Category Uncategorized

كشف ماركوس راشفورد مهاجم برشلونة أن عرض النادي لضمه لم يكن المرة الأولى في الصيف الماضي، لكنه يعتقد أن التوقيت كان مناسباً لاتخاذ هذه الخطوة بعد سعيه للتغيير بعد أكثر من 20 عاماً في مانشستر يونايتد.

وقدم مهاجم برشلونة أداء رائعًا مع فريفه وسجل خمسة أهداف خلال 12 مباراة بعد انضمامه على سبيل الإعارة من مانشستر يونايتد.

وأكد المهاجم الدولي الإنجليزي أنه يستفيد من تواجده في أجواء جديدة بعد إنهاء ارتباطه مع مانشستر يونايتد في الصيف الماضي.

وقال راشفورد لشبكة “ESPN” في مقابلة جرت مع اللاعب قبل لقاء الكلاسيكو: “لقد قضيت سنوات طويلة في مكان واحد”.

وأضاف :”ينسى الناس هذا لكن 24 أو 23 عاماً من حياتي قضيتها مع مانشستر يونايتد لذا أحياناً نحتاج للتغيير، أعتقد أن هذا هو حالي وأنا أستمتع بكل شيء”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. راشفورد: الكلاسيكو أعظم مباراة في تاريخ كرة القدم.. وهذه لحظتي الأفضل مع برشلونة

وكشف راشفورد أنه كان من الممكن أن يتم هذا الانتقال بشكل مبكر أكثر لو سارت مسيرته مع يونايتد بشكل مختلف: “أؤمن فقط أن الأمور تحدث في وقتها المناسب”.

وواصل: “هذه ليست المرة الأولى التي أتحدث فيها مع برشلونة عن إمكانية قدومي إلى هنا، لكن لسبب ما لم يحدث ذلك في الماضي والآن فرصتي لتحقيق ذلك، أشعر أنه لا يوجد وقت أفضل من الحاضر لذلك أتعامل مع الأمور يوماً بيوم والأهم أن أواصل التحسن، لأنه عند الاعتزال، ستفتقد كل شيء، الإيجابيات والسلبيات وستفتقد الرياضة، كل يوم أتعامل مع الأمر يوماً بيوم وأحاول التحسن عن اليوم السابق”.

ويلعب راشفورد مع برشلونة على سبيل الإعارة مع خيار الشراء وسيتخذ النادي قراراً بشأن مستقبله، ويرتبط الدولي الإنجليزي بعقد مع مانشستر يونايتد حتى عام 2028.

وعما إذا كان يرغب في الاستمرار مع بطل الدوري الإسباني: “بالتأكيد، استمتع باللعب مع برشلونة وأعتقد أن برشلونة لكل من يحب كرة القدم هو أحد أهم الأندية في تاريخ اللعبة، إنه شرف كبير لي كلاعب”.

وشدد: “أستمتع بوقتي في إسبانيا حقاً، التوقيت مثالي، ولكنه كان تغييراً كبيراً أتعلم كل يوم، آمل أن أبقى في برشلونة لفترة طويلة، أتوافق جيدًا مع روني (باردجي)، وكذلك مع كوندي وفرينكي، إنه فريق نتكامل فيه جميعاً نحن متحدون”.

واختتم: “الفريق رائع، سأواصل السعي، علينا أن نستمر على هذا المنوال لنكون في أفضل حالاتنا، أمامنا الكثير لنفعله هذا الموسم”.  

Leny Yoro made a surprise flying return to Lille after starring for Manchester United during their win over Sunderland. The 19-year-old defender, who joined United in the summer for a whopping £52 million, jetted across the Channel on Sunday to watch his boyhood club take on Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster Ligue 1 clash.

