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Crystal Palace are now in the race to sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, who will cost in excess of £30m this summer, according to a report.

Palace stepping up summer transfer plans

Palace are on course for a solid mid-table finish, but with a number of first-team players’ futures in doubt, including Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton, they may have to be active in the transfer market to remain competitive next season.

With that in mind, Steve Parish has now set his sights on a statement signing, and the chairman is trying to persuade Marcus Rashford to move to Selhurst Park this summer, rather than completing a permanent move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Not only is Parish keen on a new forward, but the Eagles could also pursue a new central midfielder, and Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham has been named as a potential target, having impressed in the Championship this season.

Contact made: Crystal Palace make move to sign "Pique-esque" £5m defender

The Eagles have made an approach for a defender, who is also attracting interest from West Ham United.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 10, 2025

Bellingham is not the only Sunderland star Crystal Palace have their eye on, however, with a report from The i Paper revealing they are also in the race to sign Chris Rigg, whose future will be in major doubt if the Black Cats fail to win promotion.

A number of Premier League clubs are set to battle it out for Rigg, with Everton, Liverpool, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur also running regular checks to assess the 17-year-old, who has established himself as a key player for Sunderland this season.

A deal will not be cheap, however, with the Black Cats set to demand a fee way above the £30m Leeds United received for Archie Gray last summer, indicating just how highly regarded the youngster is at the Stadium of Light.

"Phenomenal" Rigg has shades of Roy Keane

Football scout Ben Mattinson is a big fan of the Sunderland starlet, describing him as a “phenomenal” player, who is “capable of moments of brilliance”, while he is also impressive out of possession, according to former manager Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray has claimed the teenager possesses a “Roy Keane-esque type of nastiness”, which may be why former teammate Marco Gabbiadini praised the youngster for his tackling ability, saying: “He is also quite tenacious. He doesn’t shirk out of tackles or challenges. That has been one of the features of his game.”

Having made 38 Championship appearances this season at just 17-years-old, during which time he has scored four goals, the Sunderland star is clearly destined for the top, so it is exciting news that Palace are in the race for his signature.

However, given the level of interest in Rigg, with soon-to-be Premier League title winners Liverpool also interested, it would be a major coup if Palace pulled off a deal.

Newcastle United are in a brilliant position under Eddie Howe, though could now be willing to facilitate a surprise departure for one of their strongest performers, according to a recent report.

Newcastle United's summer transfer plans

Eddie Howe is a man who has commanded mass respect from supporters at St James’ Park due to their recent EFL Cup win and Premier League standing, but he will have work to do to retain some of his key stars this summer.

Alexander Isak is a central target for Liverpool heading into the window and they appear to be setting the scene for Darwin Nunez to exit the club, paving the way for a blockbuster replacement.

Keeping hold of the Swede will be the main priority for everyone concerned at Newcastle, but there is also potential that they could add to their exciting pool of talent, especially if they secure Champions League qualification.

According to reports, Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo could be set for a move to the Magpies after claims emerged stating he could be set to leave London for £50 million.

The Geordies are said to be in pole position for his signature, potentially creating a deadly triple-axis with Isak and Anthony Gordon as Howe’s men look to compete for further silverware.

Newcastle now eyeing £26m defender who played a full season with Tonali

Newcastle have not given up on signing another rising star from Milan.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 17, 2025

On the same token, Real Sociedad star John Aramburu is being lined up to strengthen Newcastle’s backline, showing that they are covering all bases in the hunt for quality additions.

However, with PSR and other realities to take into account, don’t be surprised if one or two surprise stories emerge across the market this summer that lead to unexpected departures, something the Magpies won’t be immune to going by recent developments.

Newcastle willing to listen to Tonali offers amid Man City interest

According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle could be willing to accept offers upwards of £68.5 million for Sandro Tonali after it has become apparent that he is open to leaving Tyneside this summer.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly on alert as Manchester City retain an interest in the Italy international, while Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain remain in pursuit, with the Magpies prepared to accept a large sum after the player indicated he’s open to an exit.

