Newcastle United can sign the ‘best penalty taker' in Premier League for £50million
Newcastle United are looking for a new right-winger after identifying the position as their priority for the next transfer window.
The Magpies have deployed Jacob Murphy on the right-wing this season but the departure of Miguel Almiron in the January transfer window has left them short in that position.
One of the players they are targeting to address that issue is Brentford's in-form attacker Bryan Mbuemo.
According to Football Insider, Eddie Howe's side can sign the Premier League attacker for £50 million.
Mbuemo has been in brilliant form this season for Thomas Frank's side, scoring 14 goals in the league in 25 games.
Following the departure of striker Ivan Toney last year, Mbuemo has taken the responsibility to score goals for the team and that has resulted in him reaching a new height in his career.
The 25-year-old is a Newcastle United target and his contract situation at Brentford could work in the favour of the Magpies.
Mbuemo has a contract that runs until 2026 and that could force Brentford to make a decision on his future as early as the summer transfer window this year.
Howe's attack at the moment consists of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, who are certain starters for the club. An addition to the right-wing would complete their attack and make them a formidable force in the league.
Mbuemo would be the ideal player for Newcastle and he is someone who would add not only goals but creativity to the team.
Newcastle are expected to face tough competition to sign the attacker in the summer.
Liverpool have been linked with the right-winger and Jamie Carragher believes he would be the right replacement of Mohamed Salah at the club if the Egyptian leaves this summer.
'I think of my old club with the situation regarding Mohamed Salah, a left-footed player on the right side, who can fit the bill? He is someone whose name that always crops up because of his ability and the club he is at.'
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The 81 top transfer targets in the summer window for every position
Imagine it is early April. You are sitting in a recruitment meeting for a Premier League or top European club. A whiteboard is covered with names. Plans for the summer transfer window are afoot. Who are the best options in each position? What is their contract situation? What would each player bring to your club? And why might they be available? Advertisement Imagine no longer. The Athletic's experts have pulled together a huge list of players from across the globe and, after a lot of effort, broken them down by position into the top options and ranked them. Anantaajith Raghuraman, Steve Madeley and Caoimhe O'Neill have also profiled those players below. As you work your way down the list, you might notice that some of the players have already moved this summer or are deep in discussions with a club. This is because these were and are the best options for the summer transfer window in totality. Imagine you are sat in that same room with the whiteboard, and mentally cross off those targets that are no longer acquirable — and read on below. Contract expires: Summer 2028 Garcia was one of the best goalkeepers in Europe in 2024-25 and was crucial to Espanyol retaining their top-flight status. His 8.4 goals prevented ranked him fifth among all shot-stoppers across La Liga, Serie A, the Premier League and Bundesliga. While he was not called upon to show off his distribution due to Espanyol's direct style, he showed glimpses of his passing range, too. Barcelona are close to securing the 24-year-old's services by paying his €25million ($28.4m) release clause, a remarkably shrewd piece of business if completed. Liverpool contract expired: Summer 2026 Kelleher is a Republic of Ireland international who spent the past 10 years of his career at Liverpool after being scouted playing for grassroots side Ringmahon Rangers. Described as the best No 2 goalkeeper in the world by Jurgen Klopp, Kelleher played 67 times for Liverpool. One of those appearances included a League Cup final start and victory against Chelsea in 2022. With one year left on his deal, him wanting to be a No 1 and Liverpool having signed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, it was the perfect time for Kelleher's Alisson-like attributes to be tested week in and week out. It is no surprise that Brentford took up the opportunity to sign the goalkeeper. Contract expires: Summer 2030 Lunin's contract extension in 2024 was warranted after an impressive 2023-24 when he filled in for the injured Thibaut Courtois. He did not play in their Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund after featuring in every knockout game until then, and has played just 14 times in 2024-25. Advertisement Lunin is an able shot-stopper, with a save rate of 76 per cent in 29 games across La Liga and the Champions League in 2023-24. He is solid if not spectacular with his feet, too, and while he is only 26 — very young in goalkeeper years — a shot at regular football could prove enticing. Contract expires: Summer 2026 Pena has been at Barcelona since 2012, rising through the ranks but never truly becoming their No 1. He has made 45 appearances for Barcelona, including 23 last season, but is unlikely to be a starter in the final year of his contract, especially if Garcia arrives from Espanyol. The 26-year-old saved 67 per cent of shots faced in La Liga last season, with 88 per cent passing accuracy, including 40 per cent on long passes. Pena adapted well to the sweeper role under Hansi Flick, too — averaging a staggering 5.6 actions per game. Barcelona will not make it difficult for Pena to leave, as they accept it is the best solution for all parties. They also respect Pena's behaviour while he has been with the club. Contract expires: Summer 2028 Aaron Ramsdale showed the Stoke steel he is made of during a tough first season with Southampton, which ended in relegation from the Premier League. The former Arsenal goalkeeper is contracted to be on the south coast until 2028. But should a club in a higher division be looking to sign a No 1, then he will be high up on scouting lists, given the 27-year-old's quality and experience. With Southampton relegated, Ramsdale could be available for a reasonable fee to teams in top divisions. Contract expires: Summer 2029 Sources at Aston Villa who, like all mentioned in this article have been kept anonymous to protect relationships, have told The Athletic that the 'direction of travel' points towards a summer exit. Still, the key sticking point is whether a team makes them a formal offer. It goes without saying that no move can materialise until then. Advertisement Martinez will not come cheap with his contract running until 2029, but