Ranking the 2022-23 Premier League kits

By Sep 6, 2022, 6:55 AM EDT
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The 2022-23 Premier League kits have been unveiled and there are some beauties out there.

[ MORE: 2022-23 Premier League schedule ]

There are also some which are, shall we say, unique. Yeah, let’s leave it at that. They can’t all be winners, right?

From retro vibes to snazzy patterns, there is a lot of different designs to take in.

[ VIDEO: Premier League highlights ] 

Below we rank the Premier League kits which have been released as plenty more have dropped over the opening weeks of the new season.

Latest Premier League news

Manchester City vs Manchester United
Manchester City beat Man United in FA Cup, one win from treble
Manchester City vs Inter Milan live
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1. Arsenal

Now, this is how to unveil your kit. What a video, for both the home and away kits. Also, these three shirts are lovely too. The home kit is one of those jerseys you can wear with a pair of jeans and sneakers and it looks decent and not out of place. Really like the collar and it is just classic Arsenal. Well done. As for the away kit, that is a lovely design and the nod to Arsenal’s U.S. fans is a very special touch. And the third kit is Arsenal’s first-ever move to a pink jersey and it looks warm and inviting.

2.  Manchester United

Wow, this home kit is really nice. Like Arsenal, Man United have gone for the collar and I really like it. With a nod to Eric Cantona and countless United legends, it will be cool to see which players wear the collar up or down. Guaranteed that Bruno Fernandes is wearing that collar up. Guaranteed. The badge is also distinctive and this home shirt really stands out. The away shirt is clean and distinctive too and the white, red and black just works. Big win for United on the home and away. As the third kit? Well, it won’t be for everyone but it’s definitely different.

3. Tottenham Hotspur

The home kit is lovely. A recent retro feel to it (reminds me of the kits Gareth Bale dominated in about a decade ago) and I like the yellow trim. Pretty simple and clean design. As for the away kit, it’s simple too. Not sure about the badge being in the middle on this one and the random yellow panel is a bit off putting. But the third kit is a beauty. It’s out there, but the blue really works. Lovely stuff.

4. Nottingham Forest

Yeah, so this is awesome. Forest are back in the Premier League and they’ve gone for a simple, clean look with their iconic Garibaldi red shirts for the home kit. We’re assuming there will be a sponsor added to this at some point, while their away and third kits are also winners with vibrant colors. Lovely stuff.

5. Chelsea

Yeah, this home kit is lovely. Great shade of blue, as always, and the collar is different but works really well. This is the perfect example of how you can mostly keep a classic look and add a little tweak to make it pop. The away kit is very slick too and there’s just enough going on to make it interesting.

6. Brighton

Very strong look for Brighton with their home and away kit and it really works. That crimson looks sensational with the black trim on the away. Lovely stuff. As for the home kit, having Fatboy Slim launch it is epic and a slight change from the usual blue and white stripes was needed and this works well with the gold trim and stripe giving it a pop.

7. Manchester City

Retro feel to both Man City kits and I like it. The maroon trim on the home kit is very different and it’s pretty cool to see City mix it up a little, as there’s only so much you can do with all blue jerseys. The badge being in the middle of the jersey gives it a retro feel too. The away kit is also a classic red and black stripe number but the horizontal lines are just a little off. They should have been straight lines. The third kit stands out and is a nod to some of their classic fluorescent numbers in years gone by.

8. West Ham

The home kit is quite snazzy isn’t it!? The paint/graffiti designs on the shoulders are out there, but I like it. The away kit is superb, with the all black shirt and the colorful trim on the sleeves. A real beauty and right up there with the best away kits. As for the third kit, it’s pretty decent. Lovely clean look and a splash of orange to liven it up.

9. Brentford

The Bees have decided to keep the same home kit from 2021-22 for the 2022-23 season and I hope this is the start of a trend in the Premier League. This is brilliant and honestly, do teams need new kits every season? Probably not. This Brentford home kit is very distinctive too. Also, the new away kit is nice and the retro badge is lovely, plus the third kit is a bit out there but it kind of works.

