more difficult to lure the type of players Emery wants at the club this summer, it isn’t stopping the Spaniard from trying.

Reports in Spain (as per Sport Witness) claim that Villa are battling it out with Chelsea and PSG to sign Barcelona starlet Fermin Lopez.

The report goes on to state that Villa and the French giants have made contact with Lopez and are showing the most interest.

Chelsea could be set to make an offer worth €75m (£63m) in the near future to secure his signature, meaning Emery will have to act swiftly to get his man.

Why Aston Villa must sign Lopez

There are so many talented players at the La Liga side now. Lopez joins a list which includes Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsí and, of course, Lamine Yamal.

Well, of those players, it is Yamal he is most similar to. When compared with positionally similar players in LaLiga this term, FBref suggest that the generational wonderkid and Ballon d’Or contender is the fourth most similar player to Lopez.

While the latter might play a more central role compared to Yamal, who operates on the right wing, the duo have shared similar statistics in La Liga last season.

According to FBref, the duo recorded similar metrics, including shot-creating actions (4.10 vs 5.92) per 90, goal-creating actions (0.50 vs 0.91), successful take-on percentage (45.5% vs 50.9%) and shots on target percentage (36.6% vs 31.9%) per 90 in La Liga for Barcelona.

On that evidence, they are both creative players who love to get at their marker/

Metric

La Liga

Champions League

Goals

6

1

Assists

5

3

Big chances created

8

3

Shots per game

1.5

1.5

Key passes per game

1

0.5

His former manager at the Catalan club described Lopez as having the “whole package” and judging by his statistics and performances last term, this assessment is bang on the money.

Alongside his 11 goal contributions, Lopez also created eight big chances in the top flight, along with averaging one key pass per game.

Considering he started just 12 league games, averaging only 45 minutes per match, these are impressive statistics indeed.

Should he make the move to Villa, he would certainly secure more gametime in the starting XI than he was afforded under Hansi Flick last season.

Will he want to drop and play in the Europa League, however? Or is the long-term project at Villa enough to entice the youngster?

The next few weeks could be interesting indeed, and given he offered similar statistics to those of Yamal last season, he would make for an excellent signing.

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The Villans have identified a 25-year-old goalkeeper as their first-choice option to replace Emiliano Martinez this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jun 9, 2025

Arsenal have a busy summer transfer window ahead of them as the Gunners and Mikel Arteta look to win the Premier League after three successive second-place finishes.

New sporting director Andrea Berta is the man tasked with leading Arsenal’s transfer business, with midfielder Martin Zubimendi set to be the first through the door at the Emirates.

Signing from Real Sociedad in a transfer worth over £50m, Zubimendi should be followed by some attacking additions ahead of Arsenal’s 2025/26 opener at Old Trafford against Man Utd.

Man Utd vs Arsenal

August 17

Arsenal vs Leeds

August 23

Liverpool vs Arsenal

August 30

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

September 13

Arsenal vs Man City

September 20

AI have actually predicted Arsenal’s 25/26 line-up in a 4-3-3 formation, and if they are correct, the Gunners will have an exciting transfer window.

Berta spends £250m: AI predicts who Arsenal will sign in summer transfer window

It could be an eventful few months at the Emirates.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2025 AI predicts Arsenal’s 2025/26 starting line-up 1 GK: David Raya

There may not be much change in defence at the Emirates, with Arsenal having the best defensive record in the Premier League over the past two seasons.

Games

96

Clean sheets

39

Goals conceded

81

David Raya has been a regular during that time and has been backed to keep his spot in the side despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s likely arrival.

2 RB: Jurrien Timber

Getting the nod at right-back is Jurrien Timber after the Dutchman played all across the backline in 24/25, making 48 appearances in all competitions.

They say Timber’s ‘versatility and recovery from injury make him a strong candidate to start at right-back’ as his ‘attacking flair fits Arteta’s system’.

3 CB: William Saliba

William Saliba has been a rock at the back for the Gunners in recent years, which has resulted in rumours of a move to Real Madrid.

Described as ‘a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence’, Saliba still has two years left on his Emirates deal and looks set to play a key role once more.

4 CB: Gabriel

No shocks at centre-back from AI, with Gabriel expected to partner Saliba at the back after signing a new four-year deal this summer.

