Elia Caprile’s agent has admitted he will talk with Leeds United chiefs at the end of the season regarding the goalkeeper’s future.
The Lowdown: Raphinha and Phillips links
The Whites are seriously flirting with relegation back to the Championship with just four Premier League games remaining with Jesse Marsch’s side sitting just two points above Everton, who have a game in hand.
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Should the unthinkable happen, the likes of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, who have been heavily linked with Elland Road exits, will more than likely depart.
Raphinha is wanted at Barcelona, while Phillips has attracted interest from Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle United and West Ham.
Could Caprile follow suit?
The Latest: Caprile’s agent speaks out
Caprile is yet to make a senior appearance for Leeds after joining back in 2020 and is currently out on loan at Serie C side Pro Patria, where he has made 38 appearances.
He recently admitted it is his dream to play for Napoli, and Caprile’s agent, Graziano Battistini, has now addressed the goalkeeper’s future.
Relayed by Sports Witness, Battistini said he is set to talk with Leeds chiefs – presumably Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani – at the end of the season regarding Caprile’s future, with the possibility of relegation for the Whites changing all scenarios.
The Verdict: Exit make sense?
Providing Leeds keep hold of Illan Meslier, a permanent exit for Caprile this summer could make sense for all involved.
Alongside Meslier, Leeds also have Kristoffer Klaesson and Dani van den Heuvel on the books at Elland Road, meaning Caprile could be fourth choice ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.
Following this update, an exit for the Italian could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, but Leeds have bigger problems to worry about over the next three weeks on the pitch.
In other news: Radz, Orta and Marsch now want to bring ‘X-factor’ attacker to Leeds despite possible relegation
With something of a rebuild on the cards for Jesse Marsch and Leeds United this summer, one would expect a number of the 48-year-old’s first-team players to be moved onto pastures new in the upcoming window – in order for the American to raise funds for his own signings ahead of 2022/23.
One such player who looks certain to depart Elland Road is Helder Costa, the winger currently on loan at Valencia.
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The LaLiga side are reported to have a €20m (£16.5m) option to buy the Angola international, however, disappointing performances coupled with the January arrival of Tottenham Hotspur’s Bryan Gil have seen the £7.2m-rated forward’s minutes become extremely limited, with the latest updates from Spain suggesting that Los Che will not be taking up the purchase clause of the 28-year-old.
And, considering the fact that the player who Noel Whelan dubbed “negative” is reported to be earning a whopping £70k-per-week at Elland Road, in addition to the fact that Costa has ranked as the club’s second-worst and 10th-worst performer in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Premier League campaigns respectively, it is unsurprising that reports are suggesting the Whites could look to move the player on permanently this summer.
Indeed, with an extremely inflated wage and failing to live up to his £16m fee, it would appear a wise move for Marsch to finally call time on the Angolan’s career at Elland Road.
Another player whose head could be on the chopping block at the end of the season is Robin Koch, the £13m 2020 signing from SC Freiburg.
The £15.3m-rated centre-back has struggled with both form and injury in 2021/22, making just 15 Premier League appearances, over which he has averaged a well below-par SofaScore match rating of just 6.54 – ranking him as Marsch’s sixth-worst player in the division.
These returns have seen the Germany international come in for criticism, with Danny Mills stating his belief that the 25-year-old could well find himself on the unwanted list as a result of failing to stake a claim in the starting XI:
“He hasn’t really found a position. He’s OK here, he’s OK there and he’s decent there. You don’t look at it and go, ‘he is playing centre-half’ or ‘he’s playing defensive midfield.’
“That is difficult for a player and also for a manager. Where does he fit in? Can the manager get somebody to do a specific job in that position who is maybe a little bit better?
“Sometimes being a utility player is great but it often means you are on the fringes. You are often second-choice in six or seven different positions.”
“The new manager will be looking to bring in two or three of his own players, players that he wants. If that means you have to get a couple out then so be it.”
And, with Koch also earning a quite considerable £46k-per-week at Elland Road, from his performances this season, it would not appear as if the player who Beren Cross dubbed both “horrible to watch” and “not good enough” is worth this outlay.
