Barcelona confident of landing world-class No.9 to replace Robert Lewandowski with Harry Kane one of five options under consideration

Despite their financial constraints, Barcelona remain confident of signing a new world-class No.9 to replace Robert Lewandowski, with Bayern Munich star Harry Kane one of the options being considered. Lewandowski is in the final few months of his existing contract and is expected to leave the club as a free agent next summer as the Catalan giants are unlikely to offer him a new deal.

  • Lewandowski likely to leave Barcelona

    With just a few months left on Lewandowski's current Barcelona contract, the 37-year-old striker has been closely linked with a move away from the Spanish side next summer as a free agent. The Polish forward's representative, Pini Zahavi recently claimed that the striker could leave the Catalan side, saying: "Lewandowski's contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2026, and no decisions have been made yet. We'll have to wait and see what happens in the coming days." 

    With the Lewandowski chapter possibly coming to an end, the Catalan giants have started to prepare for life beyond their star striker. According to , the club have prepared a shortlist of five forwards, which includes world-class options like Julian Alvarez and Kane. 

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    Can Barcelona afford to sign a world-class No.9?

    The report adds that Barcelona's financial department remains confident that the club would be able to secure the transfer for a top striker, with the club's eyes on Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez. But to afford the new player, they will have to return to La Liga's 1:1 rule. Once Lewandowski leaves, €40 million (£35m/$46m) will be freed up with which the new transfer can be funded.

    As of now, Barcelona are close to achieving the 1:1 balance, with pending payment for the VIP seat instalments due in December. In the 2024-25 settlement, €70m out of the €100m (£88m/$116m) has already been paid and the club will receive the remaining €30m by December. With that they will be able to match the 1:1 balance. 

    A second clause will be to draw up a financial structure to cover the transfer amount and Barcelona believe that the projected revenue growth after full opening of the Camp Nou will help them to cover that ground. 

  • Which players are linked with Barcelona

    After ruling out the prospect of signing Erling Haaland due to the financial requirements, the favourite candidate to replace Lewandowski as Barcelona's main No.9 is Alvarez from Atletico. The shortlist also consists of Bayern and England star Kane, along with Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen, Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy and a low-cost option in Etta Eyong. 

    The latter, who just joined Levante in the summer, said this week that his dream is to play for the Catalan club and labelled Camp Nou icons Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o as his childhood idols.

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    Yamal wants Lewandowski to stay

    While Barcelona have not offered Lewandowski a new deal, their star attacker Lamine Yamal reportedly wants the veteran striker to stay. The relationship between the two players at opposing ends of their respective careers has apparently strengthened both on and off the field. Yamal is said to view the ex-Bayern star as 'a mentor', with there being a productive understanding between the pair as they look to pose problems to La Liga and Champions League opponents.

    Yamal now wants to see Lewandowski remain in his current surroundings beyond the summer of 2027, when free agency is set to be reached. He is said to be of the opinion that there is nobody better suited to continue fostering his development, while providing much-needed leadership.

    The veteran forward has also been linked with a move to Serie A giants AC Milan as Zlatan Ibrahimovic reportedly wants to sign him, while there have also been reports that claimed that the 37-year-old might even consider announcing his retirement from professional football.

Player who Frank called "perfect" in advanced talks to join new club after Tottenham exit

Tottenham return to action against Aston Villa on October 19 once this round of international fixtures ends, with Thomas Frank looking to build upon an unbeaten run which has stretched their last seven games in all competitions.

Spurs were forced to dig deep in their last outing at Elland Road, securing a 2-1 win over newly-promoted Leeds United and ending the Yorkshire side’s year-long unbeaten run at home in the league.

Mohammed Kudus

8.4

Mathys Tel

7.8

Noah Okafor

7.0

Sean Longstaff

7.0

Jayden Bogle

6.8

via WhoScored

Player of the match, Mohammed Kudus, was once again a nightmare to deal with in the wide area and looks like the Lilywhites’ best summer signing thus far alongside Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha.

Mathys Tel also staked his claim for a starting nod over fellow striker Richarlison, and he rewarded Frank’s faith with their opening goal as Dominic Solanke continues to work his way back from minor ankle surgery.

