Liverpool’s spending spree could have been even more impressive in the summer, with reports now indicating that they made an approach to sign a midfield star.
What Liverpool need in 2026
After breaking their transfer record twice in one summer to sign both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, it’s hard to imagine that Liverpool need anything when 2026 arrives. But the reality is that they’re still short at centre-back and in the most ideal world, could do with backup for Ryan Gravenberch at the heart of their midfield.
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He’d be an excellent addition.
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Arne Slot will be hoping that his side at least end their three-game losing run when they return to action against rivals Manchester United this weekend. That would at least help to quiet the noise surrounding the Reds’ current struggles and their need for reinforcements even after a £400m spending spree.
The Dutchman will also be hoping to see the likes of Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister bring their international form to club level. The latter scored a brace against Puerto Rico for Argentina on Wednesday, whilst Wirtz has received backing from compatriot Ilkay Gundogan during his time with Germany.
It’s certainly not a replacement for Wirtz that Liverpool need in 2026. Instead, they need to strengthen at centre-back by finally signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and they need some competition for Gravenberch.
Liverpool made contact to sign Thuram
Those at Anfield very nearly signed backup for Gravenberch in the summer. According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool launched an approach to sign Khephren Thuram from Juventus alongside a number of their Premier League rivals. Juventus reportedly rebuffed any efforts to steal the Frenchman and aim to build their midfield around the 24-year-old.
Whether that’s the end of that saga remains to be seen. History would suggest that it’s unlikely to end there. Before Slot even arrived, it was Jurgen Klopp who set his sights on Thuram, only for Juventus to swoop in and Liverpool to sign Gravenberch, Wataro Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai instead.
Of course, that trio have since become Premier League champions, but that doesn’t mean Thuram wouldn’t have plenty to offer the Reds in the middle of the park.
Described as a “powerful” ball-carrier by analyst Ben Mattinson, Liverpool shouldn’t give up on adding Thuram to their ranks just yet.
Mesmo sendo convocado por conta do corte de Antony, o atacante Gabriel Jesus entrou no decorrer das duas primeiras partidas da Seleção Brasileira nas eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo de 2026. O jogador atuou por 30 minutos na vitória por 1 a 0 do Brasil sobre o Peru, nesta terça-feira (12), em Lima.
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Com um histórico recente de lesões no joelho, uma delas que o tirou da última Copa do Mundo, durante a competição, Gabriel se diz recuperado e exaltou não só o triunfo fora de casa, mas a oportunidade de ter sido lembrado para mais um ciclo brasileiro rumo a um novo Mundial.
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– A gente conseguiu (a vitória) graças ao time inteiro. Acho que a equipe vem evoluindo. Estou muito feliz de poder estar aqui, agora bem recuperado do joelho. É isso, três pontos muito importantes – destacou o atacante após a partida no estádio Nacional em entrevista às detentoras de direitos de transmissão.
Ainda no primeiro tempo, quando Jesus estava no banco de reservas, o Brasil chegou a abrir o placar, com Richarlison. Porém, após quase sete minutos de análise, a arbitragem de vídeo anulou o lance por conta de um ligeiro impedimento do jogador brasileiro.
Para Gabriel Jesus, a demora prejudicou a Seleção, pois esfriou o time em um bom momento. A vitória, portanto, foi buscada já nos acréscimos da partida, quando o zagueiro Marquinhos aproveitou um escanteio cobrado por Neymar e marcou de cabeça.
– Nunca é fácil e nunca foi fácil jogar contra eles aqui, da maneira que eles jogaram, prendendo muito o jogo, fazendo cera. Acredito que no gol do Richarlison demorou bastante (a consulta ao VAR). Isso tudo eles (arbitragem) fizeram para desconcentrar a gente. Mas a equipe continuou focada rumo ao gol para conseguir a vitória, que é o que a gente veio fazer aqui hoje – pontuou Jesus.
A Seleção Brasileira volta a jogar as Eliminatórias em outubro. No dia 12, recebe a Venezuela, na Arena Pantanal, no Mato Grosso. Já no dia 17, visita o Uruguai.