As such, it would seem as if moving Koch on – alongside Costa – could also be a smart move by Marsch, as not only would these exits free up room in the 48-year-old’s first-team squad, but it would also save Leeds a colossal £116k-per-week in wages.
AND in other news: Orta now plotting £20m Leeds bid for “unbelievable” talent, he’s better than Aaronson
Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a huge injury blow, with midfielder Oliver Skipp now the third Lilywhites player confirmed to miss the rest of the 2021/22 season.
The Lowdown: Spurs setbacks
Antonio Conte’s outfit have already suffered some major setbacks in recent weeks, with both Matt Doherty and Japhet Tanganga ruled out for the campaign.
Doherty’s injury was perhaps the most damaging to the immediate top four challenge, given the Republic of Ireland international was just starting to find his best form in a Spurs shirt, scoring or assisting five times in his last seven games.
Unfortunately for the Lilywhites, the situation has just gone from bad to worse, with their 21-year-old midfield maestro the latest member of the squad to be added to the list.
In a new statement via the club’s official Twitter account, the club revealed: “We can confirm that Oliver Skipp has undergone surgery in America this morning and will be out for the remainder of the season.”
‘Skippy’ had initially been ruled out with a pelvic injury before suffering a setback earlier this month, and it seems that was one setback too many as far as his chances this campaign are concerned.
The Verdict: One for the future
Despite only making 18 appearances in the Premier League so far this term, the £18m-rated starlet hasn’t failed to impress when given a chance, recording a pass success rate of 90.1%, as per WhoScored, showing that he has that ability to stay calm and control the game from the middle of the park.
Once dubbed a “valuable” player by Spurs insider John Wenham, Skipp recently signed a new deal at the club that will keep him with the Premier League giants until the summer of 2027, proving exactly how highly Conte rates him.
There’s no doubt that the academy graduate will have a huge part to play in Spurs’ future successes, but it is a mega blow for the manager to lose his talents for the top four push.
Tottenham have already identified a colossal midfield signing for Conte…
Manchester United’s system under Ruben Amorim has led to huge questions being asked about the manager and his ability to lead the side forward in the future.
The 40-year-old has consistently used a 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford since his appointment last November, but the formation hasn’t worked as many would have expected.
He could only lead the Red Devils to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, whilst also suffering a defeat in the final of the Europa League to Tottenham Hotspur.
The recent defeat against Everton on home soil led to further questions being directed his way, especially after refusing to move away from his tactics and push more attacking players forward.
However, the manager has desired additions of numerous players ahead of the January transfer window, with the midfield department one that looks set to be bolstered.
Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January
Over the last couple of weeks, United have ramped up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson ahead of a potential move in the January window.
It’s been reported that the Red Devils are willing to complete a deal in the coming weeks for the England international after his remarkable start to the current campaign.
However, bitter rivals Manchester City have also now entered the race for the 23-year-old’s signature, which could lead to a huge battle for his services in the months ahead.
He’s not the only Premier League option currently in their sights at present, with Bournemouth star Tyler Adams another player being considered by INEOS ahead of January.
According to the Daily Mail, the hierarchy have held internal talks over a deal to land the American international who has started every Premier League game this season.
It also states that he’s seen as a cheaper option to improve the midfield department, but it remains to be seen if the Cherries would sanction his departure during the winter.
Why United’s latest target would end Mainoo’s stay
Just a couple of years ago, it appeared as though Kobbie Mainoo would be a crucial first-team member for United for many years to come, but it appears as though his time at the club could be coming to an end.
The midfielder has gone from a regular starter and an England international, to now being a player who has been massively restricted to substitute appearances off the bench.
His tally of nine league appearances, none of which were from a starting position, showcases the lack of faith the 40-year-old currently has in the 20-year-old sensation.
Unsurprisingly, the player has grown frustrated at the Red Devils in recent weeks, which has led to the player himself even requesting a move away ahead of January.
If the manager is simply refusing to utilise the youngster, it’s crucial he makes the next step in his career to continue his development and get back onto his recent trajectory.
It remains unclear whether the hierarchy will sanction a move away from Old Trafford for Mainoo, but his career at the club would be all but over with a move for Adams.
