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Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe splashed the cash in the 2025 summer transfer window, but who are the club’s current most expensive signings of all time?

Here at Football FanCast, we’ve taken a look at Man Utd’s most expensive additions in their famous history, as per Transfermarkt, with a detailed look at the top 10.

1

Paul Pogba

£89m

Juventus

2016

2

Antony

£81.3m

Ajax

2022

3

Harry Maguire

£80m

Leicester City

2019

4

Romelu Lukaku

£75m

Everton

2017

5

Jadon Sancho

£73m

Borussia Dortmund

2021

6

Bryan Mbeumo

£71m

Brentford

2025

7

Benjamin Sesko

£66.4m

RB Leipzig

2025

8

Rasmus Hojlund

£64m

Atalanta

2022

9

Matheus Cunha

£62.5m

Wolves

2025

=10

Angel Di Maria

£60m

Real Madrid

2014

=10

Casemiro

£60m

Real Madrid

2022

12

Bruno Fernandes

£56m

Sporting CP

2020

13

Mason Mount

£55m

Chelsea

2023

=14

Anthony Martial

£52m

AS Monaco

2015

=14

Leny Yoro

£52m

Lille

2024

16

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

£50m

Crystal Palace

2019

17

Lisandro Martinez

£48.3m

Ajax

2022

18

Fred

£47m

Shakhtar Donetsk

2018

19

Andre Onana

£43.5m

Inter Milan

2023

20

Manuel Ugarte

£42m

PSG

2024

Here's a detailed look at Man Utd's 10 most expensive signings: 10 Angel Di Maria £60m from Real Madrid

Back in 2014, Angel Di Maria put pen to paper on a five-year deal with Man Utd in what was at the time, a club and British transfer record.

The Argentine signed from Real Madrid under Louis van Gaal, but after just one season and 32 appearances, was sold to Paris Saint-Germain.

9 Matheus Cunha £62.5m from Wolves

One of three big-money signings in 2025, Matheus Cunha was the first addition ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

Man Utd triggered the £62.5m release clause in Cunha’s Wolves contract, with the Brazilian forward set to play in behind the striker.

8 Rasmus Hojlund £64m from Atalanta

The Red Devils won the race to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta in 2023. The Denmark forward was just 20 years of age when he signed for the club and netted 10 Premier League goals during his debut campaign.

However, in 2025, Hojlund was allowed to join Napoli on loan with an obligtion to buy for £38m in 2026.

7 Benjamin Sesko £66.4m from RB Leipzig

Benjamin Sesko was brought in before Hojlund’s exit as the new main centre-forward for the Red Devils.

The towering Slovenia striker starred for RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig before heading to Manchester in an initial deal worth more than £66m.

6 Bryan Mbeumo £71m from Brentford

After starring in the Premier League with Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo swapped London for Manchester in a transfer worth £71m.

The versatile forward signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford which, providing he stays until 2030, will see him earn £39m in wages during his time with the Red Devils.

5 Jadon Sancho £73m from Borussia Dortmund

Jadon Sancho failed to make the desired impact at Old Trafford after being brought in by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.

Sancho has also had a frosty relationship with Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman publicly saying the winger wasn’t being included in matchday squads due to his performances in training. In 2024/25, he headed on loan to Chelsea, and in 2025/26, joined Aston Villa for the season.

4 Romelu Lukaku £75m from Everton

Another big-money signing that didn’t work out for Man Utd was Romelu Lukaku, who signed from Everton in 2017.

The Belgian arrived at Old Trafford shortly after Wayne Rooney went the other way, however, Lukaku was on the move again just two years later, joining Inter Milan.

3 Harry Maguire £80m from Leicester City

Man Utd pipped Man City to the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019. The centre-back has since been a hot topic of conversation at Old Trafford but has remained a regular for the majority of the time.

He’s worked under a number of managers and even captained the Red Devils for a number of years before Erik ten Hag handed that responsibility to Fernandes in 2023.

2 Antony £81.3m from Ajax

The club splashed the cash on winger Antony to quickly reunite him with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian starred under Ten Hag in the Netherlands, however, after moving to England, Antony struggled to make the same impact, not exactly living up to the huge fee, and signed for Real Betis for just over £20m in 2025.

1 Paul Pogba £89m from Juventus

Top of the list is Paul Pogba, who actually came through the academy at Carrington. The French midfielder eventually left for Juventus in 2012, but four years later, returned to Old Trafford in a huge £89m deal.