he is one of the best players in his position in world football, so will be an attractive option for a top team in need of a goalkeeper. Contract expires: Summer 2026 Despite approaching his 36th birthday and failing to make any appearances last season during a stint on loan at Arsenal as David Raya's understudy, the Brazilian boasts years of experience in Serie A, La Liga and the Premier League. With his contract due to expire in a year, he could be a low-cost option for a club looking for an experienced goalkeeper. Contract expires: Summer 2026 The Spaniard's stock has fallen since he moved to Chelsea seven years ago as the most expensive goalkeeper in history, but his ability with his feet makes him an attractive option for coaches determined to involve their No 1 in build-ups. That makes his impending move from Chelsea to Arsenal as David Raya's backup sensible for all concerned. Contract expires: Summer 2028 Ter Stegen was one of Barcelona's best players across the 2018-19 and 2022-23 La Liga-winning seasons. He struggled mightily in between and injuries — to his knee, back and patellar tendon between 2021 and 2025 — have significantly hampered his confidence and shot-stopping. The 33-year-old is still a decent distributor and contributed important saves for Germany in their Nations League fixtures in June. Ter Stegen's time at Barcelona might be up, but perhaps a revival like the one enjoyed by David de Gea at Fiorentina is on the horizon. Sources close to Ter Stegen insist he wants to stay, but Barcelona want to move him on, freeing up space in their budget by getting rid of his big salary. Contract expires: Summer 2026 Advertisement The 29-year-old France international has the quality to make him an obvious target, and his contract situation — he has just a year remaining — means it should not break the bank to sign him. Chelsea were interested but have now pulled away from a deal. Unless Milan can agree a new deal with their No 1, they will not be in a position to resist forever — unless they are happy for him to leave for free next summer. Contract expires: Summer 2030 The Serbian had a solid first season with Chelsea but was sent to Strasbourg on loan last season. Petrovic wants to be assured of a starting role somewhere, and with Chelsea unable to promise him that, the 25-year-old Serbia international is exploring his options. Petrovic asked to be left out of Chelsea's Club World Cup squad last week, and he has four to five clubs, from the Premier League and elsewhere in Europe, expressing an interest. There is a gentleman's agreement between Chelsea and the player that he can leave if someone bids £25m (€30m). If he does not leave, he will report back for pre-season. A return to Strasbourg could be a possibility. Contract at Liverpool expired: Summer 2025 Alexander-Arnold's future was one of the major sagas of the summer, ending in him joining Real Madrid in time for the Club World Cup for €10m instead of on a free transfer. The 26-year-old has struggled defensively during his Liverpool career but took some encouraging steps forward early under Arne Slot before familiar lapses in concentration and poor positioning returned. Theoretically, the wing-back role under Xabi Alonso should suit his attacking instincts, but Alexander-Arnold's productivity at Anfield soared when he could invert into midfield rather than stay high and wide. His first season at the club will be keenly followed. Advertisement Contract at Bayer Leverkusen expired: Summer 2028 Frimpong's contributions for Leverkusen playing as a right wing-back or right winger and Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure from Anfield paved the path for a €35m (£29.6m; $40m) move to Liverpool. His pace will add dynamism to their attack, while his ability to attract defenders and beat them with a swift change of pace should benefit Mohamed Salah. As shown by his SkillCorner profile, his running is geared more towards verticality and stretching the opposition with a high volume of runs ahead of the ball (82 out of 99), in behind the opposition defence (99 out of 99) or into the box (Cross receiver runs, 98 out of 99), when compared with other full-backs across Europe's top seven leagues. Still only 24, Frimpong could even develop into Salah's successor on the right wing, but for now, he will bring joy with his dribbles and directness. Contract expires: Summer 2025 The former Tottenham Hotspur academy product has suffered relegation in two of his last three seasons with Southampton but, at 28, is in the peak years of his career and is a free agent with his contract expiring this summer. That makes him an attractive option for a club that believes that they can make him a useful part of a better team. Contract expires: Summer 2026 At the age of 26, the versatile defender looks like a good option for clubs looking to add a right-back this summer. But Mingueza's contract expires at the end of next season, meaning potential buyers could be tempted to either wait 12 months or try to negotiate the fee down. Contract expires: Summer 2025 The Netherlands international appeared 22 times in the Premier League last season, either side of a knee injury. Born in Amsterdam, Tete came through De Toekomst: Ajax's centre of total football excellence. Advertisement His contract expires at the end of June. The 29-year-old's no-nonsense defending from right-back can keep wingers under wraps. If Tete moves on from Craven Cottage, then another club could bag themselves a fiery full-back on a free. What is not to like? Contract expires: Summer 2025 A free agent who has played for Barcelona and has 165 Premier League appearances under his belt. Semedo's end product in attacking areas is still the biggest question mark over his game, but he has cut out many of his defensive weaknesses in recent seasons and would come with experience of captaincy and as someone who rarely misses games. Wolves have offered him a contract, but he is more likely to look elsewhere. Contract expires: Summer 2026 At the age of 35, the City full-back is not the player he once was, as his recent England performances showed, but he does boast vast experience and is a serial winner who would have lots to add to a dressing room and squad. And with just a year remaining on a contract at a club where his time is clearly up — he has been left out of City's Club World Cup squad — signing him would not break the bank. Contract at Bournemouth expired: Summer 2030 Huijsen is a remarkably talented centre-back with the composure to match it. Capable on either foot, he thrived in the chaos that was a by-product of Andoni Iraola's approach at Bournemouth. He is not the most physical centre-back, using positioning and timing to his advantage instead. Huijsen's long strides mean he can carry the ball several metres