All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United’s search for an attacking midfielder is ongoing as the deadline approaches and the 49ers have now reportedly submitted a fresh offer to sign their latest target.

Leeds' search for attacking additions

Daniel Farke has been clear since pre-season that Leeds need attacking reinforcements. And whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor have arrived to provide the German with the start of a solution, the Whites are still searching for the missing piece in the form of an attacking midfielder.

Earlier this summer, it looked as though the versatile Igor Paixao was going to be the man to arrive for the Yorkshire club, only for Marseille to swoop in and hijack their move. The Brazilian would have been an excellent addition after scoring 18 goals and assisting another 19 in all competitions for Feyenoord in the last campaign. Nonetheless, the Whites were forced to turn elsewhere.

Contact made: Leeds now plotting last-gasp offer to sign "underrated" star

He’s in excellent form.

5 ByTom Cunningham Sep 1, 2025

Following Paixao, both Facundo Buonanotte and Gus Hamer emerged as options before the former opted to join Chelsea instead of moving to Elland Road – seemingly leaving just Hamer.

The Sheffield United star has been part of a struggling Blades side who are still getting over the heartbreak of last season’s playoff final defeat against Sunderland. Whether he remains a Sheffield United star is the big question. Leeds reportedly submitted an opening bid to sign the talented midfielder, but failed to match the Blades’ valuation.

When it comes to Premier League quality, meanwhile, there’s no doubt that Hamer is good enough to step up. The Sheffield United man was the star of the Championship last season and more than deserved a place in the top flight, but time will tell whether Leeds make that happen.

The bad news for Hamer is that he’s still not the only one on Leeds’ shortlist of options. He’s reportedly joined by a Premier League option, who has already been subject to an offer.

Leeds launch Buendia bid

As reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy, Leeds launched an opening offer to sign Emiliano Buendia before receiving a swift reply from the Argentine, who has decided to stay put in the Midlands.

It’s another blow for Leeds, whose offer wasn’t good enough for Hamer and project seemingly not attractive enough for Buendia to leave them back to square one in the final hours of the transfer window.

Like Hamer, Buendia would have been a quality option. The former Norwich City star was the subject of Unai Emery’s praise last season, with the Spaniard telling reporters: “Of course, I am very happy with a lot of players. Today, especially with Emi Buendia, because he has the option to leave but today we needed him and he played fantastic with his qualities, fantastic mentality and fantastic with his commitment with the squad.”

Tottenham Hotspur are now in talks over a move to sign a £60m+ defender who has been likened to Virgil Van Dijk.

Tottenham kick off pre-season with win at Reading

Spurs began their preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season on Saturday afternoon, with new manager Thomas Frank seeing his side in action for the first time against League One side Reading.

Two second-half goals in the space of four minutes from Will Lankshear and Luka Vuskovic were enough to seal an opening pre-season victory for Spurs and Frank.

It was the first time supports got to see teenage defender Vuskovic in action, and he impressed with a goal, assist and clean sheet, saying after the game: “Everything is perfect. The club is behind me. The players, the staff, the coach, everyone is helping me a lot and I’m really happy.”

Meanwhile, Frank also liked what he saw from the Croatian teenager, adding: “Luka deserves the praise as well. A great header. Showed his physicality and his composure on the ball. He’s not getting stressed when opponents get close. And what a strike.”

Vuskovic could well rival the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin for a spot in the squad over the coming months, however, Spurs are also looking at another defensive addition.

Frank's own Xavi Simons: Spurs hugely keen on signing "magic" £50m star

Tottenham are looking to sign an attacking midfielder in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 20, 2025

Reports have linked Tottenham with a move to sign Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, with claims suggesting Spurs and Daniel Levy are ready to pay more than £60m for the Ukraine international.

Tottenham open talks for £60m+ Bournemouth star Zabarnyi

According to information from The Boot Room, Tottenham have been in contact with Bournemouth over a deal for Zabarnyi.

However, the report says Spurs have a difficult job on their hands trying to convince the defender of a move to north London, as he has already agreed terms in principle with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Now, Caught Offside have revealed that Tottenham have opened talks over a deal for Zabarnyi, with Spurs “willing to pay the full asking price” of around €70m, something which PSG aren’t prepared to do at this moment in time.

Labelled a “dominant” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Zabarnyi is still just 22 years of age and appears to be a star in the making.

