Nottingham Forest now want to sign a “great” £8.5 million ace as a possible replacement for Anthony Elanga, according to a new report.

Newcastle still chasing Elanga 12 months on

During the 2024/25 season, Forest had many players step up and perform at a very high level on a consistent basis, with one of those players doing just that being Elanga. The Sweden international bagged five goals and registered nine assists in 36 Premier League games in his debut campaign with the club, but he found a new level last season, scoring six goals to go with 11 assists.

He was a big contributor to Forest reaching the Europa Conference League, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed, as teams from around the Premier League begin to circle – it was revealed last week that Newcastle United had made contact with the Reds over a possible deal for Elanga.

The Magpies were interested in a deal last summer, and now Eddie Howe has returned in the hope of getting his man this time around. Howe is said to be a big admirer of the winger and has made him his number one target this summer.

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However, they are not alone in their pursuit, as Arsenal have now joined the race to sign Elanga. Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed the Gunners are one of several sides interested in the Forest attacker ahead of the transfer window reopening next week.

The report adds that teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all been watching the Swedish international ‘closely’. Forest are determined to keep hold of Elanga, but have reportedly placed a £60 million price tag on his head.

Forest want to sign £8.5m Moro as possible Elanga replacement

The mounting interest in Elanga will have the board worried, and according to Spanish outlets, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing winger Raúl Moro from Real Valladolid.

The Spanish side suffered relegation from La Liga last season, but despite his team’s struggles, Moro had a breakout season, netting four times in 33 La Liga games. The report states his ‘impeccable’ form hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Forest as well as AFC Bournemouth keep a close eye on his situation.

The report states that no offers have arrived for the 22-year-old as of yet, and despite Valladolid suffering relegation, they have placed a €10 million asking price on the winger, which is roughly £8.5 million.

Apps

33

Starts

26

Goals

4

Shots per game

1.4

Assists

5

Touches

34.7

Big chances created

8

Key passes

1.3

Succ dribbles

1.7 (45%)

Ground duels won

2.9 (48%)

This isn’t the first time Moro, who has been dubbed “great” by scout Jacek Kulig, has been linked with a move to England. Back in December it was revealed that both Liverpool and Manchester City were interested in signing the former Spain under-21 international, but it remains unclear if they are both keeping an eye on his situation.

Arsenal are widely believed to have all but signed Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, amid credible reports that they’ve scheduled a medical for the Spain international, but the move appears to be a bit more complex.

Arsenal reportedly set to sign Martin Zubimendi after months of talks

The Mail first shared news of Arsenal’s talks for Zubimendi all the way back in January, following efforts from ex-directors Edu Gaspar and Jason Ayto to strike a pre-summer deal.

"True" – Fabrizio Romano backs reports as Arsenal target £126m striker

The north Londoners are in fact interested.

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Negotiations have been ongoing ever since, and trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano actually gave his famous ‘here we go’ to the deal way back on May 10.

Now, the BBC and other reliable media outlets share that Zubimendi is set for an imminent medical at Arsenal – strongly suggesting that the player will become Andrea Berta’s first signing as sporting director, bar a complete disaster.

However, Spanish media are beginning to state that his potential transfer isn’t quite so cut and dry.

News outlet Diario Vasco started by saying Zubimendi’s arrival could be delayed until July, mainly so Arsenal and Sociedad can register the transfer on their books as part of the next financial year, and not for 2024/2025.

COPE, meanwhile, claim to have contacted the midfielder’s entourage for clarity over his medical, and they apparently insist that one hasn’t been scheduled.

Zubimendi himself uploaded a photo of himself at Zurriola beach earlier this week too, which is in Spain’s Basque Country, suggesting he isn’t on a plane to London – at least for now.

Real Sociedad speaks out on Martin Zubimendi exit amid Arsenal claims

Speaking to El Desmarque, Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has now spoken out in regards to reports that Zubimendi is on the verge of joining Arsenal.

The La Liga chief heavily implied Zubimendi’s exit is by no means a done deal, and he sent a subtle message to the Spain star about remaining at his boyhood club.

