Chelsea wanted to sign a new centre-back in the summer transfer window and were actively exploring options, following Levi Colwill’s disastrous ACL injury which is expected to keep him out for a large portion of 2025/2026.
Enzo Maresca even publicly asked the club to bring in a new central defender, and they were actively pursuing a deal for Dean Huijsen before the Spaniard ultimately opted for Real Madrid.
While the Italian later backtracked on this message, claiming an internal solution was the only option, it is crystal clear from Maresca’s statement there that he’s not happy with Chelsea’s current defensive options.
Colwill’s injury has left them light in that area, with Wesley Fofana also having struggled for consistent fitness since his £70 million move from Leicester City three years ago.
Joao Pedro
Noni Madueke
Jamie Gittens
João Félix
Jorrel Hato
Djordje Petrovic
Liam Delap
Lesley Ugochukwu
Dario Essugo
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Mamadou Sarr
Renato Veiga
Estevao
Armando Broja
Kendry Paez
Carney Chukwuemeka
Alejandro Garnacho
Mathis Amougou
Basir Humphreys
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Marcus Bettinelli
Christopher Nkunku
Nicolas Jackson (obligation to buy in 2026)
Alfie Gilchrist
Lucas Bergstrom
Ben Chilwell
Axel Disasi is part of the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ with Raheem Sterling, and while Benoit Badiashile has returned to first-team training this week, it is unclear how ready he is to feature for Maresca.
Summer signing Jorrel Hato can play centre-back but is primarily viewed as a left-back and alternative to Marc Cucurella, leaving little wonder why Maresca was so keen on another option to bolster the heart of his defence.
With the UK window closing on September 1, this could still be on the agenda for 2026, with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that they’re big fans of Club Brugge starlet Joel Ordonez.
Chelsea send officials on midweek mission with Joel Ordonez set to leave Brugge
Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey states that Chelsea scouts were sent to run the rule over Ordonez during Ecuador’s 1-0 win over Argentina on Wednesday.
Enner Valencia scored the only game of the game as both Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Otamendi were sent off during a tense affair, but Ordonez managed to help Ecuador keep a clean sheet against the world champions.
The 21-year-old, according to reports, is valued at around £40 million by Brugge, and Bailey says that Ordonez is “almost certain” to leave in 2026 amid interest from Chelsea.
Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in the “huge talent”, with his mooted summer move to Marseille falling through. It could only be a matter of time before he’s plying his trade in the Premier League, and Ordonez ticks nearly every box.
It’s no surprise to see Manchester United working tirelessly in the summer transfer window, especially after the dismal 2024/25 campaign which saw them break records for all the wrong reasons.
The Red Devils registered their lowest-ever Premier League finish since the division’s formation, notching just 42 points in their 38 matches – achieving another club-low tally.
Ruben Amorim will desperately be wanting added reinforcements to his first-team squad, needing strength and depth in numerous key areas if he is to be a success at Old Trafford.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
The 40-year-old’s time in the role has failed to take off, unable to transform the situation after taking the reins from Erik ten Hag following his dismissal back in November.
With the window now fully underway, countless names have already been mentioned, with work needing to be made in the next few weeks to get the additions through the door.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions
Ollie Watkins has been a name massively linked with a move to United this window, with the 29-year-old costing a fee in the region of £60m during the off-season.
A move would hand Amorim the centre-forward he desires, potentially being a key talisman given his record of 17 goals across all competitions for Aston Villa last season.
However, another name that has been constantly touted with a move to Old Trafford is Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, with a deal edging ever closer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
He claims that the Red Devils are advancing talks to land the 25-year-old’s signature this summer, with a transfer expected to be completed by the end of next week.
The journalist also states that despite the delay, the Cameroonian only wants a move to the Theatre of Dreams, but his £65m asking price will need to be met for any agreement.
Why United’s £65m target would be a better signing than Watkins
There’s no denying that Watkins would be an excellent option for United this summer, with his goalscoring prowess in the Premier League crucial in the club’s hunt for success.