in a matter of seconds, while he can pass over or through opposition lines too. This clearly appealed to Real Madrid, who signed him for £50m in time to participate in the Club World Cup. Advertisement Contract at Bayer Leverkusen expired: Summer 2025 At centre-back, you need leaders and Tah is exactly that. During his decade at Bayer Leverkusen he played 402 games and was part of the all-conquering 2023-24 Bundesliga-winning side. Tah is a Germany international and this summer decided against renewing his Leverkusen contract, which was set to expire. This would have put elite clubs everywhere on alert, but it was Bayern who weighed in to convince Tah to join. Contract expires: Summer 2026 Guehi's status as the leader of Crystal Palace's defence makes you forget that he is only 24. There is plenty of interest in Guehi — The Athletic has reported it from both Arsenal and Newcastle. Guehi's contract at Palace also expires next summer. His comfort on the ball, especially while playing accurate passes over the top to facilitate Palace's attacking style, would be valuable to several teams. He is a capable operator who still has plenty of room to improve his vulnerabilities in the air and in defending touch-tight against attackers. Contract expires: Summer 2031 Araujo signed new contract in January, but The Athletic reported that Barcelona inserted a release clause set at €60m from this summer. Araujo's 2024-25 season was underwhelming amid the team's success, starting with a hamstring injury and ending with just 17 starts across competitions. Araujo excels in deeper-lying defensive systems and is not great on the ball, which are at odds with Flick's demands. A full pre-season will breed familiarity with Flick's system, but maybe it is time for fresh pastures. Contract expires: Summer 2027 With two years remaining on his contract, Romero has publicly flirted with the idea of moving to play in Spain's La Liga, having finally helped Spurs to land a major trophy. His contractual situation might make a deal more affordable for clubs. Ole reported that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone admitted he wanted Romero and that he thinks he is a 'great player'. Contract expires: Summer 2027 A year ago, Manchester United had offers rejected for the talented centre-back. His progress early last season was hampered by injuries, but he consistently impressed for Everton after that. Now, with just two years left on his contract — although The Athletic has reported the club has an option to add an additional year — the 22-year-old is likely to be the focus of interest again. Branthwaite also signed his current contract in October 2023 and is not currently one of the top earners in the squad. Advertisement Contract expires: Summer 2029 The Frenchman made only 13 Premier League appearances last season, six at Chelsea and seven on loan at Aston Villa last season. The season prior he played 31 times in the top flight. Before joining Chelsea, he was a regular starter in Ligue 1 with Reims and Monaco and, with the west Londoners willing to sell, there will be clubs confident they can help him rediscover that form. Contract expires: Summer 2028 Kerkez's boundless energy and aggressive pressing fit in beautifully with what Liverpool, who are pushing to sign the defender, need at left-back as Andy Robertson's powers diminish. The sheer volume of the 21-year-old's high-speed off-ball runs underlapping and overlapping his Antoine Semenyo also helped to bring the best out of the Ghana international. Kerkez's dynamism extends to his dribbling and crossing too, while his fitness record is nearly flawless. Given his position is one where high-quality players are rarer than in others, he was always going to be in demand this summer. Contract expires: Summer 2029 Real Madrid have been working for weeks on the signing of Carreras. The former Manchester United academy prospect has a €50m release clause and Madrid want to pay the fee in instalments. Benfica are known to be tough negotiators. Elections for the Lisbon club's presidency will also be held in October, and voices close to the deal say Rui Costa does not want to take what would be an unpopular decision to sell before standing again. Carreras made a name for himself at Benfica with thunderous overlapping runs from left-back, but as we can see from his SkillCorner off-ball run profile, he can do a bit of everything. Contract expires: Summer 2027 Gutierrez has been one of La Liga's best full-backs over the last two seasons, providing 12 assists. While solid at making overlapping runs to free up his winger, Gutierrez thrives in more central areas and underlaps to great effect. He is not explosive but is relentless with his running and owns a quality delivery into the box. Advertisement Real Madrid, who sold Gutierrez to Girona in 2022, have a buyback clause of €8m. The Athletic reported last summer he has a general €35m release clause. Clubs from Italy and Germany have recently been in talks for him. Contract expires: Summer 2025 Reguilon will become a free agent on June 30 after Tottenham decided against offering him a new deal. He played just 316 minutes of football in 2024-25 after falling considerably in the pecking order at left-back. Yet, Reguilon showed glimpses of what he had to offer in those minutes, with a few productive overlapping runs and dangerous crosses. The 28-year-old could still be a reliable back-up left-back, having played for Real Madrid, Sevilla, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford across his career. Contract expires: Summer 2028 Robinson was one of the standout Premier League performers of the season. Last term, he had a very productive campaign registering ten assists in 36 games, the most of any defender in the league. The USMNT international's current contract expires in 2028, but surely Fulham will be looking to refresh his terms given how productive and commanding he has been. There will be plenty of teams in the market for a left-back this summer, and Robinson, 27, will inevitably be high up on scouting lists given how well he balances defensive and attacking duties. Contract expires: Summer 2026 He is only 28, can play at left back or in midfield and is entering the final year of his contract. As The Athletic reported earlier this month, the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori and subsequent emergence of academy player Myles Lewis-Skelly have seen Zinchenko fall down the pecking order. Even though his game time was limited last season, the Ukraine international will still appeal to clubs. Advertisement Contract expires: 2027 Grimaldo was a product of Barcelona's La Masia, but made a name for himself outside of Spain in over 300 appearances for Portuguese side Benfica and has had two successful seasons with Bayer Leverkusen. A