Welcome to the first 2026 summer window edition of The Transfer DealSheet.
Our team of dedicated writers, including David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on in what promises to be an extremely busy transfer window. This includes the players who could arrive and the ones on their way out, across the Premier League and beyond in a World Cup summer.
The information found within this article has been gathered according to The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Unless stated, our reporters have spoken to more than one person briefed on each deal before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment. Those responses, when they were given, have been included in the Transfer DealSheet.
In this edition, we have David Ornstein’s One To Watch and updates on Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
You can also read club-specific DealSheets on clubs not covered in here, including Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.
We aim to bring you analysis you can trust about what is happening at Europe’s leading clubs and the latest information we’re hearing from across the market.
This article is long but detailed, so enjoy it all — or search for the team or player you want to read about.
David Ornstein’s One To Watch
One of the most notable transfers that could happen early in this summer’s transfer window involves Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The 23-year-old Championship player of the season is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs. With only 12 months left on his contract, and the fact that Middlesbrough missed out on promotion to the top flight, he is expected to leave the Riverside Stadium and should represent good value for money for buying clubs.
The Athletic can reveal Hackney’s preference is to join Everton, and, as things stand, it puts them in pole position to secure the former England Under-21 international midfielder.
Negotiations between the clubs have yet to take place, but once Hackney has finalised his decision, that part will follow ahead of any deal being struck.
Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace are also high among his suitors and retain a firm interest. Manchester United like Hackney, but he is lower on their list of targets and a move to Old Trafford is not anticipated at present.
Why Hackney is ready for the Premier League
The step up from the Championship to the Premier League is dauntingly steep, but Hackney has the tools to succeed at a higher level. Inevitably, for a player like Hackney, the chance of a regular starting place at Everton — which would not be as clear at Tottenham or Manchester United — is likely to be an important factor in any decision.
With quick feet and sharp decision-making, he has been Middlesbrough’s creative fulcrum, helping them progress through the thirds with his carrying and passing range.
While nominally a central midfielder, Hackney is comfortable operating at the top end of the pitch, with no Championship player (with 900-plus minutes played) averaging more than his 35.7 touches in the attacking third per 90 minutes this season.
That drifting tendency is shown below in his progressive pass zones, which span across the field from wide threaded balls to central passes punched through the lines.
Most importantly, Hackney is composed when harried, with the kind of press-resistance that should help him survive the Premier League’s higher intensity.
Conor O’Neill
What Else We’re Hearing
There is an expectation from multiple sources spoken to by The Athletic that Morgan Rogers will leave Aston Villa this summer. Yet senior club sources state they are intent on keeping the 23-year-old and with five years left on his contract, are in a strong position to do so. Still, they are expected to face significant interest, with several of the Premier League and Europe’s biggest clubs making known their admiration for the attacker. There is also an acceptance that to comply with financial restrictions, Villa will have to look to player sales to help. Ideally, funds would be raised through other players being sold, but Rogers is Villa’s biggest asset. Any asking price, though, may be complicated by the sell-on clause Middlesbrough inserted in the deal when they sold Rogers to Villa in January 2024. The initial fee was worth £7million plus a further £8m in add-ons, yet, crucially, the Championship club has a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Jacob Tanswell and Michael Walker
Eintracht Frankfurt’s German international full-back Nathaniel Brown is the subject of interest from Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Brown, 22, is part of Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad and has also played a range of different left-sided positions at club level, including wide-midfielder. He is expected to leave Frankfurt this summer. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor
Bournemouth winger Rayan has a release clause in his contract that will kick in from the January transfer window onwards — and The Athletic can reveal it will be £130m (€150m). However, the release clause will not be applicable this summer, just six months after he joined the club. It will be active from January, in the 2027 summer transfer window and beyond. Mario Cortegana and Jacob Tanswell
Nicolo Tresoldi is attracting attention from Germany, Spain and England. Borussia Dortmund are long-term admirers, and so are Atletico Madrid. The Premier League’s Aston Villa also hold an interest in the 21-year-old. The Club Brugge forward, who joined from Hannover in 2025, has had a prolific season in Belgium, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, including the Champions League. He’s one of the quickest players in Belgium. He’s also a data favourite: the 19 league goals he scored this season — which made him top-scorer in Belgium and helped take Brugge to the title — came from an xG of 16.3. He a really efficient goalscorer and that almost allowed him to gatecrash the Germany World Cup squad. He’s represented the country at under-21 level and is actually qualified to play for Italy and Spain too, but Julian Nagelsmann revealed in the press conference announcing his selection that Tresoldi’s “special nose for goal” had very nearly seen him included. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor
Karim Adeyemi is open to a move away from Borussia Dortmund this summer, with the Premier League his preference. Aston Villa are aware of his situation and have long-term interest, but it’s unclear whether they will make an offer during the current window. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor
Hamburg are eager to make Fabio Vieira’s loan from Arsenal permanent. The German club are unable to activate the clause in the original contract, believed to be worth around €20m, but are seeking a renegotiation, with the Portuguese midfielder eager to stay. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and James McNicholas
How exciting is Nathaniel Brown?
German head coach Nagelsmann called Brown “one of the most talented left-backs around” when naming his 26-man World Cup squad, and it is easy to see why suitors are lining up for the 22-year-old.
Brown boasts impressive athleticism and does not shy away from the defensive side of the game, winning more tackles than any other Bundesliga player last season (81). Outside of these combative qualities, Brown is a creative presence and typically operates in advanced areas. He has actually played most of his minutes on the left side of midfield for Frankfurt in 2025-26 (47 per cent), and that positional versatility only adds to his appeal.
