The latest Premier League transfer news as Man United, Newcastle and Leeds eye up big summer deals
The 2025/26 Premier League season may be over, but the drama has only just begun: Liverpool spiced up Saturday afternoon by sacking Arne Slot out of nowhere, with the Dutchman given his marching orders after an unconvincing attempt to defend the Reds’ league title last season.
Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola looks set to come straight in to replace him, and it will be fascinating to see who Crystal Palace now turn to as their next manager, after reports suggested the Spanish coach had been their number one choice. Coventry City boss Frank Lampard is said to be the new preferred candidate to take over at Selhurst Park.
Meanwhile, the summer transfer window is just around the corner, and clubs are already working to get deals done before next month’s eagerly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Barcelona have already come flying out of the traps, splashing £70m on Anthony Gordon, while Spurs are closing in on Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi.
We begin today’s transfer round-up at St. James’ Park, where Newcastle United are on the hunt for a new right-back following Kieran Trippier’s move to Wolverhampton Wanderers. According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, RC Strasbourg’s Guela Doue has emerged as a target for the Magpies, after starring in Ligue 1 over the past two seasons.
The report states that Newcastle are impressed with the Ivory Coast international both for his defensive prowess and ability to surge forward in attack, as well his capability to slot into a central defensive role when required. It’s suggested that Strasbourg - a sister club of Chelsea - need to sell for financial reasons this summer, and could accept an offer in the region of £26m.
The 3AM Verdict: Doue has been one of Strasbourg’s best players this season, and would be an excellent backup option for Livramento. At 23-years-old, his best years are ahead of him, and being introduced to the Premier League in an understudy role would give him the time needed to adapt. The Magpies will bring in a serious amount of money from sales this summer, and reinvesting in a player with potential such as Doue seems like a smart move.
Man United line up striker targets
The story claims that United want more support for current striker Benjamin Sesko, who had a solid first season at the club, scoring eleven Premier League goals. They list five huge potential signings the club could make: Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen being the ‘dream’ option, Alongside the likes of Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi.
Robert Lewandowski, who will be available as a free agent after he leaves Barcelona once his contract expires next month is also namechecked, along with Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. The report gives no indication as to which signing United are the most likely to make, nor how much they would need to spend to sign any of the names mentioned.
The 3AM Verdict: Crikey, that is some list of strikers. If Osimhen were to join, he’d be United’s new first-choice striker without a doubt, as would probably be the case for Lewandowski, despite his advancing years. However, it feels like United will invest most of their money in their midfield this summer, so a move for Mateta seems the most likely.
Leeds United keen on relegated gem
We’ll finish things up at Elland Road, where Leeds United are in high spirits after beating the worrying trend of teams promoted from the Championship dropping straight back down the following season. Wolves, however, ended a seven-season spell of top tier football in dismal fashion, finishing rock bottom of the table with just twenty points.
According to Team Talk, Leeds are looking to capitalise on the Old Gold’s misfortune, and cherry-pick one of their top talents - defender Ladislav Krejci. Initially joining Wolves on loan, the Czechia international’s stay was made permanent after he played enough games to trigger a mandatory £26m buy clause. However, it’s unlikely he’ll be sticking around.
It’s claimed that Leeds would be willing to pay a similar fee to Wolves, which would see the West Midlands club not lose out financially by letting Krejci leave straight away. However, Brentford and Crystal Palace are named as clubs who could challenge Leeds for his signature, as well as “several La Liga clubs”.
The 3AM Verdict: Leeds by and large got their recruitment spot on last season, bar their attempts to sign a half-decent striker. Krejci looked a class above most of his teammates at Wolves, and would be an excellent signing to strengthen Leeds at the back. It sounds like competition could be fierce, however, so they’d better get their skates on sharpish.
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