The Englishman has registered 75 top-flight goals for Unai Emery’s side, breaking the record and being their highest-ever goalscorer in the competition.
However, as previously mentioned, he would cost a pretty penny, as is expected from a striker in England, with talismen in this country always commanding a higher price tag.
There’s no denying his goalscoring ability, but at 29, he’s undoubtedly coming into the back end of his career at the top level, with no resale value coming from their big-money investment.
As a result, Mbeumo would be a better option for the Red Devils this window, offering a more expensive option, but younger and more impactful given his form in recent times.
When comparing his stats to those of Watkins from the 2024/25 campaign, he’s managed to massively outperform him in numerous key areas, subsequently demonstrating the talent he possesses.
Mbeumo, who has been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered more combined goals and assists, along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – handing the United side the added threat they’ve been lacking in front of goal.
Games played
38
38
Goals & assists
27
24
Shot on target accuracy
44%
43%
Progressive carries
3.4
1.9
Progressive passes
3.7
1.1
Key passes made
1.9
0.8
Take-on success
47%
24%
Carries into final third
1.8
0.7
He also registered a higher tally of progressive passes and key passes per 90, potentially having the tools to offer other attackers the chance to improve their own tallies.
The Brentford star has further impressed by notching a higher take-on success rate, whilst making more carries into the final third – having the ability to thrive with the ball at his feet.
Whilst £65m may appear to be a hefty sum, it’s one that would hand the side an added threat, whilst offering a better option than fellow transfer target Watkins.
If he can replicate his form at Old Trafford, Mbeumo will certainly be a key addition, with the club hopefully finally landing their man given their long-standing pursuit of the attacker.
Biggest deal since Ronaldo: Wilcox plotting Man Utd move for £70m striker
Manchester United could be about to make a huge move in the transfer market this week.
It’s nearly a month now until West Bromwich Albion gets their brand-new Championship campaign underway.
At this stage, Ryan Mason might well be a little nervous about his squad heading into the hustle and bustle of the second tier, with Nathaniel Phillips the only signing he’s managed to add to his camp since taking on the managerial reins.
Coventry City’s Tatsuhiro Sakamoto in action with Derby County’s Ebou Adams andNathanielPhillips
Between now and Blackburn Rovers coming to the Hawthorns on the 9th of August, expect the Baggies to be very busy refining their squad, as an intriguing signing edges ever closer to relocating to the Hawthorns to join Phillips.
West Brom's transfer latest
Indeed, after uncovering a gem from Scandinavia in the form of Torbjørn Heggem last summer, the Baggies are now closing in on the signing of another potential Nordic diamond in Aune Heggebø.
Netting a bumper 51 goals from 146 clashes for Brann, this is a pick-up that will pique the curiosity of West Brom supporters far and wide, with Heggebø capable of offering Josh Maja plenty of competition down the line in the attacking positions if he can show off his goalscoring prowess in England.
Midfield competition could also come, too, by landing the signature of Preston North End star Ali McCann, with journalist Alan Nixon revealing recently that West Brom are interested in securing the Lilywhites midfielder’s services.
There is a hurdle for the Baggies to overcome here – with McCann reportedly closer to penning a new deal at Deepdale over leaving the club – but he could well be West Brom’s next version of Chris Brunt if a move does suddenly accelerate into motion, with McCann a versatile, tough, yet goal-and-assist heavy option centrally much like the adored Brunt once was.
How McCann could be West Brom's next Brunt
Of course, the most obvious similarity hasn’t been shared yet, with both the 25-year-old and the retired Baggies legend sharing the same national allegiance to Northern Ireland.
But, there is far more than just their geography that glues them together, with McCann able to boast an impressive 11 goals and eight assists from 242 career games, 119 of which have come about in the demanding division of the Championship.
His now 40-year-old counterpart is equally well-versed in what it takes to be a consistent performer at such a gruelling level, with the ex-Baggies number 11 going on to amass 214 career Championship games, a total which McCann will surely hit either for Preston or when moving on.