Brentford vs Leeds live - Premier League
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10. Crystal Palace

The Eagles have gone for a bit of a different look as it seems like toddlers who are struggling to color between the lines were left in charge of their kit design. You know what? It works. It’s hard to mess up their red and blue home kit and primary white, red and blue away kit and this is nice, so too is the black third kit. Well done, Palace.

11. Southampton

Is this Southampton or Ajax? Just checking. Saints usually play in red and white stripes but they keep mixing things up every few years with their home kit and this is pretty decent. Some fans wanted the reverse of this (the stripe in the center to be white with two red blocks on the outside) but it’s different and it works. Talking about different: the away kit. Wow. That is very out there but the nod to being by the South Coast is very cool. In England we would call this a Marmite kit as the sandwich spread stirs very strong opinions. You’ll either love this away kit or hate it. The third kit is pretty safe compared to the away kit and is slick.

12. Liverpool

Very fresh, clean look to this home kit and I love how bright the white symbols and logos are. In a word this kit looks very slick. The away kit is pretty out there. It makes me a little dizzy just looking at it. The third kit (used for European away games) is decent.

13. Everton

Not bad at all. Simple. Smart. Clean. Big fan of the white collar and the pattern on the home shirt is just the right amount of snazzy. The away shirt is bold, but it works. The pink looks lovely but the pattern may be a little too much for some. The yellow third kit is a winner too, especially with a nod to their badge on the shirt. Overall, a 7/10.

14. Aston Villa

Safe, steady and classic with both the home and away kit. This is not an adventurous look but Villa are staying true to their claret and blue roots, and the away shirt is nice and the third kit is the best of the bunch.

15. Leicester City

This is fine. Just fine. Not a huge fan of the new slightly large collar but other than that the blue is iconic and the gold for the badge and Adidas logo is a nice touch. The away kit is quite nice but the third kit isn’t great.

16. Fulham

The home shirt is nice, although the sponsor logo could be a lot smaller. The away shirt is just a bit too much and the color scheme is all over the place.

17. Leeds

This is okay, but the sponsor logo is just massive. Aside from that a solid home kit. The away kit? Hmmm. The third kit is okay and the badge in the middle is a nice touch. That is all.

18. Bournemouth

Very similar to Palace’s jagged stripes, Bournemouth have gone for it too. It’s pretty slick but the red and black stripes being replaced by a lightning bolt design is a little too much for me. Sometimes you shouldn’t mess with a classic look. The away kit is very nice and plays into the beach vibes, while the third kit is slick.

19. Newcastle United

For the home kit there is only so much you can do with black and white stripes but this is just, meh. The round collar is cool but there’s just a lot going on with the sponsors and I’m not sure about the blue color of the sponsor and the Castore logo. When it comes to the third kit, Newcastle’s Saudi-Arabian owners may have had a slight say in the colors and design.

20. Wolves

There is a lot going on with this home kit too. The patterns on the shoulder and dots on the ribs aren’t really needed and the sponsors just stand out a lot. Obviously the color is awesome. The away kit is very nice but the third kit looks more like a training shirt.

Manchester City beat Man United in FA Cup, one win from treble

By Jun 4, 2023, 7:41 AM EDT
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Manchester City won its seventh FA Cup and moved with a Champions League win of the very rare treble with a 2-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.

Ilkay Gundogan scored a goal after just 13 seconds — an FA Cup Final record — and volleyed home off a corner kick in the second half after a Bruno Fernandes penalty had drawn United level before halftime.

[ MORE: Pep Guardiola reaction – Okay to talk treble now ]

The Manchester derby nature of this FA Cup Final, the first final match-up between the heated rivals in tournament history, will make City’s win even sweeter, and the cherry on top is that United was unable to stop City’s quest to match its 1998-99 team.

That’s the only time in English history we’ve seen a treble that included the European Cup. Man City meets Inter Milan next week in the Champions League Final. A win means the treble.

Erik ten Hag is denied a domestic cup double in his first season as United boss. The FA Cup has been played since 1871, and Man United’s 12 tournament wins trail only Arsenal’s 12. United last won in 2016.