United star flies home for surprise appearance

After seven formative years at Lille, rising through their academy and racking up 60 senior appearances, Yoro’s return was nothing short of emotional. This wasn’t a typical visit either; the young star was invited onto the pitch before kick-off for a farewell moment that sent the Stade Pierre Mauroy crowd into raptures. As part of French football’s matchday traditions, Lille handed Yoro the honour of taking the ceremonial kick-off. 

AdvertisementGettyGreets Giroud in Lille

Donning a Lille home shirt with “Yoro 15” emblazoned across the back, along with a club scarf and jeans, the teenager walked onto the pitch to thunderous applause. He shook hands with none other than Olivier Giroud, the 39-year-old French icon now leading Lille’s attack after his own Premier League adventures with Arsenal and Chelsea.

With a warm smile and a gentle tap of the ball, Yoro performed the honorary kick-off before waving to the fans who once watched him grow from a boy into one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders. The ovation that followed proved just how much affection Lille supporters still hold for their academy graduate.

PSG and Lille serve up a thriller

Once the ceremonial duties were done, Yoro settled into the stands to enjoy an all-action Ligue 1 showdown. PSG drew first blood in the 66th minute through Nuno Mendes, the Portuguese wing-back finishing off a slick team move to silence the home supporters. But Lille, true to form, refused to roll over. Their persistence paid off late in the game when substitute Ethan Mbappe, the younger brother of global superstar Kylian, smashed home the equaliser. He marked the goal with his brother’s trademark arms-folded celebration, a moment that brought smiles across the stadium, including Kylian himself, who was watching proudly from the VIP seats.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPAll eyes on Anfield next

After his sentimental return to France, Yoro’s focus now switches back to business. Following the international break, Manchester United face arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on October 19, and the young defender will be tasked with shackling the Reds' record-breaking signing, Alexander Isak, in front of the Kop.

Nottingham Forest had really ramped up their transfer activity heading into the drama that is deadline day.

At the time of writing, the Tricky Trees have welcomed in ten brand-new faces to the City Ground this summer, with John Victor the latest capture from Botafogo to enhance the Premier League outfit’s options in goal.

All this frenzied activity isn’t slowing down either as we head towards 7pm’s sharp cut-off, as Forest now look set to land a long-term target to further bolster their plentiful attacking personnel.

Nottingham Forest close in on £35m star

There had been whispers all window long regarding Forest’s chase for RC Strasbourg ace Dilane Bakwa.

Now, it looks as if Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have finally won their long-sought-after attacker, with journalist John Percy first taking to X to confirm that the Europa League competitors were in advanced talks for the Frenchman, with the Ligue 1 side looking for a fee of around £35m.

Following that, another Forest-based journalist, Tom Collomosse has added more fuel to the fire by stating that a medical will take place today for the winger to join the ever-increasing ranks.

After failing to secure a deal for the now Benfica-bound Dodi Lukebakio, this would be a welcome relief if Forest could snap up the signature of Bakwa instead, with the assist-hungry attacker arguably an improvement on the Belgian.

How Bakwa compares to Lukebakio

Of course, nobody at the City Ground would have actively turned their nose up at Lukebakio entering the building, with the 27-year-old just fresh off an 11-goal season in La Liga with soon-to-be ex-employers Sevilla.

But, away from that standout offering, he has struggled in the Spanish top-flight previously to be at that same consistent peak, with only five goals powered home during the 2023/24 season.

Bakwa for Strasbourg vs Lukebakio for Sevilla

League stats

Bakwa

Lukebakio

Games played

64

63

Goals scored

10

17

Assists

18

3

Big chances created

27

10

Stats by Sofascore

Whereas, Bakwa has only grown in confidence the more he’s donned Strasbourg blue, with a ridiculous tally of one goal and three assists already next to his name in Ligue 1 action this campaign, despite only lining up for three contests so far.

Lukebakio might well have more strikes next to his name when comparing the head-to-head statistics, but the £35m attacker is an unbelievable creative force when he gets going, with a whopping 27 big chances created for his Strasbourg teammates from 64 league appearances.