While he is capable of surging outside overlap, Brown prefers to invert and combine with midfield, creating chances from the left half-space and pitched in with four goals and four assists last season.
With his defensive strength and technical quality, Brown has the makings of one of the World Cup’s breakout stars, whose transfer value could skyrocket.
Conor O’Neill
Arsenal
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
Arsenal have been looking at the left wing as a potential upgrade area for some time. That position is expected to be a priority this summer.
In the weeks leading up to the window, recruitment staff at Arsenal had also intimated they would be looking for a 6/8 central midfielder and studying options in both full-back positions. It remains to be seen how the recent resurgence of Myles Lewis-Skelly might impact these plans.
Although less of an obvious need, the No 9 position has also featured in discussions. The expected departure of Gabriel Jesus could create an opening for a different profile of centre-forward.
What is the manager’s priority?
After the Champions League final, Arteta spoke glowingly of Paris Saint-Germain. “They are, in my opinion, the best team in the world. What they are able to do with the ball, with individual actions, I haven’t seen.”
Arteta now wants to add some of those “individual actions” to Arsenal by recruiting highly-skilled, game-changing talent.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
The identity of at least one summer signing is already known: Arsenal will complete a permanent deal for on-loan defender Piero Hincapie.
The package will total €52m — with Bayer Leverkusen also granted a 10 per cent sell-on clause. The terms of a five-year contract for the Ecuador international are already agreed.
With Arsenal sailing close to the regulatory wind last summer, the club brokered a deal with Leverkusen, which was ostensibly a loan with an option to buy. That meant the fee for a permanent deal would be filed under summer 2026, rather than 2025.
At the same time, both Arsenal and Leverkusen were granted the authority to trigger a permanent deal. While it appeared to be an “option”, both clubs were in agreement that the permanent transfer would be completed.
Outside of Hincapie, it is difficult to be certain of Arsenal’s intentions at this early stage. Berta’s approach to the market is to explore a number of different potential deals before presenting them back to the leadership team.
Arsenal are also conscious that their plans could be impacted by player sales. There is not simply a ‘Plan A’ — Arsenal have a multi-faceted, flexible approach to the market.
Arsenal are one of several leading Premier League clubs that have been asked to be kept informed of developments regarding Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Other attackers Arsenal admire include Champions League final opponent Bradley Barcola, Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi and Ajax winger Mika Godts.
At right-back, Arsenal are fans of Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, although there are concerns over his injury record. Ivan Fresneda of Sporting CP is another one of several names being followed.
On the other side of defence, Arsenal are following Eintracht Frankfurt’s German international Nathaniel Brown. Brown is a versatile player who can play all along the left flank. Frankfurt and Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Real Madrid’s 19-year-old defender Victor Valdepenas.
Although not an urgent priority, Arsenal continue to look for a long-term successor to Gabriel. RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is one of the centre-backs Arsenal are monitoring.
Arteta remains a huge admirer of Julian Alvarez, although Barcelona seem to be making the early running in the race for the Atletico Madrid forward.
Arsenal’s drive to recruit young emerging talent continues. Having already recruited the likes of Irish teenager Victor Ozhianvuna, 17, and highly-rated Ecuador youth internationals Edwin and Holger Quintero, 16, the club are pursuing a deal for Leicester City’s 16-year-old winger Jeremy Monga.
With Monga due to sign professional terms with Leicester this summer, it’s thought the England Under-19 international could command a fee in the region of £10-£15m. It would represent a considerable investment — but Arsenal’s owners are enthused about the prospect of signing young players with room to develop and increase in value.
Who will they be looking to sell?
For a club in Arsenal’s position — with ambitions to win the game’s biggest prizes, while remaining financially responsible and sustainable — player trading is essential.
From January onwards, Berta has been actively exploring potential sales. Arsenal hope that becoming champions will help them drive premium prices for any outgoing talent.
At present, not many of those potential departures have developed. Arsenal’s players have naturally been fully focused on delivering success this season, with some even instructing their agents not to discuss their future until the season was complete.
One player earmarked for a possible transfer is Gabriel Jesus, with David Ornstein reporting that Arsenal are demanding up to £20m for the Brazilian forward.
Arsenal also face a decision on his compatriot Gabriel Martinelli. The winger currently has one year remaining on his contract. While the club does have the option to extend until 2028, they typically prefer to address contract issues before reaching that point. It looks as if Arsenal will have to determine this summer whether to sell or extend the 24-year-old’s deal.
Leandro Trossard is in a similar position: Arsenal adjusted his contract to improve his salary last summer, but his deal is still set to expire in just over 12 months’ time.
Ethan Nwaneri, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, could be considered as a potential sale. As an academy player, any fee received would be booked entirely as profit. Lewis-Skelly was seemingly at risk, but has now reasserted himself as an option in midfield.
As for Fabio Vieira, who spent last year on loan at Hamburg, the German club want to bring him back and are looking into re-negotiating the price for a permanent deal, which is believed to be worth around €20m. The Portuguese midfielder is keen to stay at the Bundesliga club.
Arsenal will listen to offers for Christian Norgaard. Although a valued and influential member of the squad, he has struggled for game-time in the Premier League and Champions League.
Arsenal may also face a situation in the goalkeeping department. When they signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea last summer, a release clause was inserted into the deal which allows the 31-year-old to leave if Arsenal recoup the £5million they paid for him. Arrizabalaga has enjoyed his year in north London, but if a compelling offer to be a No 1 elsewhere presents itself, Arsenal may need to enter the goalkeeping market once again.
While there has been considerable speculation around Ben White, there is no clear decision on his future as yet.
Reiss Nelson has returned from his loan at Brentford and is expected to be sold.