left-back by trade, Grimaldo, 29, can play further forward on the left side too. In the 2023-24 title-winning season, he showed just how much he likes to get forward by scoring ten goals and completing 15 assists. Tapping into numbers like that from a full-back is the dream of every club. Contract expires: Summer 2027 It has been a while since Chilwell was a regular Premier League starter. The last time he started more than 20 times in a Premier League season was 2020-21, and he started just once during his half-season loan at Crystal Palace. But he is an England international who, at the age of just 28, has only two years left on his Chelsea contract, meaning financially he could be an appealing option. Chilwell has a big salary, which might have stopped moves in the past. Contract at Wolves expired: Summer 2026 Manchester City's new left-back is a rare talent, even if his defending can sometimes drive his coaches to distraction. His Premier League experience and ability to impact games as an attacking full-back would have been attractive to City, as was his contractual situation at previous club Wolves. He had just a year remaining on his deal, plus a further year's option, which helped keep his transfer fee down to a relatively low £31.2m. Contract expires: Summer 2027 Zubimendi is an Antiguoko alumnus. This is the same grassroots club where Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta fine-tuned their own skills. Zubimendi was a European Championship winner with Spain last summer and has played 236 games for Real Sociedad. At 26, he is now entering the perfect point in his career for his resourcefulness in the middle of the pitch to be extracted by a top European side challenging for major honours. Last summer, he did not want to leave his hometown of San Sebastian even when Liverpool came calling but this year, Arsenal have shown interest. The Athletic has reported that Arsenal regard the move as done and signed. Advertisement Contract expires: Summer 2025 At the age of 24 and entering theoretically the peak period of his career after four successive years at Lille, the Manchester United academy product found himself a free agent this summer. No wonder, then, that clubs were alerted to the prospect of a bargain deal for the England international. Marseille have announced they have reached an agreement in principle for him to join. Contract expires: Summer 2025 At 30, the Croatian has more 254 Serie A appearances, 52 goals and 29 assists, so his status as a free agent is certain to mean interest from clubs in the market for an experienced midfielder without having to pay a transfer fee. He might not be a top star at a bigger club, but he might well be a useful member of the squad. Contract expires: Summer 2025 Doucoure is a passionate midfielder who can chip in with the odd goal. He will be available on a free transfer this summer once his contract expires at the end of June. Everton did offer him a new contract. What makes Doucoure a sound move for a club in the market for a central midfielder? His versatility. The 32-year-old can play in a more advanced midfield role or further back as a No 6. You will remember him celebrating in front of Liverpool fans after James Tarkowski's last-minute equaliser for Everton at Goodison Park in February. Whoever he plays for next will get his whole heart. Contract expires: Summer 2028 The 21-year-old has lots of talent and has spent the second half of the season on loan at Borussia Dortmund. But The Athletic has reported that long-term, Dortmund have cooled their interest in making his loan move permanent or extending it. He is in their squad for the Club World Cup, which might give him an opportunity to impress there. Advertisement Chelsea will listen to offers from other clubs but the level of interest might well depend on them lowering their asking price, which in February stood at £40m. Contract expires: Summer 2025 He might not possess the athletic ability he once did, hence his departure from Manchester United, but a player with his technical ability available on a free transfer is certain to have suitors. The Denmark international is set to extend his career despite now being 33, having made 23 appearances for United last season, but just 11 starts. Contract at Milan expired: Summer 2030 Reijnders recorded 15 goals across all competitions for Milan last season, unsettling teams with his runs into space and ball-carrying. When played in defensive midfield, he set the tone with his passing, all of which convinced Manchester City to pay an initial £46.6m ($62.9m) fee plus potential add-ons for his services. Reijnders is a necessary addition as City's midfield undergoes a massive change after Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic struggled, particularly in transition, without Rodri's protective shield behind them. If his goals help fill the Kevin De Bruyne-sized hole in City's squad, that's a bonus. Contract expires: Summer 2027 Wirtz has a beautiful footballing mind, capable of understanding opposition structures early in matches and adequately tailoring his positioning to cause damage. Few players in Europe have his ability to comprehend space and relentlessly drag defenders into zones they don't want to enter, creating opportunities for his team-mates. His in-possession attributes include incisive passes, brilliant dribbling and the ability to play across the frontline. Last season's tally of eight non-penalty goals and 12 assists speaks for itself. One can see why Liverpool are set to spend €136.3mi, with €117.5m due upfront and a further €18.8m in potential add-ons, on the 22-year-old. Contract expires: Summer 2027 With his contract at Nottingham Forest due to expire in two years, this is the summer when the club might look to either extend his deal or cash in before his value begins to drop rapidly. However, Forest believe they are operating comfortably within PSR (profit and sustainability rules) limits this summer, and therefore might not need to sell. Advertisement Having proven himself as a game changer with 17 goals and 26 assists in the Premier League during three seasons at the City Ground, he would not be short of interest. Contract expires: Summer 2027 Simons was a child prodigy with a huge online following since he was a teenager. He is still only 22 and has played ball in four different countries. Simons was born in Amsterdam but joined La Masia, Barcelona's academy, before he left to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. Since then he has also featured for PSV and his current club RB Leipzig. In 135 senior appearances for PSV, PSG and Leipzig combined he has scored 43 goals and contributed 34 assists. Simons, capped 28 times by the Netherlands, is well established but always hungry to further that, which is why he could be open to another adventure. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that he has told RB Leipzig he wants to move on this summer. Contract at River Plate expired: Summer 2026 Mastantuono became River Plate's third youngest player in history when he made his debut aged 16 in January 2024. Already a fully fledged Argentina international too — and the youngest player to ever play for the national team — the 17-year-old is well-versed when it comes to history-making. As shown in the graphic below, Mastantuono is often in a hurry to make something happen when he receives the ball. And while you may be getting excited about this prodigious talent, Real Madrid have already cast out that big, attractive net of theirs and signed him. Mastantuono is a name you will be hearing more of in the seasons to come. Contract expires: 2026 Sometimes you just need half a season in the Midlands to remind everyone how brilliant you are. For Asensio, that worked a treat as he became one of Aston Villa's best players when joining them for six months on loan from PSG. This meant the Spain international missed out being part of the PSG team that won the Champions League in Munich. Advertisement But crucially, during his time at Villa Park, he re-established himself and proved he still has a lot to give. A lot of clubs will have taken note. Contract at Lyon expired: 2027 The rising wave of optimism and wonder around Cherki hit its crescendo in 2024-25 as he recorded 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 matches for Lyon. Audacious close control, dazzling trickery and intelligent passing, with stunning goals as the cherry on top, attracted attention, not least from Manchester City who signed him for €36.5m (£30.9m, $41.7m). Those qualities, if combined with consistency, will quell any concerns about his adaptability to the Premier League and the need to fine-tune his out-of-possession attributes. Contract expires: Summer 2031 Who might be the next club to take on the Joao Felix project? Since his breakout season at Benfica and a €126m move to Atletico Madrid in 2019, he has been a footnote at multiple clubs including Barcelona (on loan), Chelsea (twice) and most recently, Milan on loan. Joao Felix has the flair and technique to impact games, but is not disciplined enough out of possession and does not possess game-changing pace. At 25, he should be entering the peak of his career, but those years are unlikely to be spent at Chelsea despite his contract running until 2031. Contract expires: Summer 2025 The Spain international struggled at times with the physical demands of the Premier League during two and a half years at Wolves. He still managed to pop up with some vital goals and assists, and often added an element of calm from the bench when his side needed it. At the age of 33, Sarabia still has a couple of good years left in him and will be an attractive option for clubs in Europe, especially as he is a free agent. Advertisement Contract expires: Summer 2029 Nkunku has scored 11 goals in 78 Chelsea appearances since joining in 2023, less than half the 23 he scored in his final season at Leipzig. The 27-year-old is best when deployed as a second striker drifting into central zones from the left in transition, but struggled in Enzo Maresca's measured in-possession approach implemented this season. He also does not offer as much as others at Chelsea in Maresca's set-up without the ball. Nkunku's largely ineffective minutes as a false nine and left-winger this season show that he needs a specific set-up to thrive, and Chelsea are unlikely to be able to offer that. He wants to be playing regularly to get in the frame for France's World Cup squad next summer, should they qualify, so it is probably in his best interests to seek a move. The price, though, will have to be right. Contract expires: Summer 2027 The young midfielder has picked up silverware at Liverpool but has struggled for regular starts. With the Premier League champions already strengthening this summer, it might be the time for Elliott to move on and become a more significant player elsewhere. He has just two years remaining on his contract so Liverpool might do business at a reasonable price. Contract expires: Summer 2025 The appeal of the Belgian is obvious. One of the Premier League's greatest players, with 288 appearances, 72 goals, 118 assists and six league titles to his name, was available on a free transfer. Despite being almost 34, Napoli were understandably keen and have now snapped him up. Contract expires: Summer 2028 The 23-year-old has impressed during his time in Spain and has a release clause in his contract, which The Athletic reported last summer is set at €60m. That makes him a fairly attractive option to teams who want to sign an attacking midfielder with the confidence of knowing a set price for him. Contract expires: Summer 2026 A proven Premier League talent with one year left on his contract. It looks like the perfect time for Brentford to cash in and for Mbeumo to take the next step in his career. If Manchester United manage to secure his services, they are getting a player well-versed in scoring and assisting from the right wing. Advertisement The 25-year-old Cameroon international played all 38 games last season, scoring 20 times and completing eight assists — even if his non-penalty goals far exceeded his expected goals tally. It is so easy to see why United, among others, want him. Contract expires: Summer 2027 The Brazilian's huge-money move from Ajax to Old Trafford will go down as one of the worst transfers in Premier League history, given that the winger has made just 38 Premier League starts in three years, scoring five times. But his career in the Netherlands was impressive and, with just two years now remaining on his United contract, might be available at an affordable price. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Real Betis, where he spent the second half of last season on loan, want to sign him permanently. Contract expires: Summer 2026 Now here's a player capable of scoring a wonder goal. Wilson's flicked finish against Brentford last season was voted Fulham's goal of 2024-25. And you can see why Fulham triggered the clause in the Wales international's contract, which will keep him at the club for one more year. Contract expires: Summer 2025 With 23 goals and seven assists during five seasons in La Liga with Espanyol, the right-sided forward is a proven performer, so the fact that his contract was due to expire this summer was always going to alert potential suitors. Puado has not yet signed a new contract with Espanyol. Any clubs looking for a bargain will surely be circling. Contract expires: Summer 2027 A season at Arsenal was a wasted year in the career of the former England winger, bringing just seven Premier League starts, but he is still only 30. Managers elsewhere will fancy their chances of helping him rediscover some form. Advertisement And with only two years remaining on his contract, an affordable deal might be possible. That said, Sterling is Chelsea's highest paid player on over £300,000-a-week, which has to be regarded as a stumbling block that any permanent move will need to overcome. Contract expires: Summer 2028 It was a trying season for Mohammed Kudus, but the 24-year-old still has the world at his feet. The Ghana international is contracted to West Ham until 2028 — a club he has played 80 times for, scored 19 goals for and created 13 assists for. For clubs in the market for a player who can play across the front line and surely has his best footballing years in front of him, Kudus makes for an exciting option if West Ham are willing to cash in. Contract expires: Summer 2028 The England international has three years remaining on his Old Trafford contract, but his career at United appears to be over. A deal is almost certainly there to be done for a player who showed glimmers of his best form during a loan at Aston Villa in the second half of last season. Contract expires: Summer 2027 Williams' penchant for delivering in big games has ensured that his development over the past three seasons has been keenly followed. He is two-footed, capable of playing on either wing and a menace thanks to his dribbling and trickery. Nico's occasional wastefulness in the final third is excusable given that he turns 23 only on July 12. He is armed with a variety of creative powers and is a joy to watch. He has a release clause of around €60m and, as The Athletic reported on Tuesday, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are emerging as more plausible destinations than the Premier League if he leaves Athletic Club. Advertisement Contract expires: Summer 2028 While not as explosive as some of those on this board, few wingers can compete with Rodrygo when it comes to work rate and passing in tight areas. The 24-year-old is incisive in and around the box with the ability to create from out wide too. Rodrygo can play across the frontline too, making him a prized possession this summer if made available by Real Madrid. However, The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the player's father, and agent, Eric Goes, is unwilling to enter into negotiations for now. Sources at Madrid's training ground say Rodrygo's attitude since returning to training has been positive. They add that new manager Alonso has been very attentive to him, showing him affection while also demanding a lot from the Brazilian. How the forward is used during the Club World Cup could be key to how the transfer window develops. Contract expires: Summer 2028 The Englishman also has three years remaining on his contract, so it will take a substantial amount of money to prise him away from Dortmund but at the age of 20, and after eight league goals last season, he now appears ready to leave the Bundesliga club. Chelsea failed to complete a deal in time for the start of the Club World Cup but remain keen to sign him. Gittens has already agreed terms with Chelsea on a seven-year contract. Contract expires: Summer 2026 Gnabry's contract expires next summer. The Bayern Munich and Germany international is currently playing at the Club World Cup and seems fairly settled with the Bundesliga champions. The 29-year-old is just seven strikes away from reaching a century of goals for Bayern, something he will surely be hoping to do. It feels like he is more likely to be a target for clubs next summer when they can potentially sign him as a free agent. Advertisement Contract expires: Summer 2027 After a positive start, Grealish's Manchester City career has gone badly wrong and the talent he displayed at Aston Villa and in his early days at the Etihad Stadium is going to waste. Grealish has also been left out of the Club World Cup squad, but it remains to be seen whether interested parties will be able to afford the financial package to sign him permanently. Contract at Wolves expired: Summer 2029 Fifteen goals, six assists, one red card, one retrospective punishment and a total of six games out through suspension — 2024-25 was quite the season for Cunha. Manchester United will feel that £62.5m — Cunha's release clause that took him to Old Trafford — is a bargain for a player who is a proven Premier League game-changer but they will aim to channel the Brazilian's volatile passion in a positive way to achieve the consistency they need. Judging by Cunha's position map below, the 26-year-old has the versatility to adapt to different positions and, therefore, the demands of his manager. One of Newcastle United's star players of the Eddie Howe era, Anthony Gordon, 24, is highly rated on Tyneside. A left winger who has always looked at home in the Premier League, Gordon would be an expensive acquisition should Newcastle be happy to part company with the England international. Arsenal admire him. Newcastle, though, have no need to sell their best players this summer and have given no indication they are willing to do so. Contract expires: Summer 2026 Sancho's future at Manchester United, given his struggles in the Premier League and the club's financial situation, is up in the air. The 25-year-old does not have the explosive pace over long distances to trouble defenders, while his end product has significantly suffered since his first spell at Borussia Dortmund. Advertisement Sancho still showed during his loan spell at Chelsea that he can be effective when games open up. There are teams that prefer an open style, as The Athletic detailed here, but his wages could be prohibitive, so a loan looks most likely. Contract expires: Summer 2027 Fati has received just 1,339 minutes of playing time across the last two seasons, including just 298 in 2024-25. Once considered the heir to Lionel Messi's throne, knee and hamstring injuries between 2020 and 2022 have stripped him of the speed and confidence he embodied in his early days with the first team. Fati's loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion showed glimpses of what the 22-year-old still has to offer, such as his one-touch passing. A confidence boost is necessary, though, and a mooted loan move to Monaco as reported by The Athletic this month might provide it. Contract expires: Summer 2028 The Sweden international will not come cheap as he still has three years left on the contract he signed when he moved to Portugal from Coventry City. Gyokeres has a €100m release clause. The expectation is that the Portuguese club would be prepared to accept a fee in the region of £60m to £70m. But with 68 league goals in 66 appearances for the Portuguese champions, as well as 17 assists, the appeal of signing him is