The Brazilian’s new deal reflects his status under Arteta, and his ‘aggressive defending and leadership underline his importance’.

5 LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Still just 18 years of age, Myles Lewis-Skelly is already an Arsenal regular at left-back and is also on course to agree a new Gunners contract.

AI have the Englishman ahead of Riccardo Calafiori and think he’ll start ahead of the Italian in 25/26.

6 CM: Martin Zubimendi

After spending more than £50m on new signing Martin Zubimendi, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that AI believe he’ll be straight in Arteta’s starting XI.

Games

236

Goals

10

Assists

9

Yellow cards

47

They say the Spaniard ‘will anchor the midfield, allowing others to push forward’.

7 CM: Declan Rice

With Zubimendi in the No. 6 role, Declan Rice has been backed to ‘thrive as a No. 8’ at the Emirates, occupying a box-to-box role with the new signing in a deeper position.

AI states that Rice’s ‘leadership, stamina, and goal-scoring ability from midfield make him a guaranteed starter’ under Arteta, and it’s hard to argue against that.

8 CM: Martin Odegaard (c)

Completing the midfield is captain Martin Odegaard, who is actually approaching 200 appearances in a Gunners shirt.

Games

30

Goals

3

Assists

8

AI says that despite a dip in form which saw Odegaard score just three Premier League goals in 30 appearances last season, the Norway star’s ‘chance creation and work rate ensure his spot in the side’.

9 RW: Bukayo Saka

Arsenal missed Bukayo Saka’s goals and assists last season, with the winger out for large parts of the season through injury.

Now back fit, though, Saka’s ‘role on the right is undisputed’ and Ethan Nwaneri is named as a promising backup to Arsenal’s No. 7.

10 CF: Benjamin Sesko

A new striker is at the top of Arsenal’s to-do list before September 1, and one attacker who has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates is Benjamin Sesko.

AI says the towering centre-forward will be in the starting line up next season at a cost of £70m. Sesko will ‘offer the physicality and clinical edge Arteta seeks, edging out Viktor Gyokeres as the primary target’.

After a record-breaking League One title-winning campaign last time out, Birmingham City will be looking to carry that momentum into the 2025/26 Championship season under Chris Davies.

Co-owners Tom Wagner and Tom Brady have big plans at St Andrew’s, and the Blues will be looking to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2011 as soon as possible.

Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town

August 8

Blackburn Rovers vs Birmingham City

August 16

Birmingham City vs Oxford United

August 23

Leicester City vs Birmingham City

August 30

Stoke City vs Birmingham City

September 13

To do that, new signings to help them in the second tier could be key, and the club have already made a start on their summer transfer business.

But who will start against Ipswich Town on August 8? Well, Grok, the AI tool on X, has forecasted Birmingham’s 25/26 line-up, with five new faces in the XI.

AI predicts Birmingham’s 2025/26 line-up 1 GK: James Beadle

After helping England to U21 European Championship glory this summer, goalkeeper James Beadle will be playing for Birmingham this season.

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Signed on a season-long loan from Brighton, Beadle already has second tier experience after his time with Sheffield Wednesday in 24/25.

2 RB: Ethan Laird

A key member of the League One title-winning side, Ethan Laird has been predicted to keep his place in the Birmingham side.

His ‘pace and attacking contributions make him a mainstay’ under Davies, and Grok adds that Laird’s ‘enthusiasm and Championship experience will be vital’.

3 CB: Krystian Bielik

Club captain Krystian Bielik is also backed to retain his place in the XI, being described as a ‘cornerstone of the defence’.

Games

125

Goals

2

Yellow cards

32

Red cards§

2

The Poland international is still under contract until 2027 and Bielik’s ‘leadership and ability to play in midfield or defence ensure his place’.

4 CB: Phil Neumann

Alongside Bielik is new arrival Phil Neumann, who signed on a free transfer from Hannover 96 earlier this summer.

The German actually penned a pre-contract agreement at the beginning of 2025 and has been backed to go straight into Davies’ XI.

5 LB: Lee Buchanan

With Laird keeping his place at right-back, Lee Buchanan has been predicted to make his return from a serious knee to start at left-back.

Buchanan ‘is expected to hold down the left side with his defensive solidity and attacking overlaps’.