Brunt does have far heftier numbers in the goal and assists department when comparing side-by-side with the ex-St Johnstone midfielder, with a stunning 73 of his overall 132 goal contributions at Hawthorns coming in the second tier, but McCann will hope he can elevate his game further in his new surroundings as an option Mason can rely upon in several different positions in the middle of the park.
CM
120
9
4
DM
60
1
2
AM
22
1
1
RM
5
0
0
LM
2
0
0
SS
1
0
0
Whilst still in his prime in the West Midlands, Brunt would gain a notorious reputation for being an adaptable presence for his beloved Baggies, with the Belfast-born icon even lining up as a makeshift centre-forward on one occasion, away from slotting into the team in a hefty eight different positions.
As can be seen looking at the table above, the new Baggies target also possesses that same adjustable nature for his side’s cause, with McCann further unafraid to slot into an XI in the striker spot if needed, much like Brunt before him.
McCann was once hailed as “phenomenal” by his former St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson, with Mason more than welcoming this as his next buy after Heggebø, safe in the knowledge that McCann knows the EFL’s elite league inside and out.
On top of that, if all goes to plan, the 25-year-old might well be West Brom’s next dependable hero, much like Brunt, especially if a promotion is triumphantly won during his debut campaign.
West Brom could sign "phenomenal" attacker who'd be better than Kelman
West Bromwich Albion could now sign this phenomenal attacker who is even more exciting than Charlie Kelman.
The supporters of Tottenham Hotspur will undoubtedly have a sense of excitement building among the fanbase, as they start a new era in the 2025/26 campaign.
Thomas Frank is set to lead the side in North London, hoping to build on the Europa League triumph they achieved at the end of the previous season.
Many may have seen the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou as harsh given the European success, but his side’s lack of quality in the Premier League led to his departure.
The Dane will be looking to avoid suffering a similar fate, needing to strike a balance between success in the league whilst also being competitive in the Champions League.
However, if the new boss is to be a success during his maiden campaign in the role, he will undoubtedly need backing from the hierarchy within the transfer window.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
In the last couple of days, Spurs have made their opening offer to West Ham United for the potential signing of talented forward Mohammed Kudus – but their bid was immediately rejected.
However, they’re set to make another offer in the coming days, with the new boss wanting to accelerate a deal for the Ghanaian attacker this window.
Despite the move for the 24-year-old, another Premier League forward has emerged on their shortlist in recent days in Rodrigo Muniz, according to Brazilian outlet BolaVIP.
They claim that a £32m bid has been made for the Fulham striker after he scored eight times in England’s top flight throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
It also states that the Lilywhites will face stiff competition from Leeds United, after the newly promoted side made an offer for his services earlier this window.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Haaland
Erling Haaland is a player who’s constantly tormented countless backlines within the Premier League, scoring endless goals for Manchester City over the last few years.
Manchester City's ErlingHaalandduring the warm up before the match
The Norwegian moved to the Etihad back in the summer of 2022 and has since scored 124 times in his 146 appearances – a simply staggering record in the modern day.
He’s registered four goals in his six appearances against the Lilywhites, often causing the club countless issues, with the fanbase undoubtedly wishing they had their own version of the forward.
However, talents like Haaland don’t come around very often, and if they do, they will likely cost a small fortune – especially given the money in the current climate.
They could be about to land their own version of the talisman with Muniz this summer, with the Brazilian labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref.
Whilst he’s undoubtedly been massively outscored throughout 2024/25, he’s managed to outperform Haaland in numerous key areas, showcasing what an excellent addition he’d be to Frank’s side this summer.
Muniz, who’s been labelled as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian, has registered a better goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.
Games played
31
31
Goals & assists
9
25
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Passes into final third
1.2
0.3
Progressive passes
2.5
0.6
Take-ons completed
0.9
0.4
Fouls won
2.9
0.4
Aerials won
6.3
1.8
He’s also registered more progressive passes per 90, with more passes completed into the final third, having the ability to provide others around him with chances in attacking areas.
The Fulham star has also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels, offering Frank an all-round option at the top end of the pitch that he will likely desire.