Pogba’s second stint in Manchester had plenty of ups and downs, and in 2022, he left when his contract expired.

Celtic have already been busy this summer, but this activity is only set to continue.

The main headlines are the fact that Nicolas Kühn has been sold to Como for a reported fee of £16.4m but, in more exciting news, Kieran Tierney has returned on a free transfer, six years after departing for Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Nygren, Hayato Inamura, Callum Osmand, and Ross Doohan have also arrived, as has a new striker, more on him in just a second, but could Brendan Rodgers be about to reinforce his attacking options further?

Celtic's search for a striker

On Saturday morning, ahead of a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United at Parkhead, Shin Yamada was unveiled as the Hoops’ latest summer recruit, arriving from Kawasaki Frontale for a reported fee of £1.5m.

The 25-year-old was the third-highest scorer in the J League last season with 19, accumulating a goal or an assist every 91 minutes, while also helping the Sky Blue and Blacks reach a first-ever AFC Champions League Final, dumping out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr en route.

Nevertheless, following Wednesday’s pre-season friendly victory over Sporting CP in the Algrave, Rodgers stated that he wants “to add [more] to our front line”, so could he be about to get his wish?

Well, according to reports in Romania, Celtic have seen a bid of around £6.9m rejected for CFR Cluj striker Louis Munteanu.

They add that the 23-year-old is valued at closer to £16m by the Railwaymen, while Ligue 1 duo Nice and Lille have also expressed ‘interest’ in signing him.

Munteanu is expected to be on the move this summer but, if he is to end up in Glasgow, it would require a sizeable fee.

How Louis Munteanu would improve Celtic

Munteanu was signed by Fiorentina as a teenager, representing I Viola’s Primavera side, but never in the first team, thereby returning to Romania with Farul Constanța, before joining CFR Cluj for around £2m last summer.

Well, safe to say he has impressed in Transylvania, scoring 26 goals in 43 appearances for Cluj, ending up the Romanian top division’s leading scorer, while also on target during a Europa League qualifying victory over Hungarian outfit Paksi FC at Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu as recently as last Thursday.

Goals

23

1st

Goals per 90

0.76

1st

Non-penalty goals

19

1st

Shots

115

2nd

Shots on target

57

1st

Shots on target %

49.6%

3rd*

*minimum 40 shots attempted.

These performances earned Munteanu international recognition, part of Romania’s squad for last month’s under-21 European Championships in Slovakia, scoring this absolute rocket against Spain at Národný futbalový štadión in Bratislava.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout documented the striker’s “amazing season”, while Ewan Paton of the National labelled his form ‘sensational’, having become the first player to reach 23 goals in a single Liga I season since Mihai Adam 51 years ago.

So how does he compare to Celtic’s latest striker signing Yamada?

Let’s find out.

Appearances

43

83

Minutes

3,052

4,212

Goals

26

26

Assists

3

8

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis.

Shots

3.8

3.28

Shots on target

1.88

1.43

Shots on target %

49.6%

43.5%

Big chances missed

0.52

0.63

Average Sofascore rating

7.22

6.72

Worth noting first and foremost that Munteanu’s statistics document last season while, because the J League runs from February to December, that is all of Yamada’s statistics throughout 2024 and 2025, hence why he made 40 more appearances.

Nevertheless, the Romanian’s statistics are more impressive, scoring the same number of goals but in almost half the number of appearances, while registering more shots and shots on target on a per-90 basis.

Thus, it is clear that Munteanu would surely be an excellent addition to Rodgers’ squad, even if Cluj are demanding a record-breaking Scottish transfer fee.

Celtic learn star player's one key demand as contract talks near resolution

The Bhoys could land a significant boost.

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 19, 2025

Liverpool have reportedly made an approach to sign a Sadio Mane-like forward who Manchester United are in talks to sign.

Liverpool announce Ekitike deal and eye Isak

The Reds have spent the most out of all 20 Premier League clubs this summer, with FSG splashing more than £250m on six new signings so far.

Incomings

From

Fee

Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen

£116m

Hugo Ekitike

Frankfurt

£69m

Milos Kerkez

Bournemouth

£40m

Jeremie Frimpong

Bayer Leverkusen

£29.5m

Armin Pecsi

Puskas Akademia

£1.5m

Freddie Woodman

Preston North End

Free

Hugo Ekitike was the latest marquee addition, costing Liverpool £69m from Eintracht Frankfurt. Talking after completing his move to Anfield, the French forward said:

Despite signing Ekitike, Liverpool may not stop there when it comes to striker signings, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak a firm target.

