Manchester United have only made one senior first-team addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad since the 2024/25 campaign came to a close against Aston Villa.

The Red Devils swooped to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers attacking midfielder Matheus Cunha for a reported fee of £62.5m at the start of June to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the Brazil international racked up 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League for Wolves, which shows that he is a proven performer in the division.

Manchester United have, however, missed out on a deal to another proven Premier League star, as Tottenham Hotspur have snapped up Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The Red Devils reportedly made contact with the Hammers to enquire about a potential deal for the Ghana international in June, but their top-flight rivals have stolen a march on them to win the race for his signature.

Whilst Kudus is an exciting player who has a lot of potential, it is also worth acknowledging that the 24-year-old star would have been a risky signing.

Why Mohammed Kudus would have been a risky signing for Man Utd

Spurs have reportedly paid a fee of £55m to sign the former Ajax starlet from West Ham this summer, and it is a fee that comes with a lot of risk based on his form in the 2024/25 campaign.

Kudus hit the ground running in England in the 2023/24 season, ending the term with a haul of 15 goals and seven assists in all competitions, but failed to kick on in his second year.

The left-footed attacking midfielder, who can play anywhere across the frontline, ended last season with a return of five goals and four assists in 32 matches in all competitions for the Hammers, a steep decline from what he produced in his debut campaign with the club.

His form in the Premier League in his second year, in comparison to his first, is concerning and shows that there is no guarantee that Spurs have signed a player who can deliver consistent quality.

Mohammed Kudus (Premier League)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

33

32

xG

5.16

6.90

Goals

8

5

Big chances missed

4

7

Big chances created

5

4

Key passes per game

0.8

1.0

Assists

6

3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Kudus underperformed in front of goal as a finisher last term and rarely created high-quality opportunities for his teammates.

This is why it would have been a very risky signing for Manchester United to commit £55m to this summer, despite the fact that he has shown a lot of quality moments in the league, as shown in the clips below.

Meanwhile, the club are pursuing another left-footed Premier League star who would be an even better signing than Kudus for Amorim’s side this summer.

Man Utd confident of signing Premier League star

According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are continuing to pursue a deal to bring Brentford sensation Bryan Mbeumo to the club before the end of the window.

The report claims that the latest bid submitted to the Bees is worth in excess of £60m, including add-ons, but there is no agreement between the two sides at this point, with two offers having been turned down already.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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It does state, however, that the Red Devils are confident that they will be able to complete a deal to sign the Cameroon international to bolster their squad.

The Manchester Evening News also reveals that a move could become complicated if Yoane Wissa leaves Brentford first, amid interest from Spurs and Nottingham Forest.

United will want to avoid a situation where Wissa leaves the Bees and the asking price for Mbeumo soars because they do not want to lose their top two scorers in the same window.

Why Man Utd should sign Bryan Mbeumo

The club should push to get this deal done as quickly as possible because the Cameroon international would be an even better signing than Tottenham’s move for Kudus.

Mbeumo’s form in the Premier League last season suggests that he would arrive at Old Trafford with far less risk attached to him, as he is an in-form star who is at the peak of his career.

The 25-year-old sensation ended the campaign with an outstanding haul of 20 goals and seven assists in the top-flight for Brentford on the right flank, as he showcased his ability to make a big impact in the final third on a regular basis.

Mbeumo has produced at least eight goals and at least six assists in all six of his seasons at Brentford to date, whilst Kudus only managed five goals and four assists for the Hammers last term, which speaks to his consistency in the final third.

Premier League

Mbeumo (24/25)

Kudus (23/24 + 24/25)

Appearances

38

65

xG

12.26

12.06

Goals

20

13

Big chances created

17

9

xA

14.89

6.37

Assists

7

9

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Bees star scored more goals and created more than twice as much xA for his team last season than Kudus managed in both of his campaigns with West Ham combined.