This will surely be one facet of his varied game that has caught Forest’s eye, considering Anthony Elanga is no longer under Nuno’s wing, who was an assist king for the likes of Chris Wood throughout his stint in the Midlands.

Moreover, with Bakwa being just 22 years of age – compared to Lukebakio, who is 27 – Nuno will hope he can get even more out of a talent who has dazzled Ligue 1 defences for fun, with the young attacker already being branded as “very exciting” to watch by journalist Josh Bunting.

The real challenge for Forest’s statement deadline day purchase will be how he acclimatises to the pressures of the Premier League.

But, if his blistering Ligue 1 numbers are anything to go by, this could be a golden deal at the £35m mark, as Forest instantly brushes Lukebakio’s move falling through to land their long-term man.

Related Nottingham Forest now agree deal to sign gem with same agent as Chris Wood

Forest are set to complete a deadline day move for a defender.

Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 1, 2025

Tottenham opened their 2025-26 Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory at home to Villarreal, though will be a tad grateful they were able to claim three points on opening night. Thomas Frank made his debut as a coach in Europe's top club competition and will be relieved that his side took the three points, but will know there is work to do if they are to progress from the league phase.

It took Tottenham only four minutes to take the lead, though it came through fortuitous circumstances. Lucas Bergvall's low cross into Richarlison was easily cut out by Luiz Junior, but somehow the Villarreal goalkeeper fumbled the ball backwards over the goal line.

Spurs wanted a penalty towards the end of the first half when Richarlison was felled by Pape Gueye, though their appeals were dismissed and a lengthy VAR check proved inconclusive. Gueye got away with another VAR call when the ball ricocheted up onto his arm inside the 18-yard box soon after.

An incredibly dull second half almost sparked into life near its end when Micky van de Ven brought down Georges Mikautadze just outside his own penalty area, with VAR confirming a free-kick but not a red card despite the hefty challenge. Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe flashed the resulting set piece narrowly wide and that was as close as Villarreal came to finding an equaliser, with Spurs holding on to secure a fourth clean sheet from their opening six matches in all competitions this season.

GOAL rates Spurs' players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Guglielmo Vicario (5/10):

Flapped at a cross early on and skewed a pass into the feet of an opposition attacker in the second half, but didn't have a lot else to do.

Pedro Porro (6/10):

A lot more assured defensively than he has been already this season. Couldn't get forward too often due to Villarreal's pressing.

Cristian Romero (6/10):

The only defender who at least tried to make the odd line-breaking pass, even if they were usually cut out pretty swiftly.

Micky van de Ven (6/10):

Made a couple of fine recovery challenges with his trademark pace and power, though another referee may have sent him off for his challenge on Mikautadze late on.

Djed Spence (4/10):

England's newest international endured a frustrating evening at both ends. Found it tough marking ex-Arsenal winger Pepe, while his reluctance to play the ball down the line made Spurs easy to defend against on the left flank. Hooked for Udogie.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Rodrigo Bentancur (6/10):

Kept play ticking neatly in the centre of the park, while he also swept up diligently.

Lucas Bergvall (7/10):

It was his cross that led to Junior's strange own goal, though the young Swede could hardly take any credit for breaking the deadlock. Dragged the team up the pitch at times, as Frank has made a point of. Afforded a standing ovation when brought off for Danso.

Pape Matar Sarr (6/10):

Found pockets of space between midfield and attack on occasion, but not enough to actually harm Villarreal. Substituted for Palhinha.

Getty Images SportAttack

Mohammed Kudus (5/10):

Probably his poorest game since joining Spurs this summer, holding onto the ball for too long and misplacing simple passes.

Richarlison (5/10):

The Brazilian's inability to hold the ball up made playing through the middle a chore for Spurs. Taken off for debutant Kolo Muani.

Xavi Simons (6/10):

If anyone looked like producing a piece of magic, it was the mercurial Simons. However, he could only show brief glimpses of his trickery before being subbed for Johnson.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Destiny Udogie (5/10):

Came on for Spence as he ramps up his return to full fitness. A little overeager in the challenge.

