Premier League transfer latest as Spurs, Liverpool, Leeds United and Man City chase summer deals
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The summer transfer window is just around the corner, and it’s set to be a cracker. Over £3 billion was spent in the Premier League last summer - with Liverpool contributing over £400m of that figure - and we’re expecting a similar spectacle this time around, albeit with much of the action taking place once the 2026 FIFA World Cup finishes next month.
Some clubs have done nothing since the season closed, while others have been more active. Tottenham have already signed two free agents, and Newcastle aren’t far behind them, already closing in on their second deal this month. Man United have moved to bring in midfielder Ederson, while Brentford have signed young defender Jannik Schuster. These players, of course, can’t be registered until June 15th, when the window is officially open.
Let’s get today’s round-up going at the Manchester City, where the club are preparing for a new era without charismatic manager Pep Guardiola, who left upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last season. Ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is widely expected to replace him, and reports from France suggest he’s looking to recruit one of his former players.
City had been heavily linked with the Blues vice-captain Enzo Fernandez, but it now appears that they’re going all out to sign Nottingham Forest’s midfield maestro Elliot Anderson. However, according to French outlet L’Equipe, they’re now turning their attention towards another Chelsea player: right-back Malo Gusto.
The report isn’t rich in detail, but it does suggest that the Cityzens have gone as far as making an “enquiry” regarding the France international’s availability, with the club on the hunt for a new right-back as well as a central midfielder. No potential asking price in mentioned, and it isn’t clear whether Chelsea would be willing or sell or if the player would want to go.
The 3AM Verdict: Chelsea could probably do without Gusto, especially if City offer them a decent fee. He’s been handy cover for Reece James during his various injury troubles, but looked woefully inept on occasions in a shambolic back four throughout last season. With some half-decent centre-backs next to him, however, he could improve greatly at City.
Tottenham line up Gakpo bid
Over to north London, where Tottenham’s summer transfer business is moving at a serious pace. They’ve been linked with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo on numerous occasions over the past couple of weeks, and now a new report from Caught Offside suggests they’re the front-runners to get a deal done, and are plotting to make a bid worth around £60m.
The story goes on to stress that Spurs aren’t the only club who’ve taken a shine to the 27-year-old, who is part of a strong Netherlands side hoping to challenge for the World Cup. Newcastle United and Bayern Munich are said to be “monitoring” the player, but their interest isn’t as advanced as Tottenham’s looks to be.
The 3AM Verdict: This story looks to be gathering some real momentum, although it is interesting that the article notes that the player isn’t actively pushing to leave, despite previous reports claiming he wants to go following manager Arne Slot’s exit. Liverpool could almost double their money if they sell Gakpo for the quoted fee, while Spurs would sign a top quality forward.
Liverpool and Leeds eye World Cup wonderkid
Every World Cup has its breakout stars, and FC Midtjylland’s Lee Han-beom has been tipped as one to watch at this year’s tournament. According to Team Talk, both Liverpool and Leeds United are among clubs who have “checked” on the South Korea defender, with Chelsea, Brighton and Newcastle also said to be admirers of the 23-year-old.
The story notes that the player has just a year left on his current deal, meaning that his club are likely to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of next season. European heavyweights RB Leipzig, Monaco, Lyon, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on the player, but there’s no mention of how much he could go for.
The 3AM Verdict: This isn’t the first we’ve heard of Premier League clubs looking to sign the former FC Seol prospect, with Everton linked back in December. Both Leeds and Liverpool could certainly do with a new centre-back, but any interest doesn’t look to be too advanced just yet. A few standout performances in North America however, and we could see a fair bit more of his name cropping up in the gossip columns.