It’s unclear if Marco Silva’s side will accept the latest offer for Muniz’s signature, but it’s evident that, from the stats produced, he would be an excellent option for Spurs.
If he can replicate the levels produced by Haaland over the last couple of seasons, it would be a superb signing and one that could catapult the club up the table next campaign.
Better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs make enquiry for "world-class" £20m star
Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time making moves within the summer transfer market.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has identified a priority position to strengthen this summer, according to a recent report, with the Lilywhites also growing increasingly confident they can land a key target.
Tottenham target new winger amid Son Heung-min uncertainty
A plethora of reports in the last fortnight have indicated that a new winger sits top of Frank, chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange’s summer to-do list as they prepare for Spurs’ first campaign back in the Champions League for two years.
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Tottenham have been boosted in their summer recruitment drive by winning the Europa League last month and subsequently sealing a place in Europe’s most elite competition next term, but they may not have it all of their own way.
The Lilywhites’ shortlist of potential wide targets includes West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, Man City outcast Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, but all these names will command huge fees.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
West Ham want £65 million for Kudus amid Tottenham’s interest, while Grealish’s £300,000-per-week salary proves a major roadblock for any potential suitor, including Frank’s side, who’d have to shatter their salary structure.
Semenyo’s price tag is set at around £70 million, with Bournemouth unlikely to be keen on losing yet another star player. Dibling, meanwhile, could also cost around £51 million, despite Southampton’s relegation to the Championship.
Mbeumo is being targeted by Man United as well, and although Spurs have held initial talks, it is believed that the Red Devils are attempting to strike a deal with Brentford by submitting a new and improved £60 million bid.
The need for another wide man is exemplified by Son Heung-min’s uncertain future, with reports suggesting the South Korean could move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Signing a proven Son replacement won’t be easy, or cheap, and Tottenham may well turn to cheaper options abroad, like the £25 million-rated Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen, who Frank reportedly rates quite highly.
However, if the north Londoners want to make a statement attacking signing, then they can look no further than Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
Tottenham convinced Eberechi Eze would be keen to join Spurs
As per The Mirror and journalist John Cross, Tottenham are getting “encouraging noises” about the England international’s stance on making the move across London to N17.
The Lilywhites are apparently convinced that Eze would be keen to join Spurs as a result, and Palace would be powerless to stop it if Levy opts to trigger his £68 million release clause.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
The Mirror reiterates that Frank is prioritising a new wide player amid the very real prospect of losing Son, and Eze’s £100,000-per-week wages potentially make this transfer doable in terms of salary, unlike other reported targets like Grealish.
The 26-year-old bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last term, with one of his strikes coming in a 1-0 FA Cup final win over Man City which ended Palace’s history-long wait for a piece of major silverware.
Able to play out wide and through the middle as a CAM, there is little denying he’d be a truly excellent addition for Frank.
West Ham United find themselves in the hunt for new attacking options and could look to steal a march on Everton to land a striking target, according to a report.
West Ham look to bring attacking flair to the London Stadium
The Hammers struggled for goals last term and weren’t helped by Michail Antonio’s unfortunate injury struggles, while Niclas Fullkrug and Evan Ferguson weren’t able to deliver often enough in his absence. Danny Ings has also left under freedom of contract.
Addressing potential targets, former manager Martin Allen believes Aleksandar Mitrovic would be an upgrade on West Ham’s current striking options if they are to push forward in a bid to sign the Serbia international from Al-Hilal.
He explained: “West Ham certainly need somebody up front. Mitrovic was at Fulham and did so well there. Can West Ham afford £40m for him? I’m not sure they can. Would he fit into their team and do well? I personally think he would, he’d be an improvement on what they’ve got.”
West Ham are reportedly keen on adding Mitrovic to their forward line, even if his former club Fulham and the might of Manchester United stand in the way, though he is far from the only name linked with a move to the London Stadium.
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Tammy Abraham could move to the Hammers after a frustrating loan spell at AC Milan, albeit that would depend on whether parent club AS Roma feel now is the right time to let the England international return to more familiar surroundings.
Speculation is beginning to mount with the window now open and West Ham are looking to brush Everton aside in the race for a talented young forward, per recent developments.