The Swede has his heart set on a move to Merseyside, however, the Reds may have to break their transfer record once more if they are to add Isak to Arne Slot’s squad.

With FSG showing no signs of stopping, the Reds are also looking at a move to sign an in-demand teenager ahead of those at Old Trafford.

Liverpool make contact to sign Man Utd target Idrissa Gueye

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are one of a host of sides to have made an enquiry for Metz attacker Idrissa Gueye. The Reds and West Ham have been in recent contact, as have Brighton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Southampton, and Sunderland.

Hughes now wants Liverpool to sign "exciting" Rodrygo alternative

The Reds sporting director is a massive fan.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2025

Described by FI as ‘one of the hottest properties in Europe’, Gueye is also wanted in Germany and Italy, whereas Liverpool’s rivals, Man Utd, have been in recent intense £17m talks for the 18-year-old striker.

Gueye, already a senior Senegal international, is “rated as highly as Sadio Mane was”, according to reporter Alan Nixon, so Liverpool appear to be wise in making checks on a potential deal for the Metz gem.

A move for Mane from Southampton in 2016 proved to be a brilliant piece of business, with the winger going on to score 120 goals in 269 Liverpool games, winning the Premier League and Champions League.

Now, Gueye could follow in Mane’s Anfield footsteps, making this one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of huge improvement over the course of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, needing to right the wrongs of last season.

The Lilywhites only managed to register a 17th-placed finish, losing 22 matches out of their 38, a tally of defeats that subsequently cost Ange Postecoglou his job.

Thomas Frank is the latest manager to try and push the club closer to a consistent place within the division’s top four and eventually push for a title charge in the years ahead.

The Dane will need the hierarchy to hand the new boss the funds he needs to make the desired changes to provide him with the platform for success in his first year at the club.

Numerous names have been touted with a move to North London, this window, with progress appearing to be made on deals to land key players in multiple areas.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Ademola Lookman is the latest player who has appeared on Spurs’ radar, with the Lilywhites preparing an offer for the Atalanta star in the coming weeks.

He could be available for a fee in the region of £50m this summer, a deal which could be a bargain given his tally of 20 goals across all competitions last season.

However, a deal could be edging closer for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, with talks already being held, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He claims that the club’s hierarchy are preparing another bid for the Ghanaian international, after their first offer of around £50m was swiftly rejected.

Romano also stated that the 24-year-old would be extremely keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with the Lilywhites currently leading the race for his signature this summer despite his £85m release clause.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s own Saka

Bukayo Saka is a player who many Spurs fans have envied in recent years, given the performances he’s often produced against them in the North London Derby.

The 23-year-old has scored five times against the Lilywhites in his career, the most of any side in his professional career, with the Englishman one of the Premier League’s dangermen.

He registered six goals and 10 assists in England’s top-flight last season, but his contributions couldn’t catapult the Gunners to the Premier League title – undoubtedly to the joy of all Spurs supporters.

However, Frank’s side could be about to land their own version of the forward with a move for Kudus this summer, as the Ghanaian has been labelled as a similar player to Saka by FBref.

The West Ham star also possesses a very similar trait of liking to cut inside onto his left foot off the right flank, as demonstrated by the stats he’s produced in recent months.

Kudus, who’s been labelled as “sensational” by one analyst, has registered fewer goal contributions, but has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing the clinical edge he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, completing more balls into the final third, having the ability to provide other forwards with the chance for success in forward areas.

Games played

32

25

Goals & assists

8

16

Goals per shot on target

0.3

0.2

Pass accuracy

84%

75%

Passes into final third

1.6

0.7

Take-ons completed

3.2

2.1

Carries into final third

2.1

1.6

Fouls won

2.2

2

The Ghanaian’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of take-ons completed and carries into the final third, having the talent to take the ball forward at any given opportunity.

It may be a deal that could cost a small fortune this summer, but it’s evident that, from the stats produced, he would be worth every penny in their quest for domestic glory.

Should he get near the levels produced by Saka in recent times, it would be an astute piece of business and one that could provide the difference within the final third.

Frank's own Vertonghen: Spurs make enquiry for "unreal" £21m CB

Tottenham need to sign a new defender or two this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2025

Things are moving apace. Liverpool have already replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong and are advancing with deals for Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

Talk about a show of intent. Talk about ambition. FSG have faced their criticisms across their time at the head of the Liverpool table, but the American owners are backing Arne Slot to the hilt this summer after the Dutch coach secured a Premier League title in his first term at the helm.