obvious, and there will be no shortage of suitors. Contract expires: Summer 2025 The Canada striker boasts a record of comfortably better than a goal every two games during five seasons in Ligue 1 with Lille and has now announced he will leave the club this summer. He is a free agent, is still aged just 25 and has played more than 30 games in each of his five seasons in France, so ticks many boxes for clubs looking to bolster their forward ranks. What stands out most about David is his unpredictability, as he can shoot with either foot. Trying to pin him to one side in particular is a fruitless task for opposition defenders; he will pull the trigger no matter the situation. Contract expires: Summer 2029 Sesko has scored 27 Bundesliga goals since joining Leipzig in 2023, adding six more in the Champions League. His overall play, particularly in link-up and pressing, has gradually improved, while he enjoys physical duels and is keen to get on the ball and make things happen. Advertisement The 22-year-old's shooting can be wayward as he often opts for power over placement and looks to strike as soon as he sees an opening rather than waiting for the optimal opportunity. Sesko has plenty of potential and could be a game-changer, which explains the links with multiple top European clubs including Arsenal. Contract at Ipswich Town expired: Summer 2029 Twelve Premier League goals in your first full season for relegated Ipswich was always going to attract attention. Chelsea ultimately won a race many were involved in, activating his £30m release clause. Delap gives his former Manchester City under-23s coach Enzo Maresca a variety of options. The 22-year-old is skilled at running in behind, physical hold-up play and carrying the ball at pace while brushing off defenders. Most importantly, Delap is a true No 9 by instinct and knows where to be to finish attacks. Contract expires: Summer 2028 Ever since Arsenal tested the waters with Villa over the striker in January, it has been clear that the Midlands club might consider selling their most reliable goalscorer, with PSR concerns part of the equation. That means a sensible offer could help a club land an England international and a Premier League No 9 of proven quality. Contract expires: Summer 2026 After hitting 20 goals in two consecutive Serie A seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22, the Serbian has struggled to recapture that form in any of his three full seasons with Juventus. But he is still just 25 and his contract expires in a year, so clubs will fancy their chances of a cheap deal for a player with potential to score goals. Contract expires: Summer 2027 The young Frenchman only has two years remaining on his contract. But Frankfurt have so far maintained that Ekitike, who turns 23 this week, will not leave for less than their €100m asking price, albeit they are willing to be flexible around the structure of a deal. Nevertheless, high-class No 9s always command a premium, so there is unlikely to be a shortage of suitors. Contract expires: Summer 2028 Liverpool will listen to offers for Nunez. What are you getting if you buy him? Along with his sleeves of tattoos, he wears his heart on there, too. We know his shortcomings in front of goal, but for those looking for a powerful and pacy goal threat, then the Uruguayan could be it. Liverpool will be looking to recoup a significant amount of the €75m fee they paid Benfica for his services back in 2022. Advertisement Contract expires: Summer 2026 If you have watched Yoane Wissa play a single game for Brentford you will know exactly what he is about. He is a finisher. Last season, he scored 19 times in the league and the season before, he scored 12 times. It feels like he is on an upward trajectory and getting better with every passing season. He is a classic headache for defenders, and this makes Wissa a solid target for any top division club in Europe looking to add goals to their team. His contract is up next summer, so Brentford could look to cash in for the right price. Contract expires: Summer 2028 Emegha enjoyed a breakout season for Strasbourg, scoring 14 goals in 27 Ligue 1 matches. His channel running and positioning are designed to confuse defences, creating opportunities for himself and his team-mates. Within the box, he finished as well as anyone across Europe, with 0.28 expected goals per shot in the league. Given the search for quality strikers across Europe, the 22-year-old Emegha could be of interest. He is strong despite his lean frame and adept at hold-up play and in transition, making him a good fit in various attacking schemes. Contract expires: Summer 2028 When Manchester United signed Hojlund it felt like a shrewd move given his age, profile and talent, despite reservations over a total package worth up to €85m. But two seasons on it has not quite worked out as intended for the Danish striker in Manchester, where he has scored 26 goals in 95 appearances. The past couple of years will have been a test like no other for Hojlund, 22, whose talents may shine brighter away from Old Trafford. Contract expires: Summer 2026 Osimhen has abilities that teams covet in strikers. He creates shots out of nothing multiple times in a game, his right-footed finishes are explosive, and he is tremendous in the air. Within the box, the 26-year-old's close control is fabulous too. Advertisement The concerns around Osimhen are his injury record, though he played 41 matches for Galatasaray in 2023-24, the highest single-season tally in his senior career, which yielded 37 goals. His shot-heavy approach results in variance, but that is a gamble worth taking if teams can afford his wages and meet Napoli's asking price. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Galatasaray are looking to make his loan move permanent. (Photos: Getty Images; graphic: Eamonn Dalton)
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man City continue squad refresh with key signings and exit plans