West Ham hold talks to beat Everton to Adama Bojang signature
According to The Express, West Ham are eyeing a move for Gambian striker Adama Bojang, who spent the entirety of last campaign on loan at Grasshoppers Zurich from Stade de Reims.
Coming in with a return of six goals and two assists in 27 appearances across all competitions, he has previously attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City before settling on a £3m move to France.
Adama Bojang in 2024/25 – Swiss Super League (Fotmob)
Shots
41
Shots on target
21
Chances created
13
Completed dribbles
14
Touches in opposition penalty area
93
Labelled “The Gambian Hurricane” as his rise to prominence continues, Everton and Brentford are also interested in his services, but the Hammers hold a key advantage after initiating talks over a potential deal.
Reims are hesitant to let him depart. Nevertheless, their relegation to the second-tier could mean they have to sell players to balance the books.
Bojang is unlikely to be a first-team starter straight away, though any notion of an agreement could see West Ham bring down the age of their strikeforce further after they brought in Daniel Cummings from Celtic to kickstart their summer business.
Public disputes with players have become the norm for Manchester United managers in recent times, stretching back to Jose Mourinho’s falling out with Paul Pogba, to Erik ten Hag’s exile of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Marcus Rashford, too, was also something of an issue during the Dutchman’s final full campaign, having notably been forced to sit out the FA Cup trip to Newport County following a night out in Belfast.
That has since been followed by the breakdown of the Englishman’s relationship with Ruben Amorim, with the 27-year-old having not been seen in a United shirt since being left out of the Manchester Derby in early December, alongside Alejandro Garnacho.
Despite working his way back into favour since then, the young Garnacho looks destined to follow a similar path to his senior colleague, with Amorim reportedly telling the 20-year-old – in front of his teammates – to find a new club, following the Europa League final.
While that decision may prove to be one that United regret if the Argentine goes on to shine elsewhere, the former Sporting CP coach is rightly showing a zero tolerance attitude with regard to any player who is trying to rock the boat.
Alejandro Garnacho
With a price tag of £60-£70m mooted, the mercurial winger is almost certain to leave this summer – as noted by Fabrizio Romano – with a replacement perhaps already being lined up.
Man Utd's search for a forward
It’s no real secret that the top end of the pitch is Amorim’s priority this summer, with Matheus Cunha already in the door, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo seemingly set to follow, should a deal be agreed.
With the likes of Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony all expected to be on their way, however, alongside Garnacho, further firepower is surely still needed – not least with Rasmus Hojlund also the subject of interest from Inter Milan.
With that in mind, reports in Spain have indicated that United could be ready to battle Bayern Munich for the ambitious signing of AC Milan star, Rafael Leao, with the Portuguese international seeking an exit from the San Siro.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The suggestion is that both the Red Devils and the Bundesliga champions have already begun talks over a potential move for the 25-year-old, with the player said to be a ‘priority target’ for the Old Trafford side.
A potential sticking point could be the asking price, however, with the Serie A outfit likely to demand in the region of €100m (£84m), with three years left to run on his existing deal.
AC Milan's RafaelLeao
The former Lille man – who has also courted interest from Chelsea, reportedly – will certainly not come cheap, although he could represent the perfect upgrade as far as Amorim’s attacking options go.
How Leao compares to Garnacho
A man with Sporting CP connections – like Amorim, Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes – Leao rose through the youth ranks in Lisbon, prior to sealing a switch to France in the summer of 2018.
Following just a solitary season in Lille, however, the 6 foot 2 sensation has since spent the last six years in Italy, racking up 132 goals and assists in 260 games for his current side to date.
While typically a winger by trade, Leao’s flexibility to feature centrally could ensure he proves a particularly valuable option for Amorim, with the wantaway star comfortable operating in any of the forward roles in the 40-year-old’s 3-4-3 system.
AC Milan's Rafael Leao in action with Feyenoord'sGivairoRead
Such adaptability is beautifully merged with the forward’s mesmeric ability, particularly as a ball-carrier, with Portugal boss Roberto Martinez hailing him as “one of the best players in the world in exploiting spaces and in one-on-one duels”.
