All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Bromwich Albion decided to part ways with manager Tony Mowbray after his side were heavily beaten 3-1 by relegation-threatened Derby County on Easter Monday in the Championship.

That result made it five losses in six matches for the experienced boss, whose only win came against Watford, and the club decided that it was time to make a decision.

Mowbray joined the club in January after Spaniard Carlos Corberan was snapped up by LaLiga outfit Valencia, which came as a big blow to the Baggies as he had been a terrific appointment for the club.

Why losing Carlos Corberan was a big blow for West Brom

West Brom appointed Corberan in October 2022, after he was let go by Olympiacos after 11 matches, and it was a bit of a gamble by the club, as he had only managed 113 senior games by that point.

The Spanish tactician spent time at Leeds United as their U21 manager and then as an assistant in the first-team to Marcelo Bielsa, learning his trade before going to Huddersfield and leading them to the play-off final in the 2021/22 campaign.

West Brom’s gamble paid off, though, as Corberan went on to earn 1.59 points per game across 107 matches in charge of the club before his move to Valencia in January.

That included a fifth-placed finish and a play-off semi-final, losing to the eventual winners Southampton, in the 2023/24 campaign, despite – as per Transfermarkt – £0 spent on permanent signings in the summer of 2023.

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He worked wonders on an incredibly restrictive budget, as further evidenced by Mowbray’s struggles after replacing him, and they could repeat their Corberan gamble with their new interest in a Premier League coach.

West Brom eyeing up Corberan 2.0

According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, West Brom are targeting a swoop for Tottenham Hotspur first-team coach Ryan Mason to come in and replace Tony Mowbray, which may be a surprise move given his lack of first-team experience.

The 33-year-old former midfielder has been an assistant manager at Spurs in the Premier League since the summer of 2023, but has also had spells as a manager at academy level, as the head of academy coaching, and as a technical coach at first-team level during his time with the club.

He has managed 12 Premier League matches for Tottenham’s first-team as an interim, across two spells, and won six of those games, winning 1.58 points per game, and that is why he is a surprise candidate for a job at the top end of the Championship.

Mason, who preferred a 3-4-3 formation, only has limited experience as the main man in a first-team set-up, which would make him a big gamble as an appointment for West Brom.

However, it also makes him an exciting appointment because he is a bit unknown, but still has a great coaching pedigree at youth and senior level with a big Premier League club, which was also the case for Corberan with Leeds.

This means that Mason would be a gamble similar to the one they made with the Spanish boss, who had only had a spell with Huddersfield, given his short tenure at Olympiacos, to judge him on in senior management.

It is not a safe appointment or one with much of a guarantee of success, due to his lack of experience, but it is one that could pay off in the same way that Corberan’s did.

West Brom can finally axe Diangana by unleashing “special" 21-year-old star

Tony Mowbray could forget about Grady Diangana by unleashing this special West Bromwich Albion prospect.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 17, 2025

Aston Villa moved a step closer to sealing Champions League qualification for next season following an impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend.

Unai Emery’s men are on a wonderful streak of form which will hopefully carry into the next few weeks, especially with an FA Cup semi-final and five more Premier League games left.

Despite the season entering the final straight, Villa are also looking to the future as Emery begins to plan for 2025/26.

Could this see him raid a fellow top-flight club for one of their star players when the window opens?

Aston Villa readying bid for Premier League sensation

Despite the summer window not yet open, Villa are already working to conclude their first deal of the summer with Rosenborg’s sensational wonderkid Sverre Nypan.

He’s not the only creative star on Monchi’s radar ahead of a busy window. Indeed, according to journalist Alan Nixon, Villa are now eyeing a move for Crystal Palace sensation Eberechi Eze this summer.

They are poised to make a bid for the Englishman, especially if they don’t trigger the option to buy clause in Marcus Rashford’s loan agreement.

