Manchester United are in a race with Liverpool to sign an “outstanding” £30 million midfielder, according to a new report.
Man Utd make contact for Martinez as INEOS ramp up summer plans
As the transfer window hits the midway point of July, the Red Devils will be disappointed that they have just got one senior signing through the door. The next arrival at Old Trafford appears likely to be Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, despite the fact that the Premier League giants are struggling to agree a fee with the London side.
Man Utd now in formal talks with Aston Villa to sign "world-class" £40m ace
Man Utd have finally begun official talks.
ByBrett Worthington Jul 16, 2025
After that, United are still in the market to strengthen their midfield and forward line, and despite Andre Onana still being at the club, they could now be targeting a new goalkeeper. That is because, according to journalist Gaston Edul, United are in talks with Aston Villa over signing Emiliano Martinez.
Emiliano Martinez in action for Argentina.
The Red Devils are said to have advanced their interest in the Argentina goalkeeper but have yet to make a formal offer, with the Villans looking to get around £40 million for their shot-stopper, while United are hoping they can agree a deal in the region of £33 million.
Interest in Martinez comes as questions about the form and fitness of Onana have come into focus. The Cameroon international had a very turbulent 2024/25, and he could be missing at the start of the 2025/26 season after picking up a hamstring injury.
Man Utd join race for Wolves star Andre
As the Red Devils begin talks to sign Martinez, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, relayed by TEAMtalk, Man United have registered their interest in signing Andre from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The report states that as well as United, arch-rivals Liverpool are also interested in signing the Brazilian and, like United, have approached Wolves to make their interest known. It goes on to add that even though Wolves only signed Andre last summer, they would be willing to sell should they receive a fee of £30 million.
The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed “outstanding” by former Wolves player Andy Thompson, joined the Midlands side for a fee of £21 million last summer, meaning the Premier League side would be making a small return should he leave for £30 million in this transfer window.
Apps
33
Starts
31
Passing accuracy per game
37.7 (93%)
Touches
52.2
Big chances created
1
Key passes per game
0.5
Interceptions per game
1.1
Tackles per game
2.8
Clearances per game
0.9
Andre, who has been capped 12 times by Brazil, played 33 times for Wolves in the Premier League last season, 31 of which he started. The midfielder operated at the base of Wolves’ midfield, and his potential arrival at Old Trafford would likely see him replace Casemiro, who looks set to stay at United but may not feature regularly.
Andre is under contract until 2029, so Wolves are under no pressure to sell the midfielder, which makes the reported asking price somewhat of a question mark.
Everton are in the infancy of their summer transfer window plans but could be about to step things up a notch after making an approach for a Club World Cup star, according to reports.
Everton close in on Thierno Barry and announce new contract
David Moyes and his side have been slow off the mark this summer as they take time to assess where to strengthen before advancing, though supporters will be relieved to hear the Toffees are closing in on a deal to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry.
Set to arrive for around £30 million, he could kickstart a period of significant change for Everton as they finally begin to experience life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Michael Keane has also put pen to paper on a one-year extension on Merseyside and will help shore up Moyes’ backline after rejecting interest from elsewhere to stay at the club.
Everton defender Michael Keane
Upon renewing his terms, the 32-year-old stated: “I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined so I’m delighted to extend my stay here. The manager wants a competitive squad and I still feel I have a lot to give to Everton.
“We’ve been through a difficult few years but it’s an exciting time ahead for us as players and our brilliant fans. We’ve got a world-class new stadium to play in, and our form under the manager last season shows there’s a lot of reasons to be positive. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
Everton’s first five Premier League matches
Leeds United (A)
Elland Road
Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Molineux
Aston Villa (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Liverpool (A)
Anfield
While some things stay the same, Everton’s latest target could open up the possibility of a change in the guard involving a key position if reports are to be believed.
Everton rival Man Utd for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor
According to Globo, Everton have made an approach to sign Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor to compete with Jordan Pickford for a starting slot after losing Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia this summer.
John in action for Botafogo.