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool

Levi Colwill

Chelsea

Antonio Rudiger

Real Madrid

Jules Kounde

Barcelona

Gleison Bremer

Juventus

As can be seen via Football Transfers, the Bournemouth star is already being likened to Liverpool captain Van Dijk and numerous other impressive centre-backs following his eye-catching two-and-a-half-year spell with the Cherries.

Spurs may have to look elsewhere for their defensive addition, though, or place more trust in Vuskovic with the games set to come thick and fast in 25/26.

Manchester United are once again keen on signing a £51 million star who the Red Devils contacted when Erik ten Hag was in charge, according to a recent report.

The Red Devils announced over the weekend that young defender Diego Leon had completed his transfer to the club after agreeing a deal to sign the player back in January. But the Premier League side are hoping that isn’t the last of the new arrivals in this transfer window.

Man Utd: INEOS make approach to sign "very underrated" £138k-p/w Brazilian

The Red Devils are beginning to make moves…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 7, 2025

The current focus at United is trying to wrap up a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, as the club have already seen two bids rejected for the Cameroon international, who is keen on the move to Old Trafford. But as club chiefs look to get that deal completed this week, they have already identified their next potential target.

Midfielder Douglas Luiz has been linked with a move to United for a few months now and has even been mentioned as a possible makeweight in a deal that would see Juventus sign Jadon Sancho. United have taken matters into their own hands now and have submitted an enquiry regarding Luiz’s availability.

The Brazilian struggled for regular game time in Turin last season, and heading into the new campaign, he continues to be down the pecking order. Therefore, Juventus have made Luiz available for a transfer and have deemed him surplus to requirements.

It is unclear if the Red Devils want Luiz on a permanent basis or are looking to do a loan deal, but either way they face competition from Everton and Fulham, who are also chasing a potential deal.

Man Utd keen on signing "accomplished" Italy international

As the Red Devils eye midfield reinforcements, the club are also on the lookout for how to improve their defence and have now identified a new target. According to Caught Offside, Man United are interested in signing Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta.

United have yet to make any contact with the player or club, but it is claimed that could change very soon.

The report states that while the 21-year-old is considered an important player by the Serie A side, the fact they have placed a €60 million value on his head, which is roughly £51 million, has now alerted several top European clubs.

As well as United, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also showing interest in the player, while they all face competition from Italy’s big sides. It’s currently Newcastle in the driver’s seat, having made the youngster their top target to reinforce their defence.

Scalvini, who has been dubbed “accomplished” at such a young age by Whoscored writer Yash Shah, is apparently “one of the most sought-after young talents in the game” and “one of the new stars of this generation of Italian football”.

Apps

107

Goals

5

Assists

5

United’s interest in Scalvini is not new either, as it was reported back in February 2024 they had submitted an enquiry to Atalanta over signing the defender for then-manager Erik ten Hag. He appears to be a player they have kept their eye on, and now his potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him slot into Ruben Amorim’s back three instead.

Everton are now in a race with David Moyes’ former side to sign a “very good” international midfielder who will be allowed to leave this summer for £25 million, according to a recent report.

Everton weighing up several transfer options

It’s been a rather quiet transfer window for the Toffees so far, but that could soon be about to change, as the return of pre-season gets ever closer. Everton have brought in Carlos Alcaraz on a permanent basis this summer, and they could be close to adding to that, as BBC Sport reports that Everton are close to signing defender Kenny Tete on a free transfer.

A deal is said to be close to being secured, as signing a new right-back has become a priority given Ashley Young was allowed to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

Everton now want to buy "brilliant" 65-cap star who could sign for only £9m

The Toffees could land a bargain…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 25, 2025

The Merseysiders remain in talks with Villarreal over a deal to sign striker Thierno Barry, but he is not the only forward David Moyes is considering signing. Goodison News reported that the Toffees are interested in Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic after he scored 13 goals in the Championship last season.

Everton don’t want to stop there, and a report has now revealed that they have registered their interest in signing James McAtee from Manchester City. The young Englishman looks set to leave the Etihad this summer.

Everton in race with West Ham for Onyedika

McAtee may not be the last midfielder to arrive at Goodison Park this summer, as according to Sacha Tavolieri, Everton are in pole position to sign Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge, albeit together with the Hammers.

Tavolieri states that both the Toffees and West Ham are leading the race to sign the midfielder this summer, with the Hammers the most concrete with their interest so far. He goes on to add that while he is under contract until 2027, the Belgian side would be happy to get around €30 million, which is roughly £25 million, this summer.