Over the summer, there was a real focus for Leeds United to sign some new attackers.
The Whites were the top goalscorers in the Championship last season, finding the back of the net 95 times, but Daniel Farke’s side still put a focus on strengthening in forward areas during the transfer window.
Leeds signed two out-and-out number nines, both of whom joined on a free transfer. The first was Lukas Nmecha, who joined from Bundesliga club Wolfsburg, and scored on his debut.
The second was former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who moved to Elland Road after his contract with the Toffees expired.
They were not the only attackers to join, though, with Farke’s side also signing Noah Okafor.
Why Leeds signed Okafor
The Swiss international made the move to Elland Road from Serie A giants AC Milan. The versatile attacker cost the Yorkshire side just £18m, signing a four-year deal with the club.
So far, he’s only two games into his career for Farke’s side. The new Leeds number 19 played 24 minutes in the devastating 5-0 away defeat to Arsenal, before starting the Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday three days later.
Being such a short time into his stint as a Leeds player, it is understandable that the 25-year-old hasn’t properly got going yet. He played the best football of his career so far at Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored 34 goals and assisted 23 in 110 appearances. For Milan, he found the back of the net seven times.
One thing that really stands out about Okafor’s game is his versatility. Whilst he is predominantly a left winger, the 25-year-old can also play on the opposite flank and as a centre-forward.
With that being said, Leeds had a similar profile of an attacker who is now worth even more money than Okafor.
The ex-Leeds star worth more than Okafor
In recent seasons, Leeds have sold some big-name players who could have been an important part of the squad today. Homegrown midfield duo Kalvin Phillips and Archie Gray are two players that spring to mind.
Another former Elland Road star who fits into that category is Jack Clarke. Now plying his trade at Ipswich Town, the 24-year-old, who was born in York, was once a Leeds player. The Whites sold him to Tottenham Hotspur for just £8m back in 2019, a decision which seems to have backfired.
The former Leeds academy player was immediately sent back on loan from Spurs after signing, and has a record of two goals and two assists in 28 games for the club.
Things didn’t work out in North London, with Clarke making just four appearances before joining Sunderland.
It was at Sunderland where Clarke made a real impact, with pundit and Black Cats fan Dougie Critchley describing him as “sensational”. He bagged 28 goals and assisted 23 in 114 games.
His best campaigns were 2022/23, where he contributed to 21 goals and assists and 2023/24, where he managed 19 goal involvements.
Indeed, the underlying numbers the versatile winger put up that season show what Leeds are missing out on.
For example, Clarke averaged 1.8 key passes in 2022/23 and 2.4 key passes the following season, per 90 minutes.
Goals and assists
0.5
0.5
Key passes
1.8
2.4
Big chances created
0.2
0.3
Dribbles completed
2.1
3.8
Tackles & interceptions
2.4
2.5
The now-Ipswich winger’s value has shot up from when Leeds sold him. According to Transfermarkt, he’s worth £13m, an additional £5m more than what he was when he departed Elland Road six years ago. That is also more than Okafor is worth, as per Transfermarkt, with his current value down at just £11.2m.
In hindsight, perhaps Leeds regret selling Clarke. They would have had a ready-made winger on their books, who is not only worth more than Okafor, but also meant they could have saved money on his signing.
Given the fact that Clarke can play on either wing, too, this could be seen as one that got away from the Yorkshire outfit.
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تعرض أحد لاعبي ليفربول لصدمة قوية، وسيضطر على إثرها للغياب عن الملاعب حتى نهاية العام الحالي بسبب تعرضه لإصابة خطيرة.
ووفقًا لـ”ليفربول دوت كوم” فإنه من المقرر أن يغيب جايدن دانس مهاجم ليفربول الشاب عن صفوف الفريق حتى نهاية العام.