6 CM: Hayden Hackney

Backed to cost £10m from Middlesbrough this summer is Hayden Hackney, with AI-driven predictions suggesting Birmingham could target the 22-year-old versatile midfielder.

Grok says Hackney’s ‘ability to play multiple midfield roles would add dynamism’ to the Blues side.

7 CM: Paik Seung-ho

Partnering Hackney is Paik Seung-ho, who was a regular in 24/25, making 50 appearances in all competitions.

The South Korea international is likely to play a key role once more, and Grok says his ‘composure and work rate make him a certain starter in the Championship’.

8 CAM: Kanya Fujimoto

The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for Japanese attacking midfielder Kanya Fujimoto this summer, with his contract at Gil Vicente set to expire.

Still just 26 years of age, Fujimoto’s ‘creativity and flair would suit Davies’ attacking philosophy’.

9 RW: Demarai Gray

Returning to St Andrew’s this summer is academy graduate Demarai Gray, nine years on after leaving Birmingham for Leicester City.

Gray’s ‘Premier League experience and pace would be a major coup’ for the Blues, according to Grok.

10 ST: Jay Stansfield

Birmingham’s record signing Jay Stansfield was always going to keep his place in the XI after a successful first season as a permanent Blues player.

The striker already has ‘proven Championship quality which makes him the focal point of the attack’.

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign a “talented” defender, and the Premier League have now approved the transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd's transfer priority revealed

The Red Devils’ main priority this summer is to bring in a new striker, with Fiorentina’s Moise Kean being identified as a potential target, and it is clear to see why, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund scoring just seven league goals between them last season.

However, Ruben Amorim is also keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch, and the manager is now eyeing a reunion with Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio, with the manager selecting the Portuguese defender as his ideal target.

Former United defender Paul Parker has been left concerned by the lack of new arrivals up to this point, saying: “For Man United to just compete against anyone and not let themselves down, they need at least four more signings.

“They can’t carry on where they are at this moment in time because they’ll start next season and it will still be negative in the dressing room and with the fans. It became the Theatre of Nightmares towards the end of last season.”

According to a recent update from Romano on X, however, Man United have made another addition, with a deal for “talented” 15-year-old Southampton defender Harley Emsden-James now agreed and signed, having tracked him closely over the last 12 to 14 months.

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8 ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

The Premier League have now approved the transfer, which is exciting news for United, given that the youngster is viewed as a “major talent”, and they have beaten a number of rival clubs to his signature, including Manchester City and Chelsea.

Man Utd also need to bring in senior centre-back

It is promising news that United have been able to get a deal for Emsden-James over the line, given that he is highly rated by a number of the Premier League’s top clubs, but at 15-years-old, the teenager clearly won’t be in the first team in the near future.

As such, Amorim will need to bring in a senior centre-back this summer, with Lisandro Martínez still sidelined due to an ACL injury, while Harry Maguire has entered the last year of his contract at Old Trafford.

The aforementioned Inacio could be a solid option, having been described as “one of the best” centre-backs in the 2023-24 Europa League by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, given his defensive showings and keen eye for goal, which was on display again last season.

With United set to make a loan with an obligation to buy bid for Inacio, the deal could progress in the near future, and at 23-years-old, he would be able to make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

Leeds United played their first game of pre-season last weekend when they faced Manchester United in what turned out to be a 0-0 draw between the two Premier League sides.

There was a chance to see some new faces, as Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, Jaka Biijol, Lukas Nmecha, and Gabriel Gudmundsson all featured, as well as some old ones.

Jack Harrison has returned from his two-year-long loan spell at Everton and was included in the starting line-up to face the Red Devils, which turned out to be a less-than-popular decision among supporters.

Reporter Graham Smyth claimed that there were boos from the Leeds fans when Harrison touched the ball after just five minutes, and that there were more boos when he was stood over a free-kick ten minutes later.

After the game, Daniel Farke told BBC Sport: “Jack has many Premier League appearances and we would be stupid if we didn’t want to use that. It is a bit tricky if you have a couple of years away but that was a decision before my time.

“Right now he is back with us. He is a great guy, a hard worker and very reliable. It is up to him to win the confidence and trust back.”

Why Leeds should move on from Jack Harrison

Despite Farke opening the door for him to work his way into the team ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, Leeds should be looking to move on from the former Manchester City man.

