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As pre-season gets underway, West Ham United have reportedly made contact to sign a much-needed striker to get their summer transfer business going once again.

West Ham's search for a striker goes on

After Michail Antonio and Danny Ings both left the club earlier this summer, West Ham have just one senior striker to call on as pre-season approaches. And even then, that’s 32-year-old Niklas Fullkrug, who scored just three Premier League goals in his debut campaign at the London Stadium last time out.

In contact: West Ham now make approach for "world-class" £42m Man Utd target

The Hammers have come forward to sign a midfielder, who is desperate to move to the Premier League.

ByDominic Lund Jul 8, 2025

Whilst Daniel Cummings has arrived from Celtic, the 19-year-old lacks first-team experience and may not be able to fall back on his excellent record at youth level in Scotland to earn a place in Graham Potter’s squad. Instead, the West Ham boss simply must turn towards the transfer market in the coming weeks.

As concerns arrive over their lack of incomings, it could also be bad news for those at the London Stadium going the other way amid recent reports surrounding Mohammed Kudus. All signs are pointing towards a big-money departure, with rivals Tottenham Hotspur preparing a second bid to improve on their initial £50m offer.

Losing the winger would be an undeniable blow, especially to a direct rival in Spurs, but what Kudus’ exit could provide West Ham is the funds to finally kickstart their own summer business.

If that does prove to be the case, then Potter may finally welcome a solution to his striker problems just when pre-season is getting underway.

West Ham make contact to sign Pinamonti

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, West Ham have now made contact in the race to sign Andrea Pinamonti from Sassuolo this summer. The Italian striker looks set to leave the Serie A club after returning from a successful loan spell at Genoa, in which he scored 11 goals in all competitions.

With Brentford and West Ham reportedly chasing his signature, it looks as though the 26-year-old is destined to swap Italian football for the Premier League one way or another before the end of August. Given how he impressed at Genoa last time out too, Pinamonti is not someone that either side will want to miss out on.

Minutes

2,850

790

Goals

10

3

Assists

1

2

Expected Goals

7.7

2.2

A player who U23 scout Antonio Mango once believed would be a “great” signing for Inter Milan, Pinamonti has actually been called similar to Fullkrug by Football Transfers and could now get the chance to rediscover that path towards the top courtesy of West Ham.

The Hammers, meanwhile, would be signing an instant upgrade on goal-shy Fullkrug if they managed to fend off any interest from fellow Premier League side Brentford this summer.

Having already set their sights on Mohammed Kudus, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly targeting a move worth £35m to sign a goalscoring midfielder ahead of Manchester United.

Tottenham readying second Kudus bid

The Lilywhites are wasting no time in pursuit of West Ham United’s Kudus. After the Hammers reportedly rejected their opening offer, those in North London are reportedly already readying a second bid. This time, they’ll have to table more than £50m, but with the winger keen on the move, Spurs will hope to get their second deal of the summer over the line.

Even if Kudus does join Matthys Tel on Spurs’ list of incomings, however, Daniel Levy still has plenty of work to get done if Thomas Frank is to avoid the same fate as Ange Postecoglou.

With that said, the Lilywhites have also reportedly set their sights on the likes of Daizen Maeda and even Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries. The latter would particularly stand out as an excellent addition following his role as Inter reached the Champions League final last season. Compared to current options, the Dutchman would add plenty of competition.

Minutes

1,865

2,610

Assists

2

6

Goals

7

2

Ball Recoveries

65

152

Up against Pedro Porro for a starting role, Dumfries would likely hand Frank quite the selection headache and although any reports remain at an early stage, he could be one to watch.

Frank's own Vertonghen: Spurs make enquiry for "unreal" £21m CB

Tottenham need to sign a new defender or two this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2025

The same can be said about another impressive star too, who has also found himself on Spurs’ radar as they look to kick on with their summer business.

Tottenham now targeting Orkun Kokcu swoop

As reported by Caught Offside, Tottenham are now targeting a move to sign Orkun Kokcu in a summer swoop which will cost just €40m (£35m) if they push on and secure a deal ahead of Manchester United.

The Benfica man is at the peak of his powers at 24 years old and is attracting plenty of attention as a result. Having scored an impressive 12 goals and created a further 11 assists from midfield in all competitions last season, to say that he would hand Spurs a much-needed threat in the middle of the park would be an understatement.