The 24-year-old has been with his current club since August 2022, where he’s won the Belgian league once and the Belgium Cup, which came in 2025. Onyedika, who has won 16 caps for Nigeria, was a key player for Club Brugge last season, as he played 25 times in the Jupiler Pro League and started all 11 of their Champions League matches.

Apps

141

Goals

6

Assists

4

Onyedika is very unknown to English football, as he’s spent his football career playing for FC Midtjylland and FC Fredericia before moving to Belgium. But reporter Graeme Bailey has labelled the midfielder a “very good player” and someone who is a “threat”, while he’s also been linked with a move to Leeds United.

Leeds United have been boosted by the news that a “special” transfer target could be allowed to leave his current club, amid their continued interest in him.

Leeds linked with "one of the best" midfielders in the world

The Whites continue to be linked with key signings ahead of their return to the Premier League after their Championship title win, with Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz an audacious target for Daniel Farke’s side, potentially coming in on a loan-to-buy basis.

He has genuine pedigree as a Brazil international and former Premier League player, with Sky Italia perhaps exaggerating a bit when he signed for Juve: “Douglas Luiz in that role is one of the best in the world ever – Signing Douglas Luiz is a global coup!”

Roma teenager Lovro Golic has also been mentioned as a summer target for Leeds, perhaps being seen as more of a long-term investment. While the 19-year-old centre-back is yet to make an appearance at senior level for the Serie A giants, he has featured 83 times across three youth teams.

Meanwhile, the Whites have reportedly submitted an offer for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, which could be an excellent piece of business, considering he has already proven himself in the top flight.

Leeds interested in 2x Premier League champion

According to The Boot Room, Leeds are among the clubs “interested” in signing Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez ahead of next season, with Crystal Palace and West Ham also thought to be in the mix.

While the Reds are “happy” to keep hold of the 28-year-old, the report also states that they would be willing to cash in if the player seeks more playing time. He has shown no signs of unhappiness yet, posting a social media statement celebrating his ten years at the club this week, but would need a starting role elsewhere to force his way into the England set-up for next year’s World Cup.

Gomez could be a perfect summer signing for Leeds, possessing a wealth of experience that has seen him win two Premier League titles with Liverpool. The £85,000-a-week Englishman has often had to accept a squad role, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate preferred, so from a Whites perspective, the hope is that he wants to be a regular somewhere else.

Gomez is a strong central defender with pace to burn, even after some serious injuries down the years, and Arne Slot hailed his attitude last season: “Last season he played many, many, many games – I think you could call him a starter that season – and in some other seasons maybe he was more of the second choice in every other position in the last line.

“For him to keep doing this probably tells you a lot about his mentality but also what he does on a daily basis in training sessions and at home to stay as fit as he is, because he’s incredibly fit and ready to perform. That is more special than people think it is, that’s definitely true.”

Firpo replacement: Leeds now keen to sign UCL star who's "likely to leave"

Junior Firpo is set to leave the club at the end of the month.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 19, 2025

Ultimately, the decision rests with Gomez, who may simply end up deciding to stay at Liverpool, but it appears as though Leeds have a chance of getting him, and Farke should view him as a top option.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Brentford boss Thomas Frank as the lead candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou, following their Friday announcement that the Europa League-winning Australian has been relieved of his duties.

Postecoglou sacked with Thomas Frank in pole position for Spurs job

Postecoglou broke the Spurs hoodoo and clinched their first piece of major silverware in 17 years, sealing Champions League qualification in the process by reigning victorious in the Europa League final against Man United just over a fortnight ago.

Levy "impressed" after holding Tottenham talks with £4.5m-per-year manager

The Spurs chairman has taken a personal liking to him.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 7, 2025

However, despite the raw emotion surrounding their triumphant night in Bilbao, not to mention their excellent footing to kickstart and build for next campaign, chairman Daniel Levy decided to hand Postecoglou his P45.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The club’s official statement cited domestic form as the main culprit behind Postecoglou’s dismissal, with the 59-year-old leading Spurs to an all-time record of 22 Premier League defeats in a single season.

However, regardless of their dismal Premier League performances, there is an argument to be made that winning their first European trophy since 1984 and sealing a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition far outweighs their position in the table.

As debate continues to surround whether Levy has indeed made the right decision, news has emerged that Frank is a fierce contender for the now-vacant Tottenham job, with Fabrizio Romano stating that talks are expected to continue in the next few days.

Frank does have serious credentials for the job, namely his success operating on a shoe-string budget at Brentford and track record of nurturing unknowns into top-class talents.

