Category Uncategorized

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan looks set to leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent, with no new contract talks scheduled with the Serie A side. Juventus are closely monitoring the situation and are interested in bringing the Frenchman to Turin, while several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, are also considering a move for the highly-rated keeper.

Maignan to leave Milan at the end of the season

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Maignan can begin negotiating with other clubs as early as January, raising the possibility of leaving Milan on a free transfer. Milan had reportedly offered an extension until 2028, increasing his salary from €2.8 million to €5.5m per year, but he has not been convinced to sign on the dotted line with reporting that no further talks are scheduled between the goalkeeper and club. Juventus have emerged as serious contenders for his signature, hoping to capitalise on the uncertainty and secure one of Europe’s top goalkeepers without a transfer fee.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportJuventus facing competition from Chelsea

Premier League clubs have also shown strong interest in Maignan, who has been a key player at Milan since he joined from Lille in 2021, with Chelsea emerging as the most serious contender. The London club are actively searching for a long-term replacement for Robert Sanchez and view Maignan as an ideal fit. Chelsea attempted to sign him in June but failed to reach an agreement with Milan. In fact, they were close to finalising a deal this summer before Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri intervened to block the transfer, partly influenced by the club’s ongoing efforts to sign Strasbourg right-back Guela Doue.

Chelsea’s chances may now improve, especially as Juventus’ renewed interest in the 30-year-old comes at a difficult moment for the Italian side. UEFA has opened fresh proceedings into alleged financial irregularities between 2022 and 2025, raising the risk of further sanctions. This could weaken Juventus’ ability to compete financially for a top signing.

With Maignan able to begin talks in January and Milan hesitant over his renewal due to concerns about his long-term fitness, the transfer race is increasingly favouring Premier League bidders – particularly Chelsea, who remain determined to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Maignan's impact at Milan

The France international made an immediate impact at San Siro after replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma, helping the Rossoneri to the Scudetto in the 2021-22 season while recording the most clean sheets in Serie A. His shot-stopping, leadership and calm presence quickly made him one of the league’s standout goalkeepers. However, the following two seasons were disrupted by injuries that affected his consistency and availability, leading to concerns within the club about his long-term reliability. Despite those setbacks, Maignan has returned strongly in the current campaign. He has kept four clean sheets in the league and delivered decisive moments in big matches, including saving penalties from Paulo Dybala and Hakan Calhanoglu in crucial wins over Roma and Inter, respectively. His resurgence has re-established him as a key figure for Milan while also attracting interest from major European clubs.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportCan Milan extend Maignan's contract?

Milan have reignited their Serie A title hopes under Allegri, highlighted by Sunday’s derby win over Inter thanks to a goal from Christian Pulisic. With no European commitments this season, Milan are serious title contenders, and the allure of silverware could be used to persuade Maignan to extend his contract. Juventus remain interested, viewing Maignan’s European experience as a valuable asset to rotate with Michele De Gregorio. Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to reopen talks with his entourage, recalling their previous agreement with the goalkeeper. Enzo Maresca could push for the move, seeing Maignan as a potential final piece to strengthen Chelsea’s title ambitions. Maignan’s decision will be pivotal for Milan, with clubs across Europe keen to secure one of the continent’s top goalkeepers.

The Chicago Cubs are bolstering their bullpen, having agreed to acquire veteran closing pitcher Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros.

It's a trade that's been in the works for a while, though it couldn't be completed until Pressly agreed to waive his no-trade clause. Multiple reports indicate that he's given the green light to be dealt to Chicago, and the trade will be finalized pending a physical.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that Houston will send money to Chicago in order to cover some of Pressly's $14 million contract. The 36-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season.

The return for Pressly's services has not yet been reported, though Chandler Rome of indicates that there will be at least one prospect headed to the Astros.