Manchester United are also keen on his services, and both clubs have moved to sound out his camp over a potential swoop amid recent reports he may be available for only £6 million.
Everton hold advanced talks to sign "superb" free agent in bargain deal
The Toffees have stepped things up…
ByTom Cunningham Jul 5, 2025
Labelled a “warrior” by Botafogo counterpart Philipe Sampaio, John has kept ten clean sheets in 29 appearances this campaign and was instrumental in Botafogo’s run to the last 16 stage of the Club World Cup.
Naturally, his displays have created a wealth of interest in his services, though it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to battle it out with club icon Pickford for the number one jersey under Moyes.
Either way, Everton are beginning to motor in their hunt for signings, and it feels like the Friedkin Group’s reign in charge could be about to take off.
Sunderland are looking to potentially hijack a move for an attacking star in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer claim.
Le Bris excited about Sunderland signing Sadiki
The Black Cats have completed the signing of Noah Sadiki, with the midfielder arriving at the Stadium of Light on a five-year deal from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Regis Le Bris is clearly in positive spirits about an exciting piece of business for Sunderland ahead of their imminent return to the Premier League next month, assessing the capture of the 20-year-old.
Union Saint-Gilloise'sNoahSadikiin action with Rangers' Nedim Bajrami
It’s now a case of Sunderland building on the signing of Sadiki and bringing in more signings before the current window slams shut at the end of August, and a promising new update has now emerged regarding their transfer situation.
Sunderland pushing to hijack £17.2m signing
According to Foot Mercato, Sunderland are in the mix to sign Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui this summer, with the 24-year-old valued at more than €20m (£17.2m) by the French club.
Breaking: Sunderland agree quick-fire deal to sign exciting £20m winger
It’s been a statement-making summer from the Black Cats.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 5, 2025
The Black Cats are joined by a host of top clubs in the tussle to snap him up, as they look to steal him from under the noses of the likes of Roma, Juventus and AC Milan.
Olympique de Marseille's Quentin Merlin in action with RC Lens' NeilElAynaoui
El Aynaoui could immediately improve Sunderland as a team if they managed to get a deal over the line, adding quality in the middle of the park, as highlighted by the calibre of clubs interested in him.
The midfielder is a one-cap Morocco Under-23 international, while journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter has described him as a “highly-talented” footballer, so he would be a signing of real intent.
It is clearly going to be tricky for Sunderland to sign El Aynaoui, given the level of interest in him from some of the biggest clubs in Italy, but they are now back in the Premier League, which is a major attraction for so many players around the world.
Hopefully, Le Bris can sell him the idea of moving to the Stadium of Light, being a key starter instead of a potential cog in the machine elsewhere, as he looks to give his side the best possible chance of survival next season.
It’s fair to say Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United to date has been a bumpy ride full of many ups and downs.
Amorim has collected 17 victories from the Old Trafford hot-seat, but that has been followed up by a worrying 17 losses being tallied up, which included a soul-crushing Europa League final defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
Matheus Cunha
Even with the pain of this loss out in Bilbao still hurting – with no European football on the menu this coming season – the Red Devils have been able to flex their muscles in the transfer market, as seen in the notable £62.5m capture of Matheus Cunha.
But, what’s around the corner for the Red Devils?
Man Utd in surprise talks to sign £70m star
Well, Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly also edging closer to a switch to the red half of Manchester despite their aforementioned problems, with a hat-trick of standout purchases from within the Premier League perhaps on the cards if another deal is also secured.
As per a report by Football Insider, United have been in surprise talks recently over snapping up Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
It’s stated that a move was being explored after United had held talks with the 6 foot 5 man mountain’s agent, but it is looking more likely that Branthwaite will pen a contract extension at the Toffees, over moving to nearby Manchester.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Yet, as has been seen in the manic transfer window so far, many twists and turns can occur, with United known to be keen admirers of the £70m-rated centre-back for some time now, having been linked with the one-time England international last summer.
A move might well finally happen for Branthwaite and the Red Devils, with Amorim’s strugglers hopeful that the strong Everton number 32 can go on to be their modern-day iteration of Rio Ferdinand if a deal is finalised.