Manchester City Show Their Strength With Nypan Signing and Transfer Strategy Manchester City's transfer activity this summer may have a calculated calmness about it, but it is far from quiet. The signing of Sverre Nypan, the highly-rated 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder, exemplifies the club's continued commitment to long-term vision as much as immediate success. City's approach, measured and purposeful, is a reminder that recruitment is not always about headlines but about foundations. Photo: IMAGO Nypan coup reflects City's global reach Nypan's move to Manchester City for £12.5 million is a significant statement. Not because of the fee, which is modest in the context of Premier League spending, but because of what it represents. Girona, part of the City Football Group, had been monitoring the teenager closely, but it was the flagship club that swooped decisively, ahead of Arsenal and Aston Villa, both of whom had attempted their own charm offensives earlier in the year. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement He is expected to head out on loan next season, most likely within the City Group's ecosystem, giving him time and space to develop. The long-term plan is clear: secure the best young talent early, nurture them through a stable, controlled development environment, and reap the benefits later. Early window efficiency breeds stability City's summer recruitment, much of it concluded before the Club World Cup, has been smart. Marcus Bettinelli, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki have all joined up with the squad in Miami. The latter two, as noted in The Athletic, spoke of helping to 'fill the void' left by Kevin De Bruyne, a notable absence in both creativity and leadership. Photo IMAGO Advertisement New director of football Hugo Viana has slotted in seamlessly, travelling with the squad to the US but still active in transfer planning. While the window remains open, there is a growing sense that City may not act again until after the Club World Cup unless the right opportunity arises. Right-back still under consideration One potential move still on the table is at right-back. With only Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis as makeshift options, the club has been linked with Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso and Flamengo's Wesley. However, as The Athletic notes, 'there are not a whole host of top-class players at that position on the market currently.' Photo IMAGO Advertisement City's situation is further complicated by their wealth of central defenders — seven, at last count — several of whom can slot into wider roles. That abundance makes further additions less urgent, though not entirely off the table. Some exits still expected Kyle Walker's return from Milan appears to be a short-lived one. At 35, he is not part of Guardiola's future plans, and a permanent exit is expected before his contract expires next summer. Photo IMAGO Jack Grealish's omission from the Club World Cup squad has raised questions. While the club may be open to offers, few suitors are likely to match the wages and fee required to prise him away. James McAtee, meanwhile, remains in limbo, having stayed with England's Under-21s instead of travelling. His future will become clearer post-tournament. Photo IMAGO Our View – EPL Index Analysis City's summer window is delivering exactly what one would expect from the previous Premier League champions — precision, vision and no unnecessary noise. Advertisement The Nypan signing is especially pleasing for City fans. This is not about a marquee splash, but about foresight. City are investing in the future while keeping the present well-stocked. The fact that Arsenal and Villa were beaten to the punch only reinforces the club's efficiency and the appeal of its developmental structure. Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders add flair and depth, and both appear to fit Guardiola's blueprint. Cherki, in particular, offers the versatility and dribbling that could unlock deep defences, especially with De Bruyne's absence. There are still decisions to be made. Grealish's status is intriguing, and Walker's future feels like the closing chapter of an era. But with Hugo Viana now steering the football strategy and the Club World Cup offering a platform for further evaluation, fans can feel confident. This isn't a club scrambling for relevance or throwing money for headlines. This is a club building deliberately, shaping a squad to last, and adding players with purpose.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
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Jack Grealish's ommission from Club World Cup was ‘best' for him and Manchester City, Pep Guardiola says
Pep Guardiola stated Jack Grealish was excluded from Manchester City's Club World Cup squad following honest discussions but claimed he could stay at City and return as the player who helped claim the treble. In 35 appearances for City last term Grealish made only 16 starts, with six of these in the league, the 29-year-old's drop in status underlined by him being an unused replacement in the 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace. Guardiola was asked why he left Grealish off City's bid to claim the inaugural 32-team cup, which begins against Wydad AC at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday at midday local time. Advertisement Related: Club World Cup is key for Guardiola as he plots Manchester City revival 'He had a conversation with the club and [we] decided [what was for] the best,' said Guardiola. 'Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn't play last season is of course my decision. We decide that he has to play. The club was honest, he was honest. Incredible love and respect [for him] and we decide the best is to stay [behind] and have a place [at home] that he can feel like he can come back to be the player like he was in the year of the treble or all his career in Aston Villa. 'Without him it would have been more difficult in the year of the treble [2022-2023]. The fact is in the last two seasons he didn't play much minutes. He has to come back to play and have the butterflies in his stomach that he can play every three days and show again the quality he has.' Guardiola was asked if this meant away from City. 'I don't know,' the Catalan said. 'Now we decide don't come here and what happens I don't know in the end. If we don't find [another solution], he's a player for Man City and he will be back.' Advertisement Last season City's captain, Kyle Walker, left on loan in January. Guardiola hinted this was one reason why he has decided a captaincy pool of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias for the tournament rather than letting the players vote on it as usual. 'For the first time in my career I decided it would be my captain – I didn't like what happened last season,' Guardiola said. 'Sometimes I want to be the boss, and this season I decided to do it, so I chose the four captains and at the end of the season, this [Club] World Cup, maybe we will choose one or two more.' He said Erling Haaland will one day be the captain: 'He's so young. But he has to learn what it means to be a captain because he will hopefully be here for many years and sooner or later he will take that position. 'When you have Bernardo, Rodri, Ruben and Gundogan he will learn. He's incredibly well respected. I have the feeling thinking for the future that he needs to learn what is best for the team. To put the team, your mates, in front of you. You have to ask what is best for the team. When you do that you never make a mistake.'