The Dane has also worked under a data-driven recruitment model with the Bees, which is where Spurs have gone with their own transfer philosophy in recent seasons, so in that sense, Frank could be deemed an excellent fit.

However, there are reservations that his lack of trophy-winning experience makes him a less exciting candidate in the eyes of some supporters.

Tottenham have trophy-winning Thomas Frank alternative in Edin Terzić

Interestingly, a manager with that pedigree, and one who was eyeing a move to Tottenham this season, is readily-available for hire right now.

Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić guided the Bundesliga side to a Champions League final against Real Madrid last year, winning one German Cup and a German Super Cup during his time at BVB.

He is still yet to find a new club, and what makes this possibility more intriguing is Terzic’s apparent eagerness to join the north Londoners. Besiktas president Serdal Adali, speaking to Tivibu Spor in December, via GOAL this week, stated that Terzic was actually waiting to join Tottenham at one point in 2024/2025.

“Edin Terzić was one of our foreign alternatives,” said Adali. “In the meeting, he said he was expecting an agreement with Tottenham.”

Still without a club, the German could be a more illustrious alternative to Frank with proven Champions League experience, and one which would require no release clause payments or compensation fees.

History has a funny way of repeating itself with Sheffield United now failing to win promotion via the Championship playoffs despite reaching a grand 90-point total, much like their foes Leeds United before them.

However, there would be no chuckles at the full-time whistle when the Blades’ fate was confirmed, with Black Cats hotshot Tommy Watson the player to unfortunately stick the dagger in when scoring late on to gift Regis Le Bris’ men a dramatic 2-1 win.

The United players all stood around stunned as Watson wheeled away in celebration, considering the Blades had been leading the crunch game for all of 76 minutes, before Eliezer Mayenda initially began the triumphant Sunderland turnaround.

Now, it’s back to the drawing board for Chris Wilder and Co. after this staggering tenth playoff heartbreak, with a number of underperformers letting their passionate manager down and the expectant United masses watching on.

Sheffield United underperformers vs Sunderland

Of course, United will hope they can emulate Daniel Farke’s Whites further by going on to win the title next season.

But, in the here and now, it’s time to watch over the display and pinpoint what went wrong, with United’s wastefulness costing them dear when looking at the numbers.

Only Tyrese Campbell would be able to beat Anthony Patterson, but Wilder’s men would boast a heftier xG of 1.46 at the full-time whistle next to Sunderland’s 0.71, which highlights just how much their lack of a clinical edge was their undoing.

Rhian Brewster wouldn’t even register a single shot at Patterson’s net during his lacklustre 65-minute run-out, whilst Sydie Peck also looked out-of-sorts as a midfield battler – away from United’s stunted attacking might – when uncharacteristically losing out on three of his four ground duels.

But, away from those mentioned, there was one attacker who struggled in every aspect of his individual game at Wembley, meaning he could now be sold this summer as Wilder’s men attempt to quickly patch up their wounds.

The 6/10 United star who must never play again

During such a high-stakes affair, moments of madness can occur.

With the clock ticking over into extra time, Kieffer Moore unfortunately experienced one of those erratic instances as his miscued pass fell straight to the feet of Watson to hammer home a 95th-minute decider.

Ultimately, this moment would kindly hand Sunderland a path up to the Premier League, but Moore struggled throughout the game, away from just inexplicably setting up the Black Cats’ last-gasp winner.

Indeed, the towering Welshman would frustratingly fail to get on the scoresheet early on as one of his two efforts on the day was heroically saved by Patterson, on top of further displaying his rash approach on the ball across the full 90 minutes when he only completed nine accurate passes in total.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

37

Accurate passes

9/24 (38%)

Possession lost

20x

Shots

2

Big chances missed

1

Successful dribbles

0/1

Accurate crosses

0/1

Accurate long balls

0/1

Total duels won

12/22

To add insult to injury, the table above doesn’t make for pretty reading either, with Moore also squandering possession 20 times alongside failing to complete a single successful dribble during what was an extremely bad day at the office for the Welshman.

With only six goals scored across the entire season, it could be time now for United to reassess whether the 6/10 dud – as he was rated post-match by journalist Leon Wobschall – is the best possible option in the centre-forward areas moving forward or whether a fresh face up top is now needed.

On the evidence of Saturday’s display, it looks like his time could be up in a Blades shirt, ahead of the looming summer window.

Whatever does take place, it’s going to be a bumpy summer for all those with connections to Bramall Lane as another season in the unforgiving Championship is depressingly on the cards.