That is evidenced by the fact that he notably ranks in the top 5% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, with the lively Garnacho, for instance, ranking in just the bottom 30% in that regard.
Games (starts)
36 (23)
34 (25)
Goals
6
8
Goal conversion
7%
12%
Big chances missed
14
8
Assists
2
8
Big chances created
4
10
Key passes*
1.0
1.7
Pass accuracy*
83%
77%
Successful dribbles*
0.7
1.7
Total duels won*
38%
50%
As showcased above too, it is Leao who also comes out on top across a string of other metrics, having notably missed just eight ‘big chances’ in Italy last season, while Garnacho missed 14 in the Premier League.
Equally, the Milan man also racked up 25 goals and assists in all competitions in 24/25, placing him ahead of Garnacho’s own return of 21 goal involvements across all fronts back in Manchester.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho
While Leao does boast the benefit of being five years older than his attacking counterpart, his remarkable consistency has seen him rack up ten assists in each of the last four Serie A campaigns, scoring a total of 43 league goals in that time.
Garnacho could get to that level eventually, although with United in desperate need of instant improvement, the Portuguese speedster could represent the ideal upgrade that Amorim is in need of.
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Manchester United can forget about Bryan Mbeumo with a move for another attacking star.
With the summer transfer window set to open on the 1st of June, it is clear that Chelsea are going to sign a striker. The Blues, who face Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday, are strongly linked with several new names who could lead the line for them.
A recent report from Kieran Gill for The Mail named some of the striker targets the Blues are chasing this summer. They include Eintracht Frankfurt youngster Hugo Ekitike, also wanted by Liverpool, and fellow Bundesliga striker Benjamin Sesko, currently playing for RB Leipzig.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
However, there is another man the West Londoners are interested in, for whom they are thought to be leading the race to sign.
Chelsea’s main striker target
It will be fascinating to see who the Blues pursue this summer, with regards to their centre-forward targets. Of course, they seem to be strong contenders to sign Ekitike and Sesko, but they are arguably not their preferred choice.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Well, according to a report from Chris Wheeler of The Mail, Chelsea are currently the favourites to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The Blues have ‘edged ahead’ in the race in recent days, perhaps swung by their Champions League qualification, which was confirmed on Sunday.
This has been corroborated by journalist Graeme Bailey, with the transfer insider outlining that the Blues are now ‘confident’ that they will beat Manchester United in the battle for his signature, having already held ‘fresh talks’ with the player.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
Any deal for the in-demand striker would cost in the region of £30m, owing to a relegation release clause in his contract at Portman Road.
Why Delap would be a good signing
Few players in their first Premier League campaign have made as much of an impression this season as Delap. In what was a disappointing season for Ipswich as a whole, the England under-21 forward certainly made a big impact.
The 22-year-old, who is the son of Stoke City cult hero Rory, played 37 times in his first full Premier League season. In that time, he managed to bag himself 12 goals and also chipped in with two assists.
One of the biggest positives about Delap is his consistency. His longest goal drought in 2024/25 was seven games, which actually came in the final few games of the season.
Aside from that, he was a consistent scorer for the Tractor Boys, even finding the back of the net against Chelsea in a 2-0 win at Portman Road.
If the Blues do manage to sign Delap, then he is in safe hands under Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach certainly knows how to get the best out of a clinical goalscorer, given the form Jamie Vardy showed under him for Leicester City last season in the Championship.
In 37 games under the now-Chelsea boss, the Foxes legend helped himself to 20 goals and two assists. That included 18 strikes in 35 Championship appearances, to help his side win the league and return to the top flight.
Maresca certainly knows how to handle a deadly centre-forward and get the best out of him, be it as an individual goalscorer or his general striker play.
In a team that scored 89 goals in 2023/24, Vardy had to be selfless too, and Maresca helped him fit in with the team’s dynamic.