Premier League news

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Premier League kits
Ranking the 2023-24 Premier League kits

Treble-chasing Man City didn’t need its best, shows rivals distance to climb

This could’ve been a clean sheet win for City on another day, who had to deal with a 1-1 deadlock because of a legal but unsavory handball call against Jack Grealish that sent Bruno Fernandes to the spot.

Yes, United will point to the fact that it had to rebound from Ilkay Gundogan’s super quick opener, but City’s train barely left the station in this game and it was still a comfortable-enough win.

City let United hang around but there was always a feeling of inevitability: A moment of class was coming from one of the best teams ever assembled in world football.

Erling Haaland didn’t score and City misfired on a number of opportunities that it generally puts home. Is that a bad sign for next week’s Champions League Final?

That remains to be seen and debated, but there’s no question that City showed United how much more there is to be done to catch up to the champs. Why? Because City’s B-game was more than enough to collect another trophy.

Manchester City vs Manchester United player ratings: Stars of the Show

Ilkay Gundogan

Kevin De Bruyne

Bruno Fernandes

Kyle Walker

Manchester City vs Manchester United player ratings

Manchester City vs Manchester United as it happened

First half

THE FASTEST GOOOOOAAAALLL IN FA CUP FINAL HISTORY! It’s Man City taking the lead as a long ball is headed down by Erling Haaland and Ilkay Gundogan’s first touch is a stunning strike from outside the box. Man City, 1-0!

That’s certainly put the game on its head, and City has another chance go very close before United can get their hands anywhere near the game.

City’s had three of the match’s four shot attempts and about 67 percent of the ball at the quarter-hour mark but United’s press is keeping things interesting and there’s been a little drama in the United third.

Fine margins… could’ve been 2-0! Erling Haaland is an absolute full stretch to poke a Bernardo Silva pass toward goal, but he can barely get to it and De Gea corrals the ball with ease. 17′

CLOSE! Kevin De Bruyne drills a left-footed shot that spins just wide of the post as City is starting to collect near-misses. That’s both asserting control but keeping the Red Devils in the match. 29′

VAR CHECK. Could there be a penalty for Man United? Aaron Wan-Bissaka heads a cross off Jack Grealish’s arm, and the video review is putting Man United on the spot! PENALTY…

GOAL! Bruno Fernandes bests Stefan Ortega with a stuttering run-up, rolling the ball the other way to make it 1-1.

Looks like this one’s going to the break at 1-1, and Erik ten Hag has to be thrilled about that. Neutrals will be happy, too, as we’ve got a tense derby finale in the balance. City’s taken six of the 10 shots in this one and had 60 percent of the ball but United’s got the xG lead 1.00-0.61.

Second half

GOAL! City on the front foot again, with no changes to start the second half, and a 51st-minute corner free kick sees Ilkay Gundogan etching his name further in Man City lore when he waits out De Bruyne’s lofted free kick and grounds the ball inside the near post. Man City, 2-1.

SAVE! David De Gea reacts to make an in-tight leg save on De Bruyne.

OFFSIDE GOAL: Gundogan is point blank to tap in a loose ball but is offside. It would’ve been a hat trick.

CLOSE! At the other end, United sub Alejandro Garnacho drags a shot just wide of the far post. Those fine margins remain part of this one!

It’s desperation time for Manchester United, who only had seven minutes and stoppage to get in the way of City’s second jewel in its treble crown.

Gundogan’s close to his hat trick again but this time Luke Shaw intervenes to force a corner kick.

WOAH! Very close to a stoppage-time equalizer as Scott McTominay makes chaos in Stefan Ortega’s box, leading to a corner kick. Cleared by Kyle Walker for the moment. Less than two minutes left now…

Ilkay Gundogan goal video: 13 seconds in!

Bruno Fernandes goal video: Penalty makes it 1-1

Ilkay Gundogan goal video: Patient, precise, pretty

How to watch Manchester City vs Manchester United live, FA Cup Final stream link and start time

Kick off: 10am ET, Saturday
Where: Wembley Stadium, London
Online: Stream via ESPN+
Updates: Stats, commentary on NBCSports.com

FA Cup Final odds (Betting odds provided by our partner, BetMGM )

BetMGM is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on BetMGM for the first time after clicking our links. 