“We’ve told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we’d like him to stay,” said Aperribay.

“We know there are several options. Something may come to fruition or not. I don’t see it happening in the short term. We don’t see it that way, so we have to wait and see.”

Given the sheer number of reliable media sources who’ve reiterated that Zubimendi appears set to become an Arsenal player, this statement from the Sociedad chief hints that Mikel Arteta’s side could still have work to do.

Zubimendi agreed to join Liverpool last summer before changing his mind at the last minute, so Gunners supporters will certainly be keeping this in mind before celebrating his capture.

Arteta will be praying that his signing does come to fruition, given Zubimendi’s glowing reputation and Arsenal’s need to replace the exit-bound Jorginho.

Akeal Hosein scythed through Uganda in a sublime opening spell, using his swinging seam-up delivery to devastating effect, plundering five wickets for 11 runs.That spell sent West Indies hurtling to a 134-run victory on a slow Providence deck. The seamers backed Hosein’s spell up, delivering some excellent wicket balls of their own. Together they sent Uganda crashing to 39 all out – the joint-lowest total in the T20 World Cup.Earlier, in difficult batting conditions, Johnson Charles struck 44 off 42, and Andre Russell cracked 30 not out off 17, as West Indies willed their way to 173 for 5.Uganda were doughty with the ball and, despite at least two missed chances, generally good in the field. Though several West Indies batters made starts, Uganda’s slow bowlers, in particular, found ways to peg them back.

Hosein wrecks Uganda’s top order

It was a spell of dreams. From the outset, it was clear that when Hosein chose to put revs into the ball, he would get good turn the first ball – a left-arm spinner’s stock ball – ragging past Roger Mukasa’s outside edge.But it was Hosein’s mastery of drift/swing and his impeccable control that gave him the most venom in this game. The next ball to Mukasa was a seam-up ball that curved in and struck the sweeping batter in front of middle and off. Next over, the ball that struck Alpesh Ramjani in front of middle had also moved in the air, late.Riazat Ali Shah, perhaps Uganda’s best batter, was beaten even more emphatically by the swinging seam-up ball, watching it crash into middle stump.Then in his last over – the seventh of the innings – Hosein dismissed Dinesh Nakrani and Kenneth Waiswa, the first bowled and the second another lbw, again using movement in the air before pitching. He left Uganda flailing at 23 for 7, all their batting resources spent, and with little hope of even surpassing the 58 they had made against Afghanistan last week – their previous lowest score.Rovman Powell was off the blocks quickly•Associated Press

Charles steadies West Indies in the early going

It’s not often you would describe a Charles innings as an anchor, but this is effectively what it was in this game. Though he struck some early fours through cover before working himself up to some six-hitting, he still only had 24 off 21 balls at the end of the powerplay.But his presence at the crease allowed other batters to play more aggressively, most in the West Indies top order just waiting for balls in their area to hit sixes off. Rovman Powell struck the biggest one of the day – his 107-metre monster down the ground off Frank Nsubuga’s bowling going over the top of one of the stands.

Russell and Rutherford finish strong

It says something about the nature of this surface, and also the tenacity of Uganda’s bowling, that West Indies did not manage a six after the 14th over. But Russell and Sherfane Rutherford still found ways to provide West Indies with that final burst. Russell did this most effectively in the final over, when he blasted Cosmas Kyewuta for two fours through point, then later found another couple of boundaries off the outside edge.All up, West Indies made 45 off the last four overs.