Ultimately, the Whites need players who can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch to help them avoid an instant relegation back to the Championship next term.

Harrison’s form in the last two seasons in the Premier League for the Toffees does not suggest that he is likely to provide what they are looking for in the final third, as he consistently struggled in front of goal on Merseyside.

The left-footed dud scored three goals and provided three assists in 29 matches in the top-flight for Everton in his first year at Goodison Park, before a dismal return of one goal and zero assists in 34 matches during the 2024/25 campaign.

xG

3.52

Top 43%

Goals

1

Bottom 17%

xG on target

1.07

Bottom 24%

Shots on target

7

Bottom 33%

Assists

0

Bottom 3%

Dribble success rate

35%

Bottom 19%

Dispossessed

41 times

Bottom 15%

As you can see in the table above, Harrison had plenty of chances to add to his solitary goal, with 3.52 xG, but underperformed as a finisher for the Toffees.

These statistics do not suggest that he is likely to be the left winger the Whites need to replace Manor Solomon and to lead them to safety in the Premier League, which is why he should be sent packing by a star the club are reportedly keen on signing.

Leeds chasing deal for new winger

According to Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth, Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao this summer.

The journalist claims that the Championship champions are still chasing a swoop to bring the Brazilian attacker to Elland Road ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Transfer Focus

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

Smyth adds that he has yet to get a call to suggest that the 25-year-old winger is set to sign for Marseille, which has left the door open for Leeds to continue their pursuit of the impressive star.

The latest from Voetbal International is that Marseille are yet to reach an agreement on a transfer fee with Feyenoord, and their final offer for the attacker is due to be submitted on Tuesday.

It had been claimed that the French side were closing in on a deal of around £30m to sign the Eredivisie sensation, but it now remains to be seen how much Roberto De Zerbi’s side are going to offer with their latest approach.

Why Leeds should sign Igor Paixao

Leeds should push to win the race for the £30m-rated star in the coming days because he has the quality on the left flank to send Harrison packing, which may come as good news to any supporters who felt the need to boo the English winger, as harsh as that was, last weekend.

As aforementioned, the Whites and Farke ultimately need quality in the attacking positions and Harrison seems unlikely to provide what they need, whilst Paixao has the potential to be a match-winning player for the club.

His form for Feyenoord in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that the potential is there for him to be a hugely influential figure for Leeds next season, as a winger who can score and create goals at an impressive rate.

The Brazilian star, who was hailed as “explosive” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, racked up 16 goals and ten assists in 34 appearances in the Eredivisie, but he also showcased his quality in the Champions League for anyone doubting the quality of the Dutch top-flight.

xG

0.97

Top 46%

Goals

2

Top 35%

xG on target

1.89

Top 28%

xA

1.39

Top 24%

Assists

4

Top 4%

Chances created

20

Top 6%

As you can see in the table above, Paixao registered more assists (four) in the Champions League last season than Harrison has managed (three) in the last two Premier League campaigns combined.

When you add in his 26 goal contributions in the Eredivisie on top of his exceptional performances in Europe’s premier cup competition, the £30m-rated star appears to be a huge upgrade on the English attacker.

This is why Leeds should send Harrison packing by agreeing a deal with Feyenoord for Paixao, who has the quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals to regularly impact matches to win vital points for the team.

Whilst he is unproven in the Premier League, the Brazilian sensation’s form in the Champions League shows that he can perform against the very best teams in Europe, which suggests that he has a good chance of making an impact in one of Europe’s major leagues – the Premier League.

Farke's new Buendia: Leeds are now pushing to sign "magical" £26m star

Leeds United are interested in signing a midfielder who would be Daniel Farke’s new version of Emiliano Buendia.

ByDan Emery Jul 22, 2025

Therefore, Leeds should allow Harrison to move on, should he find a new club, this summer and attempt to replace him by signing Paixao to improve Farke’s team.

While they have faced plenty of criticism for it and made a few mistakes along the way, Chelsea have built a seriously exciting team over the last few years.

Enzo Maresca has already led them to Conference League and Club World Cup glory in the space of a couple of months, and will surely be launching a Premier League challenge next season as well.

Yet, while the team is full of talented players, it’s still apparent that Cole Palmer is the most important of all, having managed to rack up a tally of 18 goals and 14 assists in 52 games last season.

