Manchester United have made ‘first formal contact’ over a move to sign a star who wants to move to Old Trafford rather than Barcelona.
Man Utd looking to upgrade on Hojlund and Onana
It is shaping up to be a frantic few months in the transfer window for the Red Devils, with a major squad overhaul potentially on the cards ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.
A plethora of players such as Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho have returned from loan spells and could be moved on permanently, whereas Matheus Cunha became United’s first summer signing.
More attacking additions are on the cards, with a replacement for Rasmus Hojlund being mentioned. The Denmark international has struggled for goals at Old Trafford and has been linked with a return to Serie A.
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Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.
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In fact, Amorim has reportedly made it clear that Hojlund doesn’t feature in his long-term Man Utd plans, with the club looking to sell the forward on a permanent basis, although an initial loan offer which includes an obligation to buy may also be considered.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are just two strikers who United have spoken about to solve their number nine issues.
Meanwhile, someone who has been heavily linked to replace Andre Onana is World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez.
Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now, there have been recent claims that the Aston Villa star wants to make the move to Old Trafford over the coming months. Now, a promising development has emerged regarding Man Utd and Martinez.
Man Utd make first contact for Emiliano Martinez
According to reports abroad, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd have now made ‘first formal contact’ to sign Martinez from Aston Villa.
It is reported that the Red Devils have approached Martinez’s agent over a deal as they want to make him first choice at Old Trafford over Onana.
They back up reports that Martinez is keen to stay in England despite interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Galatasaray, who have also been in touch. However, with Martinez willing to snub a move to Spain and Turkey, it is added that this ‘further paves the way’ for Martinez to join United.
On £150,000-a-week at Villa Park which works out at £7.8m per season, Martinez’s last trip to Old Trafford was extremely eventful.
The Argentine received a red card on the final day of the 24/25 season as Villa failed to to qualify for the Champions League, and despite no European football being on offer at Old Trafford for now, he seems to be keen on a move to Manchester.
Newcastle United are preparing for a return to the Champions League stage under Eddie Howe and could now be set to lodge a bid to complete a bargain deal on Tyneside, according to reports.
Newcastle United prepare for a summer of change
The Magpies sit at an advantage to some of their Premier League rivals when it comes to their financial health. However, PSR regulations could be a frustrating factor in their ability to solicit business.
Speaking about their potential activity, finance expert Kieran Maguire understands why the Magpies may feel short-changed by the rules and the course of action they have taken since falling into play.
Newcastle United manager EddieHoweand assistant manager Jason Tindall celebrate
He explained: “City, Chelsea and PSG got in before those rules changed. We now have clubs like Newcastle, Villa and Nottingham Forest, who are ambitious and aspirational. They want to move to the next level. The owners are willing to fund that move to the next level, but the cost control measures prevent them from doing so.
“It’s a function of time. Some clubs were on the right side of the divide when the rules were introduced, but we have since seen clubs become very frustrated.”
Either way, Howe is keen on strengthening his forward line having already signed youngster Antonio Cordero, and Porto forward Samu Aghehowa may be on his way to Newcastle amid his £82.5 million release clause.
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Central defender Evan Ndicka could also move to the North East from Roma if reports are to be believed in a swoop that would see a priority position strengthened for Howe.
Strength in depth is needed to adequately handle both domestic and European endeavours, so it won’t come as any surprise to hear that Newcastle are probing for another option that could add to their rearguard.
Newcastle open negotiations to sign Nordi Mukiele
Africa Foot claim Newcastle have opened negotiations to sign Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain and have kicked things off with an offer in the region of £12.7 million for the France international.
The Champions League holders don’t see the 27-year-old as a major part of their future plans, which is reflected in the fact he spent the campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and registered two goals and one assist in 24 matches.
Five similar players to Nordi Mukiele (FBRef)
Josko Gvardiol
Manchester City
Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal
Diogo Dalot
Manchester United
Thomas Meunier
Lille
Nicolas Tagliafico
Lyon
Earning around £113,000 per week at his parent club, versatile defender Mukiele won 80% of his attempted tackles in the Bundesliga last term either in central defence or on the right-hand side of Xabi Alonso’s backline.
Now back at his parent club, he finds himself at a career crossroads amid Paris Saint-Germain’s excellent position in the world of football, but he will have plenty of interested suitors ready to offer him a new challenge, including Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Everton, Aston Villa and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Newcastle are likely to be at the front of that queue due to their upward trajectory, meaning it is now over to Howe and company to push a deal through.
Manchester United had problems aplenty last season, but one of the most damning issues was the inability to produce the kind of slick attacking performances that would have merited a European-qualifying finish or indeed a trophy.
Bruno Fernandes did all he could, posting 19 goals and assists apiece across all competitions, but it wasn’t enough to stop Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, nor did it amount to silverware, or a respectable Premier League finish.
Bruno Fernandes
But the Red Devils can now look forward to a pre-season of preparation under the wing of Ruben Amorim, and despite all the issues, optimism remains that a corner can be turned, especially with the prestigious club’s pull still firmly intact.
Perhaps the greatest British outfit of all time, United fell by the wayside last term, but Old Trafford remains one of the most attractive destinations for high-quality players, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha rejecting offers from teams like Arsenal to complete a “dream” £62.5m move to Manchester this week.
The Brazilian forward has been hailed as “one of the most coveted players in the league” by content creator Dev Bajwa.
However, he’s not the only top Premier League forward INEOS have pushed to reel in this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo in talks to move to the Theatre of Dreams.
The latest on Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd
Man United’s reputation as one of Europe’s big boys was underscored when Brentford’s Mbeumo intimated his preference to join Old Trafford this summer, even though Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom have Champions League football to look forward to, have been firmly in the race.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
After scoring 20 goals across 38 league outings, the intrigue is understandable, and also points toward a revised United strategy to strengthen by securing Premier League-proven players.
However, Mbeumo’s stock is high, and while he is hoping to make the move to Old Trafford, Spurs’ appointment of Thomas Frank has thrown something of a spanner in the works, with the former Bees boss’ arrival giving the Londoners renewed optimism that they could strike a deal for the Cameroon international.
United will remain confident that they can complete a statement signing, but if not, why not turn to an alternative who has also enjoyed success on English soil over the past couple of years?
Man United join race for PL star
As per Caught Offside, Manchester United have joined the race for Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, who’s coming off the back of a prolific campaign in the Premier League.
Bournemouth's JustinKluivertcelebrates scoring a goal
The Dutchman, 26, is highly regarded at the Vitality Stadium, who are under no pressure to cash in. However, if suitors were to make an offer worth roughly €55m (£47m), they might just be tempted.
A host of rivals, such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham, are also keen, but the Red Devils registered their interest some time ago and could use their peerless pull once more to bring him in.
Why Man Utd want Justin Kluivert
Kluivert has truly stepped out of his famous father’s shadow to become his own player, joining Bournemouth from Roma two years ago in a deal just shy of £10m.
Justin Kluivert for Bournemouth.
Across his two campaigns at the club, the Netherlands international has scored 22 goals and supplied ten assists, though it’s been his “red-hot” 2024/25 season that has taken him into another sphere, as has been noted by journalist Ryan Taylor.
If Man United do miss out on Mbeumo, Kluivert could prove the perfect alternative. As per Sofascore, he only missed six big chances in the league, putting away 12 more chances. Moreover, he averaged 1.4 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game while completing 81% of his passes, bespeaking technical control and indeed the right application of his abilities.
This offers shades of Mbeumo, in a way. The Brentford sensation, 25, supported his prolific success through a base range of talents, averaging 1.8 key passes, 1.4 dribbles, and 4.7 successful duels per game.
Kluivert was utilised across a range of attacking areas by Andoni Iraola last season, and that is in keeping with his career at large, suggesting he could perform across different berths for Amorim, whose three-pronged attacking set-up could see him dovetail right in.
Left winger
136
35
25
Right winger
85
20
21
Attacking midfield
57
15
8
Centre-forward
7
2
1
He’s proven his capacity to impress across the frontline, which speaks of dynamism in a similar vein to Mbeumo, a right-sided forward by trade but not without his strengths as a focal frontman, actually playing seven times as Frank’s striker over the past year, scoring four goals and laying on one assist.
Kluivert’s demonstrable Premier League success, so clinical and composed, could see him become a star in Amorim’s system. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of forwards in the division for goals and assists per 90, leading the data-driven site to rank Mbeumo up as one of his most comparable players.
United need more goals, and by injecting Amorim’s fold with talents such as Cunha and Kluivert (or indeed Mbeumo), they would take a confident step toward a lifting resurgence.
Furthermore, they’re hardly one-trick ponies. All are physical and multi-faceted players, capable of creating chances and using their athleticism to serve the fluency of the wider team.
Amorim has weathered a storm, all right, but there might just be light at the end of the tunnel. United have been here before, roused by ostensibly effective transfer windows, but there’s a certain astuteness about INEOS’ dealings right now which suggests brighter fortunes may lie around the corner.
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Manchester United appear to be making positive moves over a deal to land a new striker for Ruben Amorim.
Having already reached a verbal agreement to sign Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly ready to take the next step in their move to sign a 20-goal forward this summer.
Nottingham Forest reach agreement to sign Jesus
Whilst both Cuibana and Cunha are impressive in their own rights, Jesus is the name that stands out the most. The talented forward is a Brazilian international and joins after showcasing his goalscoring prowess in Brazil – netting seven and creating another one in 24 games throughout the current campaign. With Chris Wood not getting any younger, the arrival of the 24-year-old couldn’t be coming at a better time.
Spending for the first time this summer, owner Evangelos Marinakis clearly means business. The Greek businessman will, like everyone else at the City Ground, will be desperate to see a repeat of the season just gone when August arrives.
Nottingham Forest came within touching distance of Champions League qualification, before being forced to settle for the Europa Conference League. Set for a European tour nonetheless, Nuno Espirito Santo and his side will be hoping to cause even greater shocks next season.
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Whether those in the Midlands prove to be one-hit-wonders or push on next season is the big question. Already, the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White have been linked with moves away to Manchester City in what would be a damaging departure for Forest.
As stars head for the exit door, however, further arrivals could yet join Jesus, Cunha and Cuiabano at the City Ground to strengthen Espirito Santo’s squad.
Nottingham Forest readying next step in Wissa move
According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are now readying their next step to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford this summer. Those at the City Ground were interested in the forward in January, but were quickly put off by his £40m valuation. Now, six months later, it looks as though they’re set to go again in pursuit of the impressive striker.
Negotiations are unlikely to be easier this time around, though. Brentford are already likely to lose Bryan Mbeumo this summer amid interest from Manchester United and there’s no denying that losing Wissa on top of their main talisman would deal Thomas Frank the biggest blow of his time in the Premier League.
Yoanne Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo celebrate for Brentford.
After scoring 20 goals in all competitions throughout the campaign, Forest’s interest in Wissa should of course come as little surprise. Frank is well aware of the quality that his forward, who has become a superstar in his homeland with 31 caps for DR Congo, possesses.
The Brentford boss was full praise for both Wissa and Mbeumo back in April, telling reporters: “It’s a duo, of course, him and Wissa. Wissa is fantastic. He has scored actually more open-play goals than Brian still. But Brian is the penalty taker, unbelievable at penalties, assists, work ethic, an unbelievable player.”
Liverpool are basking in the glory of becoming Premier League champions and have now lined up a World Cup winner who could help their cause heading into next season.
Liverpool ready to strike in the summer window
Arne Slot and his group have reveled in the opportunity to celebrate their top-flight title triumph and finally got their hands on the trophy on Sunday afternoon after playing out a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Despite the joyous scenes among supporters in the stadium on Sunday and at their parade on Monday, attention at the club will already have turned to what will happen next at Anfield as Liverpool look to become England’s dominant force for years to come.
Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph
The Dutchman shares that sentiment and is in for the long haul on Merseyside, as he said last week: “I could see myself working here for a long time because it’s a great club to work for and I’m really happy over here.”
Backing from FSG will likely play a huge part in his positive morale, which will be helped enormously by news that Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are likely to sign for Liverpool this summer.
Developments of late indicate the finer details are what remain to be signed off on regarding both deals, and they won’t be the only arrivals at Anfield over the next few months to freshen up a squad that could be altered significantly.
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Carrying a ruthless streak is paramount to guarantee a consistent flow of success. Tough decisions need to be taken, though you get the impression that Slot isn’t one for letting sentiment get the better of him, with Milos Kerkez expected to come in to replace Andy Robertson at left-back.
Stocking up in defence, the former Feyenoord boss is now keen on bringing another steely operator to Anfield in light of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
Liverpool in the mix to sign Atletico Madrid's Nahuel Molina
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are willing to sign Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina, who could be available for between £25.1 million to £29.3 million this summer if Diego Simeone decides to cash in on the Argentina international.
Newcastle United, Inter Milan, Roma and Juventus are also in the race for the 27-year-old, who also thrived in Serie A at Udinese.
Nahuel Molina’s season for Atletico Madrid in numbers – La Liga
Total minutes played
1581
Big chances created
3
Duels won per match
2.6
Balls recovered per match
2.2
Praised by Lionel Messi for his role in Argentina’s win over the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, Molina has registered a goal and three assists in 44 appearances across all competitions this season.
With Conor Bradley already on the books at Anfield and Frimpong set to join him, it would be a surprise if Liverpool were to bring in a third right-back once the window opens.
However, depth is needed to juggle multiple competitions, so it may be a case of covering all bases for Slot in his pursuit of further silverware, and perhaps Frimpong’s ability to play further up makes room for another natural full-back.
This season has felt like one long nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur.
On top of losing a staggering 20 games in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou will now be without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the club’s Europa League final next week.
Moreover, on top of losing player after player through injury during the campaign this year, they now look like they’re going to lose one of their most important in the transfer window: Cristian Romero.
However, it is not all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked them with a Premier League star who could be the ideal replacement.
Tottenham transfer news
Unfortunately, in the last few months, a number of reports have emerged touting Romero for a move to La Liga this summer, with Atlético Madrid being his supposed destination last month.
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It was even said that the Argentine defender had personally spoken to Diego Simeone about the purported move.
However, in the last few days, the World Cup winner’s supposed destination has changed to Real Madrid, with reports claiming that Xabi Alonso is a big fan of the player, who could be sold for around £60m.
TottenhamHotspur's CristianRomeroreacts
While this situation is far from ideal, the good news is that the North Londoners have been linked with someone who could be an ideal replacement: Marc Guéhi.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Spurs have maintained their strong interest in the full England international following their failed £70m bid for him in early February.
Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen to sign the Crystal Palace star, who could be available for a pretty reasonable fee of around €55m, which is about £46m.
It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Guéhi’s ability and the potential departure of Romero, Spurs should do all they can to get it done.
Why Guéhi would be a great replacemnet
So, if Spurs cannot keep hold of Romero this summer and are forced to shop for a replacement, why would Guéhi be such a great option?
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Well, first of all, not only is he vastly experienced for someone who is still just 24 years old, but he’s also thoroughly Premier League-proven at this point and someone clearly quite sought-after.
For example, across his career to date, the “exceptional” centre-back, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Stuart James, has made 132 top-flight appearances, 52 in the Championship, 15 in the FA Cup and a handful more in several other competitions.
Appearances
154
59
2
Goals
8
0
0
Assists
4
0
0
Goal Involvements per Match
0.07
0.00
0.00
On top of that, the 6 foot “tank,” as dubbed by former England U21 teammate Joe Bursik, is now a full member of the national team, making 23 appearances since his debut in March 2022, and most crucially, was an ever-present in the country’s backline when they made it all the way to the final of the European Championships last year.
Furthermore, while the Lilywhites’ Argentine warrior has missed a staggering 75 games for club and country across his career, the former Chelsea prospect has missed just 16, and you know what they say: availability is the best ability.
Finally, if that’s still not enough to convince you, then perhaps his rather impressive underlying numbers will.
According to FBref, the Palace ace sits in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for through ball, the top 4% for passes blocked, the top 5% for goal-creating actions through a defensive action, the top 9% for goals plus assists, key passes and shot-creating actions, the top 11% for expected assists and more, all per 90.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehiin action
Ultimately, replacing a player as talented Romero is always going to be difficult, but Guéhi looks like he could get pretty close, and therefore, Spurs must do what they can to sign him this summer.
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The gifted ace could provide some more attacking spark to Spurs.
Chelsea have now held internal talks over a move for a “world-class” star after a surprise recent development, according to a report.
Blues' Champions League pursuit back on track
The Blues’ form has been shaky since the turn of the year, but they are now back on track in their pursuit of qualification for next season’s Champions League after defeating Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Cole Palmer was back among the goals, netting a stoppage-time penalty to seal his side’s victory, which solidifies them in fifth place with just three games left to play.
As such, the west Londoners should be in a strong position to attract some top players this summer, and they are once again looking at bolstering their forward options, with signing a new winger on the agenda.
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Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens are among the main targets in wide areas, and there is also a feeling that Enzo Maresca could look at strengthening through the middle, despite having Palmer at his disposal.
That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states Chelsea are now holding internal talks over a move for Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to exit the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer this summer.
De Bruyne is very much the one that got away for the Blues, but he could now be in line for a return to Stamford Bridge. There is some surprise in Manchester that the Belgian is now open to remaining in the Premier League or Europe, as City had expected him to depart for Saudi Arabia or the USA.
The likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa could provide competition for his signature, while there also remains a possibility he makes the move to the MLS, with Chicago Fire now said to be in advanced talks.
Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Newcastle United (a)
May 11th
Manchester United (h)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (a)
May 25th
"World-class" De Bruyne still impressing at City
In many ways, it is a surprise that Man City are willing to let the 33-year-old leave on a free transfer this summer, given that he is still impressing, despite his age, most recently bagging a crucial goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
During his time with Chelsea, the £400k-per-week maestro never really managed to stand out, but he has been a revelation at the Etihad Stadium, amassing a stunning 72 goals and 121 assists in 285 Premier League appearances for the Blues.
Manchester City's KevinDeBruynecelebrates after the match
Former footballer Paul McVeigh has also lavished the Belgium international with praise recently, describing him as “world-class” and “one of the greatest midfielders ever to play the game.”
As such, while there will be some concern about De Bruyne’s age, there are plenty of signs he could still have a lot left to give at Premier League level, and City’s loss could be Chelsea’s gain.
Birmingham City are now “pushing hard” for the signing of a League One forward this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.
Blues summer transfer plans taking shape
While the Blues were always expected to secure promotion this season, having spent big on the likes of Jay Stansfield and Christoph Klarer last summer, they managed to do so in spectacular fashion, amassing a whopping 111 points to win the title.
Promotion to the second tier was the first task for Tom Brady and co, but the long-term goal is to seal promotion to the Premier League, as underlined by the fact the American owners are set to target similar players to Ipswich Town, Southampton and Leicester City this summer.
Although the season only recently came to a close, work has already started on signing new players, with a move for AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers being plotted, while Torino striker Che Adams is also of interest.
Torino'sCheAdams
Birmingham are also looking to strengthen their wide options this summer, according to Dorsett, with the reporter recently taking to X to reveal they are now “pushing hard” to sign Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku.
Poku’s contract is set to expire this summer, but given that he is just 23-years-old, compensation will be required, should the two clubs be unable to agree a fee, and arbitration is a situation everyone involved is looking to avoid.
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has also endorsed the winger making the move to St. Andrews, saying: “If he went there it’s probably the best move of his life and he could go to the Premier League in a year.”
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ByKelan Sarson May 8, 2025 Poku could be "outstanding" signing for Birmingham
With Birmingham looking to kick on in the Championship next season, it could be a solid strategy to recruit some of the third tier’s top players, and the Peterborough star could well be in that category, given his impressive attacking record this season.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
League One
27
12
8
EFL Trophy
2
0
1
FA Cup
2
0
2
Having amassed a combined 23 goals and assists in all competitions, there are clear signs the Ghana international could be capable of making the step-up to Championship next season, and potentially the top flight if he continues his current trajectory.
Not only that, but the Peterborough star was named as the Posh’s player of the year, which led to high praise from members of the Ghanaian media.
Poku could be a fantastic signing for Birmingham this summer, with Davies looking to build a squad capable of winning another promotion.
It’s unfortunate but undeniable: the wheels are coming off for Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Australian’s time in North London started so positively as a ten-game unbeaten streak actually had them at the top of the Premier League for a time.
However, this season has been a total disaster, and while there is still a chance they win the Europa League, it feels like his time is up in N17.
With that said, even though so much has gone wrong, Postecoglou has overseen some brilliant signings, including one now worth millions more than Micky van de Ven.
Postecoglou's best Spurs signings
So, before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing some of the best additions made under Ange’s tenure, starting with perhaps one of the best bargains in recent years: Lucas Bergvall.
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The midfield maestro only cost the club around £8.5m last winter, and since officially joining up with the squad at the start of this summer, he’s seen his valuation explode with Football Transfers now valuing him at €31.3m, which comes out to about £27m.
It’s not hard to understand why this has happened as, despite being just 19 years old, the “generational” talent, as dubbed by journalist Mitch Fretton, has made 44 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring one goal, providing four assists and making some of the team’s senior midfielder look bad.
Drop back into defence, and we come across another of the manager’s best signings, Van de Ven.
The Flying Dutchman joined the North Londoners for around £43m in the summer of 2023, and while he has undoubtedly had more than his fair share of injury problems since then, he’s been incredible when he’s played.
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven
While the 24-year-old is a “complete & dominant” centre-back, as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, it’s no secret that one of his greatest strengths is his sensational speed, which is what allows the team to play such a high line at times.
For example, in a game against Brentford last season, the Wormer-born titan set a new Premier League record for fastest sprint, coming in at an incredible 37.38km/h.
Since joining the club, Van de Ven has seen his valuation increase to €62m per Football Transfers, which is about £53m, and yet even with that increase, there is another Postecoglou signing who is worth millions more.
The Ange signing worth millions more than Van de Ven
So, while some of you may be thinking of players like Dominic Solanke or maybe even Brennan Johnson for the goals he’s scored this season, you’d be wrong.
Instead, the man in question is none other than teenage sensation Archie Gray, who only joined the club for around £30m from Leeds United last summer.
However, in the almost ten months since that deal was agreed, the youngster’s valuation has exploded, with Football Transfers now pricing him at an astounding €72.5m, which comes out to around £62m, or £32m more than his transfer fee and £9m more than Van de Ven’s current valuation.
Now, that might sound rather absurd to some of you out there, but we reckon it’s not far off the mark, as while he’s seen his game time reduced somewhat in recent weeks, the Englishman has undoubtedly been one of the Lilywhites’ most impressive performers this term.
For example, due to the injury crisis earlier this season, the “ridiculous” talent, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, had to step into the defence, and despite being a central midfielder by trade, he did a commendable job.
Centre-Back
19
Right-Back
8
Left-Back
5
Defensive Midfield
3
Other
5
Across all competitions, the Durham-born gem has made 19 appearances at centre-back, eight at right-back, five at left-back and just three in defensive midfield, lending credence to Kulig’s description of him as a “Swiss army knife.”
Ultimately, this season has been a trial by fire for the Lilywhites’ exciting crop of youngsters, and like the rest of them, Gray has come through it with flying colours and is looking better than ever.
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Tottenham Hotspur were beaten for the 17th time in the Premier League this season when they lost 4-2 to relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
Despite Wolves having battled against the drop throughout the 2024/25 campaign, Vitor Pereira’s side are now just two points behind Spurs, who are sat in 15th place in the division.
Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore
There is no escape from the fact that it has been a failure of a season for Ange Postecoglou in the Premier League, as his team are 17 points adrift of the top seven and European qualification, whilst they are only 16 points ahead of Ipswich Town in the last relegation spot.
Spurs are still in the Europa League, and face Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, but there will be no domestic success for Tottenham before the end of the campaign.
Tottenham do have a clutch of very young players who are learning on the job, and Postecoglou may point to that as one of the factors behind their underperformance, but there is no guarantee that they will fulfill their potential.
There have been talented young prospects in North London in the past who have not gone on to live up to the hype, including electric winger Jack Clarke.
Why Jack Clarke failed at Spurs
Back in the summer of 2019, Tottenham swooped to sign the 18-year-old forward from Championship side Leeds United for a reported fee of £10m.
He had just made 25 appearances in the first-team for Marcelo Bielsa as the Whites reached the play-off semi-finals, only to lose to Derby County, and Spurs clearly saw him as a high-potential talent who could be a future star for the club, hence why they were willing to spend £10m on his services.
Clarke, as you can see in the graphic above, went on to make a further three appearances for Leeds on loan in the 2019/20 campaign, before playing six times in the Championship for QPR in the second half of that season.
At the start of the 2020/21 season, the English whiz was given a few opportunities to showcase his quality in the first-team for Spurs, with two appearances in the Europa League and one in the FA Cup, but did not muster up any goals or assists.
Appearances
2
Shots
1
Shots on target
0
Goals
0
Key passes
2
Assists
0
Big chances created
0
Dribbles completed
0
Duel success rate
25%
The £10m signing showed promise at youth level with a return of four goals and four assists in 18 academy matches in the first half of the 2021/22 campaign, before being sent out on loan to League One side Sunderland in January 2022.
After one goal in 20 League One outings – including the play-offs – Tottenham decided to cash in on Clarke, who had yet to prove himself on a consistent basis at senior level three years on from his £10m move, by selling him to the Black Cats.
Ultimately, Clarke, who now plays for Ipswich in the Premier League, failed to realise his potential at White Hart Lane, and Archie Gray is in danger of following in his footsteps after a dismal showing last time out.
Archie Gray's performance against Wolves
The 19-year-old defender started at right-back, the position he made his breakthrough in at Leeds last season, against Wolves on Sunday and put in a dismal showing.
Gray was far from the only poor performer on the pitch, as Vicario flapped the ball back out for two of the goals, Djed Spence scored an own goal, Cristian Romero lost the ball for the third goal, and Ben Davies completely mistimed his challenge on Matheus Cunha for the fourth.
However, it was still a disappointing 90 minutes of football from the England U21 international, whose play in and out of possession left far too much to be desired.
Minutes
90
90
Pass accuracy
85%
87%
Key passes
0
0
Successful crosses
0/4
1/4
Possession lost
19x
17x
Interceptions
2
1
Tackles
0
3
Duels won
0/3
8/11
As you can see in the table above, Spence delivered an even better performance than him – despite playing as a right-footer at left-back – even with an unfortunate own goal to go with it.
Gray offered no threat at the top end of the pitch, with no key passes or successful crosses, and was a lightweight off the ball, losing 100% of his duels.
Why Archie Gray is in danger of being the next Jack Clarke
The versatile youngster is now in danger of following in the footsteps of another Leeds academy graduate, as it remains to be seen if he can realise his potential at Spurs.
Tottenham reportedly splashed out a fee of £30m to sign the defender from the Whites last summer, and he has yet to prove his worth on a consistent basis in the Premier League.
Gray has made 40 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, far more than the three outings that Clarke had at the start of his Tottenham career, but there has not been too much quality in those outings.
The England youth international has started nine of his ten appearances in the Europa League, resulting in zero goals, zero assists, and a duel success rate of 47%.
Appearances
23
Goals + assists
0
Key passes per game
0.1
Tackles + interceptions per game
0.9
Error led to shot
1
Error led to goal
1
Duel success rate
47%
As you can see in the table above, Gray has also failed to deliver much in the way of quality in the Premier League, with one chance created every ten games and less than one tackle and interception combined per game on average.
The 19-year-old, who has the lowest Sofascore rating (6.58) in the squad, does not offer a threat in possession or quality off the ball as a defender, rarely making interventions and losing the majority of his duels.
You could argue that he is being played out of position at right-back, as central midfield was the role he came up through the academy in, but 30 of his 49 starts for Leeds came in that area of the pitch.
At this moment in time, Gray is on his way to following in Clarke’s footsteps by failing to live up to his potential at Spurs after joining the club for big money.
Of course, there is plenty of time for the teenage talent to improve and develop if Postecoglou is willing to trust him in the long term, but he will need to show far more than what he is doing right now to become a success and avoid being Clarke 2.0.
As bad as Vicario: 3/10 Spurs star just reduced his price tag by £50m
Spurs’ miserable run of form continued with a 4-2 defeat to Wolves on Sunday.