Joao Palhinha (6/10):

On in place of Sarr and brought some needed steel to the midfield battle.

Randal Kolo Muani (5/10):

Replaced Richarlison. Hardly involved on his first appearance for Spurs.

Brennan Johnson (5/10):

On for Simons, though like Kolo Muani couldn't get on the ball too much.

Kevin Danso (N/A):

On in stoppage time for Bergvall to see out the win.

Thomas Frank (6/10):

Tottenham were poor for much of the evening, though not poor enough to actually cede a chance of note.

Saurashtra stay alive after blockbuster show

Saurashtra smashed 266 for 6, the second-highest total in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history, en route to a 78-run win over Group B table-toppers Baroda. Their fourth win in five games vaulted Saurashtra to second place on the points table, with the top three, Baroda, Saurashtra and Gujarat, all separated only by net run rate.A Baroda attack sans the rested Hardik Pandya, the leading six-hitter in the tournament at this stage, came under fire from Harvik Desai, the wicketkeeper, who set the tone early on, with a 39-ball 76. There were handy contributions from opener Tarang Goel (15-ball 40) and Jay Gohil, who smashed an 18-ball 53 at No. 6.Baroda’s chase was dented early as they were reduced to 29 for 3 inside the powerplay. They managed to limit the damage to their net run rate by finishing with 188 for 8, thereby remaining table-toppers.Related

• Urvil Patel waits for big break after smashing Pant's record

• Kishan goes ballistic, Delhi use all 11 bowlers

• SKY to play remaining SMAT games, Vijay Hazare

Karnataka knock Tamil Nadu out

Karnataka quick Vasuki Koushik made use of the early morning moisture in Indore to rip past Tamil Nadu in a sensational new-ball burst that fetched him three wickets in his first two overs. Tamil Nadu, who were reduced to 7 for 4 by then, were bowled out for 90, with Karnataka, fuelled by Manish Pandey’s 42, chasing down the runs in just 11.3 overs.Given how close the table is stacked, with all of Gujarat, Saurashtra and Baroda ahead of them, this was a virtual knockout. The result meant Tamil Nadu will be eliminated from the group stages of a tournament they have dominated in the recent past (they won back-to-back in 2020-21 and 2021-22).

Dhir, Ramandeep keep Punjab alive

Punjab continue to live on the edge. After clinching a Super Over win two nights ago against Mizoram, they beat Hyderabad by seven runs to keep their slim knockouts hopes alive. Their win on Sunday was fuelled by Naman Dhir, highly rated by Mumbai Indians, and Ramandeep Singh, who was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders before the recent auction.Having scored 196 for 6, thanks in part to Anmolpreet Singh’s 60 and Ramandeep’s unbeaten 11-ball 39, Punjab managed to bundle out Hyderabad for 189, with Dhir picking up his first five-for in T20s. Tilak Varma, the Hyderabad captain, managed just a run-a-ball 9.File photo: Ramandeep Singh’s cameo helped Punjab put up a winning score against Hyderabad•Associated Press

This was a clear case of the scorecard not revealing how one-sided the game threatened to be when Hyderabad were 141 for 8 in 17 overs. Then Chama Milind, the left-arm seamer, unleashed a barrage of sixes in his 22-ball 55 to take the game closer before Arshdeep Singh dealt the final blow to seal victory.

Bharat, Bhui lead Andhra’s charge

Unbeaten for four games running, Andhra are in with a good shout of making the knockouts. But their task gets tougher from here on as they still have games remaining against Kerala and Mumbai, both of whom are also in knockouts contention, and right behind them in Group E.On Sunday, KS Bharat and Ricky Bhui combined to help Andhra ransack 222 for 8 against Services for a 23-run win. Opening the batting, Bharat scored a 39-ball 63, while Bhui’s 84 came off just 35 balls and contained five sixes. Services made a good fist of the target with captain Mohit Ahlawat smashing 74 off 37. But an impressive 3 for 26 from Cheepurapalli Stephen eventually restricted them to 199.