The £60m+ star, who was once hailed as “unplayable” by Thomas Frank, is a winger who has shown that he can consistently deliver quality in front of goal in the Premier League, which is why he could be such an impressive signing for the Red Devils.

Unlike Kudus, Mbeumo is coming off the back of an electric season in the top-flight and could bring almost guaranteed quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, given his consistency over the last six years with his club.

It is now down to the club to ensure that they can strike a deal with Brentford to bring the winger to Old Trafford before long, as he would arrive at United as an even better signing than Kudus would have been.

Related Amorim's own Haaland: Man Utd make "world-class" £60m CF their top target

Manchester United appear to be making moves for a new forward in the transfer market.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 11, 2025

With James Trafford already on his way, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie reports Newcastle United may soon complete another deal to sign a £60m reinforcement and finally kickstart their summer.

James Trafford set to join Newcastle

While the narrative around Newcastle’s transfer window has so far been failure, that could be about to change. The Magpies are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign long-term target Trafford in what could be the start of their summer finally turning around.

After Trafford, those at St James’ Park are likely to shift their focus back towards their frontline. Although their need for a striker has been somewhat eased by the fact that Callum Wilson has put pen to paper on a new deal, they’ve still got their sights set on signing a new right-winger.

Just who that will be is the question. Already this summer, Newcastle have been rejected by Bryan Mbeumo and then by Joao Pedro, who now looks set to join Premier League rivals Chelsea. It’s rejection that they will be frustrated by given their Champions League place, but rejection that they must move on from.

Even better than Guehi: Newcastle now in talks to sign £43m "top talent"

Newcastle are in talks to sign a defender

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 1, 2025

Alternatives mentioned so far includes Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent U21 Euros tournament – winning Player of the Tournament as England won the competition for a second time under Lee Carsley. Now available for around £50m, Newcastle could make their move.

If not Elliott, however, then it could still be one long-term target who one reporter now expects to complete a move to St James’ Park this summer.

Keith Downie now expects Elanga to join Newcastle

As reported on his YouTube channel, Sky Sports’ Keith Downie now expects Newcastle’s deal to sign Elanga “will get done” this summer with the Swede happy to swap Nottingham Forest for Tyneside.

Downie said on his YouTube channel: “All the noises are that Elanga is the number one choice. Of course, that was Bryan Mbeumo, but it’s now been moved to Elanga, and I can see him being perfect for Eddie Howe’s style.

“I feel that deal will get done. Newcastle aren’t in competition with anyone and they know that they are close in terms of the fee. I think the player would be happy to move here from what I’m being told. And it’s a case of Newcastle coming up with the numbers.”

“They offered £45m last week but Forest want £60m. I feel if Newcastle split the difference and offered £52-53m, they’d get the deal done, and I’d hope there will be some movement on that in the next few days. I expect Newcastle to come back in with an improved bid if they haven’t already.”

After missing out on Mbeumo and then Pedro, signing Elanga would be seen as a huge success for Newcastle who would be turning their fortunes around on the transfer front with the addition of both the Forest star and Trafford.

Australian Hughes available for entire season, stitching up overseas batting spot

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Aug-2024

Cheteshwar Pujara and Jack Carson set the field•Stu Forster/Getty Images

Sussex have retained the services of overseas players Daniel Hughes and Jayden Seales for the 2025 County Championship, meaning no return to the club for India star Cheteshwar Pujara.Australian left-hander Hughes will be available for all Championship and T20 Vitality Blast fixtures next season, while West Indies right-arm quick Seales is available for the first block of Championship fixtures.Hughes was the leading run scorer in the group stages of this year’s Blast with 560 runs at average of 43.07, including five half-centuries and a highest score of 96 not out. He helped Sussex secure a home quarter-final against Lancashire Lightning on September 4. He will also feature in Sussex’s final five Championship games this season as the club pursues promotion to the first division.Paul Farbrace, Sussex head coach, said: “Taking over from Cheteshwar is not an easy task, but Dan has fitted in brilliantly and we are all delighted he will be back for the whole of next season.””Dan has been top class for us on and off the field,” Farbrace added. “He has brought a wealth of experience to the dressing room and has seriously helped some of our young batters with the development of their games.”Hughes will return to Sussex in 2025•Getty Images