U23 scout Antonio Mango was full of praise for Kokcu back in 2022, describing him as a “great midfielder” with “brilliant ball control”, and he has only kicked on since swapping Feyenoord for Benfica two summers ago.

Whether the Turkish international opts to make it a third season in Portugal is the unanswered question. Kokcu certainly has the ability to step into the Premier League and Spurs would be landing a bargain deal if they secure his signature for just £35m.

Everton have yet to get going in the transfer window, with only Carlos Alcaraz joining the club.

He was on loan last season, and therefore, he isn’t exactly a brand-new signing, but David Moyes and TFG will be working tirelessly behind the scenes to bolster his squad ahead of the first season at their new stadium.

While the Toffees face an away trip to Elland Road to face Leeds in their match, the opening game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will take place a week later when Moyes’ men face Brighton.

Between now and then, supporters will no doubt be longing for some new additions.

Everton ready to hijack move for Ligue 1 star

With Alcaraz through the door, it’s looking likely that Everton will make another signing in the shape of Fulham defender Kenny Tete, with the BBC reporting that talks are in progress.

A right-back by trade, Moyes could also be in the market to sign a left-back from Ligue 1.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, according to Leeds Live, the recently promoted club are keen on signing defender Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille this summer.

However, the report goes on to state that Everton are ready to hijack the move for the Swedish defender, who has just one year left on his current contract.

As such, Moyes could perhaps land a bargain should he convince the left-back to swap Lille for a move to Merseyside, rather than Leeds.

Adding some depth to the squad is a priority, which means a swoop for £6m-rated Gudmundsson could be ideal.

Given the fact that he would be moving from Ligue 1, the Swede could turn into Iliman Ndiaye 2.0.

How Gudmundsson could replicate Ndiaye at Everton

Ndiaye moved from Ligue 1 side Marseille last summer, going on to become one of the club’s key players last term.

Indeed, the winger netted 11 goals across all competitions for the Toffees, helping the club preserve their Premier League status for yet another season.

Goals

9

Assists

0

Big chances created

3

Key passes per game

0.5

Shots per game

1.1

Successful dribbles per game

2.1

The Senegal international also ranked in the top 9% for successful 1.96 take-ons (2.52) per 90 when compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing why Leeds writer Joe Donnohue has described him as a “fun” player who’s also a “risk-taker”. He’s also competent defensively, however, ranking in the top 11% for tackles per 90 (1.96) over the previous 365 days.

It proves that talent can be found at a reasonable price in France, so might Gudmundsson be the next player to move across the channel?

The 26-year-old would be a great signing. He made 45 appearances for Lille last term, which included nine in the Champions League.

An attacking full-back, he was notably impressive in the competition. When compared to his peers, the Swede not only ranked in the top 19% for progressive carries (2.96), but he also ranked in the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.66) last term.

Those are strong metrics, particularly considering the sheer quality of opposition he played against, with Lille coming up against Real Madrid, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid, defeating the two Spanish sides in the process.

Defensively, the 26-year-old won 54% of his total duels in Ligue 1 last season, along with being dribbled past on just 0.4 occasions per game, showing his strength in one-on-one battles.

Ndiaye made a wonderful impact after moving from the French top flight. If Moyes signs Gudmundsson this summer, the Swede has all the qualities to follow in his footsteps.

He's Ndiaye 2.0: Everton enter race to sign "wonderful" star

Everton have yet to make a signing this summer to bolster their squad.

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 21, 2025

Leeds United are now very hopeful they will be able to lure “one of the most underrated defenders in Europe” to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Leeds looking to improve their defence

Leeds will know all too well the importance of having a strong defence in the Premier League, having suffered relegation to the Championship after shipping the most goals in the top flight in the 2022-23 campaign, and they have now set out to bolster their options at the back.

Indeed, the Whites have identified a number of defensive targets, while they have also set out to bring in a new goalkeeper, given that Illan Meslier infamously made a number of high-profile errors last season.

Target

Current club

Position

Yahia Fofana

Angers

GK

Nick Pope

Newcastle United

GK

Dara O’Shea

Ipswich Town

CB

Japhet Tanganga

Millwall

CB

Anthony Caci

Mainz 05

LB

The likes of Pope, O’Shea and Tanganga have experience in the Premier League, which could be of key significance when it comes to avoiding the drop next season, but Daniel Farke has also set his sights on adding a Serie A defender to his ranks.

That is according to a report from The Yorkshire Evening Post, which states Leeds are now very hopeful of signing Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol, given that Premier League football is set to be on offer at Elland Road.