How Branthwaite can be Man Urd's next Ferdinand
It’s been nearly 23 years now since Ferdinand crossed enemy lines to leave Leeds United behind for the Theatre of Dreams for £30m.
Rio Ferdinand
But, even nearly two decades on, Ferdinand is still seen as the cream of the defensive crop from United’s recent and more success-laden years, with a mammoth 189 clean sheets coming his way from a stacked 504 Premier League outings, away from his ridiculous trophy collection boasting six top-flight title successes.
As it did at Elland Road over 20 years ago, Branthwaite’s exit would certainly upset the Everton masses if he were to shortly walk away from Merseyside, having showcased himself, just like Ferdinand, to be one of England’s finest young centre-halves.
Ferdinand did already have 54 Premier League clashes under his belt in West Yorkshire before sealing a major switch to link up with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, and now Branthwaite will surely fancy a similar big move to elevate his game to the next level.
Games played
75
Goals scored
4
Assists
1
Goals conceded
92
Clean sheets
21
After all, the now-retired United number 5 was only a year older than Branthwaite is now when he first made the leap to Old Trafford, with the 22-year-old also definitely capable of adjusting to the pressures of the Theatre of Dreams when glancing at his standout numbers from the table above.
Branthwaite would be able to chip in with goals and assists aplenty too, just like Ferdinand in his pomp, with his output during his breakout 2023/24 season seeing him fire home three strikes, away from further proving his imposing nature in the air by winning 3.9 duels per game throughout 2024/25.
Once lauded as a “colossal” presence by Statman Dave, on top of also being labelled as a “beast” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, this could be yet another signing that helps United push out of their current mire.
A positive new horizon could soon come Amorim and Co’s way as Branthwaite potentially goes down as a modern icon at the back, whilst Cunha and Mbeumo also aim to be heroes in their own right.
He'd be perfect for Mbeumo: Man Utd prepare bid for "exceptional" £28m ace
Manchester United appear to be making serious moves in the transfer market.
Sunderland are set for a busy summer of transfer business before the window closes at the start of September, as they look to build a team that can compete in the Premier League.
The Black Cats have already confirmed their first signing of the summer as Enzo Le Fee has joined the club on a permanent deal, after spending the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s French whiz scored one goal and provided one assist, whilst averaging 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game, in his 15 appearances in the Championship as a loanee.
The 25-year-old added a touch of class to the team, as shown in the clip below, and Regis Le Bris will be hoping that he can deliver in the Premier League as well.
Le Fee was not the only loan star on Wearside during the 2024/25 campaign, though, as central defender Chris Mepham was on loan from Bournemouth.
However, they have yet to agree a deal to bring the Wales international back to the Stadium of Light for the next Premier League season, despite a recent report claiming that they were considering a permanent move for him.
Why Sunderland may not sign Chris Mepham
Football Insider recently noted that Mepham has signed a one-year extension with the Cherries, which means that he will not be available on a free transfer this summer.
This means that Sunderland would have to pay a transfer fee for the central defender to sign him from their Premier League rivals, rather than being able to snap him up for nothing.
Chris Mepham in action for Sunderland.
Whilst it remains to be seen how much Bournemouth would want for the centre-back, this could put the Black Cats off a potential deal as it may be more costly than previously expected.
Fellow newly-promoted side Burnley have also been linked with a possible swoop for the Welsh colossus, who was a solid, but not outstanding, performer for Sunderland in the second tier.
Tackles
1.3
7th
Interceptions
0.9
6th
Clearances
6.2
1st
Blocks
0.9
1st
Pass accuracy
87%
6th
Long passes made
2.1
5th
As you can see in the table above, Mepham excelled in some areas of the game, notably making blocks and clearances, but was not one of the top-performing defenders at the club when it came to making tackles or interceptions.
Sunderland may feel that they could find better value elsewhere in the market, as they look to bolster their defensive options, which may be one reason why they may not sign him on a permanent deal.
In fact, the Black Cats are reportedly looking at a Championship central defender who could be an even better signing than Mepham this summer.