With a much-anticipated move for Wirtz, which could rise to a British-record £116m, set to be finalised in the coming days, hopes are morphing into expectations that the Reds will be right there in the title battle next season, throwing the heaviest punches and swerving the blows from Arsenal, Manchester City and the like.

What, then, should be Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes’ next move in the transfer market? Well, for all Anfield’s impressive dealings, the glaring point of contention still hasn’t been addressed: Liverpool need to part with Darwin Nunez and bring in a new number nine.

Why Liverpool need to sell Darwin Nunez

As far as statement signings go, Liverpool usually hit the nail on the head. However, Nunez has proven to be a blot on the copybook, never living up to the fixed £64m fee and actually regressing under Slot’s jurisdiction.

24/25

47

7

7

23/24

54

18

15

22/23

42

15

4

Back in February, Slot stated he “can’t accept” Nunez’s work rate following a slew of games which had turned little personal reward for the Uruguayan. Previous versions of the 25-year-old invariably provided a tenacious

A maverick, Nunez is powerful and instinctive, but consistent finishing has always eluded him throughout his time on Merseyside, and if it were not for Mohamed Salah’s extraordinary 2024/25 campaign, the striker’s woes might have been hung under a brighter, more blinding light.

Salah scored 34 goals and assisted 23 more across all competitions last season. Extraordinary. The Egyptian King turned 33 this month, though, and needs a more reliable frontman to keep him performing at his peak.

Well, Liverpool are acting with ambition, hoping to sign a star who might just prove to elevate the legend. Who knows, he may even surpass Salah’s greatness.

Liverpool line up new striker

According to Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are ready to place a record-breaking bid for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak this summer.

Liverpool’s current interest in the Sweden striker can be traced back to the start of March, when The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed the Reds had him at the top of their shopping list.

The Magpies, who won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League last term, would want north of £150m for Isak, but GMS claim FSG would be willing to offer £100m plus add-ons, which would eclipse the fee agreed for Wirtz.

How Isak could surpass Salah at Liverpool

Liverpool need a striker, all right, and Isak is their dream target. If sporting director Richard Hughes could pick any number nine across the globe, this is the man he’d move for.

Coming off the back of a 27-goal campaign with Newcastle, Isak, who has been hailed as “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan, could be the most incredible addition to a Liverpool side already jam-packed with attacking quality.

Isak’s prowess, always improving, could even see him become a goalscoring machine under Slot’s wing above that of Salah, whose 34-goal season was frankly ridiculous.

24/25 – Newcastle

42

27

6

23/24 – Newcastle

40

25

2

22/23 – Newcastle

29

11

3

21/22 – Sociedad

41

10

3

20/21 – Sociedad

44

17

2

Moreover, his unique approach to the attacking game could see him reach that pedestal on which Salah perches, surmounted above the rest of the Premier League’s attacking talent.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 16% of strikers last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.

This protean attacking quality could see him join the likes of Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres as one of the most complete and electric number nines the Premier League has ever seen.

Would this make him a more dangerous forward than Salah? Who knows, but Isak definitely has the perfect style to dovetail into Slot’s system and bring a new level of direct goalscoring threat.

And it must be said, Liverpool have certainly felt the force of the Sweden striker’s skills, Isak having scored a stunning goal against them at St. James’ Park last year before bagging in the Carabao Cup final, a strike which proved definitive.

But it’s not just his goalscoring. Isak has the capacity to outstrip even Salah’s ridiculous goal per game rate at Liverpool (0.61), with his Newcastle average currently at 0.57.

As he continues to go from strength to strength, Isak could hit a truly staggering flow, especially given that he would be playing among some of the best in the business (including Salah, whose playmaking has hit another level over the past couple of years).

Whether Isak would finish a potential Liverpool career with a greater legacy than Salah is tantamount to splitting hairs. In all likelihood, he’d fail on that front, for Salah has transcended pure quality on the field to immortalise himself in Liverpool lore.

However, Isak’s ability to score is a special thing – pundit Alan Shearer has described him as a “world-class assassin” – and if signed to the Liverpool cause and allowed to foster relationships with Salah and Wirtz, his goalscoring record could form something not witnessed on Merseyside.

Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur salvaged their season in the most glorious fashion last month, beating Manchester United in the Europa League final to end 17 agonising years of searching for silverware.

However, it wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou, who Daniel Levy dismissed at the start of the month following a wretched Premier League season that concluded with Spurs completing a miserable 17th-place finish.