Academy full-back Josh Nichols, 19, has announced his impending departure from the club and is set to join Croatian club NK Kustosija.
What moves have they made already?
Porto have already triggered a permanent deal for Jakub Kiwior. The Portuguese champions will pay €17m (£14.7m; $19.9m) plus up to €5m in add-ons.
With a deal structured similarly to the Hincapie loan, the fee for Kiwior will be accounted for this summer. Arsenal will also be due a further €2m from Kiwior’s next move.
James McNicholas
Chelsea
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
Chelsea intend to buy a minimum of two ready-made players who are able to go straight into the first XI.
The signings in question will have the experience of playing in one of the top five European leagues and know what it takes to handle an intense fixture schedule.
With Chelsea not playing in European competition in 2026-27, they do not want to make too many additions. That is why they are looking to add just one centre back as things stand. Chelsea also want a flexible attacker who can play in multiple positions.
Signings in other areas may depend on who goes.
What is the manager’s priority?
The same areas as highlighted above.
New manager Xabi Alonso has already told the club he wants to build a group of ‘mentality monsters’, and that will be reflected in the signings Chelsea make.
Alonso does not officially start work until July 1, and some choices, both in and out, will clearly have to wait while he has time to work with and assess the current squad.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
Chelsea have at least 10 names on their wishlist.
One of them is Morgan Rogers, who they have had interest in since he was playing for Middlesbrough. They are among the three to four teams looking to buy him from Aston Villa. He clearly fits the requirement for a player who can operate in a number of attacking positions.
They have made a gentle enquiry into Ibrahima Konate’s situation, with the Liverpool defender set to leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Sources in France say a deal to sign Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco is in place. The 21-year-old has already announced he is leaving the Ligue 1 club, but Chelsea have yet to confirm that he is joining them.
Who will they be looking to sell?
Spain international Marc Cucurella is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
As The Athletic reported, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are interested in him, while Chelsea are relaxed about the situation. Cucurella’s future at the club is yet to be decided, though they would not block his departure if an offer matched their valuation of the full-back.
Similarly, Enzo Fernandez has also been left off the ‘definitely not for sale list’, albeit Chelsea are not desperate to cash in either. They value the Argentina midfielder at £120m, which would make him one of the most expensive transfers in history.
Chelsea are willing to consider reintegrating Nicolas Jackson back into the squad following his loan at Bayern Munich. A centre forward will be sold this summer, but it will not be Joao Pedro. A decision will be made later in the window. It could be between Liam Delap and Jackson as to who goes.
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen has asked to leave in order to get more game time, and his wish will be granted.
There are clubs keen on midfielder Romeo Lavia, but Chelsea want to keep him as things stand.
Chelsea will look to sell some centre-backs. Axel Disasi already has interest from a number of clubs in Europe following a good loan at West Ham United.
With Chelsea looking to sign a starting central defender and Levi Colwill fit again, much will also depend on whether players such as Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile are prepared to drop down the pecking order or go elsewhere. Tosin Adarabioyo is valued for the leadership he provides the group behind the scenes, and has not been told to look for a new club as of yet.
Winger Tyrique George is expected to be sold permanently regardless. Everton have an option in place to buy him after loaning him in January and that still remains a possibility, but there are other clubs keen too.
Striker David Datro Fofana had spells on loan at Fatih Karagumruk and Strasbourg last season. Chelsea will look to offload him for good during the close season.
Josh Acheampong and Mamadou Sarr are not on the ‘for sale’ list and will be part of pre-season. Midfielder Andrey Santos is not considered to be untouchable, but that does not mean Chelsea want to cash in on him. Decisions on senior players going out on loan will be made later in the window.
Will anyone be earmarked for a loan away?
Chelsea want striker Marc Guiu to get game time elsewhere to develop. He made 13 appearances for the first team this season, yet most of those were as a substitute. A permanent transfer has not been ruled out, but the club’s preference is for a loan right now. Clubs in England, Italy, Germany and Spain are keen.
The highly rated attacker Omari Kellyman will go out on loan again. He scored 11 goals for Cardiff City to help them win promotion from League One. Championship clubs and teams in Europe have already expressed an interest in the 20-year-old.
Under-21 striker Shumaira Mheuka is also earmarked to get first-team football elsewhere. The 18-year-old was named Premier League 2 Player of the Season and is deemed ready to get his first loan.
Goalkeeper Gaga Slonina, who has not made an appearance for Chelsea since joining from Chicago Fire for an initial £8.1m in 2022, will also be considered for a move away.
Meanwhile, Caleb Wiley and Kendry Paez, two other acquisitions that have not featured for Chelsea yet, are also earmarked for a loan.
What moves have they made already?
Three players are already lined up to join the squad. Chelsea agreed a deal to acquire Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP for £40m in March 2025, in view of him moving to Stamford Bridge this summer. He has continued to play for Sporting in the meantime.
Similarly, striker Emmanuel Emegha was bought from Strasbourg last September for him to join up for next season.
Goalkeeper Mike Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, will be in contention to be the first-choice keeper, along with Robert Sanchez.
Simon Johnson
Liverpool
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
The priority is buying wide attackers. There is a big void to fill in the squad after the end of Mohamed Salah’s record-breaking Liverpool career. Federico Chiesa is also expected to move on this summer, while top scorer Hugo Ekitike is set to be sidelined until at least midway through next season with an Achilles injury.
Liverpool will look to bolster their midfield department after being repeatedly outfought in that area in 2025-26. Right-back is another position that needs addressing with Conor Bradley still recovering from a serious knee injury.
Andy Robertson’s departure isn’t expected to lead to Liverpool buying a left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas set to provide cover for Milos Kerkez after his return from a loan spell at Roma.