Manchester United have been told that they have hit the jackpot with the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a whopping £74 million ($100m) deal, as the Slovenia international can become a "complete striker" at Old Trafford. The Red Devils, however, will need to be patient with their new forward, who needs time to realise his full potential.

• Man Utd told Sesko will become "complete striker"
• Backed to shine at Old Trafford
• Joined Man Utd from RB Leipzig this summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sesko has had an underwhelming start to his journey in England as he is yet to feature in Ruben Amorim's starting line-up in the Premier League. However, the former RB Leipzig forward did star in Slovenia's 2-2 draw against Sweden in a World Cup qualifying game as he contributed with the assist for Zan Vipotnik's late equaliser. 

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Sesko has not lived upto the expectations at Old Trafford yet after the first three rounds of Premier League games, his national team strike partner and former Middlesbrough star Andraz Sporar has backed the 22-year-old to be a hit at Old Trafford and be a "complete striker". 

• WHAT SPORAR SAID

  The 31-year-old spoke highly of his compatriot as he told reporters: "What does he bring to United? Everything. He has speed, power, intelligence, good football IQ. I believe he can be a complete striker in the next two or three years. But he’s still young. He will help Manchester United a lot, they just need to be patient. I believe he’ll score the goals and every year he will be better and better."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR SESKO?

  The Red Devils striker will be back in action for Slovenia on Monday as they take on Switzerland in their second World Cup qualifying game. Next Sunday, he is expected to be handed his maiden Premier League start in the Manchester derby.

شهد مقر الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، صباح اليوم الإثنين، انعقاد جلسة استماع رسمية أمام اللجنة القانونية، حضرها أحمد سيد زيزو، لاعب الأهلي الحالي والزمالك السابق، وذلك على خلفية الشكاوى المقدمة ضده من القلعة البيضاء.

وبحسب مصادر مطلعة لـ بطولات، فقد قدم دفاع اللاعب مستندات رسمية تؤكد أن توقيعه للأهلي جاء في فترة قانونية لا تخالف اللوائح، كما نُفيت تمامًا أحقية الزمالك في الحصول على أي نسب مالية من الإعلانات التي ظهر فيها اللاعب، حيث جرى تقديم ما يثبت استقلاله التام في هذا الجانب.

كما حضر والد زيزو الجلسة، وقدم أوراقًا تُثبت أن مستحقات نجله المتأخرة لدى الزمالك تبلغ نحو 82.5 مليون جنيه، مطالبًا بالحصول على المبلغ كاملًا.

طالع أيضًا | الأهلي يعلن موقف زيزو من مباراة الزمالك في قمة الدوري

أما عن اتهامات الانقطاع عن التدريبات، فقد رد اللاعب مؤكدًا أن ما بدر من بعض العاملين بالنادي وقتها، من إزالة صوره ودهسها، أثار داخله حالة من الخوف والقلق من العودة لمقر الزمالك.

وأوضح زيزو أنه كان حريصًا على التزامه مع نادي الزمالك طوال سنواته السابقة، ولم يكن في نيته التمرد أو التغيب دون سبب.

وأضاف زيزو أن عودته للتدريبات جاءت مباشرة عقب تلقيه التأكيدات اللازمة من مسؤولي نادي الزمالك، وبعد أن شعر بأن الأجواء باتت أكثر أمانًا، مما يبرئه من أي اتهام بالتقصير أو التمرد.

49ers Enterprises and new sporting director Adam Underwood have suffered a major blow as one of Leeds United’s top targets is now pushing other clubs to bid for him, according to a new report.

Leeds agree deal to sign Sean Longstaff

The Whites have already made four new additions ahead of the 2025/26 season, but that could soon be five. The Athletic’s David Orstein reported on Tuesday night that Leeds have agreed a deal in principle with Newcastle United to sign Sean Longstaff.