Only once before has a bowler bowled four maiden overs in a men’s T20I, Saad Bin Zafar of Canada, but never at the World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2024

Lockie Ferguson’s unbelievable figures at the end of his spell against Papua New Guinea•ICC/Getty Images

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has become the second bowler in T20Is and the first at a men’s T20 World Cup to bowl four maiden overs in a spell.On Monday, he finished with magical figures of 4-4-0-3 against Papua New Guinea in New Zealand’s last group-stage match in the T20 World Cup 2024. It’s also New Zealand’s last match in the tournament, as they were knocked out following losses to Afghanistan and West Indies.The only other bowler to have achieved the feat is Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar, who finished with 4-4-0-2 against Panama in a T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifier match in Coolidge in 2021.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Coming on to bowl in the fifth over after New Zealand opted to field in Tarouba after a rain delay, Ferguson had PNG captain Assad Vala caught at first slip off the very first ball he bowled. He kept the new batter, Sese Bau, quiet for the rest of the over, and came back in the seventh over to do the same, bowling six dots to Bau.He returned to bowl the 12th over and struck on the second ball, pinning Charles Amini in front for 17 with a length ball that stayed low – it was given not out, but was confirmed to be hitting the stumps after a review. Ferguson then got his third and final wicket off the second ball of his last over, the 14th of the innings, getting Chad Soper to edge one on to his stumps for 1. PNG got two runs off that over but those were leg-byes.”Obviously a tough wicket to bat on, so nice from my point of view to get on a wicket like that,” Ferguson, the Player of the Match, said on the official broadcast after the game. “There was some swing, which was nice today too.”The match started after a spell of rain, following which New Zealand restricted PNG to 78 in 19.4 overs.

With the 2024/25 domestic season now behind us following the Champions League final, a big talking point is the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Paris Saint-Germain produced a stunning display against Inter Milan with a 5-0 victory, the biggest margin in a European final, which has resulted in numerous of their stars being tipped to lift the famous individual honour later this year, with the ceremony scheduled to take place in Paris on 22 September 2025.

The next 10 Ballon d'Or winners predicted by AI

Who could win the Ballon d’Or across the next ten years?

By
Matt Dawson

May 31, 2025

However, Grok, the AI tool on X, has already predicted the top 10 standings for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and there is one surprise inclusion.

AI 2025 Ballon d’Or top 10 in pictures:

2025 Ballon d’Or top 10 predicted by AI
Rank	Player	Age	Club	Nation
1	Ousmane Dembele	27	PSG	France
2	Lamine Yamal	17	Barcelona	Spain
3	Raphinha	28	Barcelona	Brazil
4	Mohamed Salah	32	Liverpool	Egypt
5	Lautaro Martinez	27	Inter Milan	Argentina
6	Khvicha Kvaratskhelia	24	PSG	Georgia
7	Pedri	22	Barcelona	Spain
8	Kylian Mbappe	26	Real Madrid	France
9	Desire Doue	20	PSG	France
10	Gianluigi Donnarumma	26	PSG	Italy

10

Gianluigi Donnarumma

PSG and Italy

One of four Paris Saint-Germain players on the list is Gianluigi Donnarumma. In fact, the Italian is the only goalkeeper in AI’s top 10 list, so he could quite easily take home the Yashin Trophy for the best keeper in the world.

Donnarumma kept his 12th clean sheet of the season in Munich against Inter, helping PSG to a treble as well as the French Super Cup at the beginning of the year.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 24/25 stats
Games	54
Clean sheets	12
Trophies	4

9

Desire Doue

PSG and France

Someone who has really burst onto the scene in 2025 is Paris Saint-Germain winger Desire Doue, and he has deservedly snuck into AI’s top 10 prediction.

The 20-year-old was the star of the show in Munich, scoring two goals and getting an assist in the Champions League final. As a result of his impressive displays, he was named the 24/25 Champions League Young Player of the Season.

Desire Doue’s 24/25 stats
Games	54
Goals	15
Assists	16
Trophies	4

8

Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid and France

Despite not winning any major honours in his first season at the Bernabeu aside from the Super Cup, Kylian Mbappe still had a brilliant individual campaign with Real Madrid.

The French superstar actually scored more goals than any other Real Madrid player in their first season at the club (43), including two brilliant hat-tricks against Man City and Barcelona.

Kylian Mbappe’s 24/25 stats
Games	56
Goals	43
Assists	5
Trophies	1

7

Pedri

Barcelona and Spain

With Barcelona lifting the Supercopa de Espana, Copa del Rey and La Liga in the 24/25 season, there was always going to be some Catalan stars on the list.