Last year, Pressly had a 3.49 ERA with 58 strikeouts across 56 2/3 innings. He registered four saves on the year, having returned to setup duties with Josh Hader serving as Houston's primary closer. Pressly, who had 90 saves from 2021 to '23, will likely be in the mix to close out games for Chicago.

This marks the second trade between the Cubs and Astros this offseason, as Chicago previously acquired three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a separate deal.

England has been confirmed as the host of the next three World Test Championship finals – in 2027, 2029 and 2031 – following the country’s successful staging of the first three such events since 2021.The decision, which had been on the cards since Lord’s played host to South Africa’s five-wicket victory over Australia in the third WTC final last month, was ratified at the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore this week.Despite some speculation that the contest could be set for a relocation to India from 2027 onwards, the ICC cited the ECB’s “successful track record in hosting recent finals” in confirming its decision.Richard Gould, the ECB chief executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals. It’s a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format of the game and the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here for these games. Hosting these finals is a privilege, and we look forward to working with the ICC to build on the success of the previous editions.”The June window, early in the English summer, remains the ICC’s favoured time of year for staging the final, in the aftermath of the IPL and at a time of year when few other international fixtures are scheduled at that time of year.Furthermore, as was demonstrated at Lord’s last month, England’s ability to sell out venues for neutral fixtures remains unrivalled across the world game. This was also the case when the Kia Oval hosted Australia’s victory over India in 2023, and even at the inaugural event in 2021, which was staged in biosecure circumstances at the Hampshire Bowl with limited access for India’s and New Zealand’s fans.Speaking last month about the prospect of hosting the next three events, Gould told ESPNcricinfo: “We don’t think that we’ve got any absolute right to be the continual host of the WTC [final], but there are advantages to having it here.”Irrespective of who gets into the final, we will sell it out… We’re probably the only member nation within the ICC that could deliver that. We recognise that perhaps others would like to take it around the world at some point… But the worry is if you move it, end up with two neutral teams, and don’t get a crowd, the whole thing could devalue and deflate pretty quickly.”The atmosphere at Lord’s was noted at the last WTC final, with the ICC’s chair, Jay Shah visibly enthused by the sense of occasion that England’s most famous venue afforded the event.However, ESPNcricinfo understands that no decision has yet been made as to whether Lord’s will remain the preferred host for the final going forward.

تعادل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي المقاولون العرب مع نظيره سموحة، بهدف لكل فريق، في المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين ضمن مواجهات الدوري المصري.

والتقى فريق سموحة نظيره المقاولون العرب، على ملعب عثمان أحمد عثمان، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشرة من الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع|فيديو | وادي دجلة يتعادل مع حرس الحدود في الدوري

تقدم سموحة بهدف عبده يحيى في الدقيقة 25 من عمر الشوط الأول، وتعادل شكري نجيب للمقاولون العرب في الدقيقة 45.

وفي الشوط الثاني، فشل الفريقان في استغلال الفرص التي أتيحت لهما لينتهي اللقاء بالتعادل 1-1، ويحصد كل فريق نقطة وحيدة.

ورفع سموحة رصيده إلى 16 نقطة في المركز الحادي عشر بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، فيما وصل رصيد المقاولون العرب للنقطة 10 في المركز 17.  أهداف مباراة المقاولون العرب وسموحة

Everton haven’t quite been at the races in recent Premier League matches as the Toffees’ bright start to the season has come unstuck.

Indeed, two frustrating home draws to Aston Villa and West Ham United recently will not be what the Hill Dickinson Stadium masses would have wanted to see from their free-flowing side, as not even Jack Grealish or Iliman Ndiaye could inspire a winning performance on either occasion.

Defeats in the Merseyside Derby and in the EFL Cup will have also given David Moyes plenty of food for thought as to what he should change in the coming matches to turn around this sticky patch of form.

In an ideal reality, Moyes would love to be able to call upon Jarrod Bowen again to boost his exciting attacking personnel on Merseyside, with the England international a dependable performer for the Scotsman throughout his two Hammers stints.

Moyes' close relationship with Jarrod Bowen

Of course, Moyes is blessed in the attacking department when it comes to either flank, with Grealish on four assists already this campaign, while Ndiaye has been among the goals this season as well.

Still, when Bowen smashed home this fantastic effort to level the tie on Monday night, his ex-Hammers boss would have been irritated that he didn’t have him at his disposal anymore.

Bowen’s record under Moyes

Stat

Bowen

Games played

202

Goals scored

60

Assists

41

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Moyes’ long reign at the London Stadium saw Bowen pick up goals and assists by the bucket-load, with the West Ham captain managing to tally up a staggering 101 goals and assists from 202 games under the Glaswegian’s watchful eye.

It’s early days, but Ndiaye will hope he can – one day – be a similar Bowen-style figure for the 62-year-old, with 14 goal contributions already next to his name on Merseyside when regularly deployed down the former Hull City man’s trusty right-hand side.

Grealish will also be taken aback by the idea as he searches for a club where he can achieve similar long-term success, away from the anxiety of first-team minutes drying up at the Etihad.

But, it could be that Everton have discarded Moyes’ next iteration of Bowen already when letting his homegrown ace depart the building in 2023 for a whopping £45m.

Why Everton must regret selling Bowen 2.0

At the time, the Toffees would have felt that cashing in on the hit-and-miss attacker in question was the best outcome for all involved, with the Merseyside prodigy calling for a move away from his boyhood employers.

That doesn’t mean they can’t be pained by what Anthony Gordon has turned into since moving on from the blue half of Liverpool, however, with the 24-year-old going on to become a Champions League-level performer with Newcastle United, alongside being called up to the same Three Lions camps that Bowen has been involved with off the back of his blistering form.

Gordon’s record with Newcastle

Stat

Gordon

Games played

111

Goals scored

25

Assists

23

Trophies won

1x

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Gordon would never quite sparkle fully into life in the senior picture at Everton, with just seven goals and eight assists coming his way. But, much like Bowen found with the Hammers, the Liverpool-born winger found St James’ Park to be an instantly welcoming fit, with a sublime 46 goal contributions and counting next to his name now on Tyneside.

This sharp upturn in form has led to various voices waxing lyrical about the former Everton number ten, with Jamie Carragher even hailing Gordon as “one of the best players in the Premier League” when strutting his stuff with the Magpies back in 2023.

Bowen, of course, has been exposed to similarly outlandish praise, with TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton even declaring that the 17-time Three Lions international was “one of the best signings in West Ham’s modern history” earlier this year.

Moyes would have loved to have unearthed this side from Gordon at his boyhood club if he stayed put – securing himself another Bowen-like presence in the process – but the 24-year-old’s tale in the Premier League unfortunately only has Everton in its opening chapter.

It feels like a lifetime ago since Gordon was putting away chances like this for his boyhood club, but Moyes won’t curse too much about the decision to offload the Magpies’ number ten, knowing he can get a tune out of Grealish and Ndiaye, even if there are bumps in the road to overcome.

Related Not just O'Brien: Moyes is wasting Everton star in his current position

David Moyes’ Everton side still need to go up a few gears over the coming weeks.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 1, 2025

Chelsea and Todd Boehly have splashed the cash in recent years on a number of new players, with the Blues winning the Club World Cup in 2025. Following their triumph in the USA, those at Stamford Bridge once again spent big in the transfer window.

Here at Football FanCast, we’ve taken a look at Chelsea’s most expensive signings in their history, as per Transfermarkt and news reports, with a detailed look at the top 10.

Here's a detailed look at Chelsea's 10 most expensive signings:

10

Joao Pedro

£60m from Brighton

Chelsea’s biggest signing in 2025 was centre-forward Joao Pedro, who was signed in time to link up with the Blues during their Club World Cup campaign.

The Brazilian became an instant hit with his goals in the USA, and he is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033.