Well, that can certainly be said about Delap, too. One person full of praise for the Ipswich star is analyst Ben Mattinson, who described him as “a problem for every Premier League defence”. He’s also been described as a “monster” by teammate Alex Palmer.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapapplauds fans after the match
The stats on Sofascore from this season show he is more than just a goalscorer, but a well-rounded striker. For example, Delap won an average of two aerial duels per game and played 21 key passes this term.
Shots
2.3
68
Shots on target
1.1
32
Dribbles completed
1.4
40
Aerial duels won
2
58
Expected goal involvements
0.37xGI
10.75xGI
Vardy and Delap are also noted as similar players among those in their position in both Europe’s top five leagues and in the Premier League, as per FBref, reflecting their statistical likeness.
For example, the Ipswich forward averages 0.34 goals per shot on target and 0.24 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Vardy averages 0.35 goals per shot on target and 0.32 goal-creating actions each game.
The fact that they are so similar surely plays into Maresca’s hands, too. He surely knows how to get the best out of his number nines, and they are certainly like-for-like players, as the stats back up.
Maresca knows what he is doing when it comes to getting the best out of a striker. Delap will surely fit the bill nicely, as someone who is happy to work hard for his team and can score goals at a good rate, too.
If he can be as good as Vardy was under Maresca, then Delap will surely be a success at Stamford Bridge.
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An “incredible” £60m player wants to join Manchester United ahead of rival suitors Arsenal this summer, with talks over a deal now set to be opened, according to reporter David Ornstein.
Man Utd eyeing new forward despite Cunha and Bruno boosts
Man United endured a torrid 2024-25 campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League, but Bruno Fernandes was one of their shining lights, regularly providing goals and assists in all competitions.
Bruno Fernandes 24/25
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Premier League
36
8
11
Europa League
17
7
4
EFL Cup
3
2
1
FA Cup
3
2
2
Despite Fernandes’ impressive performances throughout the season, there have been some suggestions that United should cash-in on the attacking midfielder this summer, with Paul Scholes saying: “They are talking about £100m for him, Man United cannot say no to that. I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back, but where does he actually play, what is his position?”
However, it now appears as though the Portugal international could be staying put, with Fabrizio Romano taking to X to provide a new update on his future.
Fernandes may be set to remain at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils still remain keen on bringing in additional attacking firepower this summer, winning the race to sign Brazil forward Matheus Cunha despite interest from Arsenal, who of course have the bonus of being able to offer Champions League football.
Cunha stats
And Ornstein has now revealed they’re not finished there, as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo “wants to join Man Utd” this summer. Mbeumo has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but he would prefer to join United if a deal can be agreed, with talks now set to be opened.
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Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been left impressed by the forward in recent times, lauding him as “incredible”, and it is clear to see why, with the Cameroonian reaching the 20-goal mark in the Premier League, while also providing eight assists.
In the past, United have perhaps made the mistake of taking risks on players unproven in England, with Rasmus Hojlund failing to deliver after arriving from Atalanta, so it makes sense to pursue a new forward with a track record of success in the Premier League.
A deal for the France-born forward will not be cheap, with reports from elsewhere revealing Brentford could look to hold out for £60m, but his recent exploits for Brentford indicate he could be a fantastic addition to a Man United squad in desperate need of a reliable goalscorer.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee netted just 17 goals between them in all competitions last season, a figure Mbeumo eclipsed by himself, despite not playing in Europe.
Liverpool will sign Jeremie Frimpong in the coming weeks (perhaps even sooner). The Bayer Leverkusen star was swiftly identified by FSG as the perfect player to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will join Real Madrid when his contract expires next month.
Though some fans will point toward Frimpong’s advanced role in Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side and reserve judgment until a personal gauge on his defensive ability can be delivered, there’s no question he’s an exciting profile, different to Trent but still a “monster in the final third,” as said by The United Stand’s Beth Tucker.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
With the balanced Conor Bradley already making headway in Arne Slot’s team, this contrast of profiles on the right could work a treat for the Merseysiders as they look to defend their Premier League title and challenge for silverware across other fronts.
But it stings that Liverpool have been forced into replacing Alexander-Arnold all the same, with the atmosphere around the vice-captain souring since he intimated his decision to the world earlier this month.