Pedri has been key to Barca’s success, playing just shy of 60 games in all competitions. He was also dubbed “the best midfielder in the world” by Thiago Alcantara, and it looks as if he’ll soon be entering the prime years of his career.

Pedri’s 24/25 stats
Games	59
Goals	6
Assists	8
Trophies	3

6

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

PSG and Georgia

Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was a machine in 24/25, starring on the flank with his speed and skill. In the first half of the season, he impressed for Napoli before joining Paris Saint-Germain in January, and he’d go on to help the French giants to a treble, scoring in the Champions League final.

Napoli also won Serie A, meaning Kvaratskhelia became just the second player in history after Alvaro Odriozola to win two league titles and a treble in the same season.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s 24/25 stats
Games	44
Goals	12
Assists	9
Trophies	4

5

Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan and Argentina

Despite not winning any major honours in 24/25, Inter Milan did come close in the Champions League, Italian Super Cup and Serie A title race.

Captain Lautaro Martinez was influential for his side and led them to Munich, scoring nine goals in 14 European appearances. However, with Inter not lifting any silverware, it is surprising to still see the Argentine’s name rank so highly.

Lautaro Martinez’s 24/25 stats
Games	49
Goals	22
Assists	7

4

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool and Egypt

After setting a record for the most goals and assists in a 38-game Premier League season and lifting the title with Liverpool, Mohamed Salah was always going to be in AI’s top 10 list.

The winger also committed his future to the Reds in 24/25, but after exiting the Champions League to the hands of eventual winners PSG in the last 16, Salah’s wait for a Ballon d’Or could go on.

Mohamed Salah’s 24/25 stats
Games	52
Goals	34
Assists	23
Trophies	1

3

Raphinha

Barcelona and Brazil

Many thought Raphinha was in pole position to win the Ballon d’Or for large parts of the 24/25 season, however, Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final exit to Inter Milan may have dented his hopes.

The Brazilian still enjoyed a phenomenal campaign, which was actually the best of his career to date. In total, Raphinha contributed to 59 goals in 57 games, winning the Supercopa de Espana, Copa del Rey and La Liga.

Raphinha’s 24/25 stats
Games	57
Goals	34
Assists	25
Trophies	3

2

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona and Spain

On the other flank to Raphinha at Barcelona, Lamine Yamal continues to grow into a worldwide superstar at the age of 17. Interestingly, Yamal contributed to 16 fewer goals than Raphinha in 24/25 but is above him in AI’s predicted Ballon d’Or standings.

Cutting in from the right and scoring with his left has become a trademark move by the Spaniard, and it feels like a matter of time until the award is his. Yamal doesn’t lack belief, though, and has admitted he thinks he can win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Lamine Yamal’s 24/25 stats
Games	55
Goals	18
Assists	25
Trophies	3

1

Ousmane Dembele

PSG and France

Leading the way as AI’s predicted 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is Ousmane Dembele. The French winger helped Paris Saint-Germain to a treble as well as the French Super Cup. The Ligue 1 and Champions Legaue Player of the Season also enjoyed the best year of his career in the final third with 33 goals and 15 assists.

Talking after the Champions League final, PSG boss Luis Enrique backed his star winger to lift the award, saying: “Everyone is talking about the Ballon d’Or, but I would give it to Ousmane Dembele just because if we think about how he defended today, he showed just what he was made of.

“He was a leader, he was humble, he got back down [the pitch] and he defended, and I think that without a shadow of a doubt he deserves this, not only for the goals that he scored but also for the pressing that was seen. We’ve seen such a season from him, but he was exceptional in this final.”

Ousmane Dembele’s 24/25 stats
Games	49
Goals	33
Assists	15
Trophies	4

Newcastle United will be looking to recruit well this summer to give themselves the best chance of a strong 2025/26 campaign. The Magpies will be in the Champions League once again and will no doubt be hoping to turn themselves into top-four regulars in the Premier League.

One area in which Eddie Howe’s side might look to improve this summer is at centre-back. Just like they were in 2024, Newcastle have been linked with Marc Guehi, but Football Insider report they will face competition from Arsenal.