When the Englishman is playing well, it’s often the case that the team is also playing well, so fans should be excited about reports linking them to an international who’d be a dream teammate for the former Manchester City gem.

Chelsea target dream teammate for Cole Palmer

It’s been a great summer for Chelsea on the pitch this year, and so far, it’s been just as exciting off it.

Transfer Focus

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

In addition to already shifting several unwanted players, such as Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga, the West Londoners have significantly improved their squad’s firepower by splashing the cash on players like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens.

On top of that, they’ve also added a few more exciting prospects for the future, like Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr, who is set to rejoin Strasbourg on a season-long loan.

Yet, there are no signs of the Pensioners slowing down anytime soon, as they’re now being linked with another seriously exciting attacker who could be the perfect teammate for Palmer.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims that Chelsea are very interested in signing Xavi Simons this summer.

In fact, the report claims that the Blues are now one of the leading clubs in the race for the RB Leipzig star, who has made it clear he wants to move this summer.

However, it won’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, as the report has revealed that the Bundesliga side want a fee of up to €110m, which converts to about £95m.

Whether that is actually the final price it will take to sign the Dutchman remains to be seen, but he would be an excellent addition to Chelsea’s squad and is someone who would be a perfect teammate for Palmer.

Why Simons would be a dream for Simons

It might sound rather simplistic, and that’s because it probably is, but the first reason Simons would be such a great teammate for Palmer is down to his output.

In just 33 appearances last season, totalling just 2763 minutes, the dynamic Leipzig ace found the back of the net on 11 occasions and provided eight assists.

That means that, despite starting the season as a 21-year-old, the Flying Dutchman managed to average a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes, which is a seriously impressive rate of return.

Appearances

33

Minutes

2763′

Goals

11

Assists

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

145.42′

Just imagine how many more goals and assists he would rack up playing alongside the Blues’ talismanic Englishman, and how many more he could rack up playing with the Leipzig star.

The second reason he’d be a dream teammate for the Wythenshawe-born ace is that he’s incredibly versatile, so while one analyst has dubbed him “one of the best 10s in the world,” the former Paris Saint-Germain gem is just as capable of playing on either flank, or even up top.

Not only would this give him more time to play with and establish a genuine partnership with Palmer, but it would also mean that, at times, he could come into the team in place of him, allowing him time to rest and return at his very best.

Finally, the fact that he’s just a year younger than the Englishman is also crucial, as it means he could continue to develop alongside him and hopefully reach his full potential around the same time, which would only help further strengthen their understanding of one another’s game.

Ultimately, from his output to his versatility and age profile, Simons appears to be a perfect teammate in waiting for Palmer; therefore, Chelsea should do what they can to sign him as soon as possible.

Their new Hazard: Chelsea set to hold talks to sign £95m "superstar"

Chelsea could be set to hold talks to sign a Dutch superstar

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 21, 2025

Leeds United have now opened talks over a deal for an “elite” striker, who is also being targeted by West Ham United, according to a report.

Leeds eyeing new striker amid Bamford and Joseph uncertainty

Leeds have already made one addition at centre-forward this summer, securing the signing of former Wolfsburg man Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer, but it is looking increasingly likely they will have to bring in at least one more striker.

That is because there are major doubts over the futures of Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph, with the former admitting he would be open to a move to the MLS, saying: “I think it’s something that, obviously over time I’ve spoke to Michaela [his wife] about it, in terms of playing abroad, and America being one of the options.

“It was something that when I was younger I always wanted to do at some point in my career, to kind of experience it, experience a new country, the living the lifestyle there and also trying myself in a new league.”

Joseph, on the other hand, has a more pressing desire to leave, having decided not to take part in the Whites’ pre-season training camp, with Daniel Farke adding: “He came to me, and to us, and said he wants a new challenge and would like to have a move.”

With two strikers potentially heading for the exit door, Leeds have now set their sights on a replacement, and a report from Italy (via Leeds United News) has revealed they have opened talks over a deal for AS Roma’s Artem Dovbyk.

Despite being a regular source of goals for Roma last season, the Italian club are not overly convinced by the 28-year-old, and they could sanction a departure this summer, should a potential suitor be willing to fork out £30m.

Leeds make approach for elite one-on-one dribbler praised by Ibrahimovic

He is in the top 1% for dribbles.