Man City (-200) vs Manchester United (+525) | Draw over 120 mins (+375)

Manchester City team news, injuries, lineup options

OUT: None.

Manchester United team news, injuries, lineup options

OUT: Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial, Antony.

U20 World Cup schedule: How to watch live, groups, calendar, dates, times, fixtures

By Jun 4, 2023, 7:30 AM EDT
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The U20 World Cup takes place in Argentina from May 20 until June 11 as 24 teams full of the best young players on the planet go head-to-head to be crowned World champs.

[ LIVE: Watch the U20 World Cup en Espanol ]

And of course, the USA have plenty of talented youngsters so all eyes will be on Mikey Varas and his squad as they aim to go better than the quarterfinal spot they’ve reached in each of their last four U20 tournaments (2015, 2017, 2019 and once again in 2023).

The USA won Group B with three wins from three and hammered New Zealand in the last 16. The Baby Yanks meet Uruguay on Sunday in the quarterfinal, a 5pm ET kickoff at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero.

England and hosts Argentina were among the favorites to win the tournament but were knocked out, with Brazil and Italy both impressing and in the last eight, plus Nigeria and Uruguay have also looked very good.

Argentina stood in at the last minute to host the event after the tournament was moved from Indonesia.

Below is everything you need for the U20 World Cup.

Latest USMNT news

USMNT roster
USMNT’s new interim boss Callaghan names Nations League squad
USMNT schedule
USMNT upcoming schedule – Nations League, friendlies, Gold Cup
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun switches to USMNT

2023 U20 World Cup schedule, start time, dates, how to watch live

  • When: May 20 to June 11
  • Group stage kick-off times: 2pm ET, 5pm ET
  • Location: Argentina
  • TV channels en Español: Telemundo, Universo
  • Streaming en Español: Telemundo, Online via NBC.com

2023 U20 World Cup schedule

All kicks off times ET

Quarterfinals

Match 46: Saturday, June 3: Israel 3-2 Brazil
Match 47: Saturday, June 3: Colombia 1-3 Italy
Match 48: Sunday, June 4: South Korea vs Nigeria – 1:30pm
Match 45: Sunday, June 4: USA vs Uruguay – 5pm

Semifinals

Match 49: Thursday, June 8: Winner Match 45 vs Winner Match 46 – 1:30pm
Match 50: Thursday, June 8: Winner Match 47 vs Winner Match 48 – 5pm

Third-place game

Match 51: Sunday, June 11: Loser Match 49 vs Loser match 50 – 1:30pm

Final

Match 52: Sunday, June 11: Winner Match 49 vs Winner mtahc 50 – 5pm

Round of 16 results

Match 38: Tuesday, May 30: USA 4-0 New Zealand
Match 37: Tuesday, May 30: Uzbekistan 0-1 Israel
Match 40: Wednesday, May 31: Brazil 4-1 Tunisia
Match 42: Wednesday, May 31: Colombia 5-1 Slovakia
Match 39: Wednesday, May 31: England 1-2 Italy
Match 41: Wednesday, May 31: Argentina 0-2 Nigeria
Match 44: Thursday, June 1:  Gambia 0-1 Uruguay
Match 43: Thursday, June 1: Ecuador 2-3 South Korea

Group stage results

Group A

 

Saturday, May 20: Guatemala 0-1 New Zealand – 2pm
Saturday, May 20: Argentina 2-1 Uzbekistan – 5pm
Tuesday, May 23: Uzbekistan 2-2 New Zealand – 2pm
Tuesday, May 23: Argentina 3-0 Guatemala – 5pm
Friday, May 26: New Zealand 0-5 Argentina – 5pm
Friday, May 26: Uzbekistan 2-0 Guatemala – 5pm

Group B

Saturday, May 20: USA 1-0 Ecuador – 2pm (92nd minute winner from Jonathan Gomez)
Saturday, May 20: Fiji 0-4 Slovakia – 5pm
Tuesday, May 23: USA 3-0 Fiji – 2pm
Tuesday, May 23: Ecuador 2-1 Slovakia – 5pm
Friday, May 26: Slovakia 0-2 USA – 2pm
Friday, May 26: Ecuador 9-0 Fiji – 2pm

Group C

Sunday, May 21: Israel 1-2 Colombia – 2pm
Sunday, May 21: Senegal 0-1 Japan – 5pm
Wednesday, May 24: Senegal 1-1 Israel – 2pm
Wednesday, May 24: Japan 1-2 Colombia – 5pm
Saturday, May 27: Japan 1-2 Israel – 5pm
Saturday, May 27: Colombia 1-1 Senegal – 5pm

Group D

Sunday, May 21: Nigeria 2-1 Dominican Republic – 2pm
Sunday, May 21: Italy 3-2 Brazil – 5pm
Wednesday, May 24: Italy 0-2 Nigeria – 2pm
Wednesday, May 24: Brazil 6-0 Dominican Republic – 5pm
Saturday, May 27: Brazil 2-0 Nigeria – 2pm
Saturday, May 27: Dominican Republic 0-3 Italy – 2pm

Group E

Monday, May 22: England 1-0 Tunisia – 2pm
Monday, May 22: Uruguay 4-0 Iraq – 5pm
Thursday, May 25: Uruguay 2-3 England – 2pm
Thursday, May 25: Iraq 0-3 Tunisia – 5pm
Sunday, May 28: Iraq 0-0 England – 2pm
Sunday, May 28: Tunisia 0-1 Uruguay – 2pm

Group F

Monday, May 22: France 1-2 South Korea – 2pm
Monday, May 22: Gambia 2-1 Honduras – 5pm
Thursday, May 25: France 1-2 Gambia – 2pm
Thursday, May 25: South Korea 2-2 Honduras – 5pm
Sunday, May 28: South Korea 0-0 Gambia – 5pm
Sunday, May 28: Honduras 1-3 France – 5pm

USMNT’s new interim boss Callaghan names Nations League squad

By Jun 4, 2023, 7:30 AM EDT
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New interim United States men’s national team coach B.J. Callaghan has named his 24-man roster for the CONCACAF Nations League final round in Las Vegas later this month.

Callaghan took the wheel for Anthony Hudson after the former Colorado Rapids coach stepped down late last month.

The USMNT will meet Mexico in a June 15 semifinal in a rematch of the memorable first CNL final, with the winner meeting the winner of Panama and Canada for a June 18 final.

[ MORE: Sevilla come back, win Europa League in penalties ]

There are some new names in the mix, including Champions League veteran goalkeeper Josh Cohen of Maccabi Haifa and Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun.

Eight players have four caps or less, and Christian Pulisic’s 58 caps are by far the most of the group.

Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest, Walker Zimmerman, Giovanni Reyna, Yunus Musah, and Brendan Aaronson are all listed, as is Timothy Weah.

Tim Ream of Fulham, Zack Steffen of Man City, and Tyler Adams of Leeds miss out through injury

Full roster after the jump.

Latest USMNT news

USMNT schedule
USMNT upcoming schedule – Nations League, friendlies, Gold Cup
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun switches to USMNT
Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic linked with Napoli swap deal, Juventus – Reports

USMNT roster for CONCACAF Nations League Finals

Attached clubs are listed by USMNT and include loan spots at end of 2022-23 season.

Goalkeepers: Drake Callender (Inter Miami), Josh Cohen (Maccabi Haifa), Sean Johnson (Toronto FC), Matt Turner (Arsenal). 

Defenders: Sergiño Dest (AC Milan), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace, Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Birmingham City), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC) 

Midfielders: Johnny Cardoso (Internacional), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Weston McKennie (Leeds United), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Alan Soñora (FC Juárez).

Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (Stade Reims), Taylor Booth (Utrecht), Ricardo Pepi (Groningen), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Tim Weah (Lille), Alex Zendejas (Club América)

Premier League transfer news live, today! Latest updates on the summer window

By Jun 4, 2023, 7:30 AM EDT
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We are all set for a very summer transfer window, as the latest transfer news keeps flooding in and plenty of big names are expected to be on the move.