Enjoying a fine campaign, Tonali has registered five goals and three assists in 39 appearances across all competitions as the Toon Army look to edge closer to claiming Champions League qualification.

Manchester City have an obvious void in midfield to fill amid Kevin De Bruyne’s impending departure, though it is hard to believe that Newcastle would be willing to sell one of their star assets directly to a rival.

Nevertheless, his openness to changing projects could throw the cat among the pigeons in that respect, especially given that selling Tonali may negate the need to fund their summer business by cashing in on other first-team players.

There is no denying it: this season has been a disaster for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou can end it spectacularly by winning the Europa League, but when it comes to the Premier League, things could not have gone much worse.

In fact, had it not been for some genuinely terrible form from the newly promoted sides, there might have been a real discussion around possible relegation at points, as so far, the North Londoners have lost a staggering 19 games in the league.

It’s been so poor that it seems as if Postecoglou will be on the way out regardless of what happens in Europe next, which has, in turn, seen a plethora of names linked with the job, including old boss Mauricio Pochettino and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.

However, another name has also been linked with the job, someone who could make the board forget about the rest.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Why Spurs would want Poch or Iraola

So, before getting to the manager in question, it’s worth looking at why the North Londoners might want to hire Pochettino or Iraola.

When it comes to the former, there are several reasons at play, but they all come back to one thing: familiarity.

Since leaving the club, it would be fair to say that the Argentine has not enhanced his reputation.

First came an unspectacular stint at Paris Saint-Germain, then a dire season with Chelsea and, as things stand, a disappointing spell in charge of the USMNT.

However, during his time in N17, he helped build a squad almost from the ground up, turned them into serious Premier League and Champions League contenders, and, just as importantly, formed a genuine connection with the fans.

Daniel Levy and Co would want to bring him back because they know that Pochettino can deliver at the club because he has done it before.

Iraola, on the other hand, does not have that familiarity with the club or fans, but he has the wind in his sails and is arguably one of the most exciting up-and-coming managers in the league.

For example, he took charge of a Cherries side that looked destined for relegation last year and has turned them into European hopefuls this season, all while losing their talismanic striker to the Lilywhites in the summer.

Moreover, he helped to transform Rayo Vallecano in Spain before coming to England, so he has proven himself in more than one dugout.

With all that said, another manager hasn’t been talked about as much, but could be just the man Tottenham needs.

The Manager to make Spurs forget Poch & Iraola

According to reports from Germany earlier this month, as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham have inquired about Borussia Dortmund’s Niko Kovač.

The Croatian coach may not be all that familiar to fans of English football, but for fans of the Bundesliga, he’s a well-known and well-respected quantity.

For example, over the last seven years, he has managed Eintracht Frankfurt, VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich and most currently Dortmund – while spending a year and a half with AS Monaco.

Described as “one of the best coaches in Europe” by football writer Sebastien C, the 53-year-old is generally regarded as a coach who likes his teams to play vertically, getting the ball forward quickly when possible, but also something of a pragmatist who likes his sides to be defensively sound.

This could see him win over the Tottenham faithful early on, as he wouldn’t be as gung-ho as Postecoglou, but he wouldn’t want to shut up shop as much as Antonio Conte, for example.

Moreover, he’s shown a willingness to switch up his formation to suit his players in the past and is currently employing a 4-2-3-1 at Signal Iduna Park.

This is a set-up that could work wonders in North London as well, with extra cover in front of the club’s frequently shaky backline.

Finally, he’d join the club as a proven winner, having picked up the German Cup with Frankfurt and then winning the Cup and League double with Bayern a year later, in 2019.

Ultimately, Kovac might not be the first name that comes to fans’ minds when thinking of Spurs’ next manager, but thanks to his moderate pragmatism and historical successes in the dugout, he should be.

Uh oh: Ange hints £190k-a-week Spurs star could miss Bodo/Glimt with injury

Postecoglou has dropped a worrying injury update ahead of Tottenham’s crucial Europa League tie.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 28, 2025

Liverpool are now keen on signing a “brilliant” Premier League forward, with a deal likely to be possible for a fee of around £65m this summer, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new forward

Arne Slot could hardly have asked for a better debut season at Anfield, with his side surpassing all expectations to win the Premier League title, but there have been some claims the manager will need to make a number of changes this summer.

