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Thomas Frank will be entering the biggest season of his managerial career in 2025/26, as he looks to take Tottenham Hotspur to the next level after his appointment this summer.

The Dane spent seven years in charge of Brentford across the capital, but he’s now been tasked with the challenge of leading the Lilywhites back to the top end of the Premier League.

Whilst he’s constantly thrived during his stint with the Bees, the expectations of the fanbase of Spurs will bring added pressure to him in his quest for success in North London.

The Europa League success back in May will only heighten the need for added trophies in the years ahead, with the fanbase wanting to reach the next level under Frank’s guidance.

Undoubtedly, he will want to make his own mark on the side, needing funds to make additions to land the players he craves, with numerous players already on their radar.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Attackers have been the main focus for Frank in recent weeks, with numerous forwards already touted with a move to join Spurs during the current window.

Antoine Semenyo, Rodrygo and Xavi Simons have all been touted with big-money moves to join the Lilywhites, as the hierarchy look to back the Dane in his quest for success.

However, none of the aforementioned stars have been close to a move, but the same can’t be said for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, who’s emerged as a key target.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that positive talks have commenced over a deal to sign the 24-year-old winger this summer, with the player himself wanting a move to join the club.

However, any deal could prove to be an expensive one, with the Ghanaian currently having a £85m release clause within his contract at the London Stadium.

Why Kudus would be a better signing than Eze for Spurs

In their quest for added attacking reinforcements, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been strongly linked with a move to join Spurs this summer, but not for the first time in his career.

He’s been a player firmly on their radar over the past couple of years, but no deal has ever been agreed for his services, however, that could change this summer.

The 27-year-old currently has a £68m release clause in his contract, a deal which could be a bargain given his tally of 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season.

However, it appears as though they will face stiff competition from North London rivals Arsenal, after they made contact with his representatives over a move to the Emirates.

The Spurs fanbase shouldn’t worry, with a move for Kudus being a better addition, having the tools to become a key player in Frank’s ambitions of taking the side to the next level.

When comparing the player’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the West Ham star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting the talent he possesses.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Joel Bortey, has registered a higher shot on target rate, demonstrating his accuracy within the final third.

Games played

32

34

Goals & assists

8

16

Shot on target accuracy

28%

27%

Pass accuracy

84%

74%

Take-ons completed

3.2

2.3

Carries into final third

2.1

1.6

Carries into opposition box

1.5

0.7

Fouls won

2.2

1.7

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with more carries into the opposition penalty areas, showcasing his desire to get the ball forward at any given opportunity.

The Ghanaian has also won more fouls per 90 and completed more of the passes he’s attempted, offering a real nuisance to the opposition’s backline – something which has been desperately missing in North London.

It’s unclear if Spurs will negotiate a deal for the winger this summer, but it’s evident that he could provide Frank with the tools to thrive in his first season in charge.

Eze will remain as a key target no doubt, but it’s clear that Kudus is a better option in attacking areas, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue a move for his signature.

More exciting than Semenyo: Spurs in talks to sign "generational" £85m star

The brilliant attacker could be just what Spurs need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 1, 2025

Manchester United’s transfer activity this summer could define Ruben Amorim’s tenure in charge at Old Trafford, subsequently needing to make a quick start to the 2025/26 campaign.

The 40-year-old is set to have a bumper budget to spend to improve his squad this window, with the hierarchy set to back him in his quest to take them back to their former glory.

It’s evident after the Red Devils’ 15th-placed Premier League finish this season that an overhaul is needed, with key work already commencing during the transfer window.

The departures of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have all been confirmed, freeing up needed money on the wage bill to allow for new investments.

It remains to be seen how much money Amorim will have at his disposal, but it appears as though he’s set to spend big in his hunt for success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this window

Work has rapidly been done within United’s attacking department, with PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos being a name mentioned over a move to join the Red Devils, with the French side open to his departure.

They’ve also made progress on a deal for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, with talks being held with the Serie A outfit over a potential deal for the Serbian international.

However, despite the work being conducted elsewhere, the club appear to be extremely close to landing a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

He’s reported that Amorim’s side are on the verge of signing the 25-year-old attacker after they made their latest bid in the region of £60m earlier this week.

Crook also confirms that talks are progressing nicely between the two clubs, with only minor details needing to be ironed out before a deal is agreed.