Trent and Carragher
Especially when Los Blancos constantly prove to be the scourge of the Anfield side, with their success in signing Dean Huijsen proving a double whammy.
Why Liverpool wanted Dean Huijsen
Liverpool have two of the finest defenders kicking about today in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, but the skipper is nearing the twilight of his Premier League career and the latter has just one year remaining on his current deal.
And you can bet your bottom dollar Real Madrid have a vested interest in bringing him to the Spanish capital.
Huijsen was one of Liverpool’s top targets for the summer, but the Bournemouth centre-back has indeed agreed to join Alonso’s new crew, so will partner with Trent in the Madrid backline.
Slot’s side were thought to have had the lead in the young Spaniard, whose breakout campaign in England has drawn plenty of praise, talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing his “extraordinary rise.”
Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen.
The prototypical modern centre-half, Huijsen’s technical control, rangy physique and natural intelligence make him the perfect player to slot right into the Liverpool project – and he’s left-footed besides.
However, this one’s done, and FSG need to turn their attention elsewhere. Luckily, sporting director Richard Hughes is on the case.
Liverpool make new CB a top target
Liverpool need to sign a centre-back, to be sure. Konate’s actually the last senior signing in that area, arriving from RB Leipzig for £36m four years ago.
Slot needs a rising star, and he might just find one in Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, with the 23-year-old understood by Spanish sources to be the Premier League champions’ favourite now that Huijsen’s out of reach.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
The defender still has four years left on his current deal and is a player of significant potential, with Chelsea quoted at £59m when asking about the Ecuadorian’s availability back in January.
What Piero Hincapie would bring to Liverpool
Hincapie has made 164 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring seven goals, assisting five more, winning an invincible domestic double last season.
Described as a “prodigy” by journalist Jose de Jesus Ortiz two years ago, Hincapie has made incremental progress in Germany, signing from Argentine club CA Talleres as a 19-year-old in 2021.
24/25
45
3
2
1x
23/24
43
1
1
2x
22/23
43
1
1
0x
21/22
33
2
1
0x
With Van Dijk set to stay for the next couple of seasons, Hincapie could make a shrewd career move by moving to Merseyside and serving as the defensive great’s understudy before ascending to superstardom himself.
He certainly has the attributes to make his mark. As per FBref, the 6 footer ranks among the top 15% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal involvements, the top 16% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, the top 17% for progressive passes and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90.
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
As you can see, he’s got the skill and gifted approach to make a real difference in Slot’s squad, capable even of becoming an even better player than Huijsen.
Also hailed as an “absolute beast” who “can become one of the world’s best centre-backs” by journalist Antonio Mango, Hincapie might have even outperformed Bournemouth’s star defender this term.
Matches (starts)
30 (25)
32 (28)
Goals
3
2
Assists
1
2
Touches*
64.4
78.5
Pass completion
84%
89%
Key passes*
0.5
0.5
Ball recoveries*
3.4
3.1
Tackles + interceptions*
2.9
2.6
Clearances*
6.0
3.3
Duels (won)*
3.8 (57%)
5.2 (62%)
Left-footed, he’d also be a suitable successor for skipper Van Dijk, who has renewed his Liverpool contract by two years but turns 34 this summer.
There’s indeed a case to be made that Hincapie is playing at a superior level to Huijsen right now. That’s not to discredit Los Blancos’ new recruit, who already coats himself with the trappings of something special, world-class, but rather, highlights the quality of Leverkusen’s rising star, whose dynamism and athleticism have even permitted him to play on the left flank 11 times this term.
Hincapie is more active in the duel and more accurate too, with several years more experience that have tuned his completeness to a degree that would see him thrive alongside Van Dijk before finally taking his place.
If Liverpool are able to engineer a deal for a figure not too far north of Huijsen’s £50m release clause, something they were willing to meet, this could prove to be an exceptional deal for the Reds.
Having proven himself and then some as one of the best young defenders in the game, Hincapie could veritably explode under Slot’s wing in the Premier League.
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