Liverpool also have to weigh up whether they have sufficient centre-back cover following the exit of Ibrahima Konate as a free agent. With new signing Jeremy Jacquet joining captain Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni at Anfield, club sources currently stress that they have bigger priorities to address.
What is the manager’s priority?
Until the vacancy is filled following Arne Slot’s sacking, that will remain unclear.
Liverpool’s hierarchy say they want “a more front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of football” going forward. If, as expected, Andoni Iroala is tasked with delivering that, then he will need a sizeable injection of pace, dynamism and athleticism into the squad he inherits from Slot.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
The Athletic reported on May 22 that RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande had emerged as a leading target for Liverpool this summer. However, the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international won’t come cheap with the Bundesliga outfit looking to recoup in excess of €100m (£86.5m; $116.4m).
Diomande contributed 12 goals and nine assists in 33 league appearances for Leipzig this season.
Who will they be looking to sell?
There’s a decision to make on midfielder Curtis Jones, who is set to enter the final year of his contract this summer and has attracted interest from Inter.
It’s a similar story with Harvey Elliott following his return to Liverpool after a disappointing season-long loan at Aston Villa where he rarely featured. He will wait to discover whether he features in the new head coach’s plans before deciding his future.
Like Salah, Robertson and Konate, defender Rhys Williams will leave as a free agent.
In terms of generating funds from the sale of fringe players, Liverpool are pretty limited this summer. Chiesa is unlikely to command much of a fee if, as expected, he returns to Italy, while Calvin Ramsay also needs a new challenge.
The Athletic revealed last week that Alisson is increasingly likely to stay at Anfield for the final year of his contract. The Brazil No 1 is wanted by Juventus, but Liverpool have shown no willingness to sanction his sale.
Will anyone be earmarked for a loan away?
With the squad heavily depleted at the start of pre-season due to the World Cup, a number of decisions regarding loan moves for youngsters are set to be delayed until later in the window.
Midfielder Trey Nyoni would certainly benefit from regular first-team football elsewhere after being an unused substitute 23 times in the Premier League in 2025-26. Forward Kieran Morrison, who signed a new four-year contract last week, is attracting strong loan interest from the Championship and elsewhere in Europe.
James McConnell, Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns could also secure temporary moves.
What moves have they made already?
They agreed a £60m deal with Rennes at the end of the winter window for Jacquet to join Liverpool this summer. He will be ready for the start of pre-season training next month following his recovery from a shoulder injury.
James Pearce
Manchester City
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
A right-back, central midfielder and winger are priority areas but with several players potentially leaving, there could be other areas that need reinforcing. Should James Trafford leave, in goal, for example, or there may be a need for two midfielders if others in that position move on.
What is the manager’s priority?
Transfers may not strictly be Maresca’s priority because he will be looking to get to grips with the entire squad and start to get his message across to existing players, too, as well as building on the kind of structures that have been in place from the Guardiola era.
But working on the squad is obviously an important part of that process, ensuring there are no gaps and that unsettled players have been moved on. In that sense, replacing somebody of the importance of Bernardo Silva would have to be considered a priority.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
Elliot Anderson is the main target in midfield, though they have been keeping tabs on other options, like Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
City have been credited with an interest in Enzo Fernandez though they say that is not a deal they are actively looking to do.
Who will they be looking to sell?
Nico Gonzalez is one player who could be moving on this summer after struggling to break into the team since he joined in January 2025, even if that was on Guardiola’s watch. Tijjani Reijnders has only had one season at City and started well enough, but could not get into the side after Christmas and there is uncertainty about him, too.
Nathan Ake is also expected to leave, while Bayern Munich hold some interest in Josko Gvardiol.
The expectation throughout the season has been that Trafford will move on, after he was devastated by City’s decision to bring in Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Englishman had returned to the club in July, but it remains to be seen whether Maresca’s arrival changes the situation.
Savinho and Omar Marmoush are others who could attract interest, too.
Will anyone be earmarked for a loan away?
With Reis expected to return from his loan at Girona, it could be that Max Alleyne is loaned out after his time at Watford was cut short in January to help City cope with an injury crisis at the back.
Alleyne did very well initially but his inexperience was highlighted in appearances against Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt and City subsequently signed Marc Guehi, meaning his opportunities were limited.
City rate him highly and have been considering keeping him around the first team, but it could be that more regular football on loan proves to be the best option.
What moves have they made already?
City are yet to finalise any new deals but there is potential for things to be put in place before the World Cup, partly to keep a lid on price tags and partly to offer some certainty to Maresca, even if he will have to plan for a pre-season tour to the Far East that is unlikely to feature most of his senior players.
One example of getting a deal done very early is that of Guehi, who signed in January and effectively replaced John Stones six months ahead of time.
Sam Lee
Manchester United
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
It is no secret that Manchester United’s priority heading into this summer window is midfield, having decided against addressing the position last year and instead focusing much of their spending on their forward line.
Since then, Bruno Fernandes has been redeployed to his natural No 10 role, Casemiro’s exit has been confirmed, and Manuel Ugarte’s future has come into question, all of which risks leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the squad’s only senior, recognised central midfielder. Two, perhaps even three midfield reinforcements are necessary.
Greater depth is required down the left-hand side of Carrick’s squad, too. Patrick Dorgu has typically been used further up the pitch by Carrick, and should that persist, another left-back could be added, despite Luke Shaw defying the odds to start all of United’s 38 Premier League games this season.
United could also look to reinforce up top by signing a more experienced centre-forward to provide cover and competition for Sesko.
What is the manager’s priority?