But with Thomas Frank brought in to replace the Aussie, there’s hope yet that Tottenham can use the past year as a springboard for future success, having already targeted Bryan Mbeumo, who is expected to leave Brentford this summer and has expressed a preference to go to Old Trafford, although Spurs’ new manager could tempt him to change direction.

It’s the kind of signing that simply wouldn’t have been possible had Tottenham failed to clinch the Europa League. But now, the door is very much open for what would be a marquee move.

Why Spurs want Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo has truly established himself as one of the most threatening forwards in the Premier League, vital for Frank’s side’s success over the past several years.

His shooting marks the most salient part of his skill set, for sure, but Spurs would also be getting their hands on a dynamic and layered player who, as per Sofascore, created 17 big chances in the league, and averaged 1.3 tackles and 4.7 successful duels per game.

Brennan Johnson holds down the fort on the Tottenham right wing, but for all the Welshman’s potency in the final third, he’s shown to drift in and out of games, his influence waning all too often.

As such, a player like Mbeumo would prove a marked improvement, someone refined and talismanic who could serve as a leader and an example to follow.

However, while Tottenham will be buoyed by Mbeumo’s supposed change of stance in considering their offer now that Frank is at the helm, it would be foolish to put all their eggs in one basket after he previously made it clear that he wants to move to Old Trafford.

1.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

2.

Alexander Isak

34

23

3.

Erling Haaland

31

22

4.

Chris Wood

36

20

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

The Cameroonian has proved himself to be one of the most prolific forwards on English shores, but if he does opt to become a Red Devil, the Lilywhites may have found the perfect alternative.

Spurs lining up another Premier League forward

As per Caught Offside, Tottenham have been scouting Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert, with the report stating that the Londoners are currently weighing up an official offer.

Curiously, Man United are also interested in signing the Netherlands international, clearly following a similar train of thought as Spurs. Arsenal and Liverpool are also in the mix.

Bournemouth don’t want to sell their dynamic attacker but would, of course, for the right price, with that tag seemingly set at around €55m (£47m), although it remains to be seen whether or not Spurs would be willing to meet their demands.

Why Spurs want Justin Kluivert

Kluivert has proven himself across two seasons as being worthy Premier League material, instrumental for Bournemouth across their impressive campaign under Andoni Iraola’s wing.

Tenacious and technically talented, Kluivert, 26, brings a dribble-centric game that has been refined to establish him as one of the most impressive goalscorers in English football, scoring 12 times in the division last season.

The exciting part is that he is clinical with his chances, thus proving he could be the perfect Mbeumo alternative, with Frank labelling his star Brentford forward as being “unplayable” at times.

Matches (starts)*

32 (26)

34 (29)

Goals

7

12

Assists

1

6

Shots (on target)*

1.8 (0.6)

1.9 (0.9)

Big chances missed

7

6

Pass completion

72%

81%

Key passes*

0.7

1.4

Ball recoveries*

2.8

2.3

Dribbles*

0.8

1.1

Duels won*

2.9

2.9

There’s no question that the Dutchman has gone up a gear over the past year, and who’s to say that he wouldn’t raise his game once again under Frank’s wing down N17?

Kluivert has truly become one of the most dangerous shooters in the Premier League, so economical and precise with his finishing, capable of drifting into space from close or indeed firing from range.

As per FBref, Kluivert actually finished the 2024/25 Premier League campaign ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers for goals and assists per 90 (0.69), which even led to him being considered a player of statistical likeness to Mbeumo.

Though Mbeumo is a right-sided forward, and Kluivert tends to operate in a central attacking midfield berth, the Cherries man has been singled out for his pace and energy in the past and indeed has a wealth of experience on the flanks, scoring 55 goals and providing 47 assists across 221 career appearances out wide.

Moreover, he’s been hailed for his “incredible” finishing this season by writer Ifreke Inyang, scoring Premier League hat-tricks against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United.

If Frank can get the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison performing at the top of their respective playmaking games, Kluivert could find himself reaching even loftier tallies than he has so far achieved.

The versatile forward’s vibrant, physical style suggests he could be the perfect Mbeumo alternative, still providing Tottenham with exciting new qualities while playing in such a way that could see Frank turn him into his new version of Mbeumo.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s the kind of shrewd signing that might just see Tottenham go from strength to strength.