Either way, Howe seems intent on strengthening the existing centre-back options, which include the likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. Another target has recently come to fruition, for whom the Magpies could make a move.

Newcastle's latest centre-back target

It will be fascinating to see, not only whether Newcastle are successful in their pursuit of Guehi, but also whether he is the only centre-back who will sign this summer. They have certainly been linked with multiple players, and could make a move for another Premier League defender.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to a report from 3 Added Minutes, the North East giants have opened talks to sign Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

The report from Charlie Haffenden explains that Newcastle have ‘initiated talks with the player’s representatives’ ahead of a potential summer move.

Those at St James’ Park have ‘been keeping tabs on van Hecke’ this summer, but could still face competition from newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool.

As for a price, it was reported by Sussex World that the Dutchman ‘has a transfer guide price’ of at least £60m, but it could well be more.

Why Van Hecke would be a good signing

At 25 years of age, Van Hecke is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting centre-backs in the Premier League. This is perhaps highlighted best by the fact that he is a full international with the Netherlands.

Last season on the South Coast for Brighton, Van Hecke played a crucial role. He featured 34 times in the Premier League, missing three games due to a couple of separate, small injury issues and another with suspension.

As well as grabbing a goal and assist last term, he helped Fabian Hurzeler’s side keep eight clean sheets in the Premier League, featuring for all but one of those games across all 90 minutes. He is a pivotal figure at the back and could perhaps now be considered the leader of the backline at the AMEX Stadium.

If the Magpies were to sign Van Hecke this summer, he could act as a direct replacement, and an upgrade, for Blyth-born centre-back Burn. The England international is a well-loved figure at St James’ Park, but is now 33 years of age.

With that being said, the defender, who also moved to St James’ Park from Brighton, played in 37 games in the Premier League last season. He also scored a pivotal second goal in the Carabao Cup final.

However, to preserve his future in a Magpies shirt, and add an upgrade at the back ahead of the Champions League and top four push, signing Van Hecke would certainly be a smart move. He was described as an “outstanding” player by Pete Davey, a Newcastle content creator.

Indeed, that is a word that can be used to describe Van Hecke’s underlying stats on FBref, which are far better than Burn’s. The Dutchman is a superb progressive passer, which is his standout attribute.

Last season in the Premier League, he averaged 6.93 progressive passes and 3.98 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. In comparison, Newcastle’s number 33 averaged 2.03 progressive passes and 2.78 ball recoveries each game.

Van Hecke and Burn key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Van Hecke

Burn

Progressive passes

6.93

2.03

Passes into final third

6.87

1.35

Blocks

1.12

0.97

Tackles and interceptions

2.1

1.78

Ball recoveries

3.98

2.78

Stats from FBref

As the numbers showcase, Van Hecke would be a huge upgrade on Burn for a number of reasons. Not only is he a sensational passer of the ball, but defensively, he has very few weaknesses, particularly with the way he reads the game.

Burn is an icon of Newcastle United, but is not getting any younger, and the chance to improve their defence by signing Van Hecke might be too good to pass up for Howe.

Related Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star

Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer

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Liverpool are in a ruthless mood this summer and after welcoming Florian Wirtz for a British-record fee, Richard Hughes is reportedly set for talks to sell one of Arne Slot’s star and has already contacted his potential replacement.

Liverpool not done after record Wirtz deal

Unlike in the past, Liverpool are not just sitting back and admiring their silverware. They’re gunning for more. Jeremie Frimpong arrived first to replace Trent Alexander-Anrold, but the biggest headlines were still to come as Wirtz followed his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate to Anfield in a British-record £116m deal.

The German is ready to take the Premier League by storm too, telling Liverpool’s official media channels: “I’m really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.

“I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best. I spoke also with some players who played there and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”

Even after Wirtz, however, Liverpool are not done there. It has been a summer full of business for Richard Hughes, who is making up for lost time following a quiet debut year in Merseyside. Up next looks set to be Milos Kerkez, whilst reported talks to sell one star man could lead to another big-money incoming.