9

Alvaro Morata

£60m from Real Madrid

The oldest arrival in this top 10 is Alvaro Morata, who joined Chelsea in a club-record £60m transfer from Real Madrid back in 2017. The striker’s move to England ultimately didn’t work out, though, with the Spaniard returning to La Liga with Atletico Madrid on loan in 2019 before making that move permanent a year later.

Morata is currently the captain of the Spanish national team and scored 24 goals in 72 games for the Blues.

8

Marc Cucurella

£60m from Brighton

Chelsea won the race ahead of Manchester City to sign left-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 for just over £60m, with the Spaniard making the left-back role his own at Stamford Bridge.

A former Barcelona youngster, Cucurella impressed in his first year in England with the Seagulls under Graham Potter, and the pair would soon be reunited when the Blues brought in the latter as manager a month later.

7

Mykhailo Mudryk

£62m from Shakhtar Donetsk

Chelsea swooped in ahead of Arsenal to sign winger Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for £62m, with the Ukraine international signing a huge eight-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

His Chelsea deal could reach a total of £89m, but having not had much success thus far, Shakhtar look set to miss out on nearly £30m worth of bonuses.

6

Wesley Fofana

£70m from Leicester City

Centre-back Wesley Fofana was brought to Stamford Bridge from Leicester City in 2022, but the Frenchman’s stay with Chelsea so far has been hampered by injury.

However, considering he signed a seven-year deal, the Blues still have plenty of time to get the best out of the Frenchman, who cost the west Londoners a handsome £70m – proving Leicester sure know how to get a decent sum for a promising centre-back.

5

Kai Havertz

£71m from Bayer Leverkusen

Versatile attacker Kai Havertz was brought to England by Chelsea in 2020, joining in a big-money £71m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.

The German went on to score the winning goal for the Blues in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City before being sold to rivals Arsenal in 2023, with Chelsea bringing in the majority of the fee they spent on the player.

Chelsea's most expensive sales of all time

A look at the record departures from Stamford Bridge.

By
Charlie Smith

Oct 8, 2025

4

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£71m from Athletic Club

Kepa Arrizabalaga is the most expensive goalkeeper in history, but he only sits 4th in Chelsea’s record signings list, showing the Blues’ spending power in the years that have followed.

Famously remembered in a Chelsea shirt for refusing to be substituted in extra time of an EFL Cup final under Maurizio Sarri, Kepa signed for the Blues back in 2018 from Athletic Club for just over £71m and was allowed to join Arsenal for just £5m in 2025.

The best EFL Cup finals of all time – ranked

Some of these finals have been true classics…

By
Stephan Georgiou

Feb 8, 2024

3

Romelu Lukaku

£97.5m from Inter

Striker Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea for a second Stamford Bridge stint back in 2021, with the Blues paying Inter what was a club-record fee of £97.5m for the Belgian.

It appeared to be a masterstroke at first, with Lukaku scoring freely back in a Chelsea shirt, but over time, it has proven to be a costly mistake, with the player spending recent years on loan in Italy with Inter and Roma before finally being sold by Chelsea for the second time, this time to Napoli.

2

Enzo Fernandez

£107m from Benfica

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea in a £107m deal from Benfica in 2023 shortly after winning the World Cup with Argentina.

It was a British record at the time, and although the midfielder is arguably still working to pay off that price tag, he has become a vital member of the team under Enzo Maresca, wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Reece James.

1

Moises Caicedo

£115m from Brighton

Central midfielder Moises Caicedo only made 53 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion between 2021 and 2023, but that was enough for Chelsea to spend big on the Ecuador international.

The Blues won the race ahead of Liverpool for Caicedo, who endured a tough start to life at Stamford Bridge before eventually showing his best form. He’s under contract until 2031, so he has plenty of time to become an important Chelsea star.