Despite concerns surrounding some of Tottenham’s performances against lesser sides, with the North Londoners stealing draws in dramatic fashion against the likes of Brighton, Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, it has been a very solid start to life for Frank overall.

14 points from seven Premier League games has Spurs sitting third in the table with the joint second-best defensive record in the top flight, and only league leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer league goals than them so far.

It is a far cry from the defensive frailties which haunted Ange Postecoglou’s version of Tottenham last season, with Frank’s new-look side displaying a real grit and resilience to see out needed results.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been vital to Tottenham’s solidarity, with pundit Jamie O’Hara even suggesting that they’re the best centre-back partnership in the world right now.

Spurs’ full-back options have also impressed for the most part, and ex-defender Sergio Reguilon would’ve certainly struggled to battle his way back into the team.

Serge Reguilon in action for Tottenham.

The Spaniard is now a free agent after being forced to leave the club when his contract expired in July, but according to reports, he’s now closing in on a free transfer to the MLS.

Sergio Reguilon in advanced talks to join Inter Miami after Tottenham exit

According to ESPN and other reliable media sources, Reguilon is in advanced talks to join Inter Miami as he finalises a switch to David Beckham’s MLS franchise.

The 28-year-old did attract rumoured interest from West Ham and Everton, but it is Javier Mascherano’s side that have won the race to snap up the ex-Real Madrid starlet at zero cost.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon.

Reguilon’s five-year stint at Tottenham was a mixed bag, with the former Sevilla man spending time out on loan at Brentford and Man United during his time there.

Postecoglou could barely find a place for Reguilon, despite the odd appearance during Tottenham’s injury crisis last season, and he was still allowed to leave on a free soon after Frank’s appointment in June.

Interestingly, Tottenham’s new boss briefly worked with him at the Gtech Community Stadium and actually praised Reguilon after he put pen to paper on a move there — calling him a “proven” Premier League player and a “perfect fit” for his former side.

What ENIC's £100m cash injection will actually be used for at Tottenham

The Lewis family are attempting to usher in a new era post-Daniel Levy, with Tottenham’s owners confirming a £100 million cash injection into the club via ENIC this week.

Tottenham gifted £100m boost after Lewis family decision

Spurs announced the nine-figure windfall on Thursday morning, and it comes as yet another statement of intent from the Lewis family after forcing Levy’s resignation last month.

Since the long-serving former chair’s departure, the Lilywhites have officially rejected three expressions of takeover interest as well — snubbing Amanda Staveley’s PCP International Finance Limited and a consortium led by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited last month.

They also rejected an approach from American tech entrepreneur and ex-DJ Brooklyn Earick, who has since confirmed that he won’t be making a formal offer for Tottenham’s majority shares via the London Stock Exchange (BBC).

The North Londoners are currently one of world football’s highest revenue generating clubs, and the aforementioned parties undoubtedly saw an opportunity to get involved in a growing project.

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

However, the Lewis family have been crystal clear — Tottenham are not for sale, and they’re there to stay.

With CEO Vinai Venkatesham now taking a more prominent role in the day-to-day running of Spurs, the ex-Arsenal chief, technical director Johan Lange and manager Thomas Frank are currently formalising what they’ll need to drive success on the pitch moving forward.

According to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, their decision to pump £100 million of new capital into the club is just the start of their financial backing, and more money is set to be made available in the near future.

One source close to the Lewis family has also dropped an exciting five-word message after their £100 million investment, stating “this is initial additional funding” — which is a clear signal that Spurs’ majority owners will continue to provide funds after this.

What ENIC's cash injection will actually be used for at Tottenham

Now, a report by Football Insider has shared what this first portion of finances will be used for at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

According to their information, Spurs are set to utilise this £100m bankroll to cover “day-to-day operations” at N17 without the need to borrow further.

Non-executive chairman Peter Charrington, who stepped into his role immediately after Levy’s resignation, and Venkatesham will decide which areas the money will be spent on strengthening.

The prospect of this money being reinvested into transfers and wages is possible, with Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol previously reporting the Lewis family’s plan to inject new capital as far back as last month.