Liverpool set to hold talks to sell Nunez

According to Fabrizio Romano, reporting on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool are set to hold talks with Napoli next week over the sale of Darwin Nunez. The Italian club reportedly see the forward as their dream target and are now looking to learn more about the details of a potential move.

The sale of the struggling forward could be good news for those in Merseyside, who have reportedly already contacted Hugo Ekitike over a deal to replace Nunez this summer.

Liverpool hold talks to sign "fantastic" star loved by Jordan Henderson

The Reds are making more moves on the market.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 21, 2025

When speaking about the Frenchman, Romano recently told the Market Madness Podcast: “Well, I think for Ekitike this could be a possibility to go to Liverpool, because there were calls from Chelsea two weeks ago. Man United, in recent days, also made contact with the agents to understand the situation.

“But for Liverpool, this is also a possibility. Liverpool also spoke to the agents. Also, Liverpool considered Ekitike an interesting opportunity. And so that’s the name I would keep in their shortlist.”

Minutes

2,563

1,133

Goals

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5

Assists

8

2

Expected Goals

21.6

5.8

As the numbers show, Liverpool would once again be landing an instant upgrade this summer to continue what is likely to go down as their best-ever transfer window, even if the Frenchman could cost £85m.

The incident took place when Southee was walking back after being dismissed for a first-ball duck against West Indies

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Jun-2024Tim Southee has been handed an official reprimand for smashing a hand-sanitiser dispenser, which breached the ICC’s code of conduct that doesn’t take too kindly to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match”.This was during the West Indies vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2024 match in Tarouba on June 12. Dismissed by Alzarri Joseph for a first-ball duck in the 18th over of New Zealand’s chase, Southee smashed the dispenser on his way back to the dressing room. He was reprimanded officially for his troubles and had one demerit point added to his disciplinary record – it was the first offence in a 24-month period.For the record, when a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned; two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player. The demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for a period of two years from their imposition, following which they are expunged.Related

Pakistan knocked out of T20 World Cup 2024 in first round

New Zealand's decade of excellence unravels in a hurry

It wasn’t a happy day for Southee or New Zealand – it hasn’t been a happy time for them at the World Cup on the whole – as they went down by 13 runs for their second loss in a row. With West Indies and Afghanistan getting to three wins and qualifying for the Super Eight stage from that group – Group C – New Zealand had a rare ICC event where they didn’t make the Super Eight stage.Their campaign isn’t over, though. They still have games against Uganda and Papua New Guinea to come, but wins there can only lift them to third place in the group.Southee returned 2 for 21 in that game, his first at the tournament after he sat out the opening loss to Afghanistan.

Sunderland are in the mix to complete the signing of one of Europe’s most sought-after young players, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Sunderland to use Bellingham money for new signings

The Black Cats have been dealt the rather predictable blow of losing Jobe Bellingham this summer, with the teenager off to Borussia Dortmund, copying the career path of his brother, Jude Bellingham.

While not having the midfielder in their ranks in the Premier League next season is a big blow, Sunderland will at least receive around £30m+ for him, which can be spent on new signings who can aid Regis Le Bris’ side’s battling to avoid a speedy return to the Championship.

Manchester City youngster Charlie Gray has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Bellingham ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the 19-year-old struggling with opportunities at the Etihad. He is predominantly a defensive midfielder, but he can take up more attacking roles, too.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham has been linked with a return to the Stadium of Light this summer, with the 27-year-old now an experienced head who should still remain at his peak for the foreseeable future.

Sunderland battling Newcastle for young star

According to On The Minute, Sunderland have joined the race to sign Djurgarden defender Keita Kosugi in the summer window, with rivals Newcastle also among those in the mix to snap him up for around £8m.

The report says that the 19-year-old is considered “one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe”, highlighting his potential, and the Black Cats are trying to snap him up, along with Nottingham Forest, Celtic, Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta.

Kosugi may not yet be known to British football fans, but his long-term potential makes him such an exciting option for Sunderland, who need to find the right blend of youth and experience when the new Premier League campaign gets underway in August.