Alisha Lehmann was among the stars to represent Como Women at Milan Fashion Week, with the Switzerland international stepping into “the Prada World” following a styling session at Nike’s headquarters. Lehmann was joined at the event by a couple of club colleagues, with exciting opportunities being embraced on and off the pitch following a summer transfer from Serie A title holders Juventus.

New challenge: Lehmann loving life on & off the field

Lehmann headed to Italy in 2024 when bidding farewell to the WSL ranks – having represented the likes of West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa in English football. Her debut campaign in Turin delivered tangible success, as major silverware was secured, but regular starts proved hard to come by. With that in mind, another change of scenery was sought by the 26-year-old forward.

She is now living the dream on the banks of an iconic lake, with the picturesque surrounds of Como providing the ideal backdrop for professional endeavours. Lehmann is also being given the chance to indulge in passions away from the field, with fashion – as someone that likes to look as good on the field as she does off it – something that has always been taken seriously.

AdvertisementComo Women looking to break the mould

Lehmann got to strut her stuff when being invited along to the legendary Milan Fashion Week. Como Women formed part of that glitzy parade, with a club that prides itself on standing out from the crowd and breaking from the norm ensuring that they got to enjoy a moment in the spotlight.

Como said in a social media post alongside images of Lehmann and Co modelling new threads: “F.C Como Women steps into Prada World at Milan Fashion Week. After a styling session at Nike’s headquarters, @alexckerr, @alishalehmann7, @ramona__ramirez stepped into the Prada event wearing pieces from our FC Como Women essentials line, our @art_of capsule collection and our 25/26 away jersey. We’d like to thank Prada and Nike for this incredible experience. A moment that highlighted women in football who feel free to express themselves on and off the pitch.”

Why Lehmann swapped Juventus for Como

Lehmann is feeling very much at home with Como Women, having told of her reasons for joining that project after seeing a switch from Juve confirmed in August: “It’s an independent club, fully focused on women’s football – and that really matters to me. From the start, I could see this wasn’t just another team; it’s a project with real purpose and vision. [So] signing with FC Como Women just felt right.”

Lehmann added on joining a club that has an important point to get across: “It sends the message that being strong, ambitious and expressive can all go hand in hand; that’s important for the future of the sport.

“We’re in a moment where women’s football can define itself on its own terms, and independent clubs like Como Women have the opportunity in leading the movement. [It] isn’t just about winning matches. It’s about building something that lasts. This is the first time I’ve joined an independent club. That was a big part of my decision. It shows there is a different way of doing things.

“I came here to play football and hope to earn my place by working hard. I came here to compete and to grow as an athlete. The rest will come if I stay true to that. For me, it’s simple: I want to play as much as possible, help the team, and enjoy football. What I love is that they [Como] take the game seriously, but also create space for players to be themselves.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

New season: First up for Lehmann & Como Women

Lehmann has made an immediate impact at Como, with her goal account for new employers being opened during pre-season. She is now raring to go as competitive action resumes in the Italian top-flight.

Time has been spent in Germany prior to that, with Lehmann forming part of the Oktoberfest festivities in Munich, but she will be back in Italy ahead of a 2025-26 Serie A season opener that sees Como Women play host to Lazio on Sunday.

Instagram

Fabrizio Romano has now shared another update on Tottenham and their pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, with chairman Daniel Levy serious about backing new manager Thomas Frank in this latter stage of the summer window.

Spurs are in dire need of a fresh number 10 option, and were so even before James Maddison’s lengthy injury lay-off.

The Lilywhites were on the verge of striking a £60 million deal for Morgan Gibbs-White this time last month, but an unprecedented chain of events involving legal threats saw the attacking midfielder remain at Nottingham Forest – where he’s since penned a new deal.

Maddison’s ACL rupture has merely accelerated Levy’s plans to reinforce Frank’s central attacking options, with Spurs now actively pursuing a deal for Eze as their chief solution.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Tottenham want to pay a similar fee to that of Mohammed Kudus, who they signed from West Ham for around £55 million, whereas Palace are demanding close to £70m.