Their next Werner: Spurs in battle to sign "special" £25m man for Frank

Spurs would be making a massive mistake signing this player.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 13, 2025

Liverpool have been busy already in the 2025 summer transfer window. It has been a remarkable show of intent from Arne Slot’s team, who, as defending champions, are making a clear step towards strengthening their side to defend the Premier League next season.

Jeremie Frimpong has already joined the club, and a deal for Florian Wirtz cannot be more than a few days away now. Fabrizio Romano gave the move his famous “here we go” confirmation, citing the price of the move as £128m including add-ons.

With that much money spent on the German star, you might think there is not enough money left for the Reds to spend.

However, a recent report implies they could splash the cash even more.

Liverpool's next big signing earmarked

If Liverpool were to spend big after signing Wirtz, it would be a huge statement to the rest of the Premier League, and arguably make them favourites to retain their crown. There certainly seems to be money left for another marquee addition.

That player could be Alexander Isak of Newcastle United.

Transfer Focus

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

At least, that is according to a recent report from Lewis Steele, the Daily Mail’s Merseyside-based reporter. The journalist explained that a move for Isak could materialise and that he ‘wouldn’t completely rule it out’ this summer.

However, unsurprisingly, this is not a deal that would come cheap for the newly-crowned Premier League champions. Steele explained that ‘Newcastle don’t want to sell him for cheap’, before naming a ‘ballpark figure’ starting at around £130m and reaching as much as £140m.

That makes any move extremely unlikely but TEAMtalk do reveal that the Swede is Liverpool’s number one striker target this summer.

How Wirtz could improve Alexander Isak

There is a very strong case to be made that 25-year-old is the best number nine in the Premier League. He was sensational last season for Eddie Howe’s side, helping claw them into a Champions League spot.

Last season for the Magpies, Isak played 34 Premier League games, scoring 23 goals and registering six assists. No striker managed to find the back of the net more often, and Mohamed Salah, Isak’s teammate if he moves to Anfield, was the only player to bag more.

Of course, Liverpool know all too well the dangers that Isak has to offer, having been on the receiving end of his goal threat plenty.

In six matches against the Reds in his career, the Sweden international has scored four goals and grabbed an assist. One of those strikes came in the Carabao Cup final in 2025.

The Anfield faithful could be in dreamland if they get to see Wirtz and Isak link up next season. The Bayer Leverkusen star has been in sensational form in 2024/25, with 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 games for the German side.

The crucial thing there is the assist number. At just 22 years of age, Wirtz is already a player who creates an obscene number of goals for his side. However, if you combine him with a player as good as Isak, who is a natural killer in front of goal, he may only get better.

The assist below is an excellent example of how the two new potential Liverpool recruits can combine.

With Wirtz receiving the ball out on the left, he is able to beat the defender and play a perfectly weighted pass to Patrick Schick, who scores.

Now, imagine the passage of play takes place in Liverpool colours at Anfield, with Wirtz’s pass going to Isak, and it is not hard to see why the pair could become unstoppable. The deadly striker could turn his potential new teammate into an even better creative force in the final third.

Isak’s stats from the Premier League last term via FBRef are exceptional, too. The Sweden international ranks highly for most metrics, including goals per shot on target, which was 0.46 each game, showing just how efficient he is with his shooting.

Goals and assists

0.95

97th

Expected goals

0.66xG

94th

Shots on target

1.34

83rd

Goals per shot on target

0.46

88th

Goal-creating actions

0.46

88th

There is no doubt that £140m is a huge investment for Liverpool, on top of the money they already spent on Wirtz. However, Isak is an “elite” striker, as Statman Dave said, and he could make this Liverpool side virtually unbeatable.

If this is a deal they get over the line, it would be a huge statement of intent, and a signing that could make Wirtz even better, too.

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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

Liverpool are not willing to rest on their laurels after they won the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield in the 2024/25 campaign.

The Reds have already swooped to make their first signing of the summer transfer window by bringing Jeremie Frimpong to the club from Bayer Leverkusen.

He has come in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has signed for Real Madrid on a permanent basis, and will compete with Conor Bradley for a spot at right-back next term.

The Netherlands international delivered five goals and nine assists in all competitions for Leverkusen this season, which suggests that the full-back could provide plenty of quality in the final third for the Reds.

Frimpong, however, may not be the only attacking dynamo to make the switch from Germany, and Leverkusen specifically, as Liverpool are continuing to work on a deal to sign Florian Wirtz in the coming weeks.

Why Florian Wirtz could be a big signing for Liverpool

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that the club are ‘advancing’ to sign the Germany international, with a medical already being planned for the attacking midfielder.