Transfer Focus

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Palace will be braced for offers of around £50m, and this shouldn’t be a problem for the Midlands club, especially if they secure qualification for the Champions League next term.

Emery has raided Premier League clubs in the past for players to spearhead his Villa revolution. Notably, names include Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and, of course, Rashford back in January.

One of his best signings, however, was that of Youri Tielemans, who has been outstanding this season.

Why Eberechi Eze could be Emery’s next Tielemans

The Belgian midfielder has started every single one of Villa’s Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup matches so far this season, highlighting his importance to the cause.

Across those games, he has scored four goals and registered ten assists. When compared to his peers in the top flight, Tielemans ranks impressively, notably sitting in the top 3% for passes into the final third (6.91) and in the top 10% for progressive passes (7.04) per 90, suggesting he is excellent at starting attacks and moving the ball into dangerous positions often.

So, why could Eze be the next version? Well, arguably having been one of Palace’s finest players this season, across 36 matches, the Englishman has registered 18 goal contributions – seven goals and 11 assists – under Oliver Glasner.

From an attacking standpoint, he has been superb when compared to his positional peers in the top flight. Indeed, the England international ranks in the top 7% for total shots (3.56) and in the top 14% for shot-creating actions (4.59) per 90 this season.

He tends to operate in a more advanced position than Tielemans, but there is no doubt he could have the same level of impact the Belgian has had this season. After all, both are particularly creative individuals.

Hailed as a “wizard” by England teammate Declan Rice, the Palace gem could be a statement signing for Villa during the summer transfer window.

Manchester United are also keen, according to Nixon’s report, but European football will be a big draw for the 26-year-old as he looks to take the next step up in his career.

Forget Watkins & Rogers: 9/10 star is becoming Aston Villa's best player

Aston Villa secured a vital 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 20, 2025

Leeds United are now keen on signing a new goalkeeper this summer, and they could bring in a “1-on-1 king” to replace Illan Meslier, according to a report.

Leeds' summer transfer plans taking shape

Leeds have fought hard to secure Championship promotion this season, but they still have a job to do, with the title effectively sealed if they defeat Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the 49ers will be delighted to have sealed a place back in the Premier League, but the even more difficult task of avoiding relegation is still to come, which means they will need to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window.

There is a clear emphasis on bringing in players with Premier League experience, having recently joined the race for West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, while Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure could also be in line to join on a free transfer.

Leeds star who was "really positive" may never play at Elland Road again

Junior Firpo might not be the only Leeds United face who has potentially played their last ever game at Elland Road.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 29, 2025

Not only are the Whites keen to strengthen in midfield, but a new goalkeeper may also be required, given that Meslier has been widely criticised for a catalogue of errors this season.

According to reports from Germany (via Sport Witness), Leeds have now joined the race for a new target between the sticks, namely Finn Dahmen, who has caught the eye with his impressive performances for FC Augsburg this season.

Daniel Farke’s side are keen on Dahmen, who has an English mother, making him a potential consideration for Thomas Tuchel, and a move to Elland Road could line him up for a Three Lions call-up.

It is currently unclear what sort of fee Augsburg would be looking to receive for the goalkeeper, but they could seemingly hold out for a high amount, given just how impressive he has been in the Bundesliga as of late…

"1-on-1 king" Dahmen could be top signing for Leeds

ESPN reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt was full of praise for the 27-year-old after picking up a clean sheet in Augsburg’s 0-0 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt last month, lauding him as a “1-on-1 king”.

The German picked up six clean sheets on the spin in the Bundesliga earlier this year, which is no mean feat, considering he plays for a mid-table side, and he made a number of fantastic saves along the way.

The Augsburg star has put in some top performances over an extended period of time, ranking in the top 1% across a number of key goalkeeping metrics over the past year.

There is every sign that Dahmen could be a real upgrade on Meslier, and given the level of his performances this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Tuchel tries to bring him into the England set-up.

Liverpool are already set to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, and they may have to brace for the departure of another key player, with the Spanish side lining up another move.