“Eze a longstanding target, but earlier in the window Spurs had decided not to move,” wrote journalist Ben Jacobs, via X.

“Spurs aware Arsenal have player buy in, but believe Eze has not discounted their project. Spurs also prepared to move quickly. Both Spurs and Arsenal view Eze as a No.10. Understand Spurs’ starting valuation similar to the £55m paid for Mohammed Kudus. Palace want £68m release clause triggered or matched, even after it expires.”

In some exciting news for Spurs supporters, a deal for the 27-year-old wouldn’t have any impact on their pursuit of Man City winger Savinho, who’s viewed as a separate move entirely to Eze and not an alternative.

In quick succession, Levy and technical director Johan Lange are attempting to both fill the creative void left by Maddison’s absence and sign a replacement for club legend Son Heung-min, who departed for MLS side LAFC nearly two weeks ago.

Fabrizio Romano shares what he's now heard about Tottenham and Eberechi Eze

Taking to X on Thursday, Romano shared an update on Tottenham’s negotiations for Eze.

The reliable transfer journalist claims that Spurs are prepared to open formal talks for the England international, and confirmed that Eze would be keen on a move to N17 if Palace and their London rivals can agree on a fee.

The former QPR star bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, not to mention Palace’s FA Cup final-winning strike against Man City at Wembley – a moment of heroics which saw Oliver Glasner’s side lift the club’s first ever major trophy.

He also averaged more shots, key passes and successful takes-ons per 90 than any of his teammates in the top flight, with Tottenham now working to hijack Arsenal’s long-term interest in Eze by moving ahead first.

Michail Antonio will go down as one of West Ham United’s modern-day greats.

Earlier this week, the club confirmed that the Jamaican international had left the club following the expiration of his contact.

Thus, in need of a new striker, has Graham Potter identified his top target?

West Ham's search for a new striker

Antonio joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest a decade ago for a reported fee of £7m, initially signed as a right-back, but ultimately transformed into their best centre-forward of the 21st century, scoring 83 goals in claret and blue, making him the club’s record scorer of all-time in the Premier League.

His final appearance for West Ham came in December, suffering a life-threatening car crash soon after, stating himself “I was close to dying”, before returning to competitive football earlier this summer, featuring in all three of Jamaica’s matches at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June.

Even at 35, Antonio will take some replacing, but have the Irons identified their man?

Transfer Focus

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

Well, according to French outlet wiw Sports, West Ham have reached an agreement in principle on personal terms to sign Idrissa Gueye from Metz, adding that negotiations have reached the final stages.

Elsewhere, a report by Foot Mercato claims that the deal will cost €15m (around £13m), adding that both Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund had previously been interested in the youngster.

Well, if his West Ham career turns out to be even half as successful as the aforementioned Antonio, that’ll prove to be a bargain.

What Idrissa Gueye will bring to West Ham

Given that he is just 18 years old, not a lot is widely known about Gueye, so what do we know?

Well, he came through the famous Génération Foot academy in Senegal, before following the familiar pathway from there to Metz, a path trodden by Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé, Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Matar Sarr and former hammer Diafra Sakho, as well as many others, in recent years.

What makes Gueye interesting is that he only made this jump in January, scoring five goals in 17 regular-season Ligue 2 games, thereby averaging a goal every 222 minutes.

This saw les Grenats finish third, subsequently beating both Dunkerque and then Stade Reims in the play-offs as they won promotion back to Ligue 1.

Speaking to French outlet Lesoleil, Metz sporting director Frédéric Arpinon stated that Gueye “reminds me a little” of Olivier Giroud, adding “I hope for him that he will have the same trajectory”.

Elsewhere, Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider labels him ‘one of the hottest properties’ in European football, while Sébastien Denis of Foot Mercato asserts that he is a “diamond” of a striker.

