Five Players to Watch During the Premier League Transfer Window

Premier League teams are already actively working to enhance their squads for the 2025/26 season, with a surge in transfer activity ignited by the upcoming Club World Cup.

AFP Sports discusses five players to keep an eye on as the transfer window heats up.

Liverpool are not resting on their laurels after clinching the English championship.

Following a quiet first year for Arne Slot in the transfer market, the Reds have wasted no time in providing robust support for the Dutch manager this summer.

The darling of German football, Wirtz, looks poised to break the Premier League transfer record if he secures his dream move to Anfield.

Liverpool have reportedly seen a bid of up to £109 million turned down, as Leverkusen holds out for a £125 million price tag.

This amount would surpass the record set by Chelsea’s £115 million acquisition of Moises Caicedo from under Liverpool’s noses two years ago.

Wirtz played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s remarkable double triumph in the German league and cup during the 2023/24 season, alongside a run to the Europa League final under Xabi Alonso.

The clubs have already struck a deal, with Jeremie Frimpong moving to Liverpool as a successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Coming off their worst season in 51 years, losing their inspirational captain could be disastrous news for United.

However, selling Fernandes to Saudi club Al Hilal could generate vital funds for Ