Manchester United once had a Zinedine Zidane-esque midfielder, who legendary Red Devils midfielder Paul Scholes compared to Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.
Man Utd looking to sign new midfielder in January
After missing out on a new central midfielder during the 2025 summer transfer window, Man United have set their sights on signing one in January, and a number of potential targets have already been identified.
Target
Current club
Potential cost
Carlos Baleba
Brighton
£115m
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace
£50m+
Conor Gallagher
Atletico Madrid
£45m
Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest
Unknown
There are clear indications that Ruben Amorim needs to bolster his options in the engine room, with Scholes suggesting Bruno Fernandes isn’t cut out to be a central midfielder, while also singling Casemiro out for criticism.
The 50-year-old said: “Fernandes [and Casemiro], they’re the two he’s [Amorim] going with, and Fernandes for me, he’s someone who fills in as a midfielder, he might get away with it for one, two or three games. He’s not got the discipline to be a central midfield player.”
“Bringing two No.10s (Cunha and Mbeumo) was that really necessary? You think you’ve got Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo can do that.”
Man Utd now eyeing January move for "unbelievable" £47m Baleba alternative
The Red Devils are looking to sign a central midfielder, who could be perfect for Ruben Amorim.
1 ByDominic Lund Sep 10, 2025
Having arguably gotten their priorities wrong in the summer, United look poised to make a move for a new central midfielder this winter, and they will be hoping the new signing can eclipse Paul Pogba’s achievements, with the Frenchman leaving on a free back in 2022.
Pogba’s career at United didn’t pan out the way anyone was hoping, but he received extremely high praise not long after returning to Old Trafford, with Gianluigi Buffon saying:
Scholes was also a keen admirer of the central midfielder, saying:
Pogba had the talent to be an all-time great
The 32-year-old’s time at Old Trafford was by no means a complete failure, having won two EFL Cups and the 2016-17 Europa League, but there is no doubt that the midfielder didn’t manage to hit the heights expected of him.
Given how highly the 91-time France international was rated by Scholes and Buffon, he had the ability to become an all-time great for Man United, but things didn’t work out that way, arguably due to his attitude, which Graeme Souness regularly criticised.
Souness said: “Paul Pogba plays for himself, it’s all about how cool he looks, showing us how clever he is. I reckon Pogba’s only in the team to maintain his transfer value until United can sell him, because he doesn’t merit his place for any other reason.”
With Pogba’s doping ban over, the former United man arguably has one last chance to get his career back on track, having now signed for AS Monaco on a two-year deal.
Tottenham are reportedly now favourites to sign a “remarkable” defender this summer, with Thomas Frank’s side earmarking the addition of a centre-half as one of their key priorities before deadline day on September 1.
Levy told key condition to sign £47m Frank target as Tottenham open talks
Spurs have been informed of the requirements.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 22, 2025
After Spurs triggered the obligation to buy clause in Kevin Danso’s deal, Frank currently boasts around six centre-backs in his squad right now – even if that number does include youngsters like Ashley Phillips and Luka Vuskovic.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Despite this, The Telegraph and journalist Matt Law confirmed earlier this week that Tottenham are still looking into signing another central defender – with Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi remaining on their agenda after Daniel Levy failed with an audacious £70 million bid for him in January.
While the focus right now appears to be finally concluding a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, amid an ongoing legal dispute with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men over the transfer, it appears a new defender is also in Tottenham’s sights.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match
“Tottenham remain confident about their chances of signing the player. But, obviously, now this is a legal topic. They need to have discussions directly with Nottingham Forest to find the solution,” said Fabrizio Romano on the GMS Market Madness podcast a few days ago.
“Of course, it changes the timing of the deal. Tottenham’s perfect plan was probably to sign Kudus and Gibbs-White in 24 or 48 hours. It is now going to take a bit longer, but they remain intent on signing the player. That is still their plan, so let’s see how it continues on the legal side. But, for sure, Tottenham still want Morgan Gibbs-White.”
In terms of the defensive addition Levy could make, a lot of noise has surrounded Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi, despite PSG’s lengthy talks for the Ukranian which stretch back for weeks (Fabrizio Romano).
He was a mainstay in Andoni Iraola’s backline last season, helping the Cherries to their best-ever Premier League points tally, and Bournemouth will undoubtedly be reluctant to lose another star defender after Dean Huijsen.
While media sources suggest that Zabarnyi has already agreed personal terms with PSG, a new report from journalist Pete O’Rourke states that Spurs are definitely not out of the race just yet.
Tottenham emerge as "the frontrunners" to sign Illia Zabarnyi
According to O’Rourke, in a piece for Football Insider, Tottenham “have now emerged as the frontrunners” to sign Zabarnyi ahead of PSG – with Spurs said to be advancing a move for the 22-year-old.
The Lilywhites could now hijack PSG’s deal for Zabarnyi, it would seem, but Levy will have to fork out north of £60 million, as Bournemouth attempt to make a handsome profit off the £24 million they originally paid for him.
Interestingly, Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claimed last week that Spurs are prepared to do just that, so this could be one to keep an eye on in the coming days.
In terms of Zabarnyi’s obvious quality, there is little doubt he’d upgrade Frank’s current options, with pundit Jamie Redknapp suggesting the Euro 2024 star didn’t quite get the credit he deserved last season.
“He is probably the most underrated player,” said Redknapp.
“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”
Newcastle United always knew this summer would involve a lot of higher-up teams battling it out for Alexander Isak’s services.
Isak’s 23-goal heroics in Premier League action just weren’t going to go unnoticed, with Liverpool targeting the lethal Swede intensely this off-season, subsequently, only to fail in their advances.
Isak
The Magpies aren’t out of the woods just yet, however, when it comes to rich teams sniffing around for their star-man, with a move now allegedly on the table for Isak to move out to the Saudi Pro League for an eye-watering £200m.
Newcastle have asserted back that the ex-Real Sociedad goal machine isn’t for sale under any circumstances, but they will surely have some strikers up their sleeves anyway this summer to try and improve their forward line even more, just in case the unthinkable occurs.
Newcastle line up swoop for £78m attacker
Already, the Magpies have forked out an extortionate £55m to land Anthony Elanga to enhance their personnel down the wings.
This spending could continue with a striker now being obtained, with reports suggesting that Newcastle are looking at Victor Osimhen as one viable option, alongside another lethal finisher from the Bundesliga – away from earlier interest in Hugo Ekitike – who would cost Eddie Howe’s Toon a mighty £78m.
This is, of course, RB Leipzig hero Benjamin Sesko.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
That’s according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook who recently stated that Newcastle might well rekindle their interest in the Slovenian machine very soon, having been dealt blow after blow with other centre-forward targets.
It’s stated that Howe has admired Sesko for some time now, with a move finally getting over the line for the 22-year-old striker to move to Tyneside, representing a better deal than landing James Trafford in between the sticks, who looks to now be Manchester City-bound.
James Trafford
Why signing Sesko would be a better signing than Trafford
Trafford is yet another unfortunate transfer saga that has gone wrong for the Toon, with it being well-known since last summer that the Magpies were keen on the England U21 international as their future number one goalkeeper.
However, he looks set to return to boyhood employers Man City over making that expected next step to St James’ Park, but Newcastle won’t want to be up in arms about this for too long, considering they do have a dependable top-flight keeper already at the club in Nick Pope.
Whilst Trafford is the talk of the town back at Burnley for his unbelievable 29 clean sheets in Championship action last season, he has struggled in the top division previously, with a worrying 62 goals leaked across the 23/24 season with the Clarets.
On the contrary, Pope has always looked at ease with the same pressures on his back, as seen in his bumper 73 clean sheets at the elite level from 221 outings, with more pressing captures like Sesko’s now surely prioritised over seeking out improvements in net.
Alexander Isak
42
27
6
3319
Callum Wilson
22
1
0
474
William Osula
19
2
2
456
The table above really does hammer home why Newcastle are going all out to try and win some potent strikers this summer, with Isak leading the line on his own for most of the campaign, as Callum Wilson and William Osula only chipped in with a meagre three strikes in reserve.
With Wilson now off the Toon books, there is only the ex-Sheffield United youngster at Howe’s disposal away from the in-demand Swede, which is where Sesko might well come to the rescue.
Amazingly, Sesko – who has also been on Arsenal’s radar – would only find himself five short of Isak’s tally for Leipzig last campaign when registering a blistering 21 strikes, taking his overall count in Germany to a ridiculous 39 goals from 87 clashes.
One branded a “monster” by football journalist Eduardo Hagn for his ice-cold ability to fire home chance after chance, it does feel as if this is a splurge Newcastle can justify, especially if it goes down to the wire surrounding Isak’s future on Tyneside.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
On the contrary, losing out on Trafford is unlikely to keep the Toon up at night for very long.
Ekitike 2.0: Newcastle plotting move for "chaotic" £65m Wissa alternative
Newcastle need to complement Alexander Isak with a new striker this summer.
Next season may well be Arsenal’s most important in Mikel Arteta’s tenure.
It’s been over five years since the Spaniard was handed the reins, and while he led them to FA Cup glory in his first six months and turned them into genuine Premier League contenders, he hasn’t won anything since.
Fortunately, the club seem to recognise the seismic importance of the upcoming campaign, as recent days and weeks have seen them linked to a host of talented attacking players.
One of the most exciting stars touted for a move to the Emirates has been Rodrygo, although, if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal could soon secure the services of someone who would be an even better signing.
Arsenal target goalscoring monster
Arsenal have been linked with a plethora of talented wingers in recent weeks and months, from those close to home, such as Eberechi Eze at Crystal Palace, to those further afield, like Rafael Leao at AC Milan.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, the name that has seemingly caught the imagination of fans more than any other for the left-side starting berth has been Rodrygo, who has been consistently touted for a move to the Emirates for well over a month now.
The most recent stories claim he could be available for as little as £68m, which is a substantial amount, but might still be a bargain for a superstar who has won two Champions Leagues in recent years.
However, even though we, and many others, are convinced that the Brazilian would be a good signing for Arteta’s side, there is another international game-changer who’d arguably be an even better one: Viktor Gyokeres.
Yes, according to a recent report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Sporting CP striker.
Moreover, the report has revealed that, as things stand, the striker is desperate to leave the Lisbon outfit and that the Gunners are currently at the front of the waiting pack.
However, it could be a complicated deal to finalise, as the report reaffirms prior revelations that Sporting will not let him leave for €70m – £60m – while other reports have claimed he might only be allowed to leave for around €80m, which is approximately £69m.
It would be a lot to spend on one player, but it feels like it would be worth it, especially as Gyokeres could end up being a better signing than Rodrygo.
Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Rodrygo
It should go without saying that both players would be incredible additions to Arsenal’s squad this summer, but when it comes down to it, there are two reasons why Gyokeres would be the better signing.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
The first is down to what is already available to the Gunners, as at the moment both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli can play off the left, whereas up top, the only recognised strikers in the team are Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
However, the former could miss the rest of the year as he recovers from the ACL injury he picked up in January, while the latter is ultimately still a midfielder who’s shown himself capable of playing up top.
The second reason the Swedish international would be the better signing is even simpler: his output.
For example, while the Brazilian’s tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 53 games this season is practically incomparable to what the sheer weight of goal involvements the Sporting star was able to produce.
Appearances
52
53
Minutes
4248′
3448′
Goals
54
14
Assists
13
11
Goal Involvements per Match
1.28
0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvement
63.40′
137.92
In his 52 appearances, which totalled 4248 minutes, the 27-year-old “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a mammoth 54 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a ludicrous average of 1.28 goal involvements every game, or one every 63.40 minutes.
Just imagine the difference that even half of that tally would make for the Gunners next season, it would surely be the difference between glory and another runners-up medal.
Ultimately, then, while Rodrygo would be an excellent signing for Arsenal this summer, Gyokeres would be an even better, potentially game-changing one.
A big upgrade on Eze: Arsenal discussing move to sign £80m "nightmare"
The international attacker would be brilliant for Arsenal.
Birmingham City are reportedly in talks to complete the long-term signing of a top target in their third deal of matching kind this summer.
Birmingham have to be "picky", says Davies
The Blues are preparing for life back in the Championship, following such a dominant and memorable title-winning season in League One, with the club in an exciting place currently.
Manager Chris Davies has outlined Birmingham’s approach this summer, admitting that they now need to be “picky” with signings, which hasn’t always been the case under him.
“Last season we found that we were convincing players and selling them a project. I was saying to them, ‘Look, come here and in 10 months’ time we won’t be in League One, we’ll be a Championship team’. Now they’re coming to us. A lot more are coming to us, ‘We want to be part of this’.
“You’ve got to be a bit more picky now about who you engage with. Birmingham is a club that is going somewhere and everybody wants to be at a club that’s going somewhere. A lot of people are talking about the club around the country, and internationally as well, so people want to come here. It’s important now that we make sure we pick the right ones.”
Birmingham are being linked with some exciting players, from Tommy Doyle to Demarai Gray, and now it looks as though they are looking to get another important piece of business over the line.
Birmingham in talks to sign Davies permanently
According to a new update from Birmingham World, Birmingham are in talks with Ben Davies over completing a permanent move to the club, following a successful loan stint from Rangers last season.
The Englishman only has one more year remaining on his current deal in Scotland, so they may be happy to cash in on him now, with his current market value said to be £2m.
The club have already completed two deals of this kind this summer, turning the loan moves of Alfons Sampsted and Taylor Gardner-Hickman into permanent signings.
In Davies’ case, the former Liverpool defender made 35 appearances in League One overall, 32 of which were starts, and he averaged 6.2 clearances and 4.1 aerial duel wins per game en route to the Blues comfortably securing promotion to the Championship.
Appearances
35
Starts
32
Minutes played
2959
Clearances per game
6.2
Aerial duel wins per game
4.1
Tackles per game
1.1
Goals
1
Assists
1
Now 29, Davies is a hugely experienced head who could be a great squad option for Birmingham, with Klopp speaking fondly of him after he arrived at Liverpool in a shock deal in January 2021.
“He’s a really good footballer, looks like a proper leader in this Preston team, good in challenges, looks football smart, can play different positions because he played in a back three and a back four and all these things. That makes him really interesting so I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
After Kyogo: Birmingham want to sign new ST who's better than Stansfield
Birmingham are interested in signing a forward who would be even better than Jay Stansfield.
1 ByDan Emery Jun 26, 2025
There are few negatives to Birmingham snapping up Davies this summer, and if he performs like he did last season, the Blues’ hopes of a good campaign will be improved instantly.
There’s been a lack of activity in the transfer market so far this summer from Newcastle United, but fans shouldn’t worry; Eddie Howe’s side are looking to make several signings.
Having qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season, the Magpies faithful will expect the squad to be rewarded for their Herculean efforts, winning the Carabao Cup too.
But sporting director Paul Mitchell stands down at the end of the month, and frustrations are already reaching boiling point for some given transfer targets like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appear to be headed elsewhere.
Mbeumo scored 20 goals across 38 top-flight fixtures, earning praise from Thomas Frank for his “unplayable” attacking performances.
However, with Mbeumo seemingly out of reach, Newcastle are turning their attention elsewhere, and might have found an exciting option perhaps not yet discussed by the biggest channels.
Newcastle enter race for Mbeumo alternative
As per Caught Offside, Newcastle are in the running for versatile RB Leipzig forward Antonio Nusa, though they are joined in their interest by a host of clubs, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.
Valued at €45m (£38m), the 20-year-old has only been playing in Germany for a year but has made good progress, showcasing his range of attacking qualities. Thus, he could be snapped up before his stock rises higher still.
While there haven’t been any official proposals from the suitors yet, bids may materialise quickly, so Newcastle might be wise to act now and bring a top talent to St. James’ Park – one who might even outgrow Mbeumo in the future.
What Antonio Nusa would bring to Newcastle
Hailed as a “future icon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Nusa has impressed across his maiden campaign in Germany, scoring five goals and supplying seven assists across 36 appearances.
The Norwegian talent has yet to find the kind of goalscoring form that has defined Mbeumo’s time in the Premier League, but there’s more to his skill set than that.
In the Champions League, particularly, he impressed. As per FBref, Nusa ranked among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s elite competition for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.
There’s a long road ahead for Nusa if he wishes to prove himself as a better signing than Mbeumo in the future, but his underlying data certainly suggests he has what it takes.
Matches (starts)
25 (16)
38 (38)
Goals
3
20
Assists
3
7
Shots (on target)*
1.0 (0.3)
2.2 (1.1)
Big chances missed
1
9
Pass completion
78%
74%
Key passes*
0.8
1.8
Big chances created
6
17
Dribbles*
1.6
1.4
Ball recoveries*
3.1
4.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.5
1.7
Duels won*
4.1
4.7
Nusa is still very young – five years Mbeumo’s junior, in fact – but you can already see a combativeness and efficiency in his ball-carrying that suggests he too could sustain complete performances in the Premier League.
Moreover, the Norway international might not have converted that many chances, but he only missed one big chance in the Bundesliga last term, highlighting an underlying clinical edge that Howe could harness over the coming years, using the player’s pace and power to get him into dangerous positions.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
Mbeumo will cost a pretty penny to prise from Brentford this summer, and given the strength of Newcastle’s existing frontline, adding an up-and-coming talent who can challenge for places might just be the winning formula for Howe’s side, as they step back onto the continent’s biggest stage.
Mbeumo & Pedro hybrid: Newcastle confident of signing "dangerous" £55m star
Birmingham City might well have stormed to the League One title in part due to their electric attacking arsenal consisting of Jay Stansfield, Alfie May, and many others, but the Blues’ defence also shone all season to ensure the title was triumphantly lifted.
Indeed, Chris Davies’ men would only ship 31 goals across the course of the memorable 46-game marathon, as the likes of Christoph Klarer and Ben Davies routinely bullied third-tier attackers.
Davies will know he needs that same switched-on approach from his back-line as they navigate a step-up in quality, with Birmingham once possessing a rock-solid option at this level in the form of Auston Trusty, before he eventually moved on to pastures new at Celtic.
Trusty's standout loan spell at Birmingham
The American titan would join the building on loan the season before Birmingham’s relegation to League One, but that isn’t to say he entered a camp that was sky-high on confidence.
The Blues had been locked into many a relegation scrap before his arrival, with a worrying 75 goals leaked during the 2021/22 season when Trusty was still on the books of Arsenal.
Whilst Trusty’s added presence could only see Birmingham finish in an equally disappointing 17th position in the league the next campaign, his importance to the cause was definitely noticeable.
By the end of his St. Andrew’s stint, the 6-foot-3 defender would tally up four league goals from 44 games – which included this audacious flick beating Seny Dieng – away from bringing the goals conceded number down to a more respectable 58.
Winning a valiant 6.2 duels on average too, the American ultimately ended the campaign having claimed the club’s Player of the Year award, prior to sealing a permanent switch to Sheffield United.
Davies, meanwhile, will be crying out for similarly dominant performances from his batch of defenders when making the step back up, with this potential new signing going on to be his own iteration of the now Celtic regular if everything slots into place.
Birmingham could land the next Trusty
After all, despite boasting such an impressive defensive record during their promotion success story, Birmingham will know how demanding the Championship can be, meaning improvements could be sought after.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The ambitious Blues are reportedly in the race to sign Luton Town powerhouse Teden Mengi to help in this regard, with Burnley, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough all also keen on adding the ex-Manchester United defender to their rosters this summer, as per journalist Graeme Bailey.
The in-demand starlet previously joined the Blues on loan for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, albeit with a recurring hamstring injury limiting him to just ten appearances in all competitions. Now, another opportunity to thrive at St Andrews could be on the cards.
Straight off the bat, there are plenty of comparisons to be made between Mengi and Trusty, with the pair having been noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in the Premier League, as per FBref, during the 2023/24 season with Luton and Sheffield United, respectively.
That likeness was particularly seen in their ability to sniff out the danger in their own penalty area, with Mengi ranking in the top 11% for clearances made per 90, while Trusty ranked in the top 9% for that same metric.
Equally, the 6-foot battler’s early education came at the illustrious Red Devils in the Premier League, much like his centre-back counterpart calling the Emirates home as a youngster.
Moreover, Mengi has managed to forge a successful career for himself away from his hometown club – much like the American has at Celtic – as seen in the 23-year-old’s current spell with Matt Bloomfield’s Hatters now attracting interest from various suitors.
Games played
30
20
Goals scored
1
1
Assists
0
1
Touches*
44.4
48.1
Accurate passes*
24.2 (78%)
27.8 (77%)
Ball recoveries*
4.2
4.2
Clearances*
4.5
3.9
Total duels won*
4.3
3.6
As can be seen looking at the table above, Mengi has shone in spurts for Luton, particularly when the underdogs were battling bravely against the Premier League drop, with the Manchester-born enforcer winning 4.3 duels on average across his 30 top-flight appearances.
The then Luton manager, Rob Edwards, would even label Mengi as “astounding” for his ability to perform under such pressures, with his addition to Davies’ camp now perhaps viewed as a worthwhile boost to their defensive numbers, away from just relying on the old guard of Klarer and Co.
After all, the last time Birmingham purchased a former Premier League starlet to help out the back in the form of Trusty, it went down as a golden purchase, with Mengi – who Football Transfers value at £6m – potentially viewed down the line as another successful buy.
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Birmingham City could seal an even more exciting signing than the return of Demarai Gray by winning this special attacker’s services.
Nice time to be a Liverpool fan, ay. Arne Slot’s side lifted the Premier League trophy after drawing with Crystal Palace at Anfield, ending a memorable campaign.
FSG will be delighted, but they won’t want this triumph to stand as a flash in the pan. Instead, footballing chief Michael Edwards has been tasked with building a new dynasty on Merseyside, and sweeping changes are anticipated ahead of the summer transfer window.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match
Well, more than that. The cogs are whirring away, deals firmly in the pipeline. Liverpool might have been forced into a poignant divorce with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will join Real Madrid on a free transfer, but frustration has been assuaged by the flurry of activity in recent weeks.
Changes aren’t just anticipated; Liverpool are acting with the incisiveness of champions.
Liverpool closing on exciting deals
If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ll be aware Liverpool are closing on the audacious signing of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee.
Wirtz, 22, won the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2023/24 and has been described as a “generational talent” while at it by sports media professional Cristian Nyari, and Liverpool have beaten Manchester City and Bayern Munich to his signature.
It’s not yet set in stone, but the Reds have backed up their title-winning season with a monstrous gambit, and before the transfer window’s even opened its stalls.
And that’s not all. Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical, surely just days away from completing his transfer to Merseyside, the Werkself right-sider ready to link back up with Wirtz.
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies in action with Bayer Leverkusen'sJeremieFrimpong
Trent might be leaving, but FSG have acted with intent to sign two players who, combined, replace the vice-captain’s one-of-a-kind talents and might even transcend them.
But there’s more. In fact, Fabrizio Romano has chimed in to reveal talks are advancing with yet another sought-after star.