Pujara returned to Sussex for a third consecutive season in 2024, playing the first seven Championship games before Hughes arrived for the start of the Blast and remainder of the Championship. Along with Seales and Australian Nathan McAndrew, they made up the club’s overseas contingent this year. With Hughes available for the entire season in 2025, Farbrace is likely to look at bowlers, should the club wish to bring in any other overseas players.Hughes said he jumped at the chance to return to the club. “I’ve loved my first season at Sussex. The boys, coaches, club and the entire Sussex community have welcomed me with open arms and it already feels like home. I’m excited to see what we can do for the rest of this season and to keep building into next year.”Seales played in Sussex’s first seven Championship matches this season, taking 38 wickets at an average of 25.29. His best figures of 5 for 29 came against Derbyshire and helped Sussex to a comfortable innings-and-124-run victory which cemented their place at the top of the second division.He recently claimed 13 wickets in the Test series against England and has taken a total of 62 wickets in 15 appearances for the West Indies. Farbrace described Seales as “a fabulous bowler and a high-quality person”.”He showed on many occasions during the early season that he runs in hard every ball, whatever the conditions and situation in the game,” Farbrace said. “He gave himself a great chance of success every day.”Meanwhile, Glamorgan announced the signing of Fraser Sheat from New Zealand for the next month of County Championship matches. Sheat, a right-arm seamer from Canterbury, has played 33 first class games taking 103 wickets at an average of 25.08. He will go straight into Glamorgan’s squad when their season resumes at Derbyshire on Thursday.

أصبح النصر السعودي يضع أنظاره على التوقيع مع لاعب آخر من برشلونة بعد تعاقده مع إنييجو مارتينيز لينضم لفريق كريستيانو رونالدو في صفقة انتقال حر.

ووفقاً لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية فإن النصر السعودي أصبح مهتما بالتعاقد مع مارك بيرنال صاحب الـ18 عاماً والذي يعد أحد جواهر برشلونة تحت قيادة المدرب هانز فليك والذي من المتوقع أن يصبح لاعباً أساسياً في خط وسط برشلونة لسنوات عديدة قادمة.

ونقلاً عن صحيفة عكاظ السعودية، فإن مارك بيرنال أصبح هدفاً للنصر الذي يسعى جاهداً لضمه قبل 23 سبتمبر المقبل والذي يعد الموعد النهائي لتسجيل اللاعبين الشباب في السعودية، وسيصبح الشرط الجزائي في عقد بيرنال 500 مليون يورو.

أقرأ أيضاً.. يويفا يصدر بيانًا بشأن إقامة لقاء برشلونة وفياريال في أمريكا

ومع ذلك فقد أكدت مصادر “سبورت” أن لا برشلونة أو بيرنال يرغبان في التفاوض مع النصر على رحيله لدوري روشن السعودي، ويستعد لاعب خط الوسط الشاب لتلقي التصريح الطبي بعد عام من غيابه بسبب إصابة خطيرة في الركبة.

ومن المتوقع أن ينضم بيرنال لقائمة برشلونة ضد فالنسيا حيث يعد عنصرا أساسيا في تشكيل هانز فليك ويعد عنصراً هاماً لدى المديرين الرياضيين في البارسا ومجلس الإدارة، وقد حصل على القميص رقم 22 مع الفريق الأول.

ويركز بيرنال على النجاح مع برشلونة ومن المتوقع أن يوقع على عقد يستمر لثلاث سنوات أخرى، رغم أن عقده الحالي يمتد حتى 2026 وسيتم ذلك بمجرد بلوغ اللاعب سن الرشد وسيتم الانتهاء من ذلك خلال الأسابيع المقبلة بعد حصوله على الموافقة الطبية.

Aston Villa are now strong contenders in the race for a “phenomenal” player, having recently opened talks, and they are confident he would be keen on a move.

Villa eyeing midfielder with Barrenechea set for exit

With Villa looking to raise funds for their own summer transfer business, amid concerns over PSR, they have now decided to cash-in on midfielder Enzo Barrenechea, who is very close to sealing an exit.

There have also been widespread suggestions that John McGinn’s future is in doubt, amid interest from the likes of Everton, while Ross Barkley is arguably yet to set the world alight at Villa Park, given his patchy injury record ever since leaving Chelsea.

Ross Barkley

Injury

Games missed

2020-21

Hamstring

9

2023-24

Hamstring

5

2024-25

Unknown

3

2024-25

Calf

19

Consequently, it would make sense for Unai Emery to bring in another midfielder this summer, and the Villans are now stepping up their pursuit of a Premier League player…

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now emerged as strong contenders for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, having now opened talks over a deal, and there is a belief he would be keen on sealing a move to Villa Park.

That is despite rival interest from West Ham United, with Graham Potter also pushing to sign Elliott, although Europa League football being on offer with the Villans next season could give them the edge in negotiations.

Aston Villa now set to make move for £17m ace, keen to finalise deal quickly

The Villans are “ready” to finalise a move for a defender…

ByDominic Lund Jul 15, 2025

Liverpool are not actively trying to find the attacking midfielder a new club, but they are open to bids, and there is a feeling that an offer of £35m could be enough to tempt them into a sale.

"Phenomenal" Elliott could excel at Villa Park

While the Englishman is still young at 22-years-old, he is still yet to receive a senior cap, which indicates he may need to leave Liverpool for the good of his career this summer, and Aston Villa could be a perfect fit.

The London-born midfielder has become accustomed to playing in Europe during his time with the Reds, scoring a stoppage-time winner in his side’s 1-0 smash-and-grab away against Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League.

As such, the former Fulham man is likely to want to play for a club set to take part in a European competition next season, and Villa fit the bill, despite being in the Europa League.

Lauded as “phenomenal” by journalist David Lynch, the England U21 star also caught the eye at the U21 Euros this summer, scoring five goals throughout the tournament, including one in the 3-2 victory over Germany in the final.

Elliott is ready to be a regular starter for one of England’s top clubs, and with Villa very much back in that bracket nowadays, a move could make perfect sense.

يخوض نادي بيراميدز مباراته المقبلة في الجولة الثامنة من عمر بطولة الدوري المصري أمام مع طلائع الجيش، على استاد الدفاع الجوي. 

وتأكد غياب مدافع الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بيراميدز، عن مواجهة طلائع الجيش، التي ستجمع بينهما ببطولة الدوري بسبب الإيقاف.

وتحصل أحمد سامي على بطاقة صفراء ثالثة في مواجهة زد الجارية بينهما حالياً بالجولة السابعة من بطولة الدوري الممتاز.

طالع أيضاً.. الأهلي في مهمة صعبة أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا بـ الدوري لتصحيح المسار والعودة للانتصارات

وتُشير نتيجة اللقاء إلى تقدم بيراميدز بهدف دون رد سجله مصطفى زيكو بعد عرضية من الشيبي قابلها مصطفى زيكو برأسية سكنت الشباك.

ودخل بيراميدز اللقاء محتلاً المركز التاسع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 8 نقاط من فوزين وتعادلين وخسارة واحدة.

It’s not been a summer to remember for Newcastle United so far.

On the pitch, they’ve now suffered back-to-back defeats in pre-season friendlies, first demolished 4-0 by Celtic in Glasgow, before a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium; Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy on target but in vein in Kallang.

One player who has notably not made the trip to Southeast Asia is Alexander Isak, with widespread reports claiming that the Sweden international is pushing to leave the club this summer.