Trent set to join Real Madrid

The Reds will be delighted to have managed to tie down Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah to new contracts, but Trent has now confirmed his decision to leave on a free transfer this summer, with the right-back expected to join Real Madrid.

There have been widespread reports suggesting the Spanish side could even look to get a deal done early by paying around £850k, as they are eager to have the right-back available in time for this summer’s Club World Cup, which is set to start on June 14th.

With the 26-year-old set to move on this summer, Arne Slot’s side have now stepped up their pursuit of a replacement, and they are set to make an offer for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, who could be available for the relatively low fee of just £30m – £34m.

Dream Kerkez alternative: Liverpool plot move for "incredible" £50m star

Liverpool could forget about Milos Kerkez with a summer deal for another left-back.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 7, 2025

However, Alexander-Arnold is not the only Liverpool defender Madrid are keen on, with a report from Spain suggesting the La Liga side are now looking at snapping up Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026.

Madrid are not planning to make a move anytime soon, but they will look to make an approach closer to Konate’s contract expiry date, with the Reds at risk of losing yet another defender on a free transfer to the Spanish heavyweights.

Arsenal’s William Saliba and AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen are also named as targets for Madrid, however, so Slot will be hoping they choose to pursue a different centre-back this summer, rather than waiting for the 25-year-old to become available.

"Incredible" Konate would be huge loss for Slot

Slot has done a fantastic job to secure the Premier League title in his first season, and the French defender has been one of the players integral to Liverpool’s success, making 39 appearances in all competitions, having continued his fantastic partnership with Van Dijk.

The Frenchman has been a consistent performer for the Reds, even managing to average more tackles and blocks per game than Van Dijk in the Premier League, so it will be a worry that Madrid have now expressed an interest.

However, the Spanish side have a number of options on the shortlist, and Liverpool still have time to tie the £70k-a-week defender down to a new contract, with Madrid not planning to make an approach in the near future.

Likely left to fill a Matheus Cunha-shaped hole in their side, Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly set to accelerate their talks with a Premier League winner who could replicate the Brazilian’s creativity.

Pereira's impressive Wolves tenure

When Vitor Pereira arrived in the Midlands in December, the Portuguese manager arrived at a club struggling with discipline and walking a relegation tightrope.

Five months on, however, he has transformed Wolves into a side no longer thinking about the bottom three and capable of putting together impressive winning runs even without star man Cunha. And as a result, Pereira has rightly been nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award.

The Wolves boss didn’t take long to win the fans over, either, and shared celebratory drinks with supporters during his side’s recent six-game winning run which was only ended by Manchester City.

Speaking about those moments with the fans, Pereira recently told reporters: “You need to be with the people because you need to see the smiles. When I go to a pub it’s not about the beer. Of course, I like the beer, but I go to be with the people, to feel that I’m doing something to make them happy, to make them proud. This is my energy. I must go to a pub, because this is the culture.”

He'd be amazing with Joao Gomes: Wolves interested in £30m "top talent"

Wolves are looking to boost midfield options

By
Joe Nuttall

May 16, 2025

With Wolves now cruising towards a comfortable finish, all eyes will now be on Pereira’s first summer in charge and one which could be full of familiar difficulties for the club. Not so long ago it was Ruben Neves on his way out for big money, before that was Diogo Jota to Liverpool and now it looks set to be Cunha amid reports that Manchester United have advanced talks for his signature.

What the Brazilian’s exit could allow Wolves to do, however, is reinvest their money into a Premier League winner.

Wolves set to accelerate Elliott talks

According to GiveMeSport, Wolves are now set to accelerate their talks with Harvey Elliott in an attempt to find out whether he’s open to a summer switch from Liverpool. Despite becoming a Premier League champion for a second time recently, it’s been a tough season for the Anfield youngster, who has not received the same opportunities under Arne Slot as he did under Jurgen Klopp.