Sunderland eyeing deal for Championship enforcer
According to the Daily Express, Sunderland are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a deal to sign Millwall centre-back Japhet Tanganga in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Black Cats, Leeds United, and Burnley all have a ‘concrete interest’ in the former Tottenham Hotspur defender, as they look to bolster their defensive options.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states Crystal Palace are also keen on a deal for the 26-year-old enforcer, and that they could have an advantage in the race to sign him as a London club and a team with European football in the 2025/26 campaign.
The Daily Express reveals that he has a £1.2m release clause, that can only be activated by Premier League clubs this summer, which means that he could be a bargain signing for any of the interested teams.
Millwall's JaphetTangangain action with Portsmouth's Thomas Waddingham
It also reveals that Tanganga would like his future to be sorted by the end of the month, possibly to be ready for a pre-season with a new club, but it does not state what his preference is at this moment in time.
Why Sunderland should sign Japhet Tanganga
The Black Cats must now push to win the race for Tanganga ahead of Burnley, Leeds, and Palace because he could be an even better signing for the club than Mepham would be this summer.
Whilst the former Sunderland loanee is far from immobile, there may be concerns about how he would handle the step up in intensity and pace in the Premier League.
Whereas, Tanganga is an incredibly mobile and rapid central defender who can cover ground quickly and has the physicality to deal with top-flight attackers.
Carlton Palmer told Football League World: “He is capable of playing in the Premier League, he’s got the physical tools to cope with the demands of the top-flight with his positional play and reading of the game, while he has tremendous recovery pace.”
Appearances
38
40
Tackles per game
1.4
1.4
Interceptions per game
0.9
0.9
Dribbled past
0.5x
0.3x
Duels won per game
4.9
5.9
Ground duel success rate
55%
61%
Aerial duel success rate
63%
63%
As you can see in the table above, Tanganga’s superior physical attributes in comparison to Mepham were on display in the Championship last season.
The Millwall colossus was dribbled past less frequently, which is because he has the pace to keep up with attackers when they try to knock it past him, and won a higher percentage of his duels on the ground overall.
This suggests that Tanganga would be more suited to dealing with Premier League attackers in one-on-one situations defensively than Mepham would be next season, due to his more impressive physicality.
Therefore, he could be a better signing for the Black Cats this summer because he is more likely to deal with the step up to the top-flight to help Le Bris’ side in their battle against relegation.
Sunderland now make approach for £13k-p/w defender with 25 UCL appearances
The Black Cats have launched a move for a “talented” player, who has tested himself in the Champions League.
ByDominic Lund Jun 12, 2025
It is now down to Sunderland to activate his £1.2m release clause and to convince him to make the move to the Stadium of Light, instead of joining one of the other three interested parties from the Premier League.
Setting their sights on fresh targets, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive £42m midfielder who already has a goal to his name at Villa Park.
Aston Villa face difficult summer
Whichever direction Aston Villa go down this summer, they must approach with caution. Their PSR concerns are likely to limit their spending unless they complete some ruthless sales. Those concerns make their defeat against Manchester United to cost them a Champions League place on the final day all the more frustrating for Unai Emery, who failed to hide his anger at the time.
Now, weeks on, it’s simply a situation that the Midlands club must prepare for. Rumours have already arrived as to who could be heading for the exit door as somewhat of a sacrifice for the Villans and it seems as though not many names are off the table completely.
Among those most mentioned has been Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine looked to be bidding an emotional farewell to Villa Park in the final home game of the season, sparking rumours that he could yet depart amid interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid.
Losing Martinez would be a frustrating but perhaps necessary blow for all involved at Villa Park, who could then have the chance to welcome incomings of their own. Already, Zepiqueno Redmond looks set to arrive on a free transfer from Feyenoord to commence Villa’s summer business, but they won’t want to stop there.
Aston Villa make offer to sign Serie A champion who’s now tempted by move
The Villans could tempt the defender into a move.
2 ByTom Cunningham Jun 11, 2025
With Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford on their way back to their parent clubs, Emery has important roles to fill in his side and Villa have seemingly turned their focus towards signing a Premier League rival as a result.