Jamie Carragher believes Slot should make five or six additions to his squad, saying back in March: “He needs a centre-back as back-up to the two that we have, he’ll need a right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to leave.

“I think he needs a centre midfielder to replace Endo, someone younger and that he trusts, a centre-forward to play and a left-winger.”

He'd be incredible with Gakpo: Liverpool line up move for £45m "machine"

Liverpool need to sign some full-backs in the transfer market this summer.

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By
Angus Sinclair

May 5, 2025

With Trent recently confirming his intention to leave, signing a new right-back will be an important task for the recruitment team, but there is also a need to strengthen in attacking areas, given an overreliance on Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Liverpool’s current dependence on Salah and Diaz could lead them to make a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who they have been closely monitoring.

The Reds are keen on signing Mbeumo, given his exploits for the Bees in the Premier League this season, but he is unlikely to come cheap, with his current club set to hold out for a fee in the region of £60m – £65m.

There may also be fierce competition for the Cameroonian’s signature, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United expressing an interest.

"Brilliant" Mbeumo enjoying incredible campaign

The Brentford star has been prolific in front of goal in the Premier League this season, finding the back of the net 18 times in 35 matches, while also providing seven assists, which is perhaps why he has been compared to a current Liverpool forward.

TalkSPORT’s Jason Cundy has lauded the 25-year-old as a “mini Salah”, while he has also received very high praise from football writer Samuel Luckhurst.

Much like the Egyptian, the France-born forward specialises at right-wing, but he has also featured as a centre-forward on a number of occasions this season, indicating he could also be able to replace Darwin Nunez, who could be shown the exit door.

Mbeumo is unlikely to displace Salah at right-wing anytime soon, but his goalscoring exploits and versatility indicate he could be a fantastic option for Slot at striker.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given the green-light for his side to pursue a creative attacking player, with sporting director Andrea Berta apparently lining up an offer in response.

Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal summer transfer admission

Arteta has already admitted that the Gunners are set for a “big” summer transfer window, following the arrival of Berta as Edu Gaspar’s replacement.

Arsenal "closer to finalising" deal for £85m star with contract semi-agreed

The Gunners have made significant progress ahead of this summer.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

May 7, 2025

The Spaniard also revealed his excitement over what could be in store for Arsenal when the window reopens, with some reports claiming the north Londoners could spend as much as £300 million on seven major signings (GiveMeSport).

“It’s going to be a big one (summer) and we are very excited about it,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 2025 summer transfer plans.

“When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.

“Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary. But it’s a big summer for many things, because first of all, we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.”

Additions are expected in the final third particularly, with Berta looking to end Arsenal’s long wait for a prolific striker to lead Arteta’s forward line.

Arsenal are already making “significant” progress on a move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, according to some reports, while it is also believed that Berta is targeting new wide players.

Mikel Arteta green-lights Arsenal move for Bilal El Khannouss

Now, as per GiveMeSport, Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss has found his way on to their radar as well.

The Moroccan has been a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the relegated Foxes, and high-ranking Emirates Stadium officials have recommended him to Arteta.

According to GMS, the manager agrees with their verdict, with Arteta giving his approval for Arsenal to move for El Khannouss. As a result, the club are now lining up a potential £22 million bid for the African.

Interestingly, El Khannouss scored a match-winning goal against Tottenham earlier this season, and he’s been called a “magician” for his exploits at the King Power Stadium.

The 20-year-old has bagged a total of three goals and six assists in all competitions this season, playing both out wide and as an attacking midfielder. Since joining Leicester from KRC Genk last summer, he’s taken to English football quickly despite his young age, and has even earned plaudits from Pep Guardiola.

“He (Guardiola) said he was impressed by my play today,” said El Khannouss after a loss to Man City earlier this season.

“I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now. After a few games now, I am adapted. People can see now who I am. I will continue to work on this and build.”