Wilder's own Dan Ballard: Sheffield United have struck gold with £14m star

Chris Wilder actually possesses his own Daniel Ballard ahead of Sheffield United’s playoff final showdown versus Sunderland.

ByKelan Sarson May 15, 2025

Manchester United have now entered shock talks to sign another “unbelievable” forward after Matheus Cunha, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing new forwards despite agreeing Cunha deal

Man United’s deal for Cunha is now edging closer to completion, with Fabrizio Romano recently confirming that a £62.5m fee has been agreed, with the Brazilian poised to sign a contract until 2030, which includes the option for an extra year.

It will be welcome news that the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is still keen on a move to Old Trafford, despite the fact that European football will not be on offer next season, but he is not the only forward United have their eye on.

In fact, a whole host of strikers have been identified as potential targets for the Red Devils, given that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled in front of goal throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Moise Kean

Fiorentina

£44m

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

£30m

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

£64m

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace

£50m

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United and INEOS are also stepping up their pursuit of a different Premier League forward, having now entered shock talks over a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo has just one year remaining on his contract with the Bees, which means his current employers may feel the need to cash-in this summer to avoid losing him on a free, and the London club are expected to hold out for a fee of around £50m.

Thomas Frank has also admitted that Brentford would consider a sale this summer, saying: “I would like to keep him, but we are a selling club so if someone comes in with the right price.”

Mbeumo could be "unbelievable" signing for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim desperately needs a proven goalscorer, considering Hojlund and Zirkzee amassed just seven Premier League goals between them during the 2024-25 season, and the Cameroon international certainly fits the bill in that regard.

After scoring in his side’s final game of the season against Wolves, the France-born winger reached the 20-goal mark, taking his total to 29 goals and assists in all competitions, which is a fantastic return.

Man Utd also ready to pay £44m release clause for "king of kings" after Cunha

The Red Devils are now willing to trigger the release clause for another striker to partner up with Cunha at Old Trafford.

ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025

Journalist Sam Tabuteau has also lauded the 25-year-old for his “unbelievable” attacking numbers, which undoubtedly played a big part in being nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award.

That said, while Mbeumo is capable of playing at striker, the former Troyes man is more accustomed to playing on the wing, so Man United should look to bring in an out-and-out centre-forward alongside him.

It remains to be seen whether Viktor Gyokeres will be keen on a move to Old Trafford, given that Champions League football is not on offer, but the Swede would be an exciting signing, having now scored a remarkable 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP.

This summer is a huge one for Leeds United, with multiple key additions needed across the squad to bolster the ranks and give them the best chance of Premier League survival.

Daniel Farke has done an excellent job in leading the club out of the Championship, but the real test starts now for the German to build on the success he’s endured in his two years in the role.

It’s been reported that he will have around £100m available to make the additions he wants to the first-team squad at Elland Road, hopefully aiding him in his attempts.

However, to make room for such signings, other players currently on the books in Yorkshire may have to be sacrificed to help with the overhaul of the squad.

One player could be set to depart the Whites in the coming months, potentially putting an end to his long-standing stint as a first-team regular at the club.

The latest on Patrick Bamford’s future at Leeds

Striker Patrick Bamford has been a superb servant to Leeds over the years, netting a total of 60 goals since his big-money arrival from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2018.

However, he’s missed a large chunk of 2024/25 through injury, restricting him to just 17 league appearances – none of which have come from a starting position.

The 31-year-old has also failed to find the back of the net once across all competitions during the recent season, but hasn’t deterred Wrexham from previously being interested in hanging the experienced ace.

He was utilised as a late substitute towards the back end of the campaign after recovering from injury, but given the promotion to the Premier League, now is the perfect time to part ways with the striker.

It would be an emotional departure given his previous impact in England’s top-flight for the Whites, but ultimately it’s a decision that needs to be made, potentially being joined by another player out of the door in Yorkshire.

Not just Bamford: £20k-per-week Leeds man also needs to leave

The previous six promoted teams from the Championship have all been relegated from the Premier League at the first attempt – highlighting the gap between the two divisions.

Such situations have proven that huge money needs to be spent to bridge the gap between the two divisions, with the Whites not able to carry any passengers in such a league.

It’s an unforgiving league which will punish you if you’re not at your best, something which the club have previously experienced after relegation back in 2022/23.

If they are to be a success, they will have to be brutal and avoid handing a new contract to full-back Sam Byram despite his impressive campaign under Farke this time around.

The 31-year-old, who joined on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, has made 76 appearances during his second stint at Elland Road, offering a dependable option in the backline.