وقد تعرض اللاعب صاحب الـ19 عاماً لإصابة في أوتار الركبة أثناء تنفيذه ركلة حرة خلال مباراة ليفربول ضد إبسويتش تاون تحت 21 عاماً في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز الشهر الماضي.
وأكدت الفحوصات الطبية خطورة الإصابة التي تعرض لها جايدن دانس، والذي سيضطر للغياب عن صفوف ليفربول لفترة طويلة بسبب هذه الإصابة.
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وقال روب بيج مدرب فريق ليفربول تحت 21 عاماً لصحيفة “ليفربول إيكو”: “قد يبتعد دانس عن ليفربول لشهرين، لن تكون عودته سريعة، إنها انتكاسة له لكنه متفائل جداً بكل شيء في الحياة وخاصة كرة القدم”.
وأضاف: “إذا كان هناك من يستطيع تجاوز هذه النكسة فهو بلا شك، يحظى بدعم كامل من الفريق الطبي ومني ومن جميع الموظفين، سيتجاوز الأمر”.
وشارك دانس في 10 مباريات مع الفريق الأول لـ ليفربول وسجل 3 أهداف، ولعب مباراة ساوثهامبتون في دور الـ32 من كأس كاراباو مؤخرًا.
The attacking midfield position is one that has caused Thomas Frank no end of trouble since taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer.
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The Dane made his ambitions of strengthening the position evident early on, after making a £60m move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White back in July.
However, a move fell through for the Englishman’s signature before James Maddison suffered an ACL injury that could rule him out of the majority of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Such situations have highlighted the need for added depth in the number ten position, with no recognised attacking midfielder currently on the books, with Pape Sarr featuring in the role in the recent clash with Burnley.
That could all be about to change in the coming days, with Frank now making key moves for multiple talents across Europe to add the needed depth required for added success.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankapplauds fans after the match
Spurs preparing move for an Eze alternative
Their ambitions of improving the squad had seen attention being turned to Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, although things have taken a turn on that front.
He’s been a key target over recent months, but after talks between the sides, it now appears the 27-year-old is edging toward a move to Arsenal instead, as revealed by David Ornstein on X, following a last-gasp hijack from the Gunners.
Other deals may well have to be pursued to land further attacking talents, with Atalanta star Ademola Lookman of interest, according to TBR Football.
The report claims that the Nigerian international has handed in a transfer request at the Serie A side, leading to his intermediaries offering him out to the Lilywhites.
It also states that Frank’s staff have been in talks with the 27-year-old and his representatives over a move, leading to a £40m transfer fee being mooted before the September 1st deadline.
Why Spurs’ £40m target would be a better signing than Eze
Eze has been a shining light in Palace’s success over the last couple of months, notching 25 combined goals and assists for Oliver Glasner’s side throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Numerous of his efforts popped up in key moments, including in the FA Cup final, helping the Eagles win their first ever major trophy with a 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley.
The figures he produced in the Premier League last season would certainly hand Frank the added quality he’s been craving, whilst also highlighting the backing he has from owner Daniel Levy to help the side reach the next level.
However, a deal for Lookman could prove to be a better addition for the side, offering added quality, but also more experience at the top level of the European game – something which Eze has lacked in his career.
The Nigerian has already made 37 appearances across all European competitions, notching 12 goals – including five in seven Champions League outings last campaign.
Such tallies would be of use given the Lilywhites’ upcoming European adventure, whilst also massively outperforming the Palace star in numerous areas from 2024/25.
Lookman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by commentator Mateo Bonetti, posted more combined goals and assists in league action, whilst also managing a better shot on target accuracy rate.
Such figures would add a needed goal threat to Frank’s side, something which is extremely important for a number ten, alongside their creative ability.
How Lookman & Eze compared throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Lookman
Eze
Games played
31
34
Goals & assists
20
16
Shot on target accuracy
40%
27%
Key passes made
2.5
2.1
Passes into the opposition box
1.7
1.3
Progressive carries
5.7
2.4
Carries into the opposition box
3.2
0.7
Crosses completed
4.9
3.8
Aerial success rate
57%
15%
Stats via FBref
The former Everton star also managed to impress in chance creation, making more key passes and passes into the opposition box per 90, able to provide those ahead of him with crucial chances in front of goal.