Farke already has a number of options at centre-back, but departures are said to be inevitable, with Max Wober deemed the most likely to leave, although cashing in on Pascal Struijk could be an attractive proposition from a PSR point of view.

Previous reports have revealed Udinese would be looking to receive a fee of around £17m for Bijol, which should be affordable for a club that is now back in the Premier League.

£50,000-a-week Leeds star unhappy with offer as new contract talks stall

Leeds are now looking to tie down one of their key players from the 2024/25 season, but talks are stalling.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jun 9, 2025 Bijol could be among Europe's most "underrated" defenders

It would be fair to say journalist Bence Bocsak doesn’t believe the Udinese defender gets the respect he deserves, given his talent, having described the Leeds target as “one of the most underrated defenders in Europe” after impressing at Euro 2024.

The Slovenian is aerially dominant, placing in the 93rd percentile for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs, while he has previously proven himself to be a threat in the opposition area on occasion.

The 6-foot-3 colossus could be a solid signing for Leeds this summer, and £17m feels like a fair fee, given that Bijol has impressed at international level, while also remaining a key player for Udinese throughout the 2024-25 campaign, making 37 appearances in all competitions.

Aston Villa are now among the Premier League teams monitoring Manchester United outcast ahead of potentially making a loan offer, according to a recent report.

Aston Villa chasing multiple Premier League players

Since Unai Emery joined the club, the Villans have been busy in every transfer window, and that is unlikely to change this summer, but there will be a lot of caution given the PSR problems they currently face. Villa have been quiet in the early part of the window, but that could be about to change as they hold an interest in multiple Premier League players.

He's scored at Villa Park: Aston Villa racing to sign "fantastic" £42m star

Only Jacob Murphy, Mohamed Salah and Anthony Elanga assisted more goals than him last season…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 12, 2025

It was reported by TEAMtalk earlier this week that Villa are now the team to watch when it comes to who signs Jack Grealish from Manchester City. Emery is a big fan of the England international, and with Grealish being left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, he is now expected to leave the Etihad. However, they do face competition, as the likes of Newcastle United and Everton are also interested in a deal.

Villa also want to strengthen their midfield options and are in the race to sign Mikkel Damsgaard from Brentford. Several Premier League teams are interested in signing the Dane, and with Brentford valuing him at around £42 million, there could be a deal to be done.

But out of these stories, the most exciting piece of transfer news for Villa is that they are reportedly set to enter the race to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Man United, and he is not the only Old Trafford attacker on their radar.

Aston Villa monitoring Sancho loan bid

According to The Sun, Aston Villa are keeping a close eye on Jadon Sancho and are interested in a potential loan deal.

Sancho is set to return to Old Trafford after Chelsea decided not to take up the £25 million buy option they had and instead paid £5 million to end the agreement. Despite a change in manager, his situation at United hasn’t changed, as Ruben Amorim doesn’t plan on bringing him back into the fold.

Therefore, the 25-year-old is looking for a new club, and Villa, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, are all keeping an eye on his situation. The Villans are willing to strike another loan agreement with the Red Devils, following the one they did involving Marcus Rashford, but United prefer to sell Sancho on a permanent basis.

Apps

89

Goals

12

Assists

11

It was an up-and-down spell at Stamford Bridge, as the England international scored three goals in the Premier League and a further two in the Europa Conference League, as Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca labelled Sancho a “special player” at the start of the campaign.

“He needs to continue in the same way; work hard, every day,” Maresca told the press.

“As I’ve said before, for sure he is going to help us. We really believe that he is a special player. But the only way for him to confirm that is by working hard every day and never be happy and always be ambitious. He needs to want more and more and more.”

Liverpool’s transfer activity over the last couple of weeks has been nothing short of sensational, with the hierarchy certainly looking to back Arne Slot in the transfer market.

Jeremie Frimpong has already completed his switch from Bayer Leverkusen, with former teammate Florian Wirtz continuously linked with a summer move to Anfield.

The German international has already been subject to a bid from the Reds in recent days, which could see the club break the English transfer record if they complete a deal for his signature.

In recent days, he’s posted on social media, hitting back at claims that he will demand the number 10 shirt if he moves to Merseyside, but didn’t deny that he is close to making the move to England.