Should the American join, it would push him further down the pecking order, with the Bournemouth star producing some incredible numbers over the last couple of months for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Adams, who’s been labelled a “monster” by journalist Tomi Oladipo, has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted, at an average of 45 per 90 – with both ranking him in the top 25% of all midfielders in the division.
Such numbers showcase his composed nature in possession, but that’s also reaffirmed by his tally of 0.3 times dispossessed per 90, which ranks him in the top 15% in the league.
Games played
14
Goals scored
2
Pass accuracy
88%
Passes per 90
45
Times dispossessed
0.3
Tackles won
2.6
Interceptions made
1.6
Duels won
52%
However, out of possession, he’s been just as impressive, as seen by his phenomenal tallies of 2.6 tackles won and 1.6 interceptions made per 90 to date.
Despite his small frame, the American has also won 52% of the duels he’s entered, whilst completing 48% of the dribbles he’s attempted – further highlighting his all-round talents at the heart of the side.
It’s unclear if his current employers would sanction a departure in the coming weeks, but it’s evident that United would be getting themselves an incredible Premier League talent.
As for Mainoo, it appears to be the end at his boyhood club given his recent lack of action, with the player needing a move to reignite the spark in his professional career.
Cunha 2.0: INEOS to fast-track Man Utd bid for 'best winger in England'
Manchester United look set to make a huge move for one player in the upcoming January window.
On Sunday afternoon, Alexander Isak will sit on the bench at Burnley’s Turf Moor. Perhaps he will be introduced in the second half, playing 20 or 30 minutes of football for his new club, Liverpool.
The main thing is that Liverpool prevailed in their summer-stretching bid to sign Newcastle United’s talisman, completing the highly-charged transfer on deadline day for a British-record £125m fee, not long after the Reds had broken the previous record when signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m.
Liverpool’s summer spending spree was conducted with the view from the FSG offices that it would be something of a one-off, a remarkable statement of strength that would secure Anfield’s future for many years to come.
And though some felt the deal was somewhat unnecessary after Hugo Ekitike joined from Eintracht Frankfurt earlier in the summer, it was absolutely right that Liverpool pushed hard to land the signature of one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
How Isak compares to Premier League strikers
Liverpool spent more this summer than any team had spent before across a single transfer window, and now Arne Slot’s side are expected to deliver: they must defend their Premier League title; they must battle against the continent’s finest for a seventh Champions League triumph.
Isak will help in the pursuit of all that. The 25-year-old scored 27 times for Newcastle last season and has emerged over the past few years as one of the best strikers in world football, so intelligent and influential and clinical in front of goal.
Mohamed Salah is known for his success in the final third, but Isak has actually been scoring at a more prolific rate since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022, and the overload of creative quality at Slot’s disposal suggests the Swede will only go from strength to strength on Merseyside.
Erling Haaland
100
88 (0.88)
Mohamed Salah
111
67 (0.60)
Alexander Isak
86
54 (0.63)
Ollie Watkins
115
50 (0.43)
Chris Wood
95
39 (0.41)
Bryan Mbeumo
101
39 (0.39)
However, as already suggested, there are some who maybe feel that a record-breaking bid for Isak was superfluous, especially with Slot already having an Isak-esque talent in the ranks.
Liverpool already sold an Isak-esque talent
Sadio Mane was considered an irreplaceable part of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and he was, but FSG hit the jackpot in signing a positional successor in Luis Diaz, who proved instrumental in winning a horde of silverware across his three-and-a-half years at the club.
A left-sided forward by trade, Diaz was regarded as a “magical” player by the likes of Liverpool reporter Matt Addison, not quite hitting the same clinical heights as Mane before him but still contributing crucially throughout his spell at the club.
And last year was his best of the bunch, posting 17 goals and eight assists across the campaign. While consistent performances as a striker were bound to raise his output, Diaz still played the role extremely well, never goal-hanging and instead adding a dimension to Liverpool’s build-up play and altogether widening the scope for the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo, who both enjoyed terrific campaigns in front of goal.
Long regarded as one of the most electric and direct wingers in the Premier League, Slot opted to refashion Diaz into a centre-forward last season, with Darwin Nunez toiling in front of goal.