Thus far, ENIC and the Lewis family are making good on their promises right after waving goodbye to Levy, and the club’s first transfer window beyond his exit will be a very intriguing one.

It is believed that Tottenham want a new winger and centre-back in January, with funds now made available to potentially attack the market.

Man City star now open to moving away in January just months after signing

Manchester City are enjoying their return after the international break, but could be set to allow a Pep Guardiola signing to leave the club despite the player in question only joining mere months ago.

Manchester City summer signings make instant impact

The transfer window has been and gone, leaving Manchester City hopeful they can start to build momentum as they look to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.

Last weekend’s resounding victory over Manchester United will have restored belief after back-to-back top-flight defeats, and the introduction of Gianluigi Donnarumma to the fold has certainly provided an elevated level of assurance within the Citizens’ backline.

Impressing with his gigantic figure between the sticks, Peter Schmeichel admitted to Premier League Productions that he even tried to convince the Manchester City stopper to move to Old Trafford before his transfer to the blue side of the city materialised.

He said, detailing a previous encounter when he was at Paris Saint-Germain: “I asked my first question and he started to answer in Italian, and I had no clue! Over the last season I kept saying to him, ‘We want you at Man United.

“I did. So I went to him, ‘What are you doing here? You should be in the other goal (for United),’ but he said, ‘I’m very, very happy here.’ He showed it, he gave it to the team today, didn’t he.”

Man City plan offer to sign £87m star who Pep thinks can be key with Foden

The Citizens are looking to make a statement in the January window.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Sep 12, 2025

Little did Schmeichel know that Donnarumma would immediately be installed as Guardiola’s number one, but there are always ramifications that come with new signings being made.

Now, the Citizens could be willing to offload one of their summer additions in a surprise move that will shock many supporters.

James Trafford could make Man City loan exit

According to TBR, Man City could allow James Trafford to leave on loan in January to help keep his hopes of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad alive, given Donnarumma has become Guardiola’s preferred stopper.

The £50,000 per week earner has fallen down the pecking order, something that is further complicated by Stefan Ortega remaining at the club, and he could be permitted a temporary exit after joining for £27 million from Burnley.

Trafford, who himself is open to a loan move away, has started three of Manchester City’s opening four Premier League matches, keeping a clean sheet against Wolverhampton Wanderers, followed by less convincing performances against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Nevertheless, he is a fine talent who also courted attention from Newcastle United during the summer before settling on a move back to the club where it all started.

Now, he needs minutes to keep his hopes of being under contention with England alive, and he is unlikely to be short of suitors once the January window opens.

منتخب مصر يفوز على أمريكا ويتأهل لنصف نهائي كأس العالم لكرة اليد تحت 17 عامًا

حقق منتخب مصر للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا، فوزًا غاليًا على أمريكا، في ثاني مبارياته ببطولة العالم لكرة اليد المقامة في المغرب. 

وواجه منتخب مصر للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا نظيره منتخب أمريكا، في تمام الساعة 8:50 بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية، في الجولة الثانية من بطولة كأس العالم لكرة اليد.

طالع..ترتيب مجموعة مصر في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا بعد الفوز على أمريكا

وكان منتخب مصر لكرة اليد للناشئين قد فاز على نظيره البرازيلي في افتتاح مشواره ببطولة العالم المقامة في المغرب، بنتيجة 35-26.

وحقق منتخب مصر الفوز على أمريكا بنتيجة 42-22، في ثاني مبارياته في بطولة العام للناشئين لكرة اليد. 

يذكر أن منتخب مصر للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا لكرة اليد، يقع في مجموعة تضم منتخبات البرازيل وأمريكا والمغرب صاحب الأرض والجمهور.

وبهذا الفوز، رفع منتخب مصر للناشئين لكرة اليد رصيده إلى 4 نقاط، في صدارة ترتيب المجموعة، وحجز بطاقة التأهل رسميًا إلى نصف نهائي البطولة. 

Chelsea scouts spotted watching 17 y/o gem who's been dubbed the new Kante

Looking to follow up their recent deal to sign Emanuel Emegha in 2026, Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign a teenage gem ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Chelsea agree deal to sign Emegha

Once again using BlueCo’s connection to Strasbourg – another club that they own – Chelsea have officially announced a deal to sign Emegha. The talented striker will join the club in 2026 after one more season in France and represents the fifth player to move to either Chelsea or Strasbourg in the last 12 months.