Now, if their hefty £50m valuation is met, those in Merseyside are reportedly ready to sanction the midfielder’s exit. Whether Wolves match that price tag remains to be seen, but Pereira is reportedly open to making Elliott his chief creator in place of Cunha this summer.

It’s easy to forget just how talented Elliott is at just 22 years old following a frustrating campaign, but Klopp was always a fan of the young midfielder. The former Liverpool boss took time to label the Wolves target as an “incredible talent” on his return from a lengthy injury in 2022.

The summer transfer window officially opens for business on Sunday and Leeds United are preparing to build a squad to compete in the Premier League.

One star who is reportedly on their radar is Argentine attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia, as journalist Sebastien Vidal recently claimed that the club are set to bid for the Aston Villa attacking midfielder.

The 28-year-old star racked up 24 goals and 41 assists in 121 appearances under Daniel Farke at Norwich, and has 12 more assists than any other player in the manager’s career to date.

Buendia produced two goals and two ‘big chances’ created in 11 games on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the second half of this season before returning to Villa, and now he could be on his way to Elland Road.

The former Norwich star is a playmaker, as shown by his assist record under Farke, and Leeds could pair him with a new striker if they manage to bring him over from the Villans.

Leeds eyeing deal for new striker

Earlier this month, Football Insider reported that the club were not going to build their attack around Joel Piroe because they have doubts over his ability to make the step up to the Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

It would make sense, therefore, for the West Yorkshire outfit to target a striker who has already scored goals in the English top-flight, which is what they are doing.

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds are considering a swoop to sign Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that they have identified Callum Wilson, Jamie Vardy, and Ferguson as potential options to bolster their attack, as all three have the Premier League experience that they would like.

Brighton’s Ireland international spent the second half of this season on loan at West Ham United, and it remains to be seen what will happen with him this summer, but Leeds have emerged as a potential option for him.

Why Leeds should sign Evan Ferguson

If the Whites can get a deal over the line for Buendia this summer, Ferguson could be a dream signing to partner the Argentine playmaker in the final third.

As aforementioned, the ex-Norwich star is a playmaker extraordinaire and he would benefit from having a clinical striker who can make the most of his creativity.

Supporters may see that Ferguson scored one goal in 23 Premier League games this season and doubt his goalscoring credentials, but it is worth noting that he missed all of pre-season last summer with a knee injury and never found his rhythm in the campaign.

As you can see in the table above, the Irish forward had caught the eye in his previous two seasons in the top-flight, outperforming his xG by 2.36 to score 12 goals for Brighton.

Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker likened him to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland in the 2023/24 season, when he scored six times, saying: “I do see a hint of Haaland about him, his stature, his movement, his youth and stuff like that.”

Ferguson still has plenty of time left to develop and improve, at the age of 20, as he is, clearly, not at Haaland’s levels of goalscoring yet, but Leeds could have their own mini-Haaland at Elland Road by bringing him to the club.

Haaland scored 22 goals from 22.01 xG in the Premier League for City this season, but does share a similar build and play style with the Brighton youngster as Lineker claimed.

The 20-year-old starlet has shown that he can score goals efficiently at Premier League level, as evidenced by his form in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, and that is why the Whites should gamble on him this summer to arrive as a dream signing alongside Buendia.

Orta wanted him: Leeds eyeing move for "very prolific" Piroe upgrade

Leeds United are eyeing a Joel Piroe upgrade who was previously wanted by Victor Orta.

1

By
Dan Emery

May 29, 2025

Farke could have a potentially lethal attacking pairing by reuniting with the Argentine playmaker to consistently create chances for the efficient Ferguson to finish off.

Manchester United have now thundered into the race for a “world-class” £84m forward, having expressed a concrete interest in securing his signature in the summer, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on winger to replace Garnacho

While Man United managed to sign off the 2024-25 campaign on a high note, securing a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, the Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao will remain fresh in the memory for supporters.