Journalist Paul Joyce also recently claimed that the Reds have made an offer worth up to £113m for the 22-year-old sensation, which illustrates the kind of money Liverpool will need to spend to get this deal over the line.

It is not a surprise to see that price tag over the Leverkusen star’s head, though, because he has been in fantastic form for the German side over the past two seasons.

Wirtz scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, which shows that he can offer quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from an attacking midfield position.

His form in the German top-flight this season suggests that he could be an incredibly exciting addition to the squad for Slot, due to his form at the top end of the pitch.

Appearances

31

xG

9.40

Goals

10

Big chances created

17

Key passes per game

1.8

xA

9.44

Assists

12

As you can see in the table above, Wirtz hit double figures for both goals and assists in the Bundesliga for Leverkusen, overperforming against his xG.

Meanwhile, none of Liverpool’s central or attacking midfielders managed more than six goals or six assists in the Premier League, which suggests that the German star would be a big upgrade on what Slot currently has at his disposal.

The Premier League champions, however, are now reportedly lining up a move to bring in a star who would be an even bigger signing than Wirtz.

Liverpool set to bid for Premier League star

According to a report in Spain, Liverpool are eyeing up a move to bring Alexander Isak to Anfield from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Reds are set to make a bid worth up to £101m for the Sweden international. £84m would be up front and the rest would come in performance-based add-ons.

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It also reveals that Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Newcastle’s attempts to pin Isak down to a new contract, and that they are ready to pounce if the striker does not commit his future to St. James’ Park.

The outlet adds that the Reds want to move swiftly with a deal for the former Borussia Dortmund attacker, hence why they are planning to make a mega bid for his services.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not an offer of £101m would be enough to tempt Newcastle into cashing in on their star striker, or if the player would be open to ditching his team in favour of a move to Anfield.

Why Isak would be a bigger signing than Wirtz

Isak would be a bigger signing than Wirtz for Liverpool for a number of reasons, despite potentially costing less than the German star if they can wrap up a transfer at a fee of £101m.

Firstly, it would be a move that would see the club take away one of their Premier League rivals’ top players, weakening their direct competition, rather than going abroad to snap up a talent like Wirtz. This would make him a statement signing for the Reds, because it would illustrate their pull by being able to sign such a player from a rival.

Secondly, and this ties in with the first point, Isak is a proven Premier League performer who would be able to come in and hit the ground running as a player who does not need any time to adapt to the division.

Whereas Wirtz has never played domestic football outside of Germany and, therefore, there are still some doubts over how his game will translate to the Premier League, simply because he has yet to prove himself at that level.

Isak, as shown in the clip above, has also already proven his quality against Liverpool with a terrific goal in the League Cup final at Wembley back in March, leading to Slot describing him as an “unbelievable threat”.

Appearances

34

xG

20.42

Goals

23

Conversion rate

23%

Big chances created

11

Assists

6

As you can see in the table above, the Swedish marksman enjoyed a sensational season with the Magpies in the Premier League, as he was directly involved in 29 goals, nine more than Wirtz was involved in for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

Luis Diaz was Liverpool’s top-scoring striker option in the top-flight for Slot with a return of 13 goals, which suggests that Isak would come in as a huge upgrade for the club in the number nine position.

Overall, Isak would be an even bigger signing than Wirtz for Liverpool because of the statement it would send out, signing him from a Premier League rival, the proven quality that he would provide, and the upgrade that he would be for the team.

It now remains to be seen, though, whether or not they can convince Newcastle to part ways with the 25-year-old centre-forward after they wrap up a move for the Leverkusen star.

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There will be plenty of change at Ibrox this summer after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that several players will be moving on from the club ahead of next season.

A new head coach will also be in the dugout when the 2025/26 campaign gets underway, as the Light Blues have confirmed that Barry Ferguson will not be getting the job on a full-time basis after his interim spell.

As well as the Scottish interim boss, Rangers have revealed that three first-team players will be leaving Glasgow as free agents at the end of this month.

The Rangers players being released this summer

Rangers have announced that Tom Lawrence, Leon Balogun, and Ianis Hagi will not have their contracts renewed, making them free agents ahead of the summer transfer window.

They are three experienced operators who will be moving on from Ibrox, and two of them – Balogun and Hagi – were part of the 2020/21 title-winning campaign under Steven Gerrard.

Hagi, in particular, played a big role on the pitch this season with four goals and five assists in 24 appearances in the Scottish Premiership after coming in from the cold.