Aston Villa racing to sign Mikkel Damsgaard
According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now racing to sign Mikkel Damsgaard from Brentford this summer. The Bees reportedly value the Danish midfielder at as much as €50m (£42m) amid interest from the Midlands club as well as Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and West Ham United.
Villa Park received a first-hand glimpse of Damsgaard’s quality when he scored Brentford’s only goal in an eventual 3-1 defeat at the hands of Emery’s side. Even in the face of defeat, however, the 24-year-old showed what he’s capable of.
With 11 assists to his name last season – a number that only Mohamed Salah, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga bettered – Damsgaard was often at the centre of Thomas Frank’s praise.
The Brentford boss told reporters after victory over Leicester in December: “He just got better and better.Today he was fantastic in every way possible. He had another performance and also did an assist. He ties our team and games together amazingly. It’s cool to see.”
Finally realising his potential, it may not be long before Damsgaard is on the move away from Brentford and perhaps even towards Villa Park if the Midlands club make their move this summer.
Everton have emerged as contenders to complete the signing of a Premier League champion, according to a fresh transfer update.
Forwards Everton could sign this summer
The Blues were relatively goal-shy last season, only scoring 42 goals in 38 league matches, highlighting the need for David Moyes to add attacking quality to his squad in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool winger Ben Doak continues to be mentioned as an eye-catching option for Everton, in a move that would cause plenty of controversy on Merseyside, with Moyes considering him a leading option to bring in ahead of next season. It remains to be seen if the Reds are willing to sell to their local rivals, though.
The Blues are also said to be willing to trigger the release clause of Villarreal forward Thierno Barry, paving the way for Dominic Calvert-Lewis to bring an end to his time at the club, as has been expected for some time now.
Meanwhile, Oguz Aydin is another reported target for Everton, with the Fenerbahce winger a player capable of bringing strong end product in the final third, following 10 goal contributions (seven goals and three assists) in the Turkisk Super Lig in 2024/25.
Everton eyeing shock move for Man City star
According to The Daily Mail, Everton are “monitoring” Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, as they eye a “shock” move for him this summer.
The £300,000-a-week ace is expected to leave the Etihad in the coming weeks and months, and the Blues have emerged as contenders to snap him up. While no talks have taken place yet, they are “aware” of his availability, although a loan move may be most likely, due to profit and sustainability rules surrounding his wages.
Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match
Grealish’s stock has dropped significantly over the past year or two, hence City being willing to sell him, but that’s not to say that he couldn’t shine for Everton, having been praised by Pep Guardiola last year.
“He was aggressive. I know in controlling the ball he is good, but he made four or five shots. This is what it is – he has to prove himself, but I am really pleased with the game he played.”
There has been a feeling that Grealish’s maverick style has been stunted at City, with the Englishman having to play a more refined role where risk-taking isn’t allowed, but he could flourish if let off his leash at Everton.
The fact that Moyes is a big admirer of the 29-year-old can also only bode well, with the Blues boss calling him the “best player in the Premier League” back in 2021, which speaks volumes.
Everton ready to trigger £30m release clause for "exciting" DCL replacement
The Toffees could land their Liam Delap alternative.
2 ByTom Cunningham Jun 8, 2025
If he believes he can get the best out of Grealish, it is a move that Everton must try and make happen, with the Englishman capable of lighting up matches with his dribbling ability and entertainment value.
West Ham United have reportedly agreed personal terms to sign a £20m midfielder and are in talks with his club over a deal.
West Ham start summer business with move for Celtic striker Cummings
The Hammers endured a difficult 2024/25 Premier League season after splashing the cash last summer, with Julen Lopetegui being sacked at the beginning of the New Year and former technical director Tim Steiden departing shortly after.