With the 49ers Enterprises looking to make their mark, Rangers are now reportedly set to sign a versatile forward who has become convinced by the Ibrox project ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 49ers' Rangers project

Set to complete their takeover of the Scottish giants, the 49ers will be hoping to turn things around at Rangers and transform the Gers into the dominant champions they once were. As seen at Elland Road and Leeds United already, too, the American owners are perfectly capable of leaving their mark on a club and achieving their goals.

However, with a new manager needed and Celtic’s Scottish Premiership dominance only growing stronger, the extent of the 49ers’ task at Rangers cannot be overstated. And they must get things right this summer.

To that end, a number of names have already been linked with the job at Ibrox. The likes of Rafael Benitez represent the experienced choice, whilst Steven Gerrard would perhaps be the one that splits the most opinions after how he left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021. Meanwhile, other names such as Danny Rohl and Davide Ancelotti would certainly be intriguing to watch in their own right.

With the Scottish Premiership now concluded for another season too, the Gers may have their answer sooner rather than later over just who steps into the role. The end of the campaign also means the end of Barry Ferguson’s interim role in charge of the club, but he has reiterated his desire to take the permanent role more than once.

The interim boss told reporters in recent weeks: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job. I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit.”

Meanwhile, away from the dugout, it almost goes without saying that a large part of the 49ers’ project will be the recruitment that they go in pursuit of this summer, which looks set to start with a Paris Saint-Germain talent.

Rangers set to sign versatile PSG forward Oumar Camara

According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Rangers are now set to sign Oumar Camara from PSG this summer, with the versatile young forward convinced by the project in Glasgow. The teenager has captained PSG’s U19 side this season, but is set to secure a surprising move to Scotland in the coming months – likely becoming the first signing of the 49ers era.

Not just Butland: Rangers flop may have played his last game at Ibrox

Several Rangers players wont be at the club next season after the 2-2 draw with Hibs.

By
Ross Kilvington

May 17, 2025

At just 18 years old, whether Camara would make an immediate impact at Ibrox remains to be seen. The winger, who can play on both sides, has enjoyed an impressive season at youth level, scoring nine goals and setting up another four in 25 games in all competitions. After failing to feature for the first team, however, the young Frenchman looks set to leave in pursuit of senior football.

Whether Camara’s reported arrival is a sign of things to come at Rangers will also be interesting to watch, as the 49ers attempt to build their project and turn things around at the Scottish club.

It’s been an extremely long time coming, but after eight years outside of the Premier League promised land, Sunderland are finally back.

Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats would go on to stun Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley courtesy of a last-gasp effort from Tommy Watson, with the tense tie looking to be going in the favour of the Blades, before a remarkable Sunderland comeback was kick-started.

Now, an exciting summer awaits the newly promoted side as they attempt to land some statement deals ahead of the challenge of top-flight football.

One deal that will go through is Enzo Le Fee joining Le Bris’ camp permanently after his standout loan stint more than helped the Wearside outfit seal a dramatic path back up to the Premier League.

Le Fee's heroics at Sunderland

Whilst the skilful Frenchman didn’t pick up a goal or an assist at Wembley, he would still prove his worth during the two semi-final clashes versus Coventry when collecting two assists.

Therefore, nobody will be up in arms about the Black Cats having to fork out £20m to land Le Fee for good, with that fee coming in as a mandatory amount to fork out if the high-flyers were to win promotion.

There will also be an expectation in the air that Le Fee can deliver when making the gigantic leap-up, considering he does have plenty of top-flight experience in his native France up his sleeve with soon-to-be ex-side Lorient, when tallying seven goals and 14 assists from 132 Ligue 1 encounters.

Moreover, despite only being 25 years of age, the entertaining number 28 is arguably one of the more senior members of Le Bris’ promotion-winning side, meaning he shouldn’t hopefully fold when the Premier League spotlight is beamed onto him.

To help calm down the inexperienced team’s nerves more, Sunderland could go all in to land this former star who knows the Premier League inside out.

The incredible signing Sunderland could make

The Black Cats will already be up against it reentering the top-flight, with the last six teams that went up all coming straight back down miserably.