Such a move for the 22-year-old would undoubtedly improve the options at the manager’s disposal, creating excitement among the fanbase, but could be joined by another big-money talent at Anfield in 2025/26.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new additions this summer

Left-back Milos Kerkez has been firmly on Liverpool’s radar over the last couple of months, as Slot looks to add depth to the full-back department in their quest to retain the Premier League title.

The latest reports suggest that the Bournemouth star has already agreed personal terms with the Reds, as the clubs are expected to meet once again to get the deal over the line this summer.

However, despite the interest at the back, Slot desperately wants attacking reinforcements, with Alexander Isak once again emerging on their shortlist, according to TBR.

The report claims that Slot’s side are still in the market for a new striker, even if Wirtz joins in the coming weeks, with the Newcastle United talisman their number one target this window.

It also states that the Swede, who scored 23 league goals this season, is their dream option within the final third, but could cost a pretty penny, with the Magpies demanding a fee in the region of £150m.

Why Liverpool’s £150m target could be Slot’s own Mbappe

Over the last couple of years, Kylian Mbappé has been one of Europe’s leading stars, producing massive numbers within the final third for PSG and Real Madrid.

The French international joined the Spanish giants last summer, scoring 43 times in his 56 appearances, but it wasn’t enough to secure a Champions League triumph, with his former employers getting their hands on the trophy.

His numbers this campaign have been nothing short of remarkable, but he was unable to get the better of the Reds in the clash at Anfield, missing a penalty with Conor Bradley producing a last-ditch tackle to prevent him getting on the scoresheet.

Given his tally of goals, the Reds must wish they had a player who could produce such a tally alongside Mohamed Salah in attacking areas, undoubtedly making them a bigger force to be reckoned with next season.

However, a move for Isak could allow them to have just that, with FBref ranking the Magpies’ talisman as a similar player to Mbappé, based on the figures he’s produced in the Premier League this season.

When comparing their respective stats, the Swede has massively outperformed him in key areas, with his talents undoubtedly handing Slot the main focal point he’s desperately craved this summer.

Whilst he’s registered fewer combined goals and assists in 2024/25, Isak has achieved a better goal per shot-on-target rate than the Frenchman, highlighting the threat he poses in front of goal – something which would take the Reds to the next level.

Games played

34

34

Goals & assists

29

34

Goal per shot on target rate

0.5

0.3

Shot on target accuracy

50%

49%

Take-on success

46%

44%

Aerials won

0.9

0.1

Times caught offside

0.6

1.4

He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, and won more aerial battles, handing the side an all-round option within the final third – something which the club have lacked in central areas of late.

Whilst it’s unclear if the Magpies would be willing to part ways with the star after their Champions League qualification, his talents are there for all to see, with his performances against the Reds in recent times nothing short of remarkable – as seen in the Carabao Cup final.

It would be another expensive addition given the move for Wirtz, but it’s phenomenal to see the hierarchy massively backing the manager in the market after his success in his first campaign.

If he does move to the club and matches the levels produced by Mbappé in Europe over recent years, it would be a stellar addition, and one that could lead Slot’s side to consistent European glory alongside their domestic ambitions.

He's Coutinho 2.0: Liverpool hold talks to sign "Ballon d'Or level talent"

Florian Wirtz isn’t the only midfielder Liverpool have their eye on.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

Newcastle United are said to have made contact with a huge club over signing a player who Eddie Howe has hailed as “very good” in the past.

Newcastle already pushing for summer signings

The Magpies are already being linked with new signings under the assumption that they will qualify for next season’s Champions League, with Dinamo Zagreb attacking midfielder Martin Baturina mentioned as a potential target this week. He has scored twice and registered one assist in Europe’s top club competition in 2024/25.

Newcastle need to target a new striker this summer, in order to provide more competition for Alexander Isak, especially with Callum Wilson expected to leave the club. Liam Delap is one possible option to come in, having suffered relegation from the Premier League with Ipswich Town and not wanting to play in the Championship next season.

At the other end of the pitch, the Magpies continue to target goalkeepers, with Espanyol ace Joan Garcia seen as an alternative option to the likes of James Trafford and Caoimhin Kelleher. He has even quite bizarrely been compared to Lionel Messi, with Manolo Gonzalez saying: “It’s like when Barcelona had Messi. There were tough matches, and Messi would resolve them. Well, we have that in goal with Joan Garcia.”

A centre-back is also required for Newcastle before next season gets underway, in order to add freshness to a key area of the pitch, and now a new update has emerged regarding a potential addition there.