Max Kilman
Wolves
€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville
Leeds United
€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug
Borussia Dortmund
€27m
Luis Guilherme
Palmeiras
€23m
Mohamadou Kante
Paris FC
Undisclosed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Man Utd
€18m
Wes Foderingham
Sheffield United
Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez
Real Betis
Free transfer
Jean-Clair Todibo
Nice
Loan transfer
Carlos Soler
PSG
Loan transfer
Evan Ferguson
Brighton
Loan transfer
Graham Potter arrived and saw out the new season with the Irons, and he’ll soon be preparing for his first full season at the London Stadium, looking to put his own stamp on things in the transfer market.
West Ham have already sealed their first summer signing, with Celtic forward Daniel Cummings set to move to London.
Daniel Cummings for Celtic
Talented 19-year-old striker Cummings is out of contract at Celtic Park in the summer and has already agreed terms and undergone a medical with the Hammers, with Fabrizio Romano saying it is a “done deal”.
Cummings has been free-scoring for the Hoops in their youth sides and was even given a Champions League appearance by Brendan Rodgers in the 24/25 campaign, so seems to be a star in the making and will officially arrive on July 1st.
Approach made: West Ham now in contact to sign "incredible" £20m defender
The Hammers have come forward for a centre-back, who they are now seriously interested in signing.
ByDominic Lund May 25, 2025
After the Scotland youth international, West Ham now look to be targeting more experienced additions to the squad, with a new midfielder being worked on.
West Ham agree personal terms with £20m Raphael Onyedika
According to journalist Sebastian Vidal, relayed by GiveMeSport, West Ham have agreed personal terms with Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
Described as a potential “major signing” for the Irons by Vidal, talks are also underway with Club Brugge over agreeing a fee for Onyedika, thought to be worth around £20m.
A Nigeria international, Onyedika is attracted by the idea of playing in England but is still under contract with Club Brugge until 2027 after signing for the Belgian giants from FC Midtjylland in 2022.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, the 24-year-old can also play as a box-to-box central midfielder or even give cover as a centre-back, so would provide Potter with plenty of versatility, should a deal go through.
Onyedika even has Champions League experience with his current employers, scoring in the competition against Man City in 24/25, and by the looks of things, a move to West Ham is one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.
Crystal Palace now have Europa League football to look forward to next season, and already the club are planning for the summer as they eye up a move to sign a “superb” Bundesliga midfielder, according to a recent report.
Wharton’s Crystal Palace future in doubt despite FA Cup win
Adam Wharton has been a standout performer since his arrival in SE25, and his performances have caught the attention of teams at home and abroad. Despite missing a large chunk of this season through a groin injury, Wharton has played 20 times in the Premier League and was a huge part of the Eagles’ FA Cup glory.
Heading into the summer transfer window, he is now very much a wanted man, as teams start to circle with significant interest. Last week, it was reported that Man United boss Ruben Amorim is personally driving the Red Devils’ move to sign Wharton. It’s claimed that United are in the strongest position to sign the Englishman this summer, but they are not the only team chasing the midfielder.
Crystal Palace join Man Utd in race to sign £19m ace who could replace Eze
Crystal Palace are among the Premier League teams chasing a player who is leaving his club this summer.
ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025
Newcastle United have also been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old, while Arsenal are said to have joined the race to sign Wharton, as they plan to close the gap at the top of the table.
Liverpool are also interested in Wharton, and it’s been reported that they are planning to make a £60 million bid to sign the Palace man. However, given the Eagles have qualified for the Europa League, their stance has tightened, and it’s been claimed they wouldn’t consider any bid less than £80 million.
Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign "superb" £15m+ midfielder
And while the hope will of course be to convince the England starlet to stay put, according to Sky Germany, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Nadiem Amiri from Bundesliga side Mainz 05, making plans to buff up their midfield ranks just in case.
Sky Germany report that Amiri’s exit from Mainz is a possibility this summer, as Palace, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the midfielder, as well as teams in Serie A.
The 28-year-old was asked about his future after Mainz’s final game of the season over the weekend against Bayer Leverkusen, which they drew 2-2, and the German didn’t give much away: “Go on holiday now; then we’ll see.”
Apps
30
Goals
7
Expected goals
5.47
Assists
5
Shots per game
2.1
Key passes per game
2.1
Interceptions per game
0.5
Tackles per game
1.7
Amiri, who has been dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, with this report claiming he could cost between 18 and 20 million euros, which is roughly £15-16 million.