And the results reinforced that decision, just one of a myriad of tactical enforcements that have established Slot as a Premier League champion and “one of the best coaches” in the world, as remarked by analyst Joe Baker.
Isak arrives at Liverpool as an upgrade in regard to being a centre-forward, but Diaz offered something very distinctive, a blend of sharp-paced athleticism and nifty tricks on the ball, all translatable to an unnatural berth at number nine.
After all, Diaz ranked among the top 3% of positional peers in the Premier League last season for non-penalty goals scored per 90, statistics courtesy of data-led platform FBref.
This much-improved focus in the final third, combined with a dynamic approach to the physical side of the game, led FBref to liken Diaz to Newcastle’s Isak, who had been named by pundit Ally McCoist as being “the best all-round centre-forward” in England.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland might have more of a predatory instinct in front of goal, but you can see why Liverpool invested such an effort into signing Isak, who brings more to the table, who will carry something of Diaz’s style of play through the campaign.
Diaz was an immense and perhaps even underrated member of a multi-title-winning Liverpool side, but he appeared to have been pining for a transfer, first looking toward Barcelona and then Manchester City and the Saudi Pro League too, before eventually completing a move to Bayern Munich, where he is thriving.
It’s the news that Pep Guardiola’s side had come close to signing him that perhaps rankles some within the Reds fanbase, with Liverpool proposing to the Sky Blues a scenario in which City signed the Colombia international and Liverpool got Julian Alvarez in return upon realising that Diaz wanted to join their domestic rivals.
Diaz’s desire to leave Liverpool and join a domestic rival underscores a further similarity between his case and that of Slot’s new focal frontman, and let’s just be grateful that he was at least willing to remain at the club and continue to ply dutifully toward the outfit’s goals.
The versatile forward, in any case, served Liverpool extremely well, and though he carried some similarities to Isak, there’s no question that Liverpool fans and those involved at the club will consider the arrival of the Sweden star a significant upgrade and a fantastic deal, even though Isak’s signature came at such a premium.
FSG have already sold Liverpool's homegrown Zubimendi for just £15m
Former Liverpool player is now starring as a deep-lying playmaker reminiscent of Zubimendi.
West Ham United boss Graham Potter is under mounting pressure after slumping to a dismal 3-0 derby defeat against Tottenham last Saturday, with the east Londoners losing four of their opening five games in all competitions thus far.
Potter has tough games against Crystal Palace, Everton and Premier League title-chasing Arsenal on the horizon, with more unconvincing performances threatening to oust the tactician just 10 months after he took over from Julen Lopetegui.
Only Avram Grant, who led the Hammers to relegation in 2011, boasts a worse West Ham win percentage than Potter since the Premier League’s inception — serving as a clear warning that things desperately need to improve.
9. Sam Allardyce
30.7%
10. Julen Lopetegui
30%
11. Gianfranco Zola
27.8%
12, Graham Potter
27.3%
13. Avram Grant
18.9%
via StatMuse
West Ham’s woeful defence, which has conceded 14 goals in all competitions already, is the top flight’s worst back line right now by far — having also leaked 11 league goals in just four top flight matches.
Their failure to deal with set pieces has been another major thorn in Potter’s side, and one key ingredient West Ham need more than anything else is solidarity if they’re to avoid a relegation dogfight.
West Ham United managerGrahamPotterapplauds fans after the match
David Sullivan and the Irons board may even decide to cut their losses with Potter, especially considering that out-of-work former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo is readily available for hire.
The Portuguese, who guided Forest back to Europe for the first time since 1995 after a fairytale 2024/2025, was unceremoniously sacked by Evangelos Marinakis after a public fallout — just months after Nuno signed a brand-new contract.
Reports suggest that Nuno will jump at the chance to get back into management and his priority is to remain in the Premier League — making the 51-year-old a potential match made in heaven for West Ham.
Nuno’s pragmatic approach and defensive style could also suit West Ham down to the ground amid their real fragility at the back, with the likes of Kieran McKenna, José Mourinho and Frank Lampard also named as managerial candidates at the London Stadium.