Liverpool advancing talks for another signing
As per Romano, Liverpool are still engaged in talks with Bournemouth for Milos Kerkez, who is “very keen” on moving to Anfield this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Hungarian, 21, is expected to fetch a fee of around £45m, though Liverpool will surely want this whittled down.
Slot has wanted a new left-back signed, given the 31-year-old Andy Robertson is on the decline and Kostas Tsimikas, his deputy, is available for transfer.
Favourites to get the deal done, with Man City and Real Madrid also registering their interest in recent weeks, Liverpool are pulling out all the stops to reward Slot for his incredible feat, and Kerkez might just prove to be the most important signing of the lot.
Why Liverpool want Milos Kerkez
Now, that might seem like something of a bold claim. Let’s make it clear: Wirtz is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, and will cost in excess of €100m (£85m), though not as much as some exorbitant initial claims.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtzreacts
He’s a marquee signing, and that’s a fact, but Kerkez is a player whose signing needs to be agreed upon if Liverpool are to make headway and better this Premier League-winning campaign.
Certainly, Kerkez could prove to be the more transformative addition to Liverpool’s flanks.
Though Frimpong will bring a unique style to the right side of Virgil van Dijk’s backline, the Dutchman will find himself jockeying for a number one berth with Conor Bradley, who signed a new long-term contract with the Anfield side last week and is one of the most exciting young full-backs in the game.
However, Robertson has been continually criticised for his athletic regression, his lapses in concentration. Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher acknowledged the “absolute legend” last month but went on to outline how he is “hanging on in every game now.”
Kerkez could dynamise Liverpool’s defence, provide a worthy heir for the coming age. Pundit Izzy Christensen has hailed the “machine” for his role at Bournemouth this term, and he’s indeed maintained a high level that has outstripped that of Robertson.
Matches (starts)
38 (38)
33 (29)
Goals
2
0
Assists
5
1
Touches*
59.6
64.5
Pass completion
80%
88%
Big chances created
8
7
Ball recoveries*
4.4
3.2
Dribbles*
0.6
0.2
Tackles + interceptions*
2.6
1.8
Clearances*
2.6
1.3
Ground duels (won)*
3.3 (61%)
1.6 (52%)
Though Robertson is still more precise on the ball, this is largely down to a tactical approach from Slot, which could be inculcated smoothly into Kerkez’s own game, should he sign this summer.
One thing’s for certain, Kerkez would be a massive upgrade, and a more important signing than Frimpong besides. That’s not to the 24-year-old Leverkusen star’s discredit, but rather illustrates where the focus lies at Liverpool.
There’s a completeness about the Hungary international which suggests he could be the archetypal modern full-back, whereas Frimpong, though fleet-footed and electric on the ball, has drawn criticism for his defensive work at times.
Xabi Alonso’s man only won 45% of his ground duels in the Bundesliga last season, as per Sofascore, albeit fielded in a more advanced position than your typical wide defender.
Of course, a potential by-product of that is that Frimpong lacks the defensive nous that, for example, Kerkez would have, for he has simply not enjoyed the repetitive absorption of such skills in recent years, having been stuck in the attacking half, ready to explode and surge forward.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz andJeremieFrimpongapplaud fans with teammates after the match
Liverpool are forging ahead with a deal for Wirtz, and rightly so. But sporting director Richard Hughes has got his hands in several pies and he’s juggling the responsibility expertly. Barring something drastic and deflating, all three exciting talents will be playing in Liverpool red next year.
Does it really even matter which one’s the most important, if that is indeed the case?
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Arsenal have now made contact with the entourage of an “incredible” striker, who they are now seriously considering making a move for in the summer, according to a report.
Gunners stepping up striker pursuit
Mikel Arteta’s side have been heavily criticised for not signing a striker last summer or during the January transfer window, with Gary Neville describing the decision as a “mystery” earlier in the campaign.
Since then, the Gunners’ hopes of winning any silverware this season have gone up in smoke, with Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 aggregate victory in the Champions League semi-final sealing their fate.