The midfielder, who can operate as a number ten or more defensively, is under contract until 2028, and the fact that Mainz have qualified for Europe next season will toughen their stance, given Amiri has been an important player this season with seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga games.
Managers coming and going is very much a part of life in football, and with the managerial merry-go-round in full swing, the number of dugout changes in the 2024/25 season grew right up to the end of the campaign.
Premier League bosses like Russell Martin and Sean Dyche could not avoid the dreaded axe, while the Championship saw the likes of Wayne Rooney given their marching orders after dismal campaigns from the dugout.
Firings were rife throughout the rest of the EFL too, as clubs scrambled to avoid failure by making drastic changes.
We have the full list of dismissals here, with nearly 50 managers leaving their posts during the season.
All 20 Premier League managers' salaries (lowest to highest)
How much each Premier League gaffer earns.
ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025
#
Manager
Club left
Date
Time in charge
Ryan Lowe
Preston
12th August
2 years, 249 days
Neil Critchley
Blackpool
21st August
1 year, 90 days
Paul Simpson
Carlisle
31st August
2 years, 189 days
Steven Schumacher
Stoke
16th September
272 days
Erol Bulut
Cardiff
22nd September
1 year, 111 days
Mark Robinson
Burton Albion
23rd October
141 days
Mark Kennedy
Swindon
25th October
149 days
Erik ten Hag
Man Utd
28th October
2 years, 158 days
Paul Hurst
Shrewsbury
3rd November
284 days
Mark Robins
Coventry
7th November
7 years, 246 days
Steve Cooper
Leicester
24th November
157 days
Tim Walter
Hull
27th November
180 days
Jon Brady
Northampton
5th December
3 years, 299 days
Neil Harris
Millwall
10th December
293 days
Gary O’Neil
Wolves
15th December
1 year, 128 days
Des Buckingham
Oxford
15th December
1 year, 29 days
Russell Martin
Southampton
15th December
1 year, 177 days
Matt Taylor
Bristol Rovers
16th December
1 year, 15 days
Charlie Adam
Fleetwood
22nd December
357 days
Narcis Pelach
Stoke
27th December
100 days
Wayne Rooney
Plymouth
31st December
220 days
Mark Bonner
Gillingham
5th January
243 days
Julen Lopetegui
West Ham
8th January
230 days
Rob Edwards
Luton
9th January
2 years, 53 days
Sean Dyche
Everton
9th January
1 year, 345 days
Stephen Clemence
Barrow
19th January
233 days
Ian Evatt
Bolton
22nd January
4 years, 205 days
Mike Williamson
Carlisle
3rd February
137 days
Paul Warne
Derby
7th February
2 years, 138 days
Garry Monk
Cambridge
16th February
349 days
Luke Williams
Swansea
17th February
1 year, 43 days
Nigel Adkins
Tranmere
25th February
1 year, 115 days
Shaun Maloney
Wigan
2nd March
2 years, 33 days
Scott Lindsey
MK Dons
2nd March
158 days
Michael Duff
Huddersfield
9th March
299 days
Darrell Clarke
Barnsley
12th March
293 days
Rob Elliot
Crawley
19th March
169 days
Steve Evans
Rotherham
30th March
347 days
Ivan Juric
Southampton
7th April
105 days
Omer Riza
Cardiff
19th April
209 days
Tony Mowbray
West Brom
21st April
93 days
Johannes Hoff Thorup
Norwich
22nd April
327 days
Nelson Jardim
Newport
24th April
282 days
Inigo Calderon
Bristol Rovers
4th May
129 days
Tom Cleverley
Watford
6th May
1 year, 12 days
1 Ryan Lowe (Preston North End) Left: 12th August
Championship side Preston North End parted ways with head coach Ryan Lowe after just one league game this season.
Following the Lilywhites’ 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United, Lowe asked to leave the club, telling Preston’s board he wanted “a change”. The defeat to the Blades was Preston’s sixth on the bounce, with Lowe’s side having lost their final five games of the previous season – a run of form that saw them fade out of the play-off race.
