Patrick Bamford (Free Agent)
October 2025
Following his Leeds exit, Bamford trained with Championship leaders Coventry to maintain fitness, with Lampard offering facilities while clarifying no immediate deal. The 32-year-old, capped once by England, seeks the right role after injury-hit years. Coventry will reassess post-medical data and squad needs before deciding on a short-term contract ahead of the winter window.
Sheffield Wednesday (EFL Championship)
October 2025
The EFL confirmed Wednesday’s administration and automatic 12-point deduction, ending Dejphon Chansiri’s turbulent era. Joint-administrators Julian Pitts, Kris Wigfield, and Paul Stanley target a solvent sale while stabilizing operations. Captain Barry Bannan urged unity; Wigfield appealed for fans’ return to bolster cashflow. Bottom of the table, Wednesday must rebuild on and off the pitch to survive.
Ashley Young (Ipswich Town)
July 2025
Veteran defender Ashley Young has completed a medical at Ipswich Town and agreed to a one-year contract. The 40-year-old left Everton as a free agent and was also pursued by former club Watford.
Manager Kieran McKenna played a key role in convincing Young, having worked with him during their Manchester United days. The move will be officially announced within 24 hours as Young joins Ipswich’s Championship promotion push.
Turki Alalshikh, Championship & Premier League clubs
Ongoing talks (May 2025)
Several Championship clubs and at least one Premier League side have approached Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh regarding potential investment. Alalshikh, known for his global sports influence and recent ownership of Spanish side Almeria, could be entering English football for the first time.
Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, recently transferred ownership of Almeria to Saudi group SMC. His growing presence in global sport, especially boxing, makes him an attractive investor for English clubs targeting Premier League promotion.
Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland → Manchester United)
Summer 2025
Manchester United are one of six Premier League clubs interested in Bellingham if Sunderland fail to secure promotion.
The 19-year-old midfielder is under contract until 2028, meaning Sunderland are not under financial pressure to sell, but interest from United, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest is strong.