Emegha’s pending arrival will lead to questions about Nicolas Jackson’s future once again. The forward is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, but even though that deal has an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met, Bayern chief Uli Hoeneß recently made it clear that it is unlikely that he reaches those conditions.

He told reporters: “It’s not a €16.5m loan fee, because the player and his agent are contributing €3m, so that leaves €13.5m. And there will definitely not be a permanent contract. That only happens if he plays 40 games from the start. He will never do that.”

Outscoring Palmer: Chelsea sold the "closest thing" to Hazard for just £18m

A former Chelsea attacker who was tipped to be the next Eden Hazard has now been outscoring Cole Palmer in 2025.

ByBen Gray Sep 12, 2025

If that proves to be the case, Chelsea will have as many as four strikers at their disposal in 2026 with Jackson’s sale still on their list of priorities. That’s not to say their spending is about to end, however.

The Blues have now reportedly turned their focus towards Enzo Maresca’s midfield, joining the race to sign a teenage sensation ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Chelsea racing to sign Jorthy Mokio

According to TeamTalk, Chelsea are now racing to sign Jorthy Mokio from Ajax after sending scouts to watch the 17-year-old midfielder. Compared to Declan Rice and former Stamford Bridge star N’Golo Kante, the Belgian is certainly one to watch in the next 12 months. As ever, Ajax have helped develop an incredibly impressive talent after securing his signature from KAA Gent last summer.

Compared to Kante by TeamTalk thanks to his exceptional recovery ability and positioning during transitions, Mokio could yet follow Jorrel Hato’s path by swapping Ajax for Chelsea as a rising star.

Described as “quick & agile” as well as “intelligent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango last May, Mokio has only improved ever since. Now, as several Premier League sides chase his signature, the midfielder, who can also play centre-back, has a decision to make.

Newcastle may have an Ekitike & Isak hybrid in "absolutely ridiculous" star

Newcastle United haven’t made the best of starts to the 2025/26 season, but now that the elephant has been excavated from the room, Eddie Howe might feel a little more chipper about his side’s chances over the coming months.

Against Liverpool last month, Newcastle played with the passion and fervour and ability of an elite outfit. And that’s because the Magpies are of top class, so well coached and so well shaped by careful transfer business since Howe and PIF first arrived.

On the scoresheet at St. James’ Park that evening was Hugo Ekitike, who was billed as Alexander Isak’s potential replacement at Newcastle.

However, both ply their trade for Liverpool.

Why Newcastle wanted Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike has scored three goals and provided one assist since joining Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in July, proving that he has the prolific nature to partner his wide-ranging skill set.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Regarded by analyst Ben Mattinson to be “one of the best strikers out there” last season, Ekitike has proven that his qualities are transferable, and it’s clear to see why he was earmarked to play in Isak’s stead under Howe’s wing.

Like Isak, Ekitike is a stylish and creative forward, bearing a tall frame and endowed with a fierce athleticism that serves as the backbone of his quality as a top goalscorer.

Sadly, both now ply their trade for league rivals Liverpool, and Howe will need to bring Yoane Wissa up to scratch as swiftly as possible, with the summer signing from Brentford having scored 19 Premier League goals last season.

However, the 28-year-old doesn’t boast as high a ceiling as his new strike partner Nick Woltemade, who some consider a talent who could even outstrip superstars such as Isak.

How Woltemade compares to Isak and Ekitike

Woltemade joined Newcastle from Stuttgart in a club-record £69m deal last week, with a deal struck out of the blue and all but confirming Isak’s sale to Liverpool.

The 23-year-old is still coming into his own, but he scored 12 goals from 17 appearances in the Bundesliga last season and received a call-up to the German national team, having now earned two caps.

However, it’s the underlying data which has attracted Newcastle’s attention and money, with data-driven platform FBref revealing Woltemade ranks among the top 5% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and successful take-ons, the top 15% for progressive carries and the top 18% for ball recoveries per 90.