How West Ham's board really feel about Graham Potter after Tottenham defeat
However, before any approach is made to the aforementioned coaches, the club must first make a decision on Potter.
According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, West Ham’s board believe it is “too early” to sack Potter despite their lacklustre start to 2025/2026 — with the ex-Chelsea boss retaining their backing “for the time being”.
The key phrase here is “for the time being”, but should West Ham relieve the tactician sooner?
West Ham must make ruthless Graham Potter decision
The team looks disjointed right now, lacking both defensive organisation and attacking spark, which arguably reflects poorly on Potter’s tactical approach among other key concerns.
For a squad boasting proven talent, fans and pundits alike are in agreement that the side should be performing far better.
Potter’s track record at Chelsea also raises concerns. Despite heavy backing in the transfer market there, he failed to deliver results, and many critics feared West Ham were repeating the same mistake when he was appointed.
Those fears now appear to be realised, and with Nuno available, West Ham should bite the bullet, admit they made a mistake and bring the former Tottenham boss to east London.
Chelsea secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup following an extra-time victory over Benfica at the weekend.
Reece James looked like he had powered the Blues into the next round, but a penalty from Ángel Di María sent the clash into an extra 30 minutes.
The game was suspended for a couple of hours, just minutes from the final whistle, due to a storm threat, but Chelsea finally won the clash 4-1.
It may have taken 4 hours and 39 minutes, but Enzo Maresca’s side now face off against PSG for a spot in the semi-final.
Despite the focus being on the tournament and progressing as far as possible, the manager is still keen on bolstering his squad via the transfer market.
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Reports coming from the Athletic claim that the Blues have reached an agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion regarding a move for Joao Pedro.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
The proposed deal looks set to be in excess of £50m and the Brazilian has agreed personal terms with the club.
With a medical booked in early for next week, it appears as though Maresca is closing in on signing another key target. Just what will Pedro offer the Blues?
Why Chelsea want to sign Joao Pedro
Maresca is looking to sell both Christopher Nkunku and João Félix this summer, with both players struggling for regular gametime last season.
Nkunku may have scored against Benfica, but with clubs such as Manchester United showing some interest in the Frenchman, it looks as though he might be sold.
Felix played just 20 times for Maresca last season, scoring seven times, but the Portuguese star spent the second half of the campaign out on loan at AC Milan.
Pedro’s arrival suggests one, or perhaps both, will soon be departing Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Brighton star is versatile, being able to operate as a centre-forward, second striker or even out wide on the left flank.
Last term, he typically operated in an advanced role centrally, scoring ten goals for the Seagulls and registering seven assists, proving he is adept in front of goal and at creating opportunities for his teammates.
Such were his performances, the 23-year-old ranks highly among his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues.
Indeed, not only does the forward rank in the top 12% for assists (0.28) per 90, but he also ranks in the top 10% for shot-creating actions (3.33) and successful take-ons (1.34) per 90.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
Furthermore, Pedro’s ability to get the ball into dangerous areas is evidenced by the fact he ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes (3.6) and in the top 3% for progressive carries (3.05) per 90, indicating that he will offer a lot of attacking qualities for the Blues next term.
It won’t be the only area of the squad that the Italian will be keen on strengthening, however, especially with the added demands of Champions League football next term.
As such, it’s certainly worth Chelsea bringing in a defender or two this summer.
Chelsea's search for a defender
Last season, the club conceded a total of 59 goals across all competitions from 57 matches, and this record will be something Maresca aims to improve next term.
Over the same period, Chelsea scored 120 goals. This suggests that bolstering the defence is surely a bigger priority than adding to the forward line, notably Joao Pedro.
It looks as though the Blues are keen on a defender who played against them just last weekend – Antonio Silva.
Antonio Silva for Benfica.
Journalist Simon Phillips stated via his Substack that the Blues have been impressed with the youngster, saying:
“Chelsea have tried and made approaches and checks on a number of potential new centre back names this summer so far and still have more to look at and in to. Chelsea have been scouting Antonio Silva of Benfica all season and already have him added to our transfer shortlist alongside his team mate, Tomas Araujo.