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West Ham are also in the race for Dovbyk, having submitted an enquiry alongside the Whites, so Farke’s side may have to fend off competition from their Premier League rivals.

"Elite" Dovbyk could be upgrade on Bamford and Joseph

In many ways, it is a surprise that Roma don’t have too many qualms about selling the centre-forward this summer, given that he enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in Italy, amassing a combined 21 goals and assists in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

32

12

3

Europa League

11

2

1

Italian Cup

2

3

0

Bamford, on the other hand, has been unable to put his injury problems in the rear-view mirror, while Joseph found the back of the net just three times in the Championship last season, indicating the Ukrainian striker could be a real upgrade.

Having also been lauded as a “fantastic finisher” and “elite target man” by journalist Zach Lowy, there are clear signs that Dovbyk could be capable of firing Leeds to safety next season, so they should undoubtedly pursue a deal if Roma are willing to sell.

When Manchester United officially confirmed that Ruben Amorim would be their new head coach to replace Erik ten Hag last year, there was plenty of optimism.

The Portuguese head coach had just won the league title with Sporting and arrived at Old Trafford as an exciting young manager with a new system for fans to get used to.

His arrival also prompted supporters to wonder whether or not he would look to reunite with prolific centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres to bolster the club’s options at the top end of the pitch.

Manchester United did, reportedly, make contact with Sporting over a potential deal to sign the Swedish forward earlier this summer, only for him to end up at Arsenal.

Whilst the Red Devils were unable to reunite Amorim with Gyokeres this summer, the Portuguese head coach has already had the chance to work with one of his former Sporting stars in Manuel Ugarte.

United signed the Uruguay international from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial fee of £42m last summer, before Amorim arrived, and he has yet to prove his worth.

Why Man United may need to replace Manuel Ugarte

The Red Devils may need to find a replacement for Ugarte before the end of the summer transfer window because he has not proven himself to be a reliable option in the middle of the park.

He is billed as a midfield destroyer who sweeps up in front of the defence. However, he only won 53% of his duels in the Premier League and was dribbled past 1.3 times per game in the division; only Bruno Fernandes (1.4) was dribbled past more per match on average.

This shows that Ugarte did not provide a very effective screen in front of the defence in the top-flight last season, as opposition players found too much joy in running past him, exposing the backline.

On top of that, the 24-year-old defensive midfielder does not offer quality in possession to make up for when his defensive skills are not enough in the middle of the park, as he does not carry an offensive or progressive threat on the ball.

Non-penalty goals

0.05

Bottom 41%

xAG

0.06

Bottom 30%

Shot-creating actions

1.56

Bottom 16%

Progressive passes

3.08

Bottom 18%

Progressive carries

0.81

Bottom 23%

Passes into the final third

2.96

Bottom 36%

Passes into the penalty area

0.45

Bottom 20%

As you can see in the table above, Ugarte was among the worst performers in the Premier League in midfield when it came to progressing play through passes and carries, or creating and scoring goals.

These statistics suggest that the former Sporting star is not a reliable operator for Amorim because he is suspect defensively and in possession.

United could find a big upgrade on Ugarte, though, as they are reportedly interested in signing another central midfielder from one of their Premier League rivals.

Man Utd in talks with midfield star's agents

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are in ongoing talks with the agents of Brighton & Hove Albion defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba.

However, he adds that a deal is complicated and that there is no progress being made at the moment, which does not suggest that a transfer is likely to happen any time soon.

Transfer Focus

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

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the reporter said: “Man United still maintain contacts with the agents of Carlos Baleba, contacts are still ongoing, but at the moment, they still believe that the deal is really complicated, is really difficult, so at the moment there is no concrete progress.

“Man United at the moment make their steps, started this week by making an approach to people close to the player, to try to understand the situation, maintain the contacts with the agents of the player, so don’t leave the conversation immediately.”

GIVEMESPORT adds that Brighton will be looking for a fee in the region of the £115m that they raked in from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo in order to let go of Baleba.

This suggests that Manchester United may need to splash out a fee in excess of £100m, breaking their transfer record, to snap the Cameroon international up this summer.

Why Man Utd should sign Carlos Baleba

The Red Devils should be pushing to get a deal over the line for Baleba, if they can avoid the huge fee that it may take, because he would arrive as a big upgrade on Ugarte.