Newcastle make contact with AC Milan over Thiaw

According to The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have made an approach to AC Milan over the signing of centre-back Malick Thiaw this summer, in a possible £25m transfer.

They are “one of several clubs” believed to be in the race to snap up the 23-year-old, with Milan “prepared to listen to offers for some of their regular starters” ahead of the upcoming window.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Thiaw for several weeks, and it now appears as though they have cranked up their efforts to bring him in.

The German could add quality in and out of possession for the Magpies, having enjoyed a 93.4% pass completion rate and averaged 3.5 clearances per game in Serie A this season.

Meanwhile, Howe has shown his admiration for Thiaw, too, saying of him: “There’s no updates on that. I’m always reluctant to comment on these things, but he’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

Newcastle now planning face-to-face talks to sign "unbelievable" £30m star

The Magpies are set to hold discussions over a deal for a forward.

ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

At 23, Thiaw could be the young centre-back that Newcastle crave this summer, coming in as a mainstay alongside Sven Botman, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn not getting any younger.

Arsenal have now identified an “unbelievable” player as their number one target on the left-wing, and there is a belief he would be the ideal addition to the squad, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new winger

Gabriel Martinelli has shown some promising signs in the second half of the campaign, most recently scoring in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, but the Gunners appear to be increasingly keen on bringing in competition for the Brazilian.

Most recently, the north Londoners started work on a move for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, with sporting director Andrea Berta personally identifying the Portugal international as a transfer target, although the £85m asking price could be an obstacle.

Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, who is yet to sign a new contract to extend his stay in the Bundesliga, has also emerged as an option for Mikel Arteta’s side, with the German’s agent keen for his client to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta's a fan: Arsenal racing to sign "entertaining" Hazard-esque maestro

The Gunners have set their sights on a midfielder, who has been likened to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard.

ByDominic Lund May 11, 2025

However, according to a report from The Daily Mail, a different winger is Arsenal’s number one target for the summer transfer window, namely Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, with the Spaniard viewed as the ideal option to compete for Martinelli’s starting spot.

Leandro Trossard is currently exploring a move to the Saudi Pro League, which may exacerbate the need for the Gunners to bring in a new winger, and Williams is their top target to provide competition for Martinelli, who has been inconsistent this season.

Chelsea are also interested in the left-winger, however, which could complicate a deal, with Leao and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens being identified as potential alternative targets for Arteta’s side, should they miss out on the Athletic Club star.

"Unbelievable" Williams could be "ideal" for Arteta

Amid previous links with the Spain international, Arsenal-supporting scout Ben Mattinson claimed the forward could be “ideal” for Arteta, given his ability to play on both flanks and drive at opposition defences.

The left-winger also caught the eye during Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, with BBC broadcaster John Bennett singling him out for high praise.

Having impressed for his national side last summer, the 22-year-old is currently enjoying an impressive campaign in La Liga, with five goals and five assists to his name, while also providing seven goal contributions in the Europa League.

It is clear that Arteta needs to bring in competition for Martinelli this summer, and Williams’ performances this season more than justify an outlay of £48m.

It all comes down to tonight for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side might be coming towards their worst domestic campaign in a generation and sit 16th in the Premier League, but much of that will be forgotten if they can get to the Europa League final.

However, for that to happen, the North Londoners need to make the most of their 3-1 lead from the first leg and progress against FK Bodo/Glimt tonight.

That said, it won’t be an easy task, and following another dire display over the weekend, Ange must make several changes to the startling lineup, like dropping Wilson Odobert and one of their future superstars.

Why Postecoglou must drop Odobert

Now, there may be some of you scratching your heads and wondering why the manager would want to drop arguably one of the few players who looked good on Sunday and a man whose goal ensured that the loss column didn’t tick over to 20.

Well, the simple answer, which is partly down to his injury problems, is that he’s yet to prove he can be a reliable source of goals.

For example, the strike against the Hammers was just his third for the club in 18 appearances across all competitions, and the other two came in a single game, at home to AZ Alkmaar.

Therefore, in a game that could come down to incredibly fine margins, the manager should have his most prolific player starting in his preferred position: Brennan Johnson.

The Welsh international might still divide opinion among fans and pundits alike, but his numbers speak for themselves when it comes to a game like this.

Appearances

47

Minutes

3077′

Goals

17

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

128.20′

For example, in 47 appearances this term, the former “frightening” winger, as dubbed by content creator HLTCO, has scored 17 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to a pretty impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.95 games.