Carrick has been involved in recruitment meetings, even having an input in discussions about plans for next season before he was named as the club’s new permanent manager last month.
The former United midfielder has earned a reputation for not giving much away in his dealings with the media, but even he has acknowledged the importance of this summer’s window and replacing the outgoing Casemiro when asked.
Despite Casemiro’s resurgence in popularity this season, United are still arguably trying to replace Carrick himself, having not adequately answered questions about their midfield since his retirement in 2017.
Finding the right partner for Mainoo, who has become a mainstay again under United’s new manager, will be vital to realising Carrick’s vision.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
United are in advanced talks with Atalanta regarding midfielder Ederson.
The 26-year-old Brazil international has long been tracked by Old Trafford’s recruitment department and appeals in part because of his contract expiring in 2027, which has brought down Atalanta’s asking price.
Mateus Fernandes is another player of interest, with United having held talks over a potential fee and wages. West Ham have little choice but to sell the 21-year-old following relegation from the Premier League.
Alex Scott is also a potential target. The 22-year-old is in talks with Bournemouth over a new contract, with his deal set to run until 2028. As things stand, an extension is seen as unlikely. United have made inquiries as to the cost of a deal.
As my colleague David Ornstein has reported, United like Hayden Hackney, who played under Carrick at Middlesbrough, but he is lower on their list of targets and a move to Old Trafford is not anticipated at present. As it stands, the midfielder’s preference this summer is to join Everton.
Lewis Hall is among the options being considered at left-back, raising the prospect of a move for a player whose path crossed with director of recruitment Christopher Vivell at Chelsea.
Newcastle are not looking to sell the 21-year-old, but the St James’ Park club are expected to significantly reshape their squad this summer, and while Hall has established himself under Eddie Howe, he has not always been in favour since joining in 2023.
Although Anthony Gordon’s €80m move to Barcelona means Newcastle are not necessarily prioritising sales, they may consider further exits to help fund incomings. Any deal for Hall could be worth north of £50m.
Sandro Tonali also has admirers at Old Trafford, although an asking price closer to £100m would likely be prohibitive.
Who will they be looking to sell?
The prospect of Marcus Rashford being reintegrated and restarting his Old Trafford career still appear slim, despite Gordon’s €80m move to Barcelona casting doubt over whether Camp Nou officials will trigger their €30m option to buy the 28-year-old permanently before their 15 June deadline.
Andre Onana has also spent the past season out on loan, at Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig, and is unlikely to be part of Carrick’s squad next term despite his contract running until 2028.
Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee attracted interest from European clubs during the January window and, despite ultimately staying put, could leave only two summers after arriving.
Altay Bayindir’s future as United’s second-choice goalkeeper is also uncertain, with Radek Vitek returning after an impressive loan spell at Bristol City.
Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia’s departures have already been confirmed. Jadon Sancho — who spent the season on loan at Aston Villa —is expected to leave as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Will anyone be earmarked for a loan away?
At first-team level, United have typically used the loan market to move players with substantial salaries on the fringes of the squad off their books.
Rashford and Onana’s prospects of leaving permanently could be complicated by United’s Champions League qualification, which will mean that a 25 per cent cut to many first-team contracts at Old Trafford will not apply next season.
Yet another loan cannot be ruled out for either player, while decisions will be made on loans for academy-level players later in the summer.
What moves have they made already?
Rasmus Hojlund confirmed last month that Napoli’s qualification for the Champions League triggered a clause which will turn his loan deal permanent, ending a three-year spell as a United player.
The Denmark international’s move included a €44m conditional obligation to buy if Napoli secured their place in European football’s elite club competition.
In terms of incomings, United will complete the signing of Colombia youth international Cristian Orozco, a 17-year-old midfielder set to join in July from Fortaleza CEIF.
Mark Critchley
What would Ederson bring to Manchester United?
Atalanta’s Ederson profiles somewhere between Mateus Fernandes and Carlos Baleba.
The 26-year-old is active in hoovering up danger — clocking up his fair share of tackles and interceptions — but also reads the game well with a high volume of ball recoveries to get his side back on the front foot. The Italy-based Brazil international is arguably stronger at retaining possession than countryman Casemiro, often keeping his passes shorter to feet with an ability to punch the ball forward to runners ahead of him.
Ederson is the sort of player managers adore, patrolling the pitch between both boxes. He might not always get the headlines, but he is a crucial cog in the wider team dynamic that allows others around him to play at full tilt.
Mark Carey
Newcastle United
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
Potentially just about everywhere, although which positions Newcastle recruit in will partly depend upon outgoings and the availability of targets, so priorities may change as the summer develops. Essentially, Newcastle will largely operate a ‘one out, one in’ approach — with a midfielder replacing a midfielder and a winger replacing a winger, for example.
Goalkeeper is of utmost importance, with a successor to Nick Pope desired — and multiple shot-stoppers may arrive, given Newcastle will not take up the option to make Aaron Ramsdale‘s loan from Southampton permanent.
Full-backs are being sought, though whether Newcastle will bring in both a right- and a left-sided defender is unclear. The need at right-back feels more pressing, with Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth leaving, and Tino Livramento’s future uncertain. A young centre-half will probably only be sought if Fabian Schar does not accept the extension he has been offered.
Any midfield exits will require replacements, and a departure for Joe Willock, who is entering the final year of his contract, is anticipated, while Sandro Tonali may also leave if Newcastle’s financial demands are met, meaning up to two midfielders may be required.
With Anthony Gordon having already joined Barcelona, a winger — or potentially a forward who can play across the frontline — will be targeted. It seems unlikely Newcastle will push to bring in another striker, unless some of their centre-forwards leave, given who is available in what is deemed to be a market light on quality.
What is the head coach’s priority?
Beyond revamping a squad which is ageing and lacking quality in key areas, Howe will be hoping this summer is far smoother and less chaotic than the previous two.
In 2024, Newcastle risked a double-digit points deduction and so rushed to sell, losing Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, before being unable to sign a starter. Last year, Alexander Isak’s eventual defection following a summer-long saga proved disastrous, hampering Newcastle’s own business, which had already been affected by Paul Mitchell’s departure as sporting director in May and by being pipped to their top targets.
Howe later described Newcastle as having been forced into a “reactive” approach, so they are trying to be proactive by getting big sales like Gordon done early to bring in funds to reinvest. Ideally, Howe wants signings present for the majority of pre-season, so they have the best chance of being ready for the season beginning.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
Newcastle’s long-term admiration of James Trafford is well documented, and their interest remains, though extracting the England international goalkeeper from Manchester City will prove expensive — plus they face stiff competition. Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Lens’ Robin Risser have also been tracked, but Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel is likely beyond their financial means. Reims’ Ewen Jaouen is liked, but if Newcastle sign the 20-year-old, it will likely be alongside the acquisition of a more senior shot-stopper.
At centre-half, Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini has long been followed, and Como’s Jacobo Ramon is liked, while at full-back, Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys and Toulouse’s Dayann Methalie were discussed in January.
In midfield, Porto’s Victor Froholdt has been watched, while Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Auxerre’s Kevin Danois have previously featured during internal discussions. Newcastle anticipate AZ’s highly-rated Kees Smit, who they enquired about last summer, will join a bigger European club.
Howe is an admirer of West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, though a transfer seems unlikely at this stage, with a host of wingers on the continent watched, including Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure and Koln’s Said El Mala. Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli is also on their radar, but no approach has been made.
Who will they be looking to sell?
Newcastle are willing to sell one or two stars to allow them to reinvest and want to ‘normalise’ a trading model which sees players, even key ones, move outwards as well as inwards more routinely.
Gordon has already joined Barcelona for €80million (£69.3m, $93.3m), including largely achievable add-ons, while Newcastle also inserted a sell-on clause. Everton, the winger’s former club, received 15 per cent of the profit after selling Gordon to Newcastle for an initial £40m in January 2023. Regardless, that marks a strong start to the window, avoiding another Isak-esque saga and giving Newcastle a greater idea of their ‘headroom’ to spend.
Elsewhere, Tonali has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal. Newcastle would ideally like to keep him and, although interest is anticipated, nothing concrete has arrived. Whether any club can provide the financial package required to tempt Newcastle to sell remains to be seen, though there is an appreciation that he may go.
Livramento has attracted interest from Manchester City and Arsenal previously, though the 23-year-old’s injury problems have cast doubt over an exit.
Aston Villa hold an interest in Harvey Barnes, who is entering the final two years of his contract, but Newcastle are unlikely to entertain offers — beyond sizeable ones — for the 28-year-old, given Gordon has already left.
Willock is set to be available, while Newcastle have explored the possibility of selling Yoane Wissa, a year after signing him for £55m, though Howe may opt to keep the centre-forward. Newcastle are not actively courting offers for Nick Woltemade, their £64m record acquisition, though interest may arrive from Germany.
As things stand, it is anticipated all three of Newcastle’s centre-forwards — Will Osula being the other — will likely stay.
Will anyone be earmarked for a loan away?
With no European football, Newcastle’s most-promising under-21s will hopefully be afforded loans to gain experience, although that will partly depend upon incoming business and whether they impress during pre-season and force their way into Howe’s plans.
Sean Neave, the 19-year-old striker, and Leo Shahar, the 19-year-old full-back, have excelled at under-21 level and the former in particular looks ready for a loan.
Alex Murphy, the 21-year-old defender, has reached the stage whereby he needs a loan or permanent exit, given he has started a solitary game.
What moves have they made already?
At senior level, Trippier and Krafth’s exits have been confirmed, with most of the soon-to-be-out-of-contract players set to follow. John Ruddy, the goalkeeper, and Matt Targett, the full-back who has been on loan at Middlesbrough, will depart.
Schar, the 34-year-old centre-half, had been expected to leave, but has been offered an extension (reflecting an altered squad status and a drop in salary) and talks between Newcastle and his camp are ongoing.
At academy level, Newcastle have already signed 17-year-old Ecuadorian Johan Martinez from Independiente del Valle. The exciting winger will remain in Ecuador until he turns 18 and move to Tyneside in 2027.
Martinez embodies the profile of player Wilson hopes to lure, from home and abroad, to the academy this summer, with more to follow.
Chris Waugh
Tottenham Hotspur
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
Spurs want to provide Micky van de Ven with competition and cover at left-sided centre-back, and this will be addressed by the impending arrival of Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth.
Spurs are progressing with a deal for Andy Robertson, who will give De Zerbi a natural alternative at left-back to Destiny Udogie. Djed Spence has done an admirable job covering Udogie but will be able to focus on challenging Pedro Porro to be first-choice right-back.
Depending on what happens with Cristian Romero’s future, they could be in the market for a right-sided centre-back. Luka Vuskovic enjoyed an impressive season on loan with Hamburg and caught the attention of clubs across Europe. There have been discussions about the 19-year-old signing a new contract with Spurs, but he will wait until after the World Cup before deciding his next steps. Hamburg would be very interested in him returning on loan, but currently don’t see it as a possibility.
What is the manager’s priority?
Spurs need to upgrade their attacking options. Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert have shown flashes of promise, but nobody has nailed down the left-wing role since former captain Son Heung-min joined Los Angeles FC last summer. Odobert and Xavi Simons are recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, while Mohammed Kudus missed the second half of the season with a groin issue and was unable to prove his fitness in time to make Ghana’s World Cup squad. Spurs need quality options to replace and then compete with those players when they are fully fit again.
Spurs struggled to consistently create high-quality chances this season. James Maddison’s return from an ACL injury partially solves this problem, but improving their options in central midfield is a priority.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
If Romero leaves and Spurs decide they need an established right-sided centre-back to replace him, keep an eye on Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke. The Netherlands international’s contract expires next year, and he previously worked with De Zerbi at the Amex.
Over the last few years, Spurs have signed a lot of young players including Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Antonin Kinsky and Odobert. Targeting Robertson, Senesi and Van Hecke reflects the feeling that the squad needs more experience and players in the prime of their careers.
Another player Spurs are interested in signing is Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. The 23-year-old Championship Player of the Season only has 12 months left on his contract. Spurs, Crystal Palace and Manchester United like Hackney, but as my colleague David Ornstein reports, his preference is to join Everton.
Who will they be looking to sell?
Spurs have difficult decisions to make over three key players. Richarlison was their top goalscorer (11) in the league this season, but he has never looked like the right fit up front. The 29-year-old only has 12 months left on his contract. Spurs need to tie him down to a new deal or sell him.
Guglielmo Vicario has not played under De Zerbi yet due to a hernia injury and the impressive form of Kinsky. The latter is comfortable with the ball at his feet and made some superb saves to help Spurs stay up. De Zerbi has spoken positively about Vicario, but Kinsky deserves a chance to be No 1 at the start of next season.
The biggest question mark is around Romero. Tottenham’s captain signed a new contract last year, which runs until 2029. However, Romero has been critical of the club’s hierarchy in social media posts on multiple occasions, and his form has been mixed. The Argentina international has only played more than 30 league games in a single season once for Spurs since he joined them in 2021 due to a combination of injuries and suspension. Sources inside the club acknowledge that there is a strong chance Romero could leave this summer, but it will be difficult to sign a quality replacement.
Radu Dragusin is another defender with an uncertain future. He prefers to play as a right-sided centre-back but is third choice behind Romero and Kevin Danso. The Romania international barely played last season, partially due to an ACL injury, and it might be best for his development to leave permanently or on loan.
Randal Kolo Muani will return to PSG after an underwhelming loan spell. The France international only scored one goal in 30 top-flight matches.
Joao Palhinha’s loan move from Bayern Munich contained an option to make the deal permanent for €30m. De Zerbi said he wants to keep the central midfielder “100 per cent.” Palhinha described his relationship with Spurs as “like a marriage” but “I would really like to be here, and I enjoy it a lot this season with this club, even being a tough season.” Spurs like Palhinha and are working towards a conclusion which suits all parties.
Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma’s contracts are due to expire at the end of the month. Both struggled for playing time this season. Davies made three appearances before suffering an ankle injury in January, which forced him to miss the rest of the campaign, while Bissouma only played 11 times in total.
Will anyone be earmarked for a loan away?
De Zerbi is a huge fan of Brazilian defender Souza who turns 20 later this month. Souza joined Spurs from Santos in January and made four appearances. The full-back’s game time could be limited by Udogie and Robertson next season, so the smartest option might be to send him on loan so he can play regularly.
Academy graduates Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear impressed on loan with Rangers and Oxford United, respectively. Ashley Phillips has spent the last two seasons with Stoke City and even captained them once. Spurs need to decide if this talented trio are ready to be fully integrated into the first-team squad or if it would be better to continue developing away from north London.
What moves have they made already?
The Athletic reported last week that Spurs are set to sign Senesi on a four-year deal when his contract with Bournemouth expires. They are progressing with a deal to sign Robertson, who will be a free agent when his nine-year spell with Liverpool ends this month.
Spurs deserve credit for acting swiftly and learning their lessons from last summer when the uncertainty over the future of then head coach Ange Postecoglou disrupted their plans and contributed to them missing out on key targets.
Jay Harris
Barcelona
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
The main priority is a centre-forward. Robert Lewandowski is leaving Barca when his contract expires this summer and the Catalans need a new reference point up front. The club were also targeting a wide attacker, but that has been covered with Anthony Gordon’s arrival.
The final priority is defence, with a player needed who can play on the left-hand side at the back. A left-footed centre-back would be ideal, but that could change depending on which players leave.
Beyond the positions they are actively looking to strengthen, the club are also open to signing players they deem to be market opportunities, most likely joining as free agents or at a reasonable price.
What is the manager’s priority?
A Lewandowski replacement.
The club granted him his request to move for Gordon, who can help in multiple positions along the frontline, including at No 9. But bringing in a new dedicated central striker is seen as pivotal.
In January, Flick told the club he wanted to explore the possibility of signing a new centre-back in that window given the amount of injuries Barca were dealing with. Gerard Martin’s impressive reinvention as a left-sided centre-back means there is less of an urgent need in that position, but it is one Flick would like to bolster for the long-term.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
At No 9, Julian Alvarez. Barca explored the market for other strikers, and club sources highlighted Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen. But Alvarez is the player at the top of their wishlist — and Barca believe he is very keen on joining them.
The Athletic reported last week that Barca were preparing a €100m bid for the 26-year-old, while personal terms with the player are said to be in place and are not expected to be an issue.
Atletico responded to growing reports of Barca interest in their players by engaging in a social media spat with the Catalans, including pretending to offer Bad Bunny tickets at their Metropolitano stadium in exchange for Lamine Yamal. They also edited photos of Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha in Atletico shirts with the caption: “Don’t believe everything you see, especially if it’s related to Barca”.
The Athletic also reported yesterday that Deco had been in touch with Marc Cucurella’s camp, although any deal for the Chelsea left-back depends on defenders leaving the Camp Nou.
Barca have also been in talks over signing Bernardo Silva. The Portugal midfielder would join on a free transfer and is seen as one of those ‘market opportunities’ who also matches their playing philosophy. There are doubts among club figures over Bernardo’s signing, however, related to how many options Barca have in midfield.
Atletico have also been in talks with Bernardo’s camp over that move. Sources close to the situation say Atletico’s offer to the 31-year-old is better financially.
Joao Cancelo is another target after he impressed during his half-season loan from Al Hilal this term. Barca want to sign the Portugal full-back again this summer and club sources believe they will be able to do so, although the 32-year-old may arrive late (again) in the transfer window.
Who will they be looking to sell?
There are multiple players Barca would be very open to listening to offers for.
One of those is Ansu Fati after his successful loan spell at Monaco this season, scoring 12 goals in 30 games. Monaco have an €11m buy option for the 23-year-old. Barca sources believe Monaco are considering triggering this and the Catalans would retain a 30 per cent sell-on clause.
Marc Casado is another player who could leave. The academy graduate has seen his involvement significantly reduced this season after Marc Bernal’s return from injury. The club do not plan on giving him more gametime next season and cashing in on him would mean they could open up a slot for an up-and-coming midfielder from La Masia.
There are multiple defensive players whose Barca futures are in doubt, too. Alejandro Balde did not perform as expected last term, when the 22-year-old left-back was hampered by injuries. Cancelo took his starting spot.
Balde has two more seasons left on his deal and there have been no talks over an extension. If he does not sign a new contract, this would be the best time for Barca to sell him.
On the right side of defence, Jules Kounde also lost his spot as a starter. Flick trusted Eric Garcia more in that position this season and the Spain international is expected to be the preferred choice at right-back from now on.
Barca know Kounde could be an appealing option for other clubs, given right-back is a position in high demand across Europe. Kounde is expected to start for France at this summer’s World Cup, which could further increase interest.
Barca would also listen to offers from Ronald Araujo, although the Uruguay international’s exit is seen as less likely given he saw his playing time reduced last season after taking a leave of absence to deal with his mental health. Araujo’s contract runs until 2031 and he is happy with living in the city.
Will anyone be earmarked for a loan away?
Roony Bardghji could fall into this category. The 20-year-old Sweden winger was Yamal’s back-up on the right-hand side of attack this term, but his involvement was very limited.
He scored two goals and delivered four assists, but a full season in which he plays more minutes elsewhere could be beneficial, while Barca are not opposed to a sale either.
Pol Ballus
Real Madrid
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
The club and incoming head coach Jose Mourinho agree on the need to strengthen the squad after two seasons in a row without winning any major trophies.
They are aiming to reinforce at right-back, with the aim of signing a second-choice player behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, subject to their budget. They want a left-back who is ready to be a starter and at least one centre-back with leadership qualities. They are also looking for a creative midfielder.
Presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, who is challenging incumbent Florentino Perez, has yet to fully explain his plans for the window if he wins, although he has suggested in several interviews that one of his targets would be Manchester City’s Spain international Rodri.
What is the manager’s priority?
Alvaro Arbeloa is on his way out. But, from his first talks with Madrid, initially through his agent, Mourinho has focused on defence. The Portuguese manager would also like a midfielder to be brought in.
Madrid were already planning to improve in central defence and in midfield before starting negotiations with Mourinho.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
Apart from Riquelme mentioning Rodri, there have been no specific names that are known to be strongly linked.
The expectation is that Nico Paz will return after a season at Como, with the club able to exercise a buy-back clause for the Argentina midfielder worth around €9million ($10m; £8m). The 21-year-old has informed Como that he would be happy to stay for another season if he is unlikely to feature regularly at Madrid, but the final decision will be Madrid’s.
They are also yet to decide what to do with Victor Munoz, their former academy youngster who has been called up by Spain for the World Cup. The club have not yet communicated their intentions to the player or Osasuna.
Madrid sold the 22-year-old winger to the Pamplona-based club last summer for €5m plus €1m in add-ons, and can buy him back for €8m this summer.
Who will they be looking to sell?
David Alaba and Dani Carvajal have left as free agents after the club did not renew their deals.
The Athletic has reported that Manchester United are interested in Aurelien Tchouameni, although there is no indication that Madrid are open to selling the France midfielder.
As in the past two summers, Dani Ceballos wants to leave, and the club are willing to let him go. The 29-year-old’s contract expires in 2027, which could facilitate a deal. His old club Real Betis are his preferred destination, but sources there indicate they are not planning a move for the midfielder at this point.
Endrick is expected to stay at the Bernabeu after his successful loan spell at Lyon, so Madrid will look to offload academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia, while keeping a say in his future — as they have previously done with youngsters such as Paz.
The club would be open to offers for Eduardo Camavinga for the right price, but the player has made clear he wants to stay. Raul Asencio wants to stay and a source close to the centre-back told The Athletic that he is in the club’s plans for next season.
Will anyone be earmarked for a loan away?
Franco Mastantuono could be loaned out after signing from River Plate last summer for more than €60m.
The 18-year-old midfielder has been left out of Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad for this summer’s World Cup following a difficult first season in Spain, so the club will look for a destination where he can get regular playing time and develop more.
What moves have they made already?
None beyond Endrick’s return. The Brazil international trained at their Valdebebas training ground in May after finishing the season in France, before joining up with Ancelotti’s team for the World Cup.
Mario Cortegana