He is already a proven Premier League performer, thanks to his time with Brighton, and would offer more to the team in the middle of the park, as both a defender and a progressive operator in possession.

Baleba won 55% of his duels and was only dribbled past 0.9 times per game in the top-flight last season, which immediately suggests that the left-footed enforcer would be more reliable off the ball in comparison to Ugarte as opposition players find it harder to get the better of him.

The clip above also shows that the Brighton star has more in his arsenal than just defensive qualities. He scored three goals and created three ‘big chances’ in the top-flight, whilst also providing progressive play in build-up.

Non-penalty goals

0.10

0.05

Shot-creating actions

2.23

1.56

Progressive passes

3.99

3.08

Progressive carries

1.45

0.81

Key passes

0.71

0.50

Passes into the final third

3.69

2.97

Passes into the penalty area

0.78

0.45

As you can see in the table above, the Manchester United target outperformed Ugarte in a host of attacking and possession-based metrics in the middle of the park in the Premier League.

These statistics suggest that Baleba, who was hailed as “exceptional” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, would come in as a big upgrade on the United flop because of his ability to influence the game in possession, as well as out of out.

That is alongside also having the potential to be an upgrade on him from a defensive perspective, given that attacking players find it harder to dribble past him or win duels against the 21-year-old titan.

Therefore, signing Baleba would improve Manchester United’s team because he would offer more to the side, as a proven Premier League performer, in all phases of the game than Ugarte currently does.

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Everton are “looking” to complete the signing of a “brilliant” Premier League defensive midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window.

Moyes delighted after historic Everton victory

The Blues’ first-ever competitive game at their new stadium couldn’t have gone much better, following a 2-0 win against Brighton in the league on Sunday afternoon.

It was a proud day for Everton manager David Moyes, in terms of being in charge of the opening match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and he loved what he saw from his players and the fans.

“It was everything we wished for. We wanted a positive result today. We had a great atmosphere, a terrific new stadium. What I’m trying to do is hopefully give everybody a team which we can enjoy watching and be proud of. Today came close with their effort, their commitment.

“Some of the quality was very good, but there were other bits of it not so good. But, overall, really pleased with the result. [The atmosphere] was really good. I’ve got to say, we want to build on it. We have to build on it. We have to make sure that we’ve a stadium where, even when the game’s a bit lulled, the supporters keep with us all the way.”

Everton showed enough quality to suggest that they can enjoy a much-improved season in 2025/26, but that doesn’t mean that further signings aren’t needed this summer.

Everton "looking" to sign Yves Bissouma

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout turned transfer insider Mick Brown reports Everton still have Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma on their “radar” before the window closes next Monday.

“He’s a player Moyesy likes so I have no doubt he’s on their radar, especially if Tottenham are planning to listen to offers for him. I saw him play for Brighton against Wolves a couple of years ago and he didn’t put a foot wrong, he was brilliant and it was a really impressive performance. I don’t think he’s shown that since he’s been at Tottenham to be honest.

“Maybe the set-up there doesn’t work for him, I don’t know what it is. But a move somewhere like Everton might be what gets the best out of him, playing under David Moyes in more of a structured system. I think Tottenham have been open to letting him go, so if Everton are interested then there will be a deal to be done.

“They’re not the only side interested in him, but he’s also not the only player they’ve been looking at. If they decide he’s the one they want, it’s a deal that could work out for everybody.”

The £55,000-a-week Bissouma is now a hugely experienced player with 191 Premier League appearances to his name, so he could be a shrewd addition for Everton, with 35-year-old Idrissa Gueye not able to play every week now.

At 28, the Spurs midfielder is at a good age to come straight in as a key man for the Blues, and the fact that he is struggling to be a prominent figure in north London means a move away could appeal.

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Bissouma would be a slight risk, considering he has arguably tailed off at Spurs, as Brown alludes to, but if Moyes believes he can get the best out of the Mali international, The Freidkin Group should make a move for him.

Liverpool have entered the 2025/26 campaign with a weight of expectation that was not there when Arne Slot led the Reds out for the first time one year ago.

The 2024/25 Premier League champions have won both their opening league fixtures this season, though four goals shipped and late winners required against Bournemouth and Newcastle United have shown that there is plenty of room for improvement for Slot’s side.