“But Chelsea are looking for an out and out centre back and attentions have again turned to the 21-year-old Portuguese international who has just two-years remaining on his contract.”
The centre-back is valued at €32m (£27m) according to Transfermarkt, but Benfica will be looking for a much higher fee than that to sanction a sale considering his release clause stands at around £87m.
Given their defensive issues last term, Silva would be a better signing than Pedro, that’s for sure.
Why Chelsea must sign Antonio Silva
The 21-year-old played over 40 times last season, including all four games at the Club World Cup for Benfica.
At the tournament, Silva averaged a 92% pass success rate, while winning a staggering 80% of his total duels contested, made 2.3 tackles per game and lost possession just 4.3 times per match in the States.
These performances have attracted plenty of attention, and there is no doubt that Silva is only going to get better and better.
Accurate passes
52.3
Tackles
1.5
Total duels won
4.5
Possession lost
7.7
Clearances
4.3
Balls recovered
4
After he burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old with a goal against Juventus in the Champions League back in 2022, Jamie Carragher claimed the defender was “going to be a superstar” and his upwards trajectory certainly suggests so.
When compared to his peers in the Champions League last season, Silva ranked in the top 1% for clearances (7.7) per 90, while also ranking in the top 16% for aerials won (2.36) and in the top 9% for touches in the defensive penalty area (12.91) per 90.
An impressive array of statistics indeed, and considering his ceiling is extraordinarily high, Maresca must make signing Silva a key priority this summer.
Pedro will certainly add plenty of dynamism to the club’s attacking department, but it is at the heart of the defence where the real improvements are required given the problems Maresca’s men suffered last term.
As such, spending whatever it takes to bring Silva from Benfica to the Premier League must be the next move BlueCo are planning.
If he lands his signature, Silva will almost certainly be a better signing than Pedro.
Chelsea considering "incredible" Club World Cup star after scouting mission
The Blues have added him to their list of targets…
Scott Parker certainly lived up to his label as a serial promotion winner out of the Championship this season at the Burnley helm.
Securing second spot for the Clarets on a mighty 100 points means Parker has now won promotion three times up to the Premier League as a boss, with the uphill battle of attempting to keep the Lancashire underdogs afloat in the taxing division now the tough goal.
It’s been a less-than-ideal summer so far for the newly promoted side unfortunately, as CJ Egan-Riley nears ever closer to a sad Clarets exit, whilst Josh Brownhill’s future at the club is reportedly up in the air having attracted interest from West Ham.
But, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom as the Clarets anxiously count down the days until the Premier League returns to Turf Moor.
How might the Clarets look in the Premier League? We’ve laid out their dream XI in the top-flight right here…
1 GK – James Trafford
James Trafford for Burnley.
Much like Egan-Riley, Burnley’s number one goalkeeper James Trafford has reportedly been the subject of interest from Newcastle.
But, Parker and Co will just aim to keep swatting away interested parties, knowing full well that Trafford is Premier League capable, having kept a ridiculous 29 clean sheets last season.
2 RB – Connor Roberts
Connor Roberts is also likely to retain his place as Burnley’s starting right-back in top-flight action.
He was another steady presence in the Clarets’ formidable defence last campaign, whilst also being able to boast a season of Premier League experience already with the Lancashire outfit.
3 CB – Victor Nelsson
Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson.
The first brand-new purchase could see Burnley take a punt on 26-year-old centre-back Victor Nelsson in a bid to immediately fill the Egan-Riley void.
Previously linked with a €10m (£8m) move for Nelsson in January, the 6 foot 1 Dane has shown across his career to date his ability to shine in some top divisions.
Before falling out of favour at Galatasaray and heading to AS Roma on loan, Nelsson would pick up a hefty 11 clean sheets in Super Lig action across the 2023/24 season, finishing too with an imposing average of 5.3 duels won per contest.
With his spell at Roma not going to plan either, the Scandinavian could well fancy leaving Turkey behind for good which is where Burnley might capitalise.
4 CB – Maxime Esteve
Burnley's MaximeEstevecelebrates after the match
Whilst the news of Egan-Riley’s expected exit will sting, Burnley being able to keep a firm grip on his usual centre-back partner in Maxime Esteve could at least come as some source of comfort.