Why Mbeumo would be a better signing than Cunha for United

Earlier this summer, Matheus Cunha completed his move to join United after being firmly on their radar for many months after his success at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian joined in a £62.5m deal after registering 15 goals and six assists for Vitor Pereira’s side in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

His versatility, being able to operate in an attacking midfield role or centre forward role, makes him an excellent fit for Amorim’s system, hopefully being a player who can catapult them to future success.

Cunha’s experience in England could prove to be vital in their ambitions next campaign, but he will need added reinforcements within the final third if the Red Devils are to take a step in the right direction.

However, he could be about to land just that in a move for Mbeumo in the coming days, with the Cameroonian showcasing his talents in England’s top-flight this season.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from this season, the Brentford star has massively outperformed Cunha in various key areas – highlighting why he would be a better addition.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered more goals and achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, demonstrating his clinical ability within the final third.

Games played

38

33

Goals & assists

27

21

Shot on target accuracy

43%

40%

Goal per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

47%

44%

Carries into final third

2

1.4

Crosses completed

5.3

4.9

Aerials won

32%

31%

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst posting more carries into the box per 90, showcasing the direct nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

The Cameroonian’s dominance doesn’t end there, completing more crosses and winning more aerials per 90, handing Amorim an all-round dangerous option in attacking areas.

Should the deal be completed in the coming days, it would certainly improve the options currently at the manager’s disposal, something which he’s greatly craved as of late.

The prospect of Mbeumo and Cunha linking up together is certainly an exciting one, handing the club the platform to build on ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

He's perfect for Mbeumo: Wilcox opens talks to sign £35m star for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make a move for another young gem this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Chelsea’s transfer activity has been leaked consistently over the last few days, with one club director now lifting the lid on a recent phone call as the Blues pursued another deal.

Chelsea targeting new attackers for Maresca after failed deadline deals

Enzo Maresca couldn’t quite get AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan or Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens through the door in time for their looming Club World Cup campaign (Sky Sports), with the pre-CWC deadline passing at 7pm on Tuesday.

"One to watch" – Chelsea could now sell popular international for just £17m

The west Londoners have plenty of players to get off the books.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 12, 2025

Chelsea also didn’t have enough time to strike what is a complex deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, but Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg insists that he is still one to watch, and the west Londoners remain in talks.

In the meantime, it is reported that Chelsea are prioritising a new attacker over the coming weeks, namely a left-winger, versatile attacking midfielder and second striker after Liam Delap (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea also haven’t given up hope of signing Gittens, and he could well be one they revisit later on in the window.

“The hype and briefings of bids being sent and rejected for Gittens yesterday afternoon was just all blown up and also, very delayed,” said journalist Simon Phillips in a recent Substack update.

“Chelsea walked from this way before lunchtime and the biggest offer we sent in was a £45m base fee and £10m add-ons. This was rejected and Chelsea walked. It is likely to come up again because Chelsea do rate Gittens, and it’s likely to still be a genuine pursuit for Chelsea still this summer.”

This is now being echoed by Dortmund sporting director Sebastien Kehl, who lifted the lid on their discussions with Chelsea in an interview with Tage Spiegel this week.

Sebastien Kehl reveals Chelsea phone call over signing Jamie Gittens

The Bundesliga chief shared details behind their negotiations, with Kehl also tipping Chelsea talks for Gittens to reopen.

“We spoke on the phone, in the end we did not agree, because we have different ideas about the current value of the player,” he said.

“Jamie definitely makes our team better. We are glad that he is there. We are in a good exchange and see how things are shaping in the future.

“Of course, at some point, if you take a player with it, you also have to sell. I assume that his market value will not fall. We will see to what extent we can keep it until the end of the tournament. There will be talks again.”

Dortmund and Kehl are rumoured to want as much as £55 million for Gittens, which is a steep price considering he played less of a crucial role for them towards the back end of 2024/2025.

Just three of the 20-year-old’s 12 goals last season came in this calendar year, with Gittens also registering zero assists since the turn of 2025.

While Chelsea chiefs are believed to rate him, BlueCo also must not pay over the odds for him either, even if he’s Dortmund’s most sellable asset, and they’re likely to carry on charging top dollar.