Lookman’s dominance over Eze is further highlighted in his higher tallies of carries into the 18-yard box per 90, able to manoeuvre himself into dangerous positions.
Atalanta's Davide Zappacosta celebrates scoring their fifth goal with AdemolaLookman
Getting into threatening areas is one thing, but the Nigerian has showcased with his shooting stats that he has the ability to find the net himself – or even tee up a teammate if needed.
Both players would be excellent additions to the Lilywhites squad, offering key quality and depth in pivotal areas of the pitch – something which has been lacking in the early stages of 2025/26.
However, there’s no denying that the Atalanta star would be a better addition, not to mention a cheaper one too, given the £20m difference in their current asking prices.
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Há exatamente um mês, no dia 25 de março, o goleiro Adriel era protagonista de um sofrida, porém fundamental classificação do Grêmio para a decisão do Campeonato Gaúcho, nas penalidades, diante do Ypiranga. Após o 2 a 1 no tempo regulamentar, a figura formada na base do Tricolor defendeu duas cobranças e ratificou sua importância na titularidade da equipe principal.
– Feliz demais de ter conseguido ajudar o Grêmio na disputa de pênaltis com as duas defesas e em um jogo difícil. Porém, mais uma vez, conseguimos manter o bom retrospecto, de ano em ano, de chegar na final (do Gauchão). Agora, vamos buscar o título – disse o atleta de 22 anos, na oportunidade.
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Entretanto, passado esse período, o que poderia se refletir na manutenção de seu posto, quando se olha apenas para os desempenhos dentro de campo, acabou sendo diretamente afetado por comportamentos contrários as normas de convivência estabelecidas no Grêmio.
Logo depois do revés sofrido contra o Cruzeiro, no último sábado (22), Renato foi questionado sobre a ausência repetina de Adriel no gol da equipe. O treinador não poupou palavras para justificar o tema:
-É um recado, estamos fechados. Se lá atrás os empresários, alguns, circulavam no clube e ajudavam a decidir algumas coisas, acabou. O clube, hoje, tem comando. Adriel não jogou hoje (sábado) e essa pergunta (por que saiu do time) tem que fazer para ele. É uma consequência do que ele tem feito, o clube tem a cartilha e tem que seguir isso. Já conversei com ele quatro, cinco vezes, tem que escutar quem quer o bem dele, quem está no clube.
Segundo informações veiculadas pelo portal ‘ge’ e confirmadas pelo Futebol Latino/LANCE!, elementos como uso do celular em excesso, atraso em treinos e outras condutas contrárias ao que foi estabelecido dentro do clube contribuíram para o afastamento do goleiro.
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Com mais de uma violação por parte de Adriel, o tema foi tratado de maneira mais enérgica após uma entrevista recente dada pelo goleiro para a ‘Rádio Gaúcha’, onde o mesmo não chegou a consultar o clube sobre estar autorizado ou não a falar com o referido veículo. Chegando a detalhar, inclusive, pontos relacionados a posicionamentos da equipe em diferentes situações de jogo, algo que trouxe bastante desconforto no Tricolor.
Desta forma, Adriel está afastado neste momento do elenco principal ao ponto de ter treinado, na última segunda-feira (24), junto da equipe sub-20. Algo que, naturalmente, acabará dando mais espaço para que Gabriel Grando ganhe continuidade no Grêmio.
In the recent past, Nottingham Forest have prioritised quantity in the transfer market, even breaking the English record for new faces in a single transfer window in 2022, but this summer they have focused on quality.
Forest scouts were clearly impressed by Botafogo’s Club World Cup campaign that saw their side survive a group that contained both PSG and Atlético Madrid. Off the back of that campaign, Nuno Espirito Santo brought in Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, with defensive midfielder Danilo going the other way. The pair will reinforce either end of the pitch with Jesus playing as a striker and Cunha as a centre-back.
Their other major signing is Dan Ndoye – the versatile Swiss winger has become one of Forest’s most expensive signings ever. Forest signing Ndoye was something of a coup as he was a Manchester United target and spent the first four years of his career at clubs connected to United’s new minority shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
While they’ve made two major attacking signings in Ndoye and Jesus, it doesn’t look like they are done there. The club lost Anthony Elanga to Newcastle earlier in the window and missed out on Champions League qualification when Chris Wood’s goals dried up at the end of the season, so another attacker may be needed to ensure a strong finish to this year’s campaign.
Forest pushing for Hutchinson
David Ornstien of The Athletic has revealed that Forest have tried to deepen their attacking numbers even further by adding Omari Hutchinson to their ranks. Hutchinson was relegated from the Premier League last season and has been receiving interest from several top-flight clubs.
Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, placed a bid of £35 million, which was rejected by Ipswich. It now seems likely that if Forest want to secure Hutchinson’s signature, they may have to make him a club record signing.
The Reds aren’t the first Premier League side to have shown an interest in Hutchinson this summer, as Brentford also made an approach earlier in the window.
At the start of last season, Hutchinson was only on £6,000 a week, making him not only one of the lowest-paid players in the Ipswich squad but in the entire league. This is less than any of the main Nottingham Forest squad were on at the same point last season, meaning it’s almost certain that a move for Hutchinson will see the England Under-21 star receive a huge pay rise.
Why Hutchinson is a "special talent"
Hutchinson first hit a lot of football fans’ radar when he was at the Chelsea academy, where he was being viewed as a “special talent”.
When compared to players of a similar profile, what makes Hutchinson so special is his success rate despite limited chances in a poor Ipswich side.
Attacking Midfielders League Stats 2024/25 Campaign
Hutchinson
Garnacho
Cherki
Total Shots
45
84
45
Shot on Target
40%
34.5%
42.2%
Short Pass Completion
88.5%
88.4%
89.5%
Medium Pass Completion
83.5%
82.1%
82.3%
Stats from FBREF
Given that Hutchinson played in a lower-quality side that got relegated, and Rayan Cherki and Alejandro Garnacho played for teams that reached the latter stages of the Europa League, Hutchinson’s stats look even more impressive. Additionally, although Cherki narrowly surpasses Hutchinson in some fields, the standard of Ligue 1 is lower than that of the Premier League.
Hutchinson’s pass completion in short to medium range (where he predominantly operates as an attacking midfielder) shows a calmness under pressure that ensures he retains the ball. When comparing his shots to Garnacho, it shows that Hutchinson is more considerate of the ball, showing the maturity to know when to shoot and when to pass.
Hutchinson’s collectiveness on the ball will be a boost to his attacking teammates and should lead to them receiving better quality passes and avoiding unnecessary turnovers. With all of these skills at only 21 years old, it is clear why Nuno and Marinakis are pushing for this deal.
Liverpool have held a meeting in Paris with a Premier League player and his representatives over a move this summer, according to journalist Sebastien Denis.
Who will be Liverpool's starting No.9 next season?
The Reds have already made so much progress in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Florian Wirtz in a British record deal, as well as Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez bolstering Arne Slot’s full-back options.
A new striker needs to be a forefront of Liverpool’s thinking now, though, with Darwin Nunez not seen as the solution there, despite scoring in Sunday’s 3-1 win away to Preston in a pre-season friendly.
There are plenty of options to have been mentioned this summer, from Alexander Isak to Hugo Ekitike, and now RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko has been linked with a move to Anfield. The 22-year-old has also been seen as a target for Arsenal, but it now looks as though the Gunners will sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres instead.
Now, another name has been thrown into the hat for Liverpool, as the likes of Slot and Richard Hughes look to bring in the ideal No.9 option ahead of the defence of their Premier League crown next month.
Liverpool hold Paris talks with Premier League striker
According to Foot Mercato journalist Denis on X, Liverpool had a meeting with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and his agents recently: “French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and his representative met with Liverpool in Paris last days.”