Given that ongoing situation, Eddie Howe and his recruitment team have very much entered the transfer market for a new centre-forward, so have they identified their number one target?

Newcastle's search for a new striker

As outlined by Seb Stafford-Bloor and David Ornstein of the Athletic, Newcastle were very much in the running to sign Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt, but he joined Liverpool for around £79m instead.

It was then reported that the Magpies would make a move to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford, only for Dharmesh Sheth and Keith Downie of Sky Sports News to claim that the deal is now off, stating that Newcastle ‘are set to move on to other targets’.

Following Callum Wilson’s release, William Osula, the only available senior centre-forward at the club, led the line in Singapore on Sunday, but could the Toon Army go big to change that fact?

Well, according to a report by Craig Hope of the Daily Hope, Newcastle have enquired about the possibility of signing Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig.

Earlier in the window, the Slovenian striker’s most likely destination appeared to be Arsenal, with James McNicholas and Mario Cortegana of the Athletic claiming he was the Gunners’ ‘preferred target’ until the arrival of Andrea Berta, who was instrumental in them securing Viktor Gyökeres instead.

Now, as reported by Yvonne Gabriel of BILD, due to limited interest, Leipzig have lowered their asking price from €100m (£87m) to around €70m (£61m), so should Newcastle snap up Šeško at this reduced price?

How Benjamin Šeško would improve Newcastle

It’s unquestionable that Šeško is a massive talent, with presenter Adam Keys praising his ‘superb ball-striking’ ability, labelling him ‘powerful’ and physical.

Meantime, Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines is impressed by his ‘elite’ movement and mobility, noting that he is a strong finisher with both feet, with scout Jacek Kulig even describing him “the new Haaland” such are his wonderful array of attributes.

In two seasons at Leipzig, Šeško has scored 39 goals in 87 appearances, thereby on target every 136 minutes, which is certainly impressive for a 22-year-old.

So, let’s see how he compares to Newcastle’s previous leading striker target Wissa?

Appearances

45

39

Minutes

3,258

3,079

Goals

21

20

Assists

6

5

Shots

65

74

Shots on target

40

45

Shots on target %

61%

62.32%

Big chances missed

18

18

Chances created

20

29

Big chances created

7

3

Take-on success %

52.53%

38.5%

Average Sofascore Rating

7.15

7

As the table documents, Šeško and Wissa’s statistics last season are very similar, with the Leipzig forward scoring one more goal across all competitions, while also creating more big chances and completing a higher percentage of his take-ons.

Wissa does have the edge in many categories, underlining that he would more than likely score goals for Newcastle, but the reported £35m fee that was being banded around does appear high for a player who is into the final 12 months of his contract, and will celebrate his 29th birthday come early-September.

Šeško, on the other hand, has only just turned 22 years old and has the potential to get even better, so surely seems to be the more shrewd investment, both in the short but also longer term.

More prolific than Sesko: Newcastle targeting move for £87m "monster"

Newcastle are looking to bring in another striker or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 27, 2025

Nottingham Forest are now ready to advance on a deal to sign an “incredible” attacking midfielder this week, according to a reliable reporter.

Nottingham Forest chasing multiple targets who could replace Gibbs-White

Having already lost Anthony Elanga, Forest are now doing everything they can to make sure they don’t lose captain and talisman Morgan Gibbs-White as well. Tottenham Hotspur have already triggered Gibbs-White’s release clause this summer, but the Reds have threatened legal action due to Spurs’ move.

Gibbs-White has returned to pre-season training and played in a pre-season game over the weekend, but it remains unclear where his future lies.

Nottingham Forest strike "verbal agreement" with "complete" £35m forward

The Tricky Trees are making progress in their pursuit of an attacker, with an opening bid now in the works.

ByDominic Lund Jul 20, 2025

Therefore, the Tricky Trees are looking at their options, and there are now two names being looked at as possible replacements for the England international. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has been a target for Forest for a while now, and the BBC’s Sami Mokbel revealed last week that Forest are advancing with their plans to sign Wissa, albeit he is of course more of an out and out forward.