As such, it is difficult to be too positive ahead of the summer, with the Red Devils’ summer transfer plans likely to be affected by the lack of Champions League football, and Gary Neville has expressed concerns they may choose to cash-in on some of their young players to raise funds.

Neville said: “I know it’s become a thing now whereby people sell players from their academy to facilitate PSR and financial fair play, but if Manchester United start to sell academy players to raise funds to bring in other players, I think that’s the thin end of the wedge.

Man Utd also ready to pay £44m release clause for "king of kings" after Cunha

The Red Devils are now willing to trigger the release clause for another striker to partner up with Cunha at Old Trafford.

By
Dominic Lund

May 26, 2025

Alejandro Garnacho is one of the youth products that could be on his way out, with Arsenal now being contacted over the possibility of signing the Argentine, and if the 20-year-old does end up being sold, it is likely a replacement will be necessary.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United may now have just the player in mind, having thundered into the race for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, who is looking increasingly likely to exit the San Siro this summer, with a £84m fee being touted.

United have now registered a concrete interest in signing Leao, who could be on his way out due to the lack of European football on offer at Milan, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Barcelona also keen.

"World-class" Leao could be Garnacho upgrade

It is unclear whether the 25-year-old would be interested in a move to Old Trafford, given that Ruben Amorim’s side will not be playing in Europe next season either, but the allure of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs could be tempting for the winger.

Should the Red Devils manage to get a deal over the line, there are plenty of signs he could be an upgrade on Garnacho at left-wing, having outperformed the starlet across a number of key statistics for wingers over the past year. Leao also loves current Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes, having called him a “maestro” in the past while on international duty together.

Having also been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Carlo Garganese in the past, Leao could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, but a move to Old Trafford could be a tough sell after the Europa League final defeat.

Whatever happens this summer in terms of incomings at Manchester United, there is likely to be nothing more crucial than the news surrounding Bruno Fernandes, with the talismanic skipper outlining his desire to stay put at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old – who helped steer Portugal to Nations League glory on Sunday night – has opted to shun the Saudi riches in order to remain a central figure under Ruben Amorim, having reportedly turned down an offer of around €25m-per-season from Al-Hilal.

While there could be question marks over where the former Sporting CP star will fit in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system in the long-term, having frequently flitted between operating as a central midfielder or as a number ten to date, there’s no denying that United remain a better side with him in it.

Indeed, his tally of 38 goals and assists in all competitions last term says it all, with that return far exceeding anyone else in Amorim’s ranks, as Amad and Alejandro Garnacho finished in second place with 21 goal involvements a piece.

Season after season, Fernandes delivers the goods, with now the time to finally build a side around him that can compete for the top honours. Thankfully, it looks like that work is already underway..

Latest on Man Utd's summer rebuild

Matheus Cunha is already in the door, following his £62.5m switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appears next on the agenda, with a second bid for the 25-year-old seemingly in the works.

Thomas Frank’s expected move to Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly put a spanner in the works regarding that deal, albeit with it having previously been reported that United were the winger’s preferred destination – fresh off the back of scoring 20 Premier League goals in 2024/25.

The final piece of the attacking jigsaw could well be completed with the addition of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, with reports in Spain suggesting that INEOS are ready to make an offer for the prolific Swede.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the report outlines that United are ready to go ‘all out’ for the signing of the 27-year-old, with the club willing to lodge a bid of around £60m in order to get their man.

The belief is that discussions are at an advanced stage, with hope at Old Trafford that an ‘understanding’ between the two clubs can be reached soon, amid prior reports that Gyokeres himself is open to making the switch.

The chance for Amorim to reunite with his 6 foot 2 goal machine appears to good to ignore, not least after missing out on new Chelsea man Liam Delap, with it a frightening prospect to see how Gyokeres could flourish with Fernandes behind him.