Therefore, if Sunderland are able to win back the services of former homegrown ace Jordan Henderson – with Football Insider reporting a return could be on the cards – they should go full steam ahead to snap him up, with this signing potentially as exciting as Le Fee’s was when he surprisingly entered the building in the second tier.

Henderson, before his career fell somewhat to the wayside in Saudi and now at Ajax, was the heartbeat of many a successful Liverpool side in the daunting division, skippering the side to Premier League and Champions League glory.

Jurgen Klopp referred to the midfield veteran as “incredible” during their memorable days together at Anfield, with the 34-year-old’s numbers below speaking for themselves in terms of how he could offer plenty of know-how.

So good has Henderson been at the top level that he amazingly picked up a Footballer of the Year accolade at the close of the 2019/20 season, with a hope now that the former Reds captain can roll back the years upon his potential return to the Stadium of Light.

Indeed, with Sunderland in need of a calming and steady presence to complement the more livewire figures of Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and the attack-focused Le Fee, the local lad would be the dream addition for Louis-Dreyfus and Co as they enter a new dawn.

Surely a return to your hometown club on the eve of their first Premier League season in eight years is motivation enough to get back to your dominating best, with this deal perhaps going down as another steal like Le Fee’s if all goes to plan, particularly if he can keep his boyhood side afloat.

Forget Jobe: Sunderland may have their next Jordan Henderson in 8/10 star

Sunderland are finally back in the Premier League after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 25, 2025

Manchester United are now racing to sign a £60m Bryan Mbeumo alternative, with Ruben Amorim believed to be a big fan, according to reports.

Man Utd well-positioned to seal deal for Mbeumo

Man United may have been concerned that losing the Europa League final would hinder their summer transfer business, but they are still in a strong position to win the race for Mbeumo, despite Tottenham Hotspur recently expressing an interest in the forward.

That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who said: “Mbeumo is waiting for Man United as a priority. Thomas Frank is close to Spurs so we will see what happens if he joins; but Mbeumo at the moment is waiting to see what happens with United.”

United are yet to agree a fee with Brentford, with their opening bid being knocked back, but an agreement has been reached on personal terms, clearing the path for a deal if they are willing to come back to the negotiating table with an offer of around £60m.

Forget Gyokeres: Man Utd have had talks to sign "world-class" £50m+ striker

The Red Devils have engaged in discussions with the entourage of a centre-forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 10, 2025

With the move for the Brentford star yet to be wrapped up, however, the Red Devils are still weighing up other potential options, and a report from Sky Sports has now revealed they remain interested in signing AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

Tottenham are also in the race for Semenyo, having recently stepped up their interest, indicating that whichever club misses out on Mbeumo could pursue a move for the Bournemouth star, but a deal is likely to be on the expensive side.

There have been reports the Cherries could hold out for a fee of £60m for the Ghana international, who Amorim is believed to be a huge admirer of.

"Sensational" Semenyo could be ideal Mbeumo alternative

Hailed as “sensational” by members of the media last season, the former Bristol City man enjoyed a very impressive 2024-25 campaign, recording a total of 20 goal contributions for the Cherries across all competitions.

At 25-years-old, the winger is the same age as Mbeumo, and he has performed well from a defensive point of view over the past year too, placing in the 98th percentile for blocks per 90, the 85th for clearances, and 95th for aerials won.

Semenyo is clearly a well-rounded winger, and his versatility could also be of use to Amorim, having featured on both flanks, and through the middle on one occasion in the 2024-25 campaign.

That said, all the signs indicate that Mbeumo is still keen to move to Old Trafford, despite the interest from Tottenham, and Man United should look to seal a deal for the Brentford forward, considering he scored 20 goals in the Premier League alone last season.

Chelsea have already made their first signing of the summer transfer window as Liam Delap joins from Ipswich Town.

Enzo Maresca was keen on getting this deal done as swiftly as possible, and it sets the club up nicely for the Club World Cup this month.

While improving his attacking options is key, adding another defender or two is certainly on his list.