As well as working on a deal for Wissa, according to Football Insider, Forest are now in pole position to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa. The Midlands side are reportedly open to selling the midfielder should they receive an offer between £40-50 million, as Ramsey is said to be unhappy due to his playing time last season.

Nottingham Forest to advance deal to sign "incredible" McAtee

The Premier League side are not stopping at Wissa and Ramsey, as according to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Nottingham Forest are looking to move ahead with their pursuit of James McAtee from Manchester City.

In his update, Percy also states that Forest are not the only team chasing McAtee, as teams from the Premier League and Bundesliga are also interested. It was reported a couple of days ago that Everton are prioritising a move to sign McAtee, as they look to spend £150 million on new arrivals this summer.

As well as Everton, Manchester United have been linked with a shock move for the England under-21 international, who looks set to leave the Etihad Stadium.

McAtee, who has been lauded as being “incredible” by former Sheffield United teammate Oli McBurnie, is out of contract at Man City next summer, and therefore, the Blues may look to cash in on their attacking midfielder, who played just 15 times in the Premier League last season.

Despite only having 12 months left on his contract however, City have still set a price tag of £25 million to sign McAtee this summer.

Apps

15

Starts

3

Goals

3

Shots per game

0.8

Chance conversion

25%

Big chances created

2

Key passes per game

0.2

Balls recovered per game

0.5

McAtee was very much on the fringes of the City team last season, but it is probably his two separate spells at Sheffield United that have teams continuing to circle with interest. The 22-year-old scored 12 goals in 67 league games for the Blades.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club will bring in another central defender before the transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The Hoops swooped to sign Hayato Inamura on a permanent deal earlier this month, but the Japanese defender is one for the future and another option in that area of the pitch is expected.

Rodgers already has Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Dane Murray, Stephen Welsh, and Cameron Carter-Vickers in the centre-back positions, on top of the signing of Inamura, and they are looking for another.

CelticWay have reported that the club are weighing up a possible move to sign Dutch central defender Justin De Haas from Famalicão to add to their ranks.

The 25-year-old, left-footed, titan is valued at £3m by the Portuguese outfit, and could come in to compete for a place at the heart of the Hoops defence.

The role that Justin De Haas could play for Celtic

The potential signing of the Famalicão titan is an interesting one for the Scottish giants, because it would leave Rodgers with three left-footed centre-back options, in him, Scales, and Trusty.

Last season, the manager said that he prefers to play centre-backs on the side of their stronger foot because it “allows you to get through the pitch quicker and have more speed playing forward”, which suggests that De Haas will be competing with Trusty and Scales.

Based on their respective performances at league level in the 2024/25 campaign, De Haas’ biggest hurdle to making the starting XI could be the Ireland international.

Trusty joined from Sheffield United last summer and endured a difficult campaign in Scotland, as he ended the season as a back-up option behind Scales, and the Dutch star could come in as an upgrade on him.

24/25 season	De Haas (Liga Portugal)	Trusty (Premiership)	Scales (Premiership)
Appearances	29	22	26
Goals	2	1	2
Tackles + interceptions per game	3.0	2.3	1.9
Dribbled past per game	0.3x	0.5x	0.2x
Clearances per game	5.4	4.0	4.8
Error led to shot	0	4	1
Error led to goal	1	1	0
Penalties committed	0	0	1
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, De Haas could even offer more to the team than Scales, with more defensive actions and fewer errors leading to shots, goals, or penalties overall.

This suggests that he could be a starting-calibre left-sided centre-back option for Celtic if he can translate his form over to the Scottish Premiership, but there is also the possibility that he is a second-choice to Scales, with Trusty demoted to a reserve.

Overall, given he will need to adapt to the league, De Haas could be a back-up centre-back at first, which is why their pursuit of a new winger is an even more exciting prospect.