As the summer transfer window reaches the final stretch, clubs throughout the Premier League and all over Europe will scramble to wrap up deals that have dragged on and on.

And Liverpool are no different. Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi remains a top target for the Reds, with talks said to be ongoing on that front.

But there’s one man above all others who is locked in sporting director Richard Hughes’ sights.

Liverpool reach agreement for top target

There is little question that Liverpool’s priority as we enter this last lap of the transfer circuit remains the signing of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

The Magpies have floundered all summer, and still haven’t been able to land a new number nine. A second bid from FSG, having seen a £110m offer rejected at the start of August, will only come after encouragement from Tyneside, and that has yet to happen.

Even so, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that Liverpool have reached an agreement with the Sweden international on personal terms, and they are “waiting patiently” to finalise the deal.

PIF officials tried to convince the 25-year-old to stay in the wake of Liverpool’s win at St. James’ Park, but Isak’s stance is the same.

It would take a mammoth fee to prise the goalscorer away from Eddie Howe’s side, with Newcastle still maintaining he is worth £150m.

What Alexander Isak would bring to Liverpool

What would Isak bring to Liverpool? Goals, and goals aplenty at that.

The rangy centre-forward scored 27 times for Newcastle across all competitions last season, netting against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final and finishing behind only Mohamed Salah in the Premier League scoring charts.

Hailed by Jamie Carragher as being “the best striker in the Premier League ” for his efforts across the recent campaign – certainly, he was the most complete, the most effective from his all-round berth – Isak would be a stunning addition to a Liverpool side already boasting so much firepower and attacking quality.

Not only a destructive finisher, the £120k-per-week Magpie has mastered the art of link-up play, so fast and dynamic as he shifts about the frontline, and it’s been evident from the beginning, with journalist David Cartlidge remarking that his all-encompassing game made him “unplayable” way back in 2022, when he plied his craft for Real Sociedad in Spain.

The 6 foot 3 Isak’s tall frame, strong physicality and quality in working into wider attacking berths suggest he could mirror Gakpo at Liverpool, even though the Dutchman is more of a natural wide forward.

Goals

0.51

0.80

Assists

0.26

0.17

Shots taken

2.64

3.14

Shot-creating actions

3.78

3.07

Pass completion

74.5%

75.8%

Touches (att pen)

5.25

6.15

Progressive passes

2.68

3.00

Progressive carries

3.12

2.73

Successful take-ons

1.43

1.43

Gakpo offers a bit more by way of creative output than Isak, but he arcs into the box with a regularity that evades most wide-placed forwards.

However, both attackers are crisp in possession, comparatively active in their progressive passing play, and able and effective ball carriers, both successfully taking on their man with the same consistency.

Against Bournemouth on the opening day of the season, Gakpo showcased his completeness, getting on the scoresheet and making a series of key passes, winning an abundance of duels.

Gakpo’s running style and ability to take on opponents might lend themselves to a fixed role on the left flank, but Isak has also demonstrated in the past a skill when shifting out wide.

Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope even remarked that the Sweden international was “like a wizard” when zipping down the left flank and setting up a goal extraordinarily against Everton in 2023.

Of course, there’s also the element that Isak has plied his trade in the Dutch Eredivisie in the past, actually first establishing himself as a prolific goalscorer when on loan at Willem II in 2018/19, scoring 14 goals across 18 appearances.

Liverpool signed Gakpo directly from the Dutch scene in January 2023, landing PSV Eindhoven’s superstar following his limelight-stealing performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, bagging in each of Oranje’s group stage outings.

It might have taken the 25-year-old a bit of time to adapt to the English game and truly click into gear, as he has in Slot’s system, having been hailed by pundit Peter Crouch as having “gone up a level”, but Gakpo is now an integral part of Liverpool’s success, especially now that Luis Diaz has been sold to Bayern Munich.

However, Isak has already equipped three years’ worth of experience on his belt, and could feasibly be expected to hit the ground running and lead Liverpool to trophy-winning success over the coming season – and beyond.

Transfer Focus

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

Given that the Newcastle star has the Premier League qualities and a Gakpo-esque style in the final third, there’s every chance that he could prove a bona fide success for Liverpool, providing the cream at the end of an incredible transfer window.

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