Finally, it was Johnson who opened the scoring in the first leg, so he’s more than earned his place back in the side, as has another star from the home leg, which means dropping a future superstar.

The future Spurs star Ange must drop

While a few players should probably be dropped based on Sunday’s game, the starter in question was middling at best against the Hammers and took the place of one of the stars of last Thursday: Archie Gray.

Now, it has to be said that the Englishman is simply not a right-back, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson going as far as calling him a “future £100m cm,” so an underwhelming performance at full-back is nothing to be alarmed about for the long term.

However, with journalist Alasdair Gold awarding him just a 6/10 match rating and writing that he ‘didn’t do much wrong while not particularly shining either,’ he also shouldn’t keep his place in the team.

We say this because Postecoglou can’t afford to have players coasting in a game as crucial as tonight, especially not when he can replace them with others who can make a big difference, like Pedro Porro.

The Spanish right-back was arguably one of the best players in the first leg, with his lung-busting runs and exceptional passes making life impossible for the Norwegian champions.

In fact, it was his pinpoint, accurate cross that led to James Maddison scoring the North Londoners’ second on the night.

Moreover, while the former Sporting CP ace has been criticised for some questionable defending in the past, he was solid when it really mattered that night and entirely deserving of the 9/10 match rating he received from Gold at full-time.

Ultimately, in a game like tonight, when there might not be too many chances for his side to score, Postecoglou has to start Porro and Johnson, as the former has the ability to craft chances, and the latter can finish them.

Huge Richarlison upgrade: Spurs prepare offer to sign £30m "wrecking ball"

The up-and-coming marksman would be an incredible signing for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 7, 2025

Manchester United find themselves 14th in the Premier League table after their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

The Red Devils needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund to avoid a 16th defeat in the top-flight this season, in what has been a significantly below-par campaign for the club.

INEOS and Ruben Amorim must work together to ensure that the recruitment work this summer is spot on, as there have been too many missteps in recent years, including the signing of Mason Mount in the summer of 2023.

Why Mason Mount has been a flop for Manchester United

The England international signed for the Red Devils from Chelsea for a reported fee of £55m ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and has had a rough time in Manchester so far.

Since the start of last season, Mount has missed a whopping 50 matches through calf and hamstring injuries, which have heavily disrupted his time at Old Trafford.

When available, however, the English attacking midfielder has not done enough to justify the money spent on his services, with a return of one goal and one assist in 39 appearances in all competitions.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

This has led to his market value, as per Transfermarkt, plummeting to just £24m, which shows that he has been a flop for Manchester United so far because the midfielder has not delivered goals or assists, or consistent availability, and is now worth significantly less than the fee they paid for him.

Mount is not the only player from that batch of recruitment in 2023 who has not been good enough, though, as Andre Onana should be ruthlessly ditched by INEOS this summer.

Why Man Utd should sell Andre Onana

Manchester United reportedly paid £47.2m to sign the Cameroon international from Ajax in the summer of 2023, and his value has plummeted in the two years since then.

It was recently reported that the club would consider offers of at least £20m for Onana, which means that he could be sold for even less than Mount is currently worth (£24m).

As you can see in the highlights above, Onana most recently had a night to forget against Lyon with two mistakes in the Europa League, which led to him being dropped against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

That came directly after former United midfielder Nemanja Matic dubbed him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history” after being asked about Onana’s claim that his team were better than Lyon.

Whilst the Red Devils eventually won the tie over two legs, the Cameroon international’s personal performances did not do much to dismiss Matic’s harsh claim.

Appearances

44

43

Goals conceded

73

59

Errors leading to shots

3

1

Errors leading to goals

3

5

Penalties committed

1

0

As you can see in the table above, making errors is not a new issue for Onana because the shot-stopper has been error-prone throughout his two seasons in Manchester to date.

He has not been a reliable, safe, pair of hands between the sticks, due to these errors in the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Europa League, and that is why INEOS must ruthlessly cash in on him this summer.

United should look to move Onana on, whether that is for a fee of £20m or another figure, and then attempt to recruit a replacement who can be relied upon week-in-week-out at the top level, without Amorim having to be concerned about his goalkeeper making calamitous errors consistently.

Better signing than Huijsen: Man Utd preparing bid to sign £51m "monster"

Manchester United are plotting a bid to sign a star who’d be an even better addition than Dean Huijsen.

ByDan Emery Apr 28, 2025