The Frenchman has been linked with a switch away to Crystal Palace, but if the Clarets are serious about their survival hopes, they must keep Esteve around.
The 23-year-old already looks ready-made for the Premier League, with the ex-Montpellier enforcer both confident on the ball with a 91% pass accuracy averaged last season in league action, but also assured when launching into many a tackle.
5 LB – Josip Juranovic
1. FC Union Berlin's JosipJuranovic
Whilst normally a right-back by trade, Burnley’s lack of a main left-back option could see the Clarets swoop in for reported target Josip Juranovic for help.
The “immense” Croat, as he’s been previously lauded by European football expert Zach Lowy, has been a goal-and-assist machine wherever he’s gone across his nomadic career.
That’s seen in his career tally of 43 goal contributions – but it’s ability to slot in as a right-back, left-back or even as a centre-back with ease that will have piqued Burnley’s interest.
6 CM – Josh Brownhill
Josh Brownhill
Much like Esteve, it would be a complete disaster if Burnley were to lose Josh Brownhill after his sublime promotion heroics.
But, with his contract running down, it could well be a sticky situation to solve.
Still, if they can get their exciting captain to say, it would make the world of difference to the Clarets’ survival odds, considering the wanted star fired home 18 strikes last season as Burnley’s top scorer.
7 CM – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Burnley-linked Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall might soon form a healthy working relationship with Josh Brownhill if the ex-Leicester City man is finally freed from his Stamford Bridge ordeal.
Whilst his time in West London has been rocky after a £30m switch last summer, he showed more than enough for the Foxes for Parker to consider a move, boasting 17 goals and 20 assists in total across his memorable King Power Stadium stay.
8 RM – Marcus Edwards
Now officially a permanent member of the Burnley camp, Marcus Edwards will be raring to go in the Premier League next campaign.
After all, he was once a heavily fancied kid off the block at Tottenham Hotspur, but he would never go on to make a top-flight appearance on the periphery in North London.
Now, after collecting a goal and an assist from 14 Turf Moor clashes, his opportunity finally awaits.
9 CAM – Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal Mejbri is very much in the same camp as Edwards in attempting to show he belongs at the intimidating level.
He certainly showed he was worthy of competing at the top end of the Championship with Parker’s men, as seen in his respectable tally of one goal and five assists from the number ten spot. Therefore, he could come back to haunt his ex-employers, Manchester United.
10 LM – Jaidon Anthony
Jaidon Anthony will also be bursting with excitement about reentering the Premier League with the Clarets after penning a permanent deal at Turf Moor.
Whilst his team’s stern defence just stole most of the deserved plaudits, Anthony’s high haul of eight goals and seven assists from 43 league clashes went somewhat under the radar.
With Premier League experience also already under his belt with AFC Bournemouth, the 25-year-old could soon cause even more havoc down the left flank for Parker’s men.
Turning their attention away from a historic League One season and towards the summer transfer window, Birmingham City and Tom Wagner are now reportedly eyeing the chance to sign an Aston Villa gem.
Wagner wants to rekindle Aston Villa rivalry
Whilst attempting to swoop in and sign one of Unai Emery’s most impressive young talents, Wagner has made it no secret that he’s hoping to see Birmingham reignite their rivalry with the Villans in the near future. Back in the Championship and one step away from their rivals in the Premier League, the Blues chief is seemingly desperate to bridge that gap and commence a true battle.
Wagner told reporters earlier this month: “It’s absolutely a top objective. It’s the right rivalry for Birmingham, the right derby for English football, and the right way for each club to achieve its highest potential is by rekindling a rivalry that’s been dormant for too long. When I speak to the true fans on both sides of that rivalry, I get the same reaction, which is that they’d love to see it.”
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Unlike many clubs in the past, Birmingham won’t just be looking to survive in the Championship at the first time of asking. Alongside Wrexham, they’ll have their sights on causing a few upsets and pushing beyond the dropzone and perhaps even mid-table mediocrity if they get their summer business right.
That is the big unanswered question, of course. Just who could Birmingham sign this summer fresh from League One promotion? A number of names have already been mentioned, from Kwame Poku all the way to Torino’s Che Adams who played for the club between 2016 and 2019.