He might not be quite the same as Isak and Ekitike, but perhaps that is a positive, allowing Howe to land his next star-in-the-making without signing a mere mimic of the striker just sold.

Matches (starts)

28 (17)

Goals

12

Assists

2

Shots (on target)*

1.8 (0.9)

Big chances missed

11

Pass completion

72%

Big chances created

8

Key passes*

1.3

Dribbles*

1.1

Ball recoveries*

1.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.5

Duels (won)*

4.4

But in any case, FBref’s number-crunching has revealed that both aforementioned strikers bear a likeness to Woltemade, each blessed with skills that stretch beyond what is expected of a number nine.

A strong presence in the final third allows the towering striker to guide balls to teammates, found through his eight big chances created in the Bundesliga.

Indeed, hailed for his “absolutely ridiculous” quality in the final third by European football expert Zach Lowy, Woltemade is so much more than just a goalscorer, with sharp link-up play and intelligence that rivals that of Isak, albeit applied in a different manner.

Lowy went on to suggest that his prowess as a technically proficient target man is reminiscent of bygone superstars such as Karim Benzema and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, owing to his balance and improvisation and resourcefulness.

Wissa is the more refined attacking signing at Newcastle right now, but Woltemade has the capacity to become something truly special under Howe’s wing, taking samples from Isak and Ekitike’s skill sets and fashioning himself into a unique and effective forward for the Toon.

New Isak: Newcastle have "one of the best teenage prospects in the world"

Newcastle will need to replace Alexander Isak’s goals with a range of different attacking talents.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 3, 2025

Chelsea poised for £241m windfall with another exit deal basically "done"

Chelsea are on the verge of letting another player leave the club permanently after their recent fire-sale, according to a new report, and it’s poised to take their total income to the near-£250 million mark.

Chelsea now pushing to seal £100m double signing with talks ongoing

They’re actively pursuing both men.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 5, 2025

Enzo Maresca’s side have essentially been ordered by UEFA to register a ‘positive transfer balance’ this summer, or risk not being able to register new signings for the Champions League next season.

This comes after the Blues were charged with breaching FFP rules early last month, with Chelsea needing to cancel out their £277 million spent on transfers by shipping out a host of unwanted squad members.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Earlier this summer, Chelsea agreed permanent exit deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic and João Félix, but four more are set to follow.

In the last few days, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu have joined Burnley, with midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also signing for Everton just one year after he joined Chelsea from Leicester City.

Dewsbury-Hall underwent his medical at Everton yesterday, and his sale has been described as vital in terms of Chelsea’s quest to appease UEFA (BBC).

After the Englishman, Ugochukwu and Broja, it is now believed that “clinical” midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is closing in on a return to Borussia Dortmund after fresh talks with the Bundesliga giants.

Carney Chukwuemeka to Borussia Dortmund "done" as Chelsea raise £241 million

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, both Chelsea and Dortmund consider their deal for Chukwuemeka “done”, with Niko Kovac’s side ready to pay their reduced asking price of £22 million.

Thus far, Chelsea have raised an estimated £219 million through player sales, so once the midfielder completes his switch back to Germany, it will take this total to around £241 million, if all goes to plan.

Given Chelsea are in talks over selling Christopher Nkunku too, with Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell and Alfie Gilchrist also up for grabs (Ben Jacobs), Chukwuemeka is unlikely to be the last departure from Stamford Bridge.

As Chelsea also attempt to negotiate more deals for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, BlueCo simply have little choice but to find buyers for each of the aforementioned quartet, or face being weakened for their first season back in the Champions League for years.