As such, you would think that Arteta will finally bite the bullet and sign a top striker this summer, and recent developments indicate the Spaniard is going to do exactly that, with the north Londoners now advancing in talks to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
There has since been another update on the pursuit of more of a left-field target, with a report from Spain revealing Arsenal are now seriously considering a move for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, who is also being targeted by West Ham United and Aston Villa.
Jesus is protected by a €100m (£84m) release clause in his contract, but the Brazilian side are believed to be willing to sanction a departure for a lower fee, and such is the Gunners’ level of interest, they have now made contact with his entourage.
The Brazilian is now among the north Londoners’ priority targets, despite the deal for Gyokeres edging closer to completion, with the striker’s performances since signing for Botafogo putting him in the shop window.
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Journalist Zach Lowy branded the Botafogo forward as “incredible” back in December, having started 2024 with some impressive performances in the UAE, before forcing his way into the set-up of the Brazil national side after catching the eye in his home country.
The Cuiaba-born marksman led Botafogo to a league title triumph in 2024, and he has since started the new season in solid fashion, picking up three goals and one assist in eight Brazilian Serie A outings.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Liga Portugal
33
39
8
Champions League
8
6
0
Taca de Portugal
6
4
3
Allianz Cup
3
4
0
Supertaca
1
0
2
That said, Jesus’ lack of experience in Europe means it would be a risk for Arsenal to sign the South American this summer, and a move for Gyokeres could make more sense, especially considering the Swede’s fantastic record in front of goal this season, netting 53 goals across all competitions.
Liverpool may now have to do battle with Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signature of a £80m midfielder this summer, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Florian Wirtz race heating up
The transfer window is yet to officially open, but the Reds are clearly looking to get their business done early, with a deal for Jeremie Frimpong looking like it is edging closer to completion, and the Dutchman’s Bayer Leverkusen teammate could follow him to Anfield.
Indeed, Florian Wirtz has emerged as a major target for Arne Slot’s side, who have now taken the action of submitting a concrete contract offer for the German, but a deal will not be cheap, as the total package could amount to over £250m all-in.
Wirtz is being targeted to bolster the attacking midfield area, having consistently provided goals and assists for Leverkusen ever since breaking into the first team at a very young age.
Season
Bundesliga appearances
Goals
Assists
2020-21
29
5
6
2021-22
24
7
10
2022-23
17
1
6
2023-24
32
11
12
2024-25
31
10
13
As such, the 22-year-old could be an exciting addition to the attack, but there have also been suggestions that Slot is also looking to strengthen in a slightly deeper area, with Brown telling Football Insider that Liverpool are now racing Real Madrid for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Barcelona have also been “having a look” at the FA Cup-winning midfielder, who has a huge asking price of £80m, which could pose a problem for the Reds, and Brown believes the Merseysiders may also have some concerns over certain aspects of his game.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
The former scout said: “Adam Wharton’s quality is unquestionable, there are no concerns there. In the Premier League, that’s very, very important.
“On the other side of things is his ability to cover the ground, and he seems to me to be a yard short in terms of covering the ground. So that’s going to be a concern for the likes of Liverpool or Man City – albeit not a major one.”
Wharton is a "generational talent"
Brown suggests the Palace star may not yet be the full package, but he is still very young, and the 21-year-old has been tipped to be capable of going on to achieve big things by members of the media, who have lauded the midfielder as a “generational talent”.
Despite not playing in as advanced a role as Wirtz, the England international also has attacking tendencies, given his ability to advance the ball further up the pitch, averaging the second-highest percentage of forward passes in the Premier League this term.
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Brown’s phrasing suggests Real Madrid’s interest is not advanced, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s prospective move underlines the allure of moving to the Bernabeu, so Liverpool could find it tough to win the race for Wharton if the Spanish side come calling.
Not only that, but Madrid are also in the race for Wirtz, with the European giants keeping an eye on the German, which will be another cause for concern.