Torino'sCheAdams
Meanwhile, Birmingham may not be afraid to steal some headlines by signing a rival star when the summer transfer window swings open in what would make an immediate statement.
Birmingham eyeing Louie Barry deal
According to GiveMeSport, Wagner and Birmingham have held internal talks about signing Louie Barry from Aston Villa this summer. The young winger will be allowed to leave the Villans on loan in the coming months after having his spell at Hull City cut short courtesy of injury last time out, and a move to St. Andrew’s could yet become an unexpected opportunity.
Although his loan spell at Hull ended in frustration, Barry’s form at Stockport County during the first-half of the season initially caught the eye enough to earn a move into the Championship. Scoring 16 goals in 28 games for the League One side, the 21-year-old earned the praise of football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described his form as “superb” in December.
Following what turned into a mixed season, Barry has a decision to make in the coming months. If his League One numbers are anything to go by, then the Villa gem could now be ready for the Championship and potentially Birmingham this summer.
The defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night highlights the need for a serious overhaul at Manchester United this summer.
Ruben Amorim’s side were unable to get the better of their Premier League opponents, topping off what has been a dismal campaign on and off the pitch for the Red Devils.
The manager has attempted to make the best out of the players currently on the books at Old Trafford, but he’s so far been unable to do so in his seven-month spell at the helm.
Ruben Amorim
In the aftermath of the loss, the 40-year-old stated that he would leave if the board didn’t think he was the right man for the job, but they have since backed the former Sporting CP boss to turn things around.
However, the real backing will come within the transfer market, allowing him to make the necessary changes he requires to catapult the side back to their former glory.
The latest on Alejandro Garnacho's future
Attacker Alejandro Garnacho has previously been linked with a move away from United in recent months, with Chelsea and Napoli registering interest in his services back in January.
However, the Argentine could well leave the Red Devils this window, after being benched for the Europa League final and venting his frustrations in an interview after the game.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho
It’s been reported by ESPN that the player and his representatives are frustrated after the loss in Bilbao, with the 20-year-old now seeing his future away from the Theatre of Dreams.
The report also claims that he already has proposals to leave the club during the off-season, but doesn’t mention how much the hierarchy would demand for his signature.
However, despite the situation surrounding Garnacho, one other player needs to be sold this summer after his dismal run within the ranks since Amorim’s arrival.
The United player who needs to be sold alongside Garnacho
United’s lowly league standing in 2024/25 is nothing short of unacceptable, especially considering the previous success endured over the last few decades.
Amad
The club have gone from fighting for Premier League titles to now sitting in 16th position and out of all forms of European football in 2025/26 – something which could impact their finances.
Whilst new signings are undoubtedly needed to improve the current situation, it could depend on departures from the current squad, with Garnacho one who looks set to be sacrificed.
However, he could be joined out of the door by striker Rasmus Hojlund, with the Danish international clearly not at the level required for future success.
The 22-year-old was bought for £72m in the summer of 2023, with huge things expected, but he’s simply failed to deliver – notching just 10 goals in his 51 appearances this season.
Rasmus Hojlund
He’s been unable to extract his best performances, even going 21 games without a goal at one stage, leading to one content creator labelling him as a “serious problem”.
Despite his disappointing showings, he was handed a start in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, but once again showcased the need for a new talisman during the summer.
Hojlund only registered a tally of 15 touches during his 71-minute display, unable to provide the focal point or threat that was required to claim European glory.
It’s no secret that Amorim has had to stick with the former Atalanta star during the early months of his tenure, certainly wanting to recruit his own players during the upcoming window.
Games played
31
Goals scored
4
Shots taken
1.4
Successful passes per 90
11.2
Dribble success
30%
Times dispossessed
1.6
Aerials won
23%
Whilst the hierarchy would likely lose a huge chunk of their investment, it’s vital that he’s offloading in the coming months, along with Garnacho, to hand the manager the funds he needs for change.
It’s a shame that the move has been unsuccessful, with the board needing to remember such a signing in the near future as they attempt to land the clinical goalscorer they crave.
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