In the report itself, it states that the Reds have been “checking the water” for the 28-year-old, adding that as much as £52m may potentially be needed to snap him up. That said, a fee of £43m is also far from out of the question.
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates.
Mateta is a good striker who has proven to be an excellent option for Palace, helping them win the FA Cup last season and being hailed by Eagles manager Oliver Glasner.
“We don’t always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box. He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us.”
At 28, though, Mateta may not feel like the right choice for Liverpool, considering his peak could pass relatively quickly and there are younger options out there.
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He has scored against the Reds in the past, netting in a 2-1 defeat for the Eagles in 2023, and while he could do a good job for Slot after scoring 30 goals in the last two Premier League seasons, he arguably doesn’t feel like the right pick when nailing the new striker is so essential for the Premier League champions.
Liverpool are making some statement moves this summer as they bid to retain the Premier League title and could now see another young star join the club, according to a report.
Liverpool agree deal to sign Florian Wirtz
The most high-profile story of the transfer window so far has, without doubt, been Florian Wirtz’s impending move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool following a stellar campaign in his homeland.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that all that remains are formalities to be put in place before the Germany international officially pitches up at Anfield for a British record fee if he meets all the add-ons.
Following Jeremie Frimpong through the door, Bradley Barcola and Anthony Gordon could join the Reds as Arne Slot looks to strengthen the wide areas.
Undoubtedly, the Premier League title race is set to be a rollercoaster next season, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea all bolstering their ranks. Therefore, it makes sense for Liverpool to ensure they have adequate strength in depth to compete on all fronts.
Victor Osimhen could be a statement striking addition from Liverpool should Darwin Nunez move on this summer. Nevertheless, Manchester United remain in pursuit of the Nigeria international after he turned down Saudi Pro League interest.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, Andrew Robertson, Conor Bradley, FedericoChiesa, Jarell Quansah and Mohamed Salah
Plenty of movement is beginning to occur as the Reds plan for the next few years. Immediate first-team level signings will be the priority, though identifying prodigious talent at youth level will also be an important feature.
In light of that statement, Liverpool now have a teen on their radar that could soon officially become the latest in a potential long line of new assets at Anfield.
Liverpool agree fee to sign Sidy Barhama Ndiaye
According to journalist Nabil Djellit, Liverpool are keen to finalise a deal for Sidy Barhama Ndiaye for a fee in the region of £850,000 after agreeing on a price for the Diambars Academy teen.
After scouting the youngster at the Under-17 African Cup of Nations, he impressed officials and now appears to be primed for a dream move to the Premier League.
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Born in 2009, Ndiaye is capable of featuring on either flank and is renowned for his quick feet and rapid acceleration. Nevertheless, not much is known about the rising star in the public domain.
Ultimately, Liverpool have a duty to explore all avenues in order to bring in untapped talent with room to develop, either readying them for first-team action or to sell on for profit. Ndiaye appears to fit that mould and will no doubt be a name that excites supporters, even if he is one for the future.
There is no shortage of transfer links swirling around the Leeds United sphere as the club eye up plenty of players for possible moves to Elland Road this summer.
The Whites will be in the market to strengthen their squad after they won the Championship, with 100 points, and earned promotion back to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke is looking to bolster his team with new signings, and has already been linked with a number of stars. The club are reportedly in talks over a deal for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol, for example.
The Championship champions have also reportedly made contact with Premier League rivals Fulham over a potential move for their centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz.
Leeds are clearly targeting players in several areas of the pitch, in defence and in attack, but there is one central midfielder who has also been linked with a return to Elland Road, Kalvin Phillips.
However, a recent report suggested that a move back to West Yorkshire is unlikely for the Manchester City outcast, which could be good news for Farke.
Why Leeds should not sign Kalvin Phillips
TEAMtalk recently claimed that Leeds United are not planning a move to bring the England international back to the club this summer, because they have a budget that they do not want to waste and his £150k-per-week wages would be difficult to take on.