Dottin, Knight, Rana among big attractions at WPL 2025 auction

A total of 120 players have put their hats in the auction ahead of the 2025 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) to fill the 19 slots vacated by the five teams in the latest round of releases/retentions last month. The line-up includes 91 Indians – including nine capped players – and 29 from overseas, who will be in the fray to fill a maximum of five vacancies.The big names who have listed their reserve price at the highest slab of INR 50 lakh (US$60,000 approx.) are Deandra Dottin, Heather Knight (released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru – RCB) and Lizelle Lee. Of the Indians, Sneh Rana (released by Gujarat Giants – GG), Poonam Yadav (released by Delhi Capitals – DC), Shubha Satheesh (released by RCB), Tejal Hasabnis and Mansi Joshi are the prominent names.But there are some other big overseas cricketers around to pick from too. Lauren Bell, who was released by UP Warriorz (UPW), will be going under the hammer, as will her England mates Maia Boucher, Sarah Glenn and Sophia Dunkley, apart from Knight. A total of eight cricketers from England are going to be part of the auction, the second-highest representation – outside of India – behind Australia’s 12. Amanda-Jade Wellington, Alana King, Kim Garth, Laura Harris (released by DC) and Darcie Brown are the major Australians who will be hoping to find teams. Of the overseas players up for grabs, Garth and South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk have been part of the WPL in the past.Related

  • Mithali Raj, Nooshin Al Khadeer part ways with Gujarat Giants ahead of WPL 2025

  • All you need to know about the WPL 2025 mini-auction

  • What each team needs at the WPL 2025 auction

  • WPL 2025 auction – Full list of 120 players

UAE’s Samaira Dharnidharka and Theertha Satish and Scotland’s Sarah Bryce are going to be part of the auction from among Associate teams. Kathryn Bryce of Scotland, who was released by GG, has not registered for the auction.The WPL 2025 auction is scheduled to take place on December 15 in Bengaluru.RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, are the defending champions, having beaten DC in the WPL 2024 final, played in Delhi.Below is a look at the five teams and their vacancies:

  • Delhi Capitals: Four vacancies, including one overseas
  • Gujarat Giants: Four vacancies, including two overseas
  • Mumbai Indians: Four vacancies, including one overseas
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Four vacancies, no overseas
  • UP Warriorz: Three vacancies, including one overseas

Talks held: Man Utd lead race for gem "among best in country" over Man City

Manchester United are now believed to be leading the race to sign a hugely young prospect, with the Red Devils ahead of rivals Manchester City in the battle to snap him up.

Mbeumo likes Man Utd player's post

Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a priority target for United this summer, with the Brentford ace standing out as one of the best right-sided players in the Premier League last season.

Meanwhile, current Bees director of football, Phil Giles, has openly admitted that there is a “significant” amount of interest in the Cameroonian attacker.

“There is significant interest in Bryan. His current preference has been well publicised. He had an unbelievable season, and we expected interest in him. From what I understand, he is also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well. We’ve spoken to Bryan and his representatives. It’s not a given that he’s going to depart this summer. If we get the right offer, there is the potential for a deal to be done, but there is only so much we can say now on that.”

Now, Mbeumo has further stoked the fires ahead of a potential move to United this summer, liking a photo posted by centre-back Leny Yoro on Instagram.

Elsewhere, it looks as though the Red Devils are also looking at the long-term picture, with a new young talent backed to head to Old Trafford.

Man Utd leading race to sign young midfielder

According to The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell on X, Manchester United are in pole position to sign Fulham teenager Seth Ridgeon this summer, with talks taking place over a move for him and Tyrese Noubissie “seen as among best in country”.

“MUFC in talks to sign two 16-year-old midfielders seen as among best in country: Seth Ridgeon from Fulham + Tyrese Noubissie from Man City. Competition for both, who have been invited to facilities by academy staff, but United making good proposals.”

A Hojlund & Osimhen hybrid: Man Utd enter talks for "world-class" £44m CF

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a key target for Ruben Amorim this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 12, 2025

In his story for The Athletic, Whitwell adds that ‘United are believed to lead the race should Ridgeon leave Craven Cottage’ ahead of the likes of Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool. While many United supporters will be focusing on the club bringing in players who could be immediate starters next season, this update is exciting in its own right.

The Red Devils should always be looking to snap up the most eye-catching homegrown talent, as they have throughout history, bringing in Wayne Rooney as a teenager, for example.

Ridgeon, 16, is a potentially special talent, being capped by England at both Under-16 and Under-17 level, and beating City to his signature could feel like a major coup.

England Under-17s

8

1

England Under-16s

7

2

United have fallen down the pecking order in recent years, having been at the top of the football tree for so long in the 1990s and 2000s, but signing the best teenagers around would be a positive step in the right direction.

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