Gueye won Metz’s player of the month, as well as Ligue 2 young player of the month during an eye-catching February, so let’s assess his statistics.

Goals

0.41

14th

Shots

2.53

18th

Goals-per-shot on target

0.45

18th

Big chances missed

0.4

54th

Average Sofa Score rating

6.97

20th*

*amongst strikers only.

As the table emphasises, Gueye is a player of enormous talent, but one who is still very raw, which shouldn’t be too surprising considering, as recently as January, he was plying his trade in the Senegalese Premier League which, according to the CAF association rankings, is the 17th strongest league in Africa.

So why will he be the ideal Antonio replacement?

Well, West Ham already boast Niclas Füllkrug and have also signed Callum Wilson on a free transfer, both of whom are vastly experienced, allowing Gueye to learn from them, and not demanding that he is a starter from day one.

According to Global Football Rankings, Ligue 2 is the 30th strongest league in the world, making it the fifth best second-tier on the planet, behind the EFL Championship (11th), the Zweite Bundesliga (17th), Serie B (19th) and the Segunda División (24th).

Thus, Gueye has already proven he can score goals at a relatively high level, Ligue 2 is one place above the Saudi Pro League interestingly, and he appears to have all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.

Dream Ramsey alternative: West Ham plot late move for £50m "massive talent"

As West Ham search for a new midfielder, could they shelve their interest in Jacob Ramsey and move for a “massive talent” valued at £50m by his club?

Aug 8, 2025

A Manchester United forward, who Michael Carrick described as “terrific”, is now heading for the exit door, as a new club have agreed a transfer fee, according to a report.

Man Utd's attacking rebuild underway

There were many reasons behind Man United’s extremely disappointing 2024-25 campaign, but their attack was one of the most glaring issues, scoring just 44 goals all season in the Premier League.

Consequently, it is no surprise Ruben Amorim has set out to strengthen his forward line as a priority, having already sealed deals for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and the next task for recruitment chiefs will be to bring in a new striker.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now revealed United have two main options in mind at centre-forward, saying: “Ollie Watkins has options and Aston Villa are looking at their options too – there is a real chance that he could leave Villa Park this summer, and Man United like him a lot – he is seen as a very good fit.”

“Sesko is ongoing too – United, though, are working on this situation. Could it be Watkins or Sesko? United certainly believe so,”

However, considering the Red Devils are well-known to be treading a fine line PSR-wise, there will also have to be some outgoings this summer, and they are now close to sealing a deal to sell one of their forwards.

That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which states a deal is now in place to sell Jadon Sancho to Juventus for £15m, and the winger has already agreed personal terms with the Italian club.

Man Utd present offer to agents of "phenomenal" £78m star, talks ongoing

The Red Devils are vying to sign a centre-forward, and they are currently in direct negotiations with his entourage.

5 ByDominic Lund Jul 29, 2025

However, the deal is currently on pause, with Juventus looking to offload Timothy Weah and Nico Gonzalez, while they could also look to move on Dušan Vlahović before fully turning their attentions to Sancho.

Some final details also need to be finalised, such as bonuses, and the player himself is now growing impatient, as he is keen to seal a move to the Serie A side.

Sancho needs to move on this summer

Despite once being described as “terrific” by Michael Carrick, the English winger has never really managed to make an impact at United, and he clearly didn’t do enough to impress Enzo Maresca last season, with Chelsea paying a £5m penalty to avoid signing him.

As such, a move abroad could be ideal for the £25-year-old, given that his best years were spent outside England, picking up a combined 34 goals and assists for Borussia Dortmund in the 2019-20 Bundesliga season.

It is disappointing that Man United are only set to recoup £15m for Sancho, but he clearly has no future at Old Trafford, and there is every indication that Cunha and Mbeumo could be real upgrades.

Player

PL appearances in 24/25

Goals

Assists

Jadon Sancho

31

3

5

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

8

Matheus Cunha

33

15

6