Liverpool’s attacking unit has been truly frightening this season, undoubtedly playing a massive role in their ability to claim the Premier League title in 2024/25.

Mohamed Salah was undoubtedly the shining light in such a department, netting 29 goals and registering 18 assists in his 38 outings for Arne Slot’s men.

Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz shared the responsibility on the left-hand side, with the aforementioned duo netting 23 goals between them in the league.

However, the one complaint was with the centre-forward position, with the Reds needing an elite-level talisman to further increase their chances of retaining their crown next time around.

With Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota both touted with moves away from Anfield, the hierarchy may have funds to play with, allowing Slot to get his hands on the star striker he greatly desires.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Alexander Isak has been the dream option over the last couple of months for Liverpool, but his £150m asking price has scuppered any chances of landing the Swede’s signature this window.

Viktor Gyokeres is another name who’s been mentioned with a move to Merseyside, but like Isak, a deal looks unlikely after claiming he’s keen on a move to Arsenal.

Such situations have led the Reds to other targets, with RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko the latest talent in their sights, according to journalist James Wathland.

He claims that the hierarchy have already made contact with the Slovenian’s representatives over a move to Anfield, with Arsenal also in the race for his signature.

It’s also been reported that the player himself would be keen on a move to join Slot’s side, potentially moving to the Premier League off the back of a 21-goal campaign in Germany.

Why Sesko would be a better signing than Ekitike for Liverpool

In recent days, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké has been a man in demand, with numerous Premier League clubs registering interest in a move for the forward this summer.

Liverpool are just one side in the race, with Manchester United and Chelsea just two of the sides battling it out for his signature during the off-season.

His tally of 22 goals across all competitions in 2024/25 makes the interest no surprise, with the Frenchman potentially able to be the number nine the Reds have been hunting for.

However, if they are to agree a move with the 22-year-old, they would have to fork out a fee in the region of £84m, potentially being a deal worth walking away from.

Should they decide to move onto other targets once more, Sesko should be their number one target to fill the void, with the striker being labelled the “new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

He possesses a very similar frame to the Norwegian, whilst also having a lethal strike, which has seen him score numerous long-range efforts during his time in Germany.

The 21-year-old is also a huge threat in the air, similar to that of the Manchester City star, with Sesko potentially being the final piece in Slot’s Liverpool puzzle.

Games played

33

Goals scored

13

Shots on target per game

1.2

Goals scored per 90

0.5

Dribbles completed

55%

Aerials won

57%

Duels won

5.1

When comparing his stats to those of Ekitike this campaign, he may have scored fewer goals, but has managed a better goal per shot on target rate – handing the club the clinical option they’ve been hunting for.

He’s also dominated aerially, winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered throughout 2024/25, with his skillset allowing for a focal point for the likes of Salah, Diaz and Gakpo to play off.

Whilst both players would likely improve the options currently at the manager’s disposal, it’s pivotal that the Reds pursue a move for Sesko over Ekitike, with his stats backing up why he’d be a more effective option.

Should he manage to follow in Haaland’s footsteps in England, it would be a bargain regardless of the price tag, handing the club the added threat in their pursuit of back-to-back league titles.

Perfect for Isak: Liverpool told £75m bid for PL star will be accepted

Liverpool may need to sign a new left-sided forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025

Chelsea are in pursuit of more signings after Liam Delap as we fast approach the Club World Cup, with BlueCo now running out of time to register new players before that potentially lucrative tournament begins.

Chelsea eye left-winger after Jadon Sancho return to Man United

Following the £30 million deal which sees Delap swap Portman Road for Stamford Bridge, Enzo Maresca and co have shown absolutely zero sign of slowing down in the transfer market.

Chelsea propose "multi-player package deal" in talks for £85m forward

The Blues have held discussions.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 6, 2025

Instead, the Blues have continued to press on for other targets with serious gusto, holding talks with AC Milan over a move for goalkeeper Mike Maignan and reportedly chasing Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

Maignan has apparently told Milan he wants to join Chelsea, as per Sky Sports and other reliable media sources, while journalist Simon Phillips reports that Hato is equally keen to join Maresca’s side and personal terms shouldn’t be an issue.

Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea

8.08

Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town

8.05

Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa

8.04

Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton

7.83

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town

7.55

via WhoScored

If either man is to be registered before the CWC kicks off, Chelsea will need to hurry, as they now have just three days to get them on the books at Cobham.