The teenage left-back won 10 caps for Japan’s Under-17s during his younger days, and he has already made 45 appearances for Djurgarden, scoring five goals and registering two assists in that time. Meanwhile, video scout Elijah Michiels has described him as “excellent”.

Kosugi can come in and provide competition for Dennis Cirkin at left-back straight away, starting off as a squad player who hopefully matures into a key man as time passes.

He is already more experienced than his age arguably suggests, coming up against Chelsea in the semi-finals of UEFA Europa Conference League, and if he reaches his possible ceiling, Sunderland could have an absolute gem of a signing on their hands.

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Le Bris has shown faith in youth already, from Bellingham to Chris Rigg, and if he believes Kosugi is good enough to feature regularly from the off, he should be trusted.

No Manchester United supporter could’ve envisaged the impact Bruno Fernandes would’ve had at the club after his £47m move from Sporting CP back in January 2020.

The Portuguese international has exceeded all expectations over the last five and a half years, helping the Red Devils claim multiple trophies in such a period.

He’s registered 98 goals and 83 assists in his 290 appearances at Old Trafford, averaging a goal contribution every 1.6 matches he’s appeared in, a truly staggering record for a midfielder.

Fernandes has no doubt been their shining light over recent seasons, managing to register 37 goals and assists this campaign, despite the club finishing in a measly 15th place in the Premier League.

He will want to push the side back up the table next season, but if he is to have any chance of doing so, it’s vital the board back Ruben Amorim in the transfer market this summer.

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

Hugo Ekitiké has become the main target within the final third over the last couple of days, after it became apparent that Viktor Gyokeres preferred a move to Arsenal over United.

He’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo advancing after the club agreed personal terms with the Cameroonian international.

However, other areas of the pitch have also been of keen interest, with Amorim’s side making progress on a deal to land Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Argentine international is now keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, after the hierarchy made preliminary contacts with his agents in recent days.

It also states that Unai Emery’s side need to sell players to avoid a breach of the division’s PSR rules, which could see them demand a fee in the region of £40m this window.

Why Martinez would be United’s best signing since Bruno

The hierarchy at United have constantly tried to inject quality into the side during recent seasons, as seen with their £70m deal to land Casemiro from Real Madrid back in 2022.

The Brazilian has won five Champions League titles during his professional career, but has been unable to add to such a tally, often being an inconstant figure at the heart of the side.

He’s made 125 appearances for the Red Devils, but has often had to resort to minutes off the bench in recent times, starting just 18 league outings this campaign.

Matthijs de Ligt is another player with elite level experience in Europe’s top five leagues, but like Casemiro, has struggled in England, with injuries massively halting his progress under Amorim.

Both players have the pedigree, but their lack of experience in the Premier League before joining have seen them take time to adapt in order to make the desired impact.

The same can’t be said for shot-stopper Martinez, with the 32-year-old pretty much spending his entire career in the British Isles and starring for various different sides.

His figures from his 2024/25 campaign are evidence of the talent he possesses, offering Amorim that world-class goalkeeper he desires amid Andre Onana’s constant disappointment.

Games played

37

34

Goals conceded

1.2

1.3

Saves made

4

3.7

Save percentage

70%

68%

Pass accuracy

78%

72%

Long pass accuracy

49%

36%

Penalty save percentage

50%

25%

Crosses claimed

1.6

0.6

He’s massively outperformed the Cameroonian in countless key areas, including fewer mistakes leading to goals and a higher pass completion rate, offering the side the option to play out from the back should they need it.

Martinez has also starred at international level, winning the World Cup back in 2022, producing a miraculous save from Randal Kolo-Muani in the closing stages – forever writing himself into Argentina history.

He was named FIFA’s best men’s goalkeeper back in 2024, winning the award for the second time in his career, demonstrating the elite level he’s been performing at for the last couple of seasons.

£40m for such a player would prove to be sensational business, offering an immediate improvement on the current goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford.

If he can replicate the performances produced by Fernandes over recent seasons, he would be worth every penny, pushing the club one step closer to returning to their former glory under Amorim.

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