[ VIDEO: Premier League analysis ]

The 2023 summer transfer window opens on June 14, 2023 for Premier League clubs and it will close at 6pm ET on September 1, 2023.

From superstars like Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in-demand, to speculation around the future of Lionel Messi and plenty of money set to be spent by the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, this will be a fun summer.

[ TRANSFER NEWS: Arsenal | Liverpool | Chelsea | Tottenham | Man City | Man United ] 

Below we roundup the latest transfer news, done deals, reports and rumors and give our analysis on what’s going on as Joe Prince-Wright (JPW), Nicholas Mendola (NM) and Andy Edwards (AE) will guide you through a hectic last few weeks of the window.

Latest transfer news

Tottenham transfer news
Tottenham transfer news, live! Latest reports, rumors, updates
Liverpool transfer news
Liverpool transfer news, live! Latest reports, rumors, updates
Manchester United transfer news
Manchester United transfer news, live! Latest reports, rumors, updates

Transfer news live today! Latest from the summer window, so far…

June 3 – In-demand $40M back name checks Liverpool

Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven has had a dream to play at Anfield since attending a game there as a youngster. An excellent ball progressor, Van de Ven is viewed as a $40 million target and reports have said Jurgen Klopp is an admirer. So it’s a mutual appreciation society.

“I once went to the Liverpool stadium with my dad,” he told AZ WAZ. “That was over Christmas on Boxing Day. Liverpool vs Arsenal. That was madness. Then when ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ comes [on] – that’s a goose bump moment, that was very cool. It’s a dream to play there.”

The 6-foot-4 Van de ven turned 22 in April and has served as the captain of the Dutch U-21 national team. He moved from Volendam to Wolfsburg in the summer of 2021 and became a full-time starter in his second season, occasionally swinging to left back. (NM)

June 2 – Man United in ‘detailed talks’ for young forwards

According to The Athletic, Manchester United have been in ‘detailed talks’ over the signing of Randal Kolo Muani and Rasmus Hojlund. The young forward duo are both being chased by the Red Devils as Erik ten Hag wants to add one of them and a more experienced striker. Per the report, John Murtaugh has spoken to both Eintracht Frankfurt and Atalanta multiple times about Kolo Muani and Hojlund respectively and United are hoping to move on with chasing summer targets despite uncertainty surrounding their ownership status as the Glazer Family continue to explore the option of a full or partial sale of the Premier League giants. Kolo Muani and Hojlund both fit the mould for the type of player Erik ten Hag wants and if United can land one of them and somehow pull off an unlikely move for Harry Kane (unlikely due to Daniel Levy’s unwillingness to do business) then it will be a heck of a summer for the Red Devils. (JPW)

June 2 – Gvardiol wanted by Manchester City

According to a report from The Times, Josko Gvardiol is at the top of Pep Guardiola’s wish-list this summer. The Croatian defender, 21, is thought to be valued at $108 million by RB Leipzig and although the German giants don’t want to sell, it is believed Gvardiol is keen on a move to City. The report says that City plan on moving on at least one of their center backs and all of John Stones, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake seem certain to stay with Aymeric Laporte perhaps the most likely to move on. Gvardiol has long been linked with a Premier League move and his power in the air as well as his pace and ability on the ball is a perfect fit for the Premier League and City. Josko Gvardiol also got a good look at City this season as Leipzig were hammered by Erling Haaland and Co. in the UEFA Champions League. We’ve seen this season how Guardiola’s side dominated the final months of the season not only due to their incredible goalscoring exploits but largely thanks to a solid defensive unit. Having mobile center backs who can slot in at full back and step into midfield is key to the way they play. Gvardiol can do that. (JPW)

June 1 – Manchester United move to front of queue for Mason Mount

A report from ESPN says that Manchester United have moved to the front of the queue when it comes to signing Mason Mount this summer. Mount, 24, has just one year left on his contract at Chelsea and is expected to move on this summer. Mount has been linked with moves to United and Liverpool but the report says that Mount is keen on heading to United although the Red Devils have some reservations over the $75 million transfer fee Chelsea are asking for. Per the report, clubs are waiting for later in the summer to try and buy Mount as they known Chelsea will have to move players on due to the enormous squad Mauricio Pochettino has inherited and will have to trim. Does Mount to United make sense? It does. He can slot in anywhere in Erik ten Hag’s midfield and is the perfect kind of player to add depth to their squad and be a great 12th man or step in when key midfielders are injured or need a rest. His time at Chelsea is clearly coming to an end and even though Mount has struggled this season at Chelsea, his quality is proven in the Premier League in recent years and on the international stage with England. (JPW)