Chelsea’s search for a defender

Marc Guehi has been linked previously, but it doesn’t look like there is any progress on that deal. Marc Gila is another who has been linked, but it appears as though Maresca is after just one man at the moment – Jorrel Hato.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, journalist Ben Jacobs has stated that the Dutchman “remains a player of interest to Chelsea”, with the Blues said to be “exploring” potential targets – having seemingly ruled out a move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

A fee of around £46m could be enough to secure the services of the versatile defender, which may well turn into a bargain.

If he does make the move to Stamford Bridge, Hato could prove to be even better than Marc Cucurella, especially given his impressive attacking abilities.

Why Chelsea must now sign Jorrel Hato

Cucurella played all but two Premier League matches for the Blues last season, establishing himself as the first-choice left-back.

He contributed with six goals and assists and created three big chances for the club as they secured Champions League football for the first time since 2022/23.

Playing in the same position, Hato was also a regular for Ajax last season. Across 31 Eredivisie matches, the Dutchman scored twice and grabbed six assists, while also creating six big chances for his teammates.

At seven years younger than the Spaniard, Hato would be an ideal long-term option on the left side of the defence for Maresca, that’s for sure.

That is evidenced by the fact that when comparing the pair and their respective statistics, via Sofascore, Hato betters Cucurella across a range of statistics.

Indeed, the youngster registered more goal-creating actions per 90 (0.34 vs 0.18), a higher percentage of successful take-ons (35% vs 23.5%) per 90, more progressive carries (53 vs 43) and won a higher percentage of aerial duels per 90 (55.6% vs 39.2%) than the Chelsea defender last season.

Hato has gone from strength to strength since making his debut for Ajax, and his 2024/25 campaign was widely praised, especially by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who said he has “immense quality” while possessing a “huge future ahead”.

If Maresca can secure his signature, it would represent a major coup for the Blues. Cucurella would certainly be an able deputy for the youngster, but Hato should be the starting left-back for the Blues next term.

His ability to also play centre-back will come in useful for the manager, especially as the club will be fighting across several fronts next season.

For ‘just’ £46m, a move makes perfect sense indeed.

Shades of Hazard: Chelsea to make £59m bid for "generational" star

Chelsea could be about to land themselves a star who can follow in the footsteps of Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 7, 2025

Turning their attention towards a third addition after Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol, there have now been claims that Leeds United have a “verbal agreement” in place to sign a £20m+ star.

Jaka Bijol: Leeds move "biggest of my career"

It’s been a busy summer at Elland Road thus far. To kick things off, the Yorkshire club welcomed Nmecha in a bargain deal at the end of his Wolfsburg contract and have since spent big for the first time to sign Bijol from Udinese. The defender was officially unveiled as a Leeds player earlier this week and instantly stated that it is the biggest move of his career.

The defender told the club website: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.

Best signing since Raphinha: Leeds close to landing "exceptional" £21m star

Leeds United are closing in on a deal for a star who would be their best signing since Raphinha.

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By
Dan Emery

Jun 23, 2025

“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.

“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”

At £15m, the deal hasn’t come cheap, but it was one that the 49ers were clearly keen to get done ahead of Leeds’ return to the Premier League in the coming months.

Serie A seems to be where it’s at for the American owners too, amid claims that they’ve returned to Italy’s top flight to strike another agreement.

Leeds have "agreement" to sign £20m Krstovic

According to reports relayed by MOT Leeds, Leeds have now got an “agreement in principle” to sign Nikola Krstovic from Serie A side Lecce this summer. In a deal reportedly worth around £20m, the forward could arrive to boost the Whites’ attacking options alongside Nmecha in the coming months.

While a “verbal agreement” is reportedly in place, however, the player himself is reportedly yet to reach a decision regarding an exit away from Lecce this summer, and that decision will ultimately be final.

All involved at Leeds should, of course, be keen to receive the green light from the talented 25-year-old after he scored 12 goals in all competitions for Lecce last summer. If there were any doubts over his ability to perform at the top level then his Serie A record should have helped put those doubts to rest.

After spending big on Bijol, signing Krstovic for an equally impressive fee would send a statement of intent from the 49ers, who will be desperate to help push Leeds away from the dropzone next season.