However, ultimately, he’s not a Premier League player, with funds needing to be spent wisely if they are to have the calibre of players needed to avoid relegation.

The £20k-per-week earner has started 16 league matches in 2024/25, registering one goal and one assist, but given his £20k-per-week wages, the hierarchy could save £1m a season to invest in other areas with his departure.

Appearances

36

Starts

16

Pass accuracy

83%

Goals & assists

2

Tackles won

1.2

Duel success rate

55%

Fouls committed

1.2

His contract is set to expire at the end of June, with such a situation providing a timely ending to his time in Yorkshire, allowing for fresh blood to enter the club and improve the squad.

It may prove to be an unpopular decision given his squad role under Farke, but unfortunately for Byram, he’s been a victim of their success this season.

He and Bamford departing the club would allow for space and money in the first-team squad, handing Farke added funds to build a competitive outfit for England’s top-flight next year.

Perfect for James: 49ers want to sign "outstanding" PL star for Leeds

Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be perfect for Dan James.

ByDan Emery May 14, 2025

Whilst Birmingham City’s unbelievable attacking arsenal undoubtedly helped them to stroll to the League One title with 81 goals being scored, the defenders also more than played their part in the Blues’ title-winning success when shutting out some dangerous third-tier attackers.

Chris Davies’ men would boast the sternest defence in the division come the end of their near flawless 46-game campaign, with only 31 strikes being shipped in total courtesy of Christoph Klarer at the back showing off their imposing nature.

Still, the reawakened giants won’t be resting on their laurels moving back up to the Championship, with signings all over the pitch rumoured to join the impressive St Andrew’s ranks.

Birmingham's growing list of transfer targets

Davies’ side won’t be content with simply making up the numbers next season after promotion, knowing full well that chairman Tom Wagner will again give the Blues adequate funds to spend on some top buys.

Birmingham have already been linked with major moves for former star Che Adams alongside League One superstar Kwame Poku to enhance their potent forward areas. Further, a move for Irish shot-stopper Mark Travers has also been rumoured.

But, the ever-growing list of statement targets doesn’t stop there, with journalist Alan Nixon now reporting that the newly promoted side could go back in for the much-admired Harry Darling who Birmingham have previously had on their shopping list.

Davies and Co might well be able to land the experienced Swansea City centre-back for nothing, considering his deal with the Welsh side expires very soon, but fellow promoted outfit Wrexham are also allegedly sniffing around for the 25-year-old.

Amazingly, if a deal was to get over the line, Birmingham would be able to land an instant upgrade on Hannover 96 powerhouse Phil Neumann who is also set to join the Blues this summer from the Bundesliga, meaning competition for places in the heart of defence would be extremely fierce.

How Darling would be an upgrade on Neumann

Winning both Neumann and Darling in quick succession would make sense, with the likes of Grant Hanley exiting St. Andrew’s at the expiry of his contract, alongside Dion Sanderson’s future at the club being up in the air after a loan stint at Blackburn Rovers.

But, if it was a toss-up between the two new potential centre-backs as to who would partner a formidable Klarer moving forward, Darling could well get the nod over the 6 foot 3 German when picking apart their impressive 2024/25 numbers below.

Games played

39

32

43

Goals scored

5

2

1

Assists

3

1

3

Touches*

74.5

64.4

91.8

Accurate passes*

53.9 (88%)

38.9 (83%)

68.4 (88%)

Ball recoveries*

3.9

4.3

3.5

Clearances*

5.0

5.2

5.6

Total duels won*

4.9

4.3

7.5

Clean sheets

12

10

18

Straight off the bat, Darling already possesses a lot of experience of the English game to his advantage, with 108 career games under his belt in the difficult Championship.

On top of that, the soon-to-be free agent has also averaged a better pass accuracy per league clash this season in the second tier than Neumann has managed in the German top-flight, alongside also bettering the Hannover number five when it comes to winning duels.

Klarer has shown in abundance for Birmingham that he can be equal parts classy yet attritional too, meaning the “heroic” Swans centre-back – as he was once labelled by former manager Luke Williams – and the Austrian enforcer could soon be a match made in heaven in the heart of the Blues defence.

Of course, Neumann would still be pushing for a starting spot here, but if Birmingham can win such a distinguished performer at the level on a free transfer, it’s a move they simply must pursue.

He'd be amazing with Adams: Birmingham make move for "unplayable" EFL star

Birmingham City would scare Championship defences stiff if they picked up this top EFL talent alongside Che Adams.

ByKelan Sarson May 8, 2025