Celtic in talks to sign new winger

According to the Daily Record, Celtic want to spend the money they are set to rake in from Como for Nicolas Kuhn to sign two new wingers this summer.

The German forward is set to sign for the Italian side for a reported fee of £16.5m, which will provide the Hoops with funds to dip into the market themselves.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

This latest report from the Daily Record states that the Scottish Premiership champions are locked in talks with Royal Antwerp over a deal for Belgian winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

The outlet states that Royal Antwerp value the forward at a fee of around £5m, but they may lower it in order to push a transfer through in the coming weeks.

It adds that the 24-year-old attacker, who predominantly plays on the left flank, is keen on a switch to Parkhead this summer, which suggests that personal terms would not be too much of a problem if a fee can be agreed.

Why Balikwisha would be an exciting signing

Balikwisha would be an even more exciting signing than De Haas for Celtic this summer because he could slot straight into the starting XI from the first match.

Jota is set to miss the first half of the season with a knee injury, having suffered an ACL blow last term, and that has left a vacant spot on the left wing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Until a new senior centre-forward is in the building, Daizen Maeda could continue where he left off as the starting number nine, which means that he would not be the starter on the left flank. Therefore, Balikwisha could have a free run at the left wing position to be a starter in the Premiership.

This means that, unlike De Haas, Celtic supporters could expect to see the Belgian wizard in the starting line-up when the Hoops host St Mirren at Parkhead on the opening day in August.

As well as being a potential frontline starter, which the Dutch defender may not initially be, Balikwisha could also be a more exciting signing because he is an attacking player who has the potential to deliver goals and assists.

Balikwisha (Pro League)	23/24	24/25
Starts	27	12
xG	6.46	2.65
Goals	7	4
Big chances created	6	7
Key passes per game	1.5	1.6
Assists	5	3
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha has produced 11 goals and 13 ‘big chances’ created in his last 39 starts in the Belgian top-flight for Royal Antwerp.

The 24-year-old star was described as a “creative” talent by analyst Will Glavin, which is backed up by his return of seven ‘big chances’ created in 12 starts in the Pro League last season.

Balikwisha is a winger who has shown that he has the ability to deliver goals and assists at a fairly impressive rate in Belgium, which suggests that he could thrive in a dominant Celtic team that wins week-in-week-out.

The £5m-rated star could get supporters off their feet with his quality in the final third, as the anticipation could build whenever he picks the ball up in space out on the left flank.

Celtic can sign a better ST than Kvistgaarden in "complete" £6.8m star

Celtic could forget all about Mathias Kvistgaarden by signing this striker this summer.

1

By
Dan Emery

Jul 6, 2025

Therefore, the Royal Antwerp wing wizard could be an even more exciting signing than De Haas due to his potential to be an immediate starter, as well as him being an attack-minded player, rather than a centre-back.

Bangladesh 107 for 3 (Mominul 40*, Shanto 31, Akash Deep 2-34) vs IndiaFor the second consecutive day, there was no play in the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur. Unlike Saturday, there was not a single drop of rain today but a wet outfield resulted in play being called off at 2pm. Ironically, as soon as the umpires made that decision, the sun emerged from behind the clouds.After three days, Bangladesh are 107 for 3 in the first innings of the Test. There are still two more days left but the chances of a result have reduced drastically.The day started with the covers being removed from the outfield, with an inspection scheduled for 10am. Soon, the ground staff removed the main cover as well and started marking the crease on either side of the pitch.But when the umpires came out for the inspection, they found certain areas in the outfield, especially mid-off, mid-on and the bowler’s run-up from the media box end, too soggy to start play.They planned the next inspection at noon. But things hardly improved, much to the frustration of fans who, given it was a Sunday, turned out in good numbers.All this while, the ground staff seemed to be relying solely on the sun to do its magic. Another inspection was planned for 2pm, when the umpires decided that was it for the day.