Why Gyokeres could thrive with Bruno Fernandes

Lauded as the “hottest striker in Europe” by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, Gyokeres is perhaps already reaching world-class status, having notably scored 97 goals in just 102 games in Lisbon – including six goals in eight Champions League appearances last time out.

The dream XI Man Utd could build: £156m quartet sign after Cunha & Mbeumo

Work is already underway ahead of what could well be a seismic summer for Manchester United…

1

By
Robbie Walls

Jun 8, 2025

That said, the quality of the Portuguese top-flight ensures that doubts remain over whether he truly is in the top bracket of centre-forwards in Europe, with the Primeira Liga said to be just the seventh best league in the world, behind the Brazilian Serie A.

It would then be interesting to see if a player who never played in the Premier League during his time at Brighton and Hove Albion – and Coventry City – can translate his recent heroics in England’s top tier, with United in dire need of a success story following Rasmus Hojlund’s return of just four league goals in 2024/25.

Well, fear not – enter, Fernandes.

If anyone is to help Gyokeres to thrive, it is the Red Devils skipper, with the experienced playmaker possessing a magic ability to unlock a defence, having put together a highlight reel of assists or chances created in recent years.

Indeed, Fernandes ended last term as the player to have laid on the most chances in the Premier League for the third season in a row, having also created 16 ”big chances’ – despite registering ‘just’ ten assists.

In essence, the midfield genius – who also averaged 2.5 key passes per game – is in need of someone to finish off the plethora of opportunities he conjures up, with Gyokeres perhaps the perfect fit.

An “insane” ball-striker, as per analyst Ben Mattinson, the one-time St Pauli marksman netted a mammoth haul of 39 league goals last term, having scored once every 72 minutes with a goal conversion rate of 28%.

While he did miss 23 ‘big chances’, Gyokeres would almost be supplied with an endless stream of openings to convert by Fernandes, with the latter man notably teeing up Amad to header home with a delightful dinked pass against Aston Villa on the final day.

You can only imagine the success that Gyokeres would enjoy if supplied with similar service, with combining with Fernandes a way to truly elevate his game, thus confirming that ‘world-class’ status.

Man Utd eyeing "monster" £63m striker who'd be Amorim's new Gyokeres

Manchester United could find Ruben Amorim’s new Viktor Gyokeres by signing this star.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 9, 2025

With Jaka Bijol already set to arrive from Udinese to hand Leeds United their second signing of the summer, the 49ers are now reportedly prepared to commence a bidding war to welcome an impressive teenage talent who’s been compared to N’Golo Kante.

Leeds set to sign Bijol as summer business ramps up

Whilst Leeds fans are currently being made to wait for the official announcement, an agreement has reportedly been struck to make Bijol a Leeds player and his unveiling now seems only a matter of time. The central defender is set to join Lukas Nmecha on what is a growing list of incomings at Elland Road this summer.

Away from the Serie A defender, the Whites have also been linked with moves for the likes of Douglas Luiz from Juventus and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Hugo Bueno to replace the departing Junior Firpo.

Luiz instantly stands out as someone who would be an impressive signing. Whilst things haven’t worked out at Juventus, the Brazilian more than proved his worth in the Premier League with Aston Villa and could now be on his way back to English football courtesy of Leeds.

Meanwhile, Bueno’s arrival would also be important in its own right. With Firpo set to depart as a free agent this summer, Daniel Farke must welcome a fresh left-back option and Bueno would offer the German exactly that.

After enjoying an impressive season on loan at Feyenoord, the Spaniard could finally be ready to make his mark on the Premier League once again, even if away from Wolves.

It’s at Leeds that the 22-year-old could be joined by another young talent amid reports that the 49ers are ready to chase the signature of a midfield gem who’s received Kante comparisons.

Leeds prepared for bidding war to sign Atangana

According to GiveMeSport, the 49ers and Leeds are now prepared to launch a bidding war to sign Valentin Atangana from Reims this summer. The French side were relegated from Ligue 1 last season and the 19-year-old could now be available at an affordable price.