The outlet added that Phillips is also dealing with an Achilles problem that is set to keep him out for a big chunk of pre-season next month, which means that he would be playing catch-up heading into the campaign when the Whites need a fast start.
Even taking the financial issue and his injury situation out of the equation, the West Yorkshire outfit should not sign the defensive midfielder because of his dismal performances in the Premier League in recent years.
Phillips failed to make the grade at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola and was sent out on loan to West Ham United for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, before joining Ipswich on loan this season.
Kalvin Phillips (Premier League)
23/24 (West Ham)
24/25 (Ipswich)
Appearances
12
19
Starts
3
14
Dribbled past per game
4x
25x
Error led to shot
0
1
Error led to goal
1
1
Red cards
1
1
Ground duel success rate
42%
46%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 29-year-old dud was dribbled past more than once per start across both spells and dominated in duels on the deck, whilst also being sent off for both clubs.
Phillips has been a liability in the Premier League in the past 18 months, as evidenced by his dismal statistics and the scathing criticism from referee Mike Dean in the clip below, and that is why the club are right not to be interested in signing him this summer.
Farke, however, could land his own version of Phillips, when he was at his best at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa, by signing the club’s latest reported target.
Leeds eyeing deal for Championship star
According to the printed edition of the Daily Mail (9 Jun, page 55), as relayed by MOT Leeds News, the Championship champions are lining up a move for Southampton defensive midfielder Shea Charles.
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The report claims that the Whites ‘admire’ the Northern Ireland international, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, ahead of a potential swoop for him in the summer transfer window.
It does not, however, reveal how much money Southampton would want for the 21-year-old talent, who signed for the club from Manchester City in a deal reported to be worth up to £15m in the summer of 2023.
Leeds must, now, press ahead with a move to sign the Championship enforcer this summer because he could be Farke’s own version of Phillips next season.
Why Shea Charles could be Kalvin Phillips 2.0
As aforementioned, the Manchester City flop is not in his best moment right now, after two dismal loan spells, but he earned a move to Guardiola’s side off the back of two impressive seasons in the Premier League with Leeds under Bielsa.
In the 2020/21 campaign, Phillips made 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game, winning 52% of his duels, whilst completing 85% of his attempted passes in the top-flight.
That was the England international at his best for the Whites, as a combative and composed midfielder, and Charles’ performances for Sheffield Wednesday suggest that he can offer similar qualities in the middle of the park.
As you can see in the chart above, the Northern Irish star’s statistics this season are notably similar to Phillips’ in the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, whilst he also excelled more in possession as a progressive passer and carrier.
Whilst these statistics are only from his displays at Championship level, Charles has plenty of time left to develop and improve at the age of 21, and he could grow into being Farke’s own version of Phillips at his peak.
24/25 Championship
Shea Charles
Appearances
43
Assists
5
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.9
Ball recoveries per game
5.7
Dribbled past per game
0.7x
Ground duel success rate
58%
Aerial duel success rate
60%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Southampton loanee caught the eye with his defensive work for the Owls in the second tier, making almost four tackles and interceptions per game without being dribbled past very often.
Charles, who talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed has “undeniable Premier League potential”, can offer the destructive midfield presence that Phillips provided Bielsa with, but without a tendency to be taken out of the game with ease by being dribbled past.
Kalvin Phillips for Leeds United
The midfield star may also be more reliable defensively than Phillips because he ended the season without any errors that led to shots or goals for the opposition and was not sent off a single time.
Therefore, Farke could unearth an even bigger talent than the England international by signing Charles, because he has the potential to be more reliable defensively whilst also offering more in possession with his progressive passes and progressive carries to influence play on the ball.
He must go before Bamford: Leeds have told £11m flop he will now be sold
Leeds have told this flop that he must leave this summer, and the dud must go before Patrick Bamford.
1 ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025
It is now down to the club to strike an agreement with Southampton to bring the Northern Ireland international to Elland Road to bolster the manager’s midfield options for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.