Related Biggest talent since Gray: Leeds make contact for "world class" £34m star

Leeds are looking to add young talent to their sqaud

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Jul 16, 2025

The midfielder is in the final 12 months of his contract at St James’ Park, and the Magpies have now agreed to sell him to Leeds for a deal worth £12 million plus £3 million in add-ons. The Championship title winners could be set to finalise the deal fairly soon, as Fabrizio Romano has reported that Newcastle have given Longstaff permission to undergo his Leeds medical after he agreed to the transfer way back in June.

Longstaff’s imminent arrival at Elland Road will see him battle the likes of Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev as Daniel Farke’s midfield options. Longstaff, who is the product of Newcastle’s academy, will bring vital Premier League experience to Leeds’ midfield, having played over 170 games in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals and recording nine assists.

Leeds target now pushing other clubs to bid

As the Whites close in on the signing of Longstaff, they are also in the market for a new striker, and they have now learnt the price tag of one of their key targets. According to CalcioStyle, Leeds have seen a bid worth 25 million euros (£21.6 million) rejected by Lecce to sign striker Nikola Krstovic.

The report adds that while Lecce have rejected Leeds’ bid, they have also gone back, stating that they want 40 million euros for their player, which is roughly £34 million. In a further blow to Leeds, Krstovic is said to be pushing to stay in Italy and is looking for big clubs to make an offer for him.

Leeds do have hope, as Lecce are open to selling the player, as they want to have cash to fund their transfer plans, but everything is on hold at the minute, as they try to find a replacement and Krstovic hopes for a move from a major Italian club.

Nikola Krstovic’s Lecce stats

Apps

74

Goals

19

Assists

7

It goes on to add that AS Roma are one team that are interested in signing the striker, but as things stand, their priority is to strengthen their midfield.

The 25-year-old, who has won 24 caps for Montenegro, has been at Lecce since 2023. In his first season at the club, he scored seven goals in 35 Serie A games, a tally that he was able to surpass last season with 11 goals and five assists in 37 league games.

Elland Road will no doubt be packed to the rafters when Everton travel across West Yorkshire for Leeds United’s hotly anticipated Premier League opener.

Plenty of new faces are likely to line up for Daniel Farke’s men to get the top-flight season underway, with Jaka Bijol aiming to impress in pre-season to seal a starting spot, alongside fellow fresh signing Lukas Nmecha.

Plenty more purchases are surely in the works ahead of Leeds bravely venturing up a league.

Leeds make £12m star a top priority target

It’s safe to say the Whites haven’t had it all their own way in the transfer window so far with key midfield target Habib Diarra heading to Sunderland instead with a club-record £30m wrapped up.

So, with that fresh blow still fresh in their mind, they could return to Ligue 1 to seal a different signing.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, as per a new report from French outlet L’Equipe, Leeds are very interested in securing the cut-price services of Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri this summer.

Lyon will be raided for all of their top assets off the back of the French giants being relegated to Ligue 2 following financial problems and the Whites have now made the Brazilian stopper a top priority target in a bid to improve their goalkeeper options up a division.

Leeds might well have an upper hand in the race to land the Brazilian if they are adamant he’s their desired man in between the sticks, with Saudi outfit Neom also keen on the 27-year-old ‘keeper amid rumours of a £12m bid potentially being put on the table.

Farke and Co. would happily fork out such an amount, with Bijol only costing £3m more to obtain from Udinese, as the newly promoted side continues to shop in Europe to land some gems.

How Perri could be Bijol 2.0

After all, this isn’t a transfer strategy that has just come from out of the blue for Leeds, with Raphinha once purchased for a mere £17m when leaving Rennes behind in 2020.

Obviously, the rest ended up being history for the Brazilian from that point on, with Bijol hopeful he can arrive on English shores and explode into life in a similar way to Raphinha by becoming a confident and assured performer in the deep-end of the Premier League.