2 Neil Critchley (Blackpool) Sacked: 21st August
Blackpool sacked manager Neil Critchley after they began their 2024/25 League One campaign with back-to-back defeats against Crawley Town and Stockport County.
The 45-year-old had previously guided Blackpool to the Championship by way of the play-offs in 2021, and returned to Bloomfield Road in May 2023 after spells with Aston Villa and QPR. However, he was unable to recapture the magic of two years prior, with the Seasiders finishing the 2023/24 campaign in eighth.
3 Paul Simpson (Carlisle United) Sacked: 31st August
Paul Simpson was let go by Carlisle United following a 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers back in August. The defeat was their third from four league matches this season, having been relegated to League Two under Simpson’s tenure last year.
“Everyone at the club would like to thank Paul and his staff for their efforts,” Carlisle said in a statement.
4 Steven Schumacher (Stoke City) Sacked: 16th September
Stoke City sacked Steven Schumacher after the Potters lost three of their first five games of the campaign. The final straw came by way of a 1-0 loss to Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.
Schumacher’s tenure as Stoke boss lasted just nine months in total, with the 40-year-old having left Plymouth Argyle to take the job in December 2023.
Two days after sacking Schumacher, Stoke appointed Norwich City coach Narcis Pelach as their new manager on a three-year contract.
5 Erol Bulut (Cardiff City) Sacked: 22nd September
Cardiff City were rock bottom of the Championship when they fired head coach Erol Bulut in mid-September.
The Bluebirds had picked up just one point from six games and scored one goal – their worst start to a season in 94 years. Bulut’s final game was a 2-0 home defeat against Leeds United. He has since been replaced by Omer Riza, who remains in interim charge heading into December.
6 Mark Robinson (Burton Albion) Sacked: 23rd October
Mark Robinson was relieved of his duties at Burton Albion following a run of seven successive defeats in all competitions.
“We feel we have reached a point where a change is necessary to improve the team’s results,” sporting director Bendik Hareide said at the time.
Robinson, 58, is the third Burton manager in three seasons to have been given the axe before Christmas, following in the footsteps of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Dino Maamria.
7 Mark Kennedy (Swindon Town) Sacked: 25th October
Swindon Town sacked head coach Mark Kennedy after less than five months in charge following a 2-1 defeat at Salford. Kennedy won just 3 of his 15 games in charge of the Robins, who were 22nd in League Two at the time of his departure.
Just hours after Kennedy’s sacking, Swindon appointed former Bristol Rovers, QPR and Blackpool manager Ian Holloway as their new head coach.
8 Erik ten Hag (Manchester United) Sacked: 28th October
Erik ten Hag
By far and away the most high-profile sacking of the season, Erik ten Hag was let go by Manchester United following a disastrous start to the season. The Dutchman’s final game was a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United, which left the Red Devils 14th in the Premier League with just three wins from their opening nine games.
Though he guided United to two trophies during his two-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has been dubbed the club’s worst-ever manager. Ruben Amorim has since stepped in as his replacement.
9 Paul Hurst (Shrewsbury Town) Sacked: 3rd November
Shrewsbury Town parted ways with head coach Paul Hurst after a run of just 1 win in 12 games in all competitions, leaving them second from bottom in League One. Assistant boss Chris Doig was also let go.
Hurst and Doig were in their second spell at the club, having previously led the Shrews to the League One play-off final in 2018.
“Everyone at the football club is hugely disappointed their second spell hasn’t worked out and we find ourselves in our current position,” Shrewsbury said in a statement.
10 Mark Robins (Coventry City) Sacked: 7th November
Coventry City fired boss Mark Robins after a run of just 4 wins in 14 Championship games this season. Robins, 54, had been in charge of the Sky Blues for 2,803 days, making him the English Football League’s longest-serving manager at the time.
Former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard has been appointed as Robins’ successor on a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing interim boss Rhys Carr.
The 8 longest-serving managers in the Premier League & EFL