BlueCo are also believed to be targeting a new left-winger, especially after they couldn’t agree terms with Jadon Sancho on a permanent stay in west London. The £300,000-per-week forward is returning to Man United, and Chelsea will pay a £5 million penalty fee to dodge his obligation to buy.

Sancho’s exit, combined with Mykhailo Mudryk’s on-field ban after his failed drugs test, has exacerbated Maresca’s need for another wide option – and they have plenty of options on their shortlist.

Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams sit chief among them, according to reports this week, but they’ve been offered plenty of alternatives.

Chelsea offered Bayern Munich duo Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman

As per intriguing information from SPTC, Bayern Munich duo Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman have actually been put forward to them.

On a combined £581,000-per-week in Bavaria, Gnabry and Coman, despite their past performances, appear to have fallen down Vincent Kompany’s pecking order and are not in the Belgian’s long-term plans.

It is believed both Gnabry and Coman were offered out to Chelsea, as representatives of the pair seek potential new clubs, but Maresca’s side decided not to move forward with a deal for either.

“Obviously it looks like we have since decided to push more on Jamie Gittens than any others,” wrote reporter Phillips.

“Rafa Leao was also mentioned earlier in the Spring but nothing has moved on that.

“And we’ve also heard that Bayern Munich have offered both Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry around to many clubs, including Chelsea. Leroy Sané has also been spoken about at Chelsea due to him becoming a free agent this summer. However, our sources don’t expect us to move on any of those three.

“Chelsea are looking to bring a new left-winger as well as a hybrid attacking midfielder who can play a number of positions. Xavi Simons is a name that was mentioned to me by a good source again today, and obviously there is the noise on Mohammed Kudus now as well as Chelsea’s serious interest in Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze.”

The defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night highlights the need for a serious overhaul at Manchester United this summer.

Ruben Amorim’s side were unable to get the better of their Premier League opponents, topping off what has been a dismal campaign on and off the pitch for the Red Devils.

The manager has attempted to make the best out of the players currently on the books at Old Trafford, but he’s so far been unable to do so in his seven-month spell at the helm.

In the aftermath of the loss, the 40-year-old stated that he would leave if the board didn’t think he was the right man for the job, but they have since backed the former Sporting CP boss to turn things around.

However, the real backing will come within the transfer market, allowing him to make the necessary changes he requires to catapult the side back to their former glory.

The latest on Alejandro Garnacho's future

Attacker Alejandro Garnacho has previously been linked with a move away from United in recent months, with Chelsea and Napoli registering interest in his services back in January.

However, the Argentine could well leave the Red Devils this window, after being benched for the Europa League final and venting his frustrations in an interview after the game.

It’s been reported by ESPN that the player and his representatives are frustrated after the loss in Bilbao, with the 20-year-old now seeing his future away from the Theatre of Dreams.

The report also claims that he already has proposals to leave the club during the off-season, but doesn’t mention how much the hierarchy would demand for his signature.

However, despite the situation surrounding Garnacho, one other player needs to be sold this summer after his dismal run within the ranks since Amorim’s arrival.

The United player who needs to be sold alongside Garnacho

United’s lowly league standing in 2024/25 is nothing short of unacceptable, especially considering the previous success endured over the last few decades.

The club have gone from fighting for Premier League titles to now sitting in 16th position and out of all forms of European football in 2025/26 – something which could impact their finances.

Whilst new signings are undoubtedly needed to improve the current situation, it could depend on departures from the current squad, with Garnacho one who looks set to be sacrificed.

However, he could be joined out of the door by striker Rasmus Hojlund, with the Danish international clearly not at the level required for future success.

The 22-year-old was bought for £72m in the summer of 2023, with huge things expected, but he’s simply failed to deliver – notching just 10 goals in his 51 appearances this season.

He’s been unable to extract his best performances, even going 21 games without a goal at one stage, leading to one content creator labelling him as a “serious problem”.

Despite his disappointing showings, he was handed a start in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, but once again showcased the need for a new talisman during the summer.

Hojlund only registered a tally of 15 touches during his 71-minute display, unable to provide the focal point or threat that was required to claim European glory.

It’s no secret that Amorim has had to stick with the former Atalanta star during the early months of his tenure, certainly wanting to recruit his own players during the upcoming window.