May 31 – Liverpool eye Bundesliga midfielder

Bild says that the Reds are turning to the Bundesliga to address their midfield. Jurgen Klopp will turn to Borussia Monchengladbach’s Kouadio “Manu” Kone this summer, as Liverpool has reportedly told the player that it will be approaching Gladbach. Kone, 22, has been linked with several big clubs including a late March report regarding Manchester United interest. A ball progressor who reads the game very well, Kone is said to carry a price tag of more than $40 million. (NM)

May 30 – Chelsea all-in on Ugarte

Chelsea are in talks to sign Manuel Ugarte, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Uruguayan and Sporting Lisbon holding midfielder is admired by new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino. Romano says PSG are in the race for Ugarte too. Ugarte, 22, is exactly the kind of player Pochettino loves as he will dig in, win the ball and get it to others to create. Alongside Enzo Fernandez, Ugarte will add extra defensive stability to Chelsea’s midfield and improve the balance of their squad. Our partners in the UK at Sky Sports says that Ugarte has a $65 million release clause in his contract. (JPW)

May 30 – Declan Rice linked with Bayern Munich

Our partners at Sky Germany say that Bayern Munich are very interested in signing Declan Rice from West Ham. Bayern, who won their 11-straight Bundesliga title on the final day of the season, have made Rice, 24, their top target as Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of the England international.

Here is more from Sky Germany reporter Uli Kohler: “Tuchel had a phone call with Rice. I don’t know what they were talking about – maybe money, maybe about what he can expect here [in Munich]. Bayern is keen on him. They need a strong defensive midfielder but everybody knows there are a lot of other clubs interested in him. Bayern could afford it. They would like to keep it below €100m [£86.4m]. They have to look at their accounts very closely but I think they can afford it.”

Rice has long been linked with a move to Arsenal or Manchester United but it is believed that West Ham’s asking price for their captain and central midfielder (who is out of contract next summer) is putting up Premier League clubs. Bayern appear to be ready to pay close to the $120 million West Ham want for Rice. Is he worth it? He is. There is perhaps no better two-way central midfielder under the age of 25 in Europe and Rice’s ceiling is extremely high. (JPW)

May 25 – Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Mason Mount are summer targets for Man United

A report from our partners in the UK at Sky Sports says that Manchester United are trying to sign a trio of England internationals: Harry Kane, Mason Mount and Declan Rice.

“Manchester United will try to sign Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Mason Mount this summer. Their No. 1 target is Kane. He is the player Erik ten Hag wants most. It is unlikely they will sign all three players and everything depends on what happens with the takeover. Kane, Rice and Mount are exactly the kind of characters Ten Hag wants in his dressing room.”

It is clear Kane will be the top target for United as Erik ten Hag has spoken about signing a new striker and that is their main transfer need. It is tough to see Tottenham selling Kane to a direct top four rival in Manchester United for anything less than $130 million, even with Kane’s contract winding down. That said, do you take that money this summer and use it to rebuild? Or let him go for free in the summer of 2024?

Next up, Declan Rice will surely be their next main target, as all three of these players have just one year left on their contract. Rice, 24, is just the type of player United need alongside Casemiro in central midfield and the England international has become one of the best two-way central midfielders in Europe under the age of 25. Rice’s close friend is Mason Mount and the latter clearly doesn’t want to sign a new contract at Chelsea, so he could be the cheaper option of the three. All of this hinges on Manchester United’s takeover but if, as expected, they qualify for the Champions League, then signing two of these three players would be a huge upgrade on their current options and gives them quality, depth and experience in midfield and attack. First choice would be Kane and Rice but Kane and Mount would still be pretty decent. (JPW)