Leeds aren’t alone in the race to secure the midfielder’s signature, however, with Everton, Crystal Palace, Burnley and West Ham United all also eyeing summer swoops to sign Atangana.

A better signing than Muniz: Leeds prepare move for "clinical" £17m star

Leeds United appear to making moves for other strikers other than Rodrigo Muniz.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 20, 2025

The amount of interest in the young Frenchman should come as no surprise. Described as the next N’Golo Kante by French media, Atangana started 33 of Reims’ 34 Ligue 1 games last season and was a rare standout in what was otherwise a campaign to forget for the relegated French side.

Described as a “fantastic modern holding midfielder” by scout Jacek Kulig, Atangana is someone that Leeds should go all out for this summer.

Manchester United’s hunt for new attacking options this summer has been ongoing before the window even opened, with the department in desperate need of investment.

Matheus Cunha may have been the first forward to move to Old Trafford during the off-season, but his £62.5m transfer isn’t expected to be the last ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The club’s tally of 44 goals in their 38 matches highlights the need for added reinforcements in such an area, but any signings would likely cost a pretty penny.

Rasmus Hojlund appears to be allowed to leave this summer with Napoli and Inter Milan circulating, but it’s unclear how much the Dane could command after scoring just four goals in their league last season.

Any funds generated will likely help Ruben Amorim in his quest to land new attacking talent, with numerous players already touted with a summer switch to Old Trafford.

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

Roony Bardghji is a player who has emerged on United’s shortlist over recent days, but they appear to have missed out on the Swedish youngster after a deal was agreed between Copenhagen and Spanish giants Barcelona.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is another name mentioned with a switch to Old Trafford this summer, but the Frenchman is seen as a backup option to other targets despite netting 14 Premier League goals this season.

However, the same can’t be said for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo, with a deal seemingly heading in the right direction, according to talkSPORT’s latest update.

They claim that the Red Devils have made a second offer in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old, who scored 20 league goals for Brentford throughout 2024/25.

It also states that talks have accelerated with the attacker, who’s already agreed personal terms over a move to join Amorim’s side, but it doesn’t mention if the latest offer is expected to be accepted.

Why United’s £60m target would be a better signing than Nkunku

Despite the latest bid to sign Mbeumo this window, United have entered the race to sign Chelsea outcast Christopher Nkunku, looking as one of the main sides in the running for his signature.

It’s been reported that the Red Devils have approached the 27-year-old’s representatives over a move to join the club after starting just nine league games this season.

The player himself is said to be keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge, after failing to nail down a regular starting role following his £52m move to the Blues two years ago.

Nkunku is a versatile option, being able to operate in either the number ten position or as a centre forward, potentially handing Amorim the depth he craves in attacking areas.

However, it’s unclear how much Enzo Maresca’s side would demand for his signature, with Mbeumo a massively better option when comparing their respective figures from 2024/25.

The Brentford star has massively outperformed the French talent in numerous key areas, highlighting why he’d be a better choice for the Red Devils in the coming weeks.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, has massively outscored Nkunku and registered a higher goal per shot on target rate, subsequently demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.

He’s also registered more progressive passes and more key passes per 90, having the creative ability to provide the other talents around him with added opportunities – undoubtedly aiding Amorim’s quest for the added threat he’s been hunting for.

The Cameroonian’s dominance is further reflected in his take-on success and carries into the final third, able to get himself into key areas which has bolstered his respective tallies.

Whilst £60m may appear to be a hefty investment in a player who’s off the back of one impressive season, the chance to play alongside more top-level talents will certainly help him sustain such success.

Nkunku would provide an experienced option within the final third, but if the club have to choose one option between the pair, it’s evident that Mbeumo would be the option to improve the club’s chances of success in the future.

A better move than Ekitike: Man Utd preparing bid for "top-class" £44m ST

Manchester United appear top be making more moves for a striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 23, 2025