Games played

31

Goals scored

4

Shots taken

1.4

Successful passes per 90

11.2

Dribble success

30%

Times dispossessed

1.6

Aerials won

23%

Whilst the hierarchy would likely lose a huge chunk of their investment, it’s vital that he’s offloading in the coming months, along with Garnacho, to hand the manager the funds he needs for change.

It’s a shame that the move has been unsuccessful, with the board needing to remember such a signing in the near future as they attempt to land the clinical goalscorer they crave.

He'd send Hojlund packing: Man Utd in talks for dream Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United are making moves to land a new striker who’d end Rasmus Hojlund’s time at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb May 23, 2025

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has shared his verdict as Spurs reportedly close in on the appointment of a 52-year-old, with the ex-England international expressing his delight for chairman Daniel Levy.

Tottenham ponder new manager after 20 Premier League defeats

The Lilywhites set a dismal record over the weekend, surpassing their previous number of total Premier League defeats in a single season.

Tottenham: £4m-per-year manager enters pole position to replace Postecoglou

The Australian could still leave Spurs if they win the Europa League.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2025

Ange Postecoglou’s side have now lost 20 league games this term, following a 2-0 home defeat to FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace, and this torrid number is quite simply inexcusable for a ‘big six’ club.

Aston Villa (away)

May 16th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Spurs also find themselves 17th in the table with no wins from their last five. The terrible form of relegated trio Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton has seemingly rescued them from flirting with a drop to the Championship, which makes for seriously grim reading from Postecoglou’s perspective.

Some reports suggest Postecoglou is set to leave Tottenham this summer, even if the Australian ends their 17-year wait for a trophy and qualifies for the Champions League by winning the Europa League final.

A host of tacticians have been tipped to potentially replace Postecoglou, with Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) all on Tottenham’s rumoured managerial shortlist, according to reports in the last month.

In the meantime, while none of these possible appointments appear close, one hire which is becoming more anticipated by the week is the return of ex-managing director Fabio Paratici.

The Italian’s worldwide ban by FIFA is due to end on June 30th, and this has prompted many reports linking him with a return to N17.

Corriere della Sera recently stated that Paratici will re-join Tottenham after talks with AC Milan broke down, and some media outlets closer to home claim that Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been recommended to Spurs by the 52-year-old already.

Robinson thrilled by potential Paratici return to Tottenham

Speaking to Tottenham News, ex-Spurs keeper Robinson has shared exactly why he believes Paratici’s potentially imminent comeback is a welcome boost for the north Londoners.

“His recruitment has been excellent,” said the pundit, who regularly features on Sky Sports.

“Listen, he’s had an official ban, but I think his fingerprints have been all over a lot of Tottenham signings. You can’t work in an official capacity, but there’s nobody saying you can’t ring your mate up and make a phone call and recommend him a player.

“Anyone can do that. You look at the signings that he’s had, you look at Kulusevski, Bentancur, Romero, Vicario. The signings that he’s brought to the club have been a success.

“I think from the outside looking in, it’s somebody that Daniel Levy trusts. So if he comes back in an official capacity, I think that’ll be a good thing for the club if he can work with whatever manager’s in charge next season and get the recruitment right for the style of play that the manager wants to achieve.

“It’s vitally important, as we’ve seen this season with Ange, you have to have a set of players that fit the system that the manager wants to play, or else it’s not going to work.”

Looking towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the race to sign a 15-goal striker alongside a number of their Premier League rivals.

Aston Villa's UCL hopes still alive

With two Premier League games remaining, Aston Villa still have some hope of qualifying for the Champions League. They need Chelsea, Newcastle United or Manchester City to slip up, but must do their own job to stand a chance.

Imagine him & Nypan: Aston Villa open talks to sign Jhon Duran 2.0

Aston Villa could sign an ideal player for Nypan this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 9, 2025

They did their bit on Saturday night after seeing off Bournemouth away from home, winning 1-0 thanks to Ollie Watkins’ strike and some heroic defending, despite a late red card for Jacob Ramsey.

Victory at Bournemouth means that Villa have put the pressure firmly on rivals Nottingham Forest, while they are now poised to pounce following Man City’s draw at Southampton and ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle.

