Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
August 2025
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery responded cryptically when asked about Emi Martinez’s omission from the squad against Crystal Palace, fuelling speculation over a Manchester United move. Emery simply replied “Marco Bizot” — naming the goalkeeper who replaced Martinez in goal. The Argentine’s future at Villa Park remains uncertain with the transfer window nearing its close.
Mohamed Salah
December 2025
Mohamed Salah’s omission from Liverpool’s starting line up for two straight league games under Arne Slot has revived Saudi Pro League plans for a marquee move, with league chiefs ready to underwrite a huge bid if the 33 year old shows any willingness to leave. Liverpool previously rejected a £150 million offer from Al Ittihad and Salah admitted earlier talks with Saudi officials were serious before signing a new deal to 2027, but his recent benching has shifted perceptions of his status as the league’s top active scorer and reopened speculation over his long term future.
Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace)
April 2025
Newcastle are leading the pursuit of England international Guéhi, who is entering the final year of his Palace contract.
A £70m bid was rejected last summer, but with time running out on his deal, Palace may be more open to a sale now. Chelsea and Man City remain interested.
Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic, Joao Virginia (Everton)
End of June 2025
Everton have confirmed that Young, Begovic and Virginia will leave the club when their contracts expire. Five more players are out of contract, with decisions pending.
Manager David Moyes stated each player will be spoken to individually, with some receiving clarity on their futures by the end of this week and others by next week.
Andre Onana (Manchester United)
August 2025
Ruben Amorim cast doubt over Andre Onana’s starting role for Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal after the goalkeeper’s hamstring injury disrupted pre-season. Uncertainty continues around United’s goalkeeping options despite speculation of new signings and possible reshuffling before the season advances. Amorim avoided confirming Onana’s place, with Altay Bayindir an option and links to Emiliano Martinez, Senne Lammens, and even a David de Gea return. Onana’s fitness concerns and competition mean the situation remains unsettled, creating questions over stability in United’s most critical position.
Gilberto Mora (Tijuana)
October 2025
Manchester United are monitoring 16 year old midfielder Gilberto Mora after Under 20 World Cup scouting. Inter and Juventus are also on him. A move to Europe is blocked until he turns 18. The Mexico international has already lifted the Gold Cup with the senior team.
United’s medium term midfield plan targets athletic ball winning and progression. Early positioning builds relationships and price clarity ahead of eligibility. Competition from Serie A powers means timing and pathway assurances will decide any future transfer.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United, Sweden)
August 2025
Alexander Isak has been drafted into Sweden’s squad despite refusing to play for Newcastle as he pushes for a Liverpool transfer. The striker has trained alone and hasn’t featured for Newcastle in pre-season or the Premier League. Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson defended his call-up, calling Isak “a game changer” despite limited match fitness. Isak is unlikely to last 90 minutes but is expected to contribute in qualifiers, even as his Newcastle exile continues.
Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
November 2025
Bale criticised Mbappe and Vinicius for overcomplicating attacks in a subdued display as Madrid slipped to their first Champions League defeat of the season. Thibaut Courtois kept the margin to one as Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister decided it with a second-half header. Liverpool’s off-ball structure boxed Madrid into predictable lanes and narrowed Mbappe’s launch zones. With transitions limited and shot quality poor, Real’s stars forced actions instead of recycling to create superior angles, turning possession into sterile pressure.
Jose Mourinho (Benfica)
September 2025
Benfica may pursue Karim Benzema as Jose Mourinho seeks to reunite with his former Real Madrid striker. The 37-year-old could leave Al-Ittihad before his contract expires next summer if Benfica pay a small transfer fee. Al-Ittihad are reportedly open to letting Benzema go for €7m, but a move would require him to accept a massive wage cut from his current £83m-per-year salary. Benzema has praised Mourinho before, raising hopes of a sensational reunion.
Will Still
November 2025
Southampton dismissed Still following four wins in 16 and a slide to 21st in the Championship. Assistants Rubén Martínez, Clément Lemaître, and Carl Martin also depart; U21 coach Tonda Eckert takes interim charge for QPR away. Identity drift and defensive frailty undermined promotion aims. With three points above relegation and 16 behind leaders, priorities are rest-defense fixes, chance creation from structured wide play, and immediate low-risk selection. The search begins; compensation and fit will dictate permanence.