His numbers when excelling in the Serie A indicate that he will be a hit at Elland Road, as seen in the Slovenian brute winning an imperious 4.8 duels on average last season in the Italian top-flight, on top of collecting eight clean sheets.

Therefore, landing the 26-year-old’s services for £15m might go down as a future steal if he is a rip-roaring success story in West Yorkshire, with the extra addition of Perri to the building potentially shoring up Farke and Co even more ahead of a daunting season.

Games played

33

Goals conceded

44

Clean sheets

10

Saves*

3.5

Goals conceded*

1.3

Goals prevented

+6.05

Much like Bijol, Perri was a consistent top performer in a top-five league all through last season, even as off-field turbulence threatened to derail the on-field situation, with a glowing number of +6.05 goals being prevented across his 33 league encounters.

To rubberstamp how much of an upgrade he would be, Illan Meslier’s tally in that department fell victim to -2.73 goals being prevented.

Even lauded as “the best goalkeeper in the world” by his manager Paolo Fonseca earlier this campaign, it feels like a no-brainer on Leeds’ end to try and capitalise on Lyon’s financial woes and land Perri as an upgrade on the shaky Meslier.

Of course, both of these deals could unfortunately go the other way, with the defensive duo finding their new terrain to be too extreme.

But, when assessing how well they’ve done in some tough European leagues to date, snapping up both Bijol and Perri might actually be heralded as a pair of genius deals down the line.

Leeds preparing bid to sign "powerful" captain for £12m this summer

The Whites have a midfielder in their sights this summer…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 28, 2025

Manchester United are now circling to sign an “incredible” attacker, in what would be a hugely controversial deal, according to a report.

Red Devils moving swiftly in the transfer market

Matheus Cunha became Man United’s first signing of the summer last week, with Ruben Amorim getting his summer rebuild underway early doors, and the manager has no plans to stop there, as another forward could be on their way to Old Trafford soon.

There are conflicting reports about who United’s priority target is at centre-forward, but recruitment chiefs certainly have a number of potential options in mind, with it being revealed they are now set to make a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace

£29m

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

£84m

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford

£60m

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

£67m

Any top striker is only as good as the service he receives, however, and with widespread reports linking captain Bruno Fernandes with a move to Saudi Arabia, Amorim may also be tasked with bringing in another attacking midfielder this summer.

According to a report from The Mirror, the Red Devils have a hugely controversial target in mind, as they are now circling to sign Manchester City maestro James McAtee, who could now be edging closer towards an Etihad Stadium exit.

Man Utd could sign "excellent" £34m ace as agent speaks out on summer move

The Red Devils could be moving closer to another signing.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 2, 2025

McAtee has been left out of Man City’s squad for the upcoming Club World Cup, which could spell the end of his time on the blue side of Manchester, with United believed to be keen on a surprise deal to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.

With the 22-year-old’s contract set to expire in 2026, City may view this summer as their final opportunity to cash-in on the Englishman, and reports from elsewhere have detailed they could look to hold out for a fee in the region of £25m.

"Incredible" McAtee needs fresh start

Man City have already made the mistake of letting some exciting academy graduates leave in the past, most notably Cole Palmer, who has gone on to excel at Chelsea, and there are signs McAtee could be capable of following a similar path.

Lauded as “incredible” by former teammate Oli McBurnie, the Salford-born midfielder impressed when given the opportunity during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring seven goals in 27 outings, but unfortunately his game time was far too limited.

Not only is the City ace an attacking threat, but he is also clearly a well-rounded player, given that he has impressed on some key defensive metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

1.96 (89th percentile)

Blocks

1.96 (99th percentile)

Should McAtee be willing to cross the Manchester divide, there are signs he would be able to kick on at Old Trafford, but it could prove to be a difficult deal to get over the line, given the rivalry between the two clubs.