By qualifying for the Champions League, Villa would instantly ease any financial concerns and be in a position to compete for some of Europe’s most interesting talents in the transfer market once again. And that could yet see a Champions League finalist make his way to the Midlands.

Aston Villa join Goncalo Ramos race

According to CaughtOffside, Aston Villa have now joined the hectic race to sign Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The forward is reportedly open to leaving the French champions in a bid to gain a starting role elsewhere.

Sparking interest from Villa, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle among others, the Portugal international, who shares an agent with Marco Asensio, isn’t exactly short on suitors.

Amid recent rumours that Chelsea and others are interested in signing Ollie Watkins this summer, Ramos could emerge as an ideal option for those at Villa Park.

Even without consistent starts at PSG, the 23-year-old has showcased his quality by scoring an impressive 15 goals in all competitions following their Champions League semi-final victory over Arsenal in midweek.

After an “outrageous” start to his Portugal career, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ramos will be desperate to take his international form to club level on a more consistent basis this summer – something that Aston Villa could yet offer him.

Leeds United secured their return to the Premier League on Monday and Daniel Farke and 49ers Enterprises are already looking at the summer transfer window.

Leeds back in Premier League after 6-0 win over Stoke City

The Whites enjoyed a dream Easter weekend, beating Oxford United on Good Friday and Stoke City 6-0 on Easter Monday to set up a promotion party at Elland Road.

Farke’s side raced into a 5-0 lead at half time after a record-breaking 20 minute hat-trick from Joel Piroe – the fastest in Leeds United’s history.

Burney’s win at Sheffield United later in the day ensured that Leeds and the Clarets would both be promoted, resulting in wild scenes at Elland Road.

Talking after winning promotion, Farke said: “Don’t scare me with the Premier League right now. All the clubs who were promoted are already relegated before we were promoted. It’s important to enjoy it. This club has had tough times in the last years, it’s important that our supporters celebrate it and embrace it.

“We’re back where we belong. The next step is to make this club an established Premier League club. You can be sure I will work with all my skills to make sure we do this. But this is something for in a few weeks. Right now we celebrate the first step, the most important one, to take this club where it belongs. Let’s see what we can do.”

Points

94

Wins

27

Goals scored

89

Clean sheets

24

Goals conceded

29

Players used

28

Farke and Leeds still have two Championship fixtures remaining as they now look to beat Burnley to the title, but with the summer transfer window just around the corner, the club are already looking at transfer targets.

Leeds looking at transfer targets with Premier League experience

Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke shared an exciting Leeds transfer update just hours after the Whites officially won promotion, sharing the club’s plans ahead of the summer market.

He revealed that Leeds ‘are targeting Premier League experience’ ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Whites specifically looking at a new goalkeeper and striker.

A number of names who tick those boxes have been linked with moves to Yorkshire, including Wolves ‘keeper Sam Johnstone and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson, who is currently on loan at West Ham.

Shades of Ian Harte: 10/10 Leeds star was just as breathtaking as Piroe

Leeds United put in a promotion-worthy performance as Daniel Farke’s rampant Whites hammered Stoke City 6-0.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 21, 2025

Ferguson in particular would excite Leeds fans and already has top-flight experience at just 20 years of age. By the looks of things, it could be a busy summer at Elland Road in regards to new signings, and securing the services of players who know the Premier League will only help the club as they look to remain in the division long term.

While it was roughly six months ago that Erik ten Hag finally lost his job at Manchester United, it could be argued that the Dutchman’s fate was sealed far earlier, particularly following what has proved to be a damaging 2023 summer window.

Despite the way his tenure ended, it’s worth remembering that the former Ajax boss had overcome a shaky start to life at Old Trafford to ultimately enjoying a promising debut campaign at the club, securing a third-place Premier League finish and winning the Carabao Cup to boot – ending a six-year wait for silverware.

Although that season was punctuated by the lows of the FA Cup final defeat to rivals Manchester City – and the 7-0 drubbing away at Anfield – Ten Hag had largely helped to stabilise the Red Devils, having also overseen the resurgence of 30-goal talisman, Marcus Rashford.

What United needed then was to kick on again with a handful of marquee summer signings, in order to try and bridge the gap with those above them. Instead, in came an error-prone Andre Onana, an injury-prone Mason Mount, and a goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund.