These three stars are not the only experienced players who should be ruthlessly ditched by the 49ers, once the takeover is completed, and Kevin Thelwell this summer, however, as Robin Propper should also be on the chopping block.

Why Robin Propper should be sold this summer

The Gers swooped to sign the Dutch defender from FC Twente to bolster their backline in the summer transfer window last year after Connor Goldson moved on from Ibrox.

Unfortunately, the 31-year-old centre-back does not seem particularly suited to the physical nature of the Scottish Premiership, as opposition forwards have found it too easy against him at times.

Rangers only conceded nine goals in the 11 matches that he did not feature in and 32 in the 27 that he did play, which suggests that they were better defensively without him.

Appearances

30

27

Goals conceded

22

32

Dribbled past per game

0.2x

0.4x

Ground duel success rate

73%

62%

Aerial duel success rate

67%

64%

Fouls per game

0.7

0.9

As you can see in the table above, the Light Blues made their team worse by replacing Goldson with Propper, who has failed to offer more quality in the centre-back position, as shown by the stark contrast in goals conceded.

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Back in December, pundit Neil McCann outlined how concerning Propper’s performances were in the Premiership. He said: “Propper is struggling. He’s been pretty vocal over the last couple of weeks that he’s finding it tough in our league. He’s been asked the question early on. It’s quite worrying when you see him struggling as bad as that. Look at the body language – he’s looking for a way out already.”

This is why the 49ers must ruthlessly axe the central defender from the squad in the summer transfer window, if there are any clubs interested in snapping him up, because he has not adjusted well to Scottish football.

Whilst he is not the only player in the defence, it is worrying that there has been a huge drop off in defensive form since he was signed to replace Goldson, and that the team has a better defensive record without Propper in the side.

Therefore, Rangers must move on from Propper in the summer transfer window after they have already made the ruthless decisions to release Balogun, Hagi, and Lawrence.

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ByBen Gray May 21, 2025

Celtic made a bold decision in the January transfer window at the start of this year when they opted to sell Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes for a reported fee of £10m.

The Japan international scored 85 goals in 165 matches in all competitions for the Scottish giants during his time at Parkhead, including 34 goals in the 2022/23 campaign.

Despite losing the prolific goalscorer midway through the campaign, the Hoops opted against dipping into the market to sign a replacement for him, although they were linked with an interest in Danish forward Mathias Kvistgaarden.

What Mathias Kvistgaarden could bring to Celtic

The Scottish Premiership champions reportedly made an approach to sign the Brondby striker in January, but failed to get a deal over the line for him, and are reportedly looking at him once again ahead of the summer.

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If the Hoops do decide to go through with a swoop for him ahead of next season, Kvistgaarden could be an exciting addition to the squad, considering his impressive record in Denmark.

The 23-year-old striker has scored 16 goals, and missed 14 ‘big chances’, in 24 starts in the Danish Superliga, and scored 22 goals in all competitions for Brondby, which suggests that he could arrive as a big goalscoring threat at an age where he still has time left to develop and improve.

His form has led to Transfermarkt valuing the forward at £6.7m at the time of writing (20/05/2025), which is even lower than the player Celtic essentially replaced Kyogo with, Daizen Maeda.

Rodgers has hit the jackpot with Daizen Maeda

The Japan international has played on the wing for the majority of his Celtic career, but Kyogo’s move to Rennes in January provided him with an opportunity to play more games as a striker.

He had only played two matches as a centre-forward in all competitions before the turn of the year, and has since played eight times in that role, splitting number nine duties with Adam Idah.

Left wing

35

16

8

Centre-forward

10

14

4

Right wing

1

2

0

As you can see in the table above, that change in position has been a masterstroke by Brendan Rodgers, who has hit the jackpot with the forward, because he has been directly involved in 18 goals in just ten games as a striker.

His market value has also soared as a result of that change. Maeda was valued at £6.7m, as much as Kvistgaarden, in December 2024, and is now valued at £9.3m by Transfermarkt at the time of writing, which shows that the versatile star is now worth even more than the Celtic transfer target.

The Japanese whiz, who was described as “unbelievable” by Rodgers, has thrived due to the positional change that the manager opted to make after Kyogo left, and has proven himself to be more than capable of being a starting centre-forward for Celtic.

Therefore, the Hoops have hit the jackpot with the 27-year-old star, who may have just alleviated the need to splash the cash on Kvistgaarden this summer, as the club now have him and Idah available to lead the line heading into next season.

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