That assessment may be with hindsight in mind, although the issues were staring the Old Trafford hierarchy in the face. Onana, for instance, had made a catalogue of mistakes during his time at Inter and Ajax; Mount had endured an injury-hit 2022/23 season at Chelsea and Hojlund had scored just nine Serie A goals for Atalanta.

Arijanet Muric

5

Robert Sanchez

5

Bart Verbruggen

4

Andre Onana

3

Alphonse Areola

2

Alex McCarthy

2

Nick Pope

2

Ederson

2

How different things could have been had different targets been acquired, be it Ten Hag’s first-choice striker, Harry Kane, or even a certain Declan Rice.

Why Man Utd missed out on Rice

There remains the feeling that during the days of the great Sir Alex Ferguson, both Kane and Rice would have ended up at Old Trafford, a point that club legend Teddy Sheringham notably made last month:

As reported by Sky Sports at the time, it was the England captain who was Ten Hag’s ‘number one target’, albeit with Rice – alongside Mount – also on the club’s midfield shortlist.

The then-West Ham United skipper had also been linked with a move to Manchester a year earlier, while in 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also seemingly keen on signing the rising midfield star from the London Stadium.

As it proved, Kane moved on to Bayern Munich for a fee of around £86m, while Rice made the move to Arsenal on a £105m deal, with the Gunners also edging out rivals Manchester City to make that deal happen.

Whether United were truly in the mix, considering the mammoth nature of the transfer fee, is a valid point, albeit when considering that £156m was spent the previous summer on Antony and Casemiro, it illustrates where the funds could have been more wisely invested.

As it is, the 26-year-old – who deemed the Emirates “project” to be more “exciting” than the one at the Etihad – is now the centrepiece of Mikel Arteta’s midfield, having since scored twice against the Red Devils over the last two seasons.

The one-time Chelsea youth project no doubt joins the list of those who got away for the Old Trafford side, although – thankfully – the club could be brewing their answer to the Three Lions star.

Man Utd's answer to Declan Rice

While Arsenal’s title bid faltered, it has proven to be a positive few weeks, at least, for Rice in north London, with the midfield machine scoring in the 1-1 draw against Ruben Amorim’s side, before producing stunning heroics in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Real Madrid.

Those pinpoint free-kicks highlighted another weapon to the £105m man’s already impressive arsenal, with the Gunners’ number 41 having perhaps helped to already book their place in the last eight.

Of course, back in Manchester, United already have a set-piece king of their own in the form of Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese playmaker notably netting from range against both Arsenal and Everton in recent weeks.

The 30-year-old is, however, a naturally more attack-minded playmaker than his Arsenal counterpart, with a better likeness seemingly shown in the form of young Kobbie Mainoo, even amid the 19-year-old’s injury-hit season this time around.

Described as a “generational talent” by teammate Hojlund, Mainoo has had a campaign to forget due to his repeated spells on the sidelines, albeit with it hard to ignore the brilliance of his breakthrough 2023/24 season, which was rounded off with the decisive goal in May’s FA Cup final.

Subsequently thrust in as Rice’s partner in the knockout stages of Euro 2024, as Gareth Southgate’s men surged to the showpiece, the United teenager was actually praised by his midfield colleague for his “leadership” despite his youth, with the pair forming a “nice partnership” in the centre of the park.

Much like Rice, Mainoo showcased his ability to feature as a number six or as a number eight during Ten Hag’s reign, with club legend Paul Scholes even stating that the pair are alike in the fact that it can be hard to pin down their best position.

Even so, what the two men both possess – as the Arsenal star showed on Tuesday – is the impact they can make in the final third, with Mainoo notably curling home in fine fashion against both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool last season.

While we are yet to see the £20k-per-week starlet’s free-kick ability, he does mirror Rice in being able to thrive when popping up just outside the area, while at the other end of the pitch, the United man can also sniff out the danger when needed – as shown with his vital goalline clearance against Everton on what was his first Premier League start.

Where the two international colleagues are also alike, perhaps most notably, is their knack for driving forward with the ball from deep, with Rice ranking in the top 4% of European midfielders for progressive carries, while Mainoo ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The issue now for Amorim is finding a permanent home for his young sensation in the 3-4-3 system, having trialled the 2022 FA Youth Cup winner as a number ten of late, with it set to be a real waste if United fail to get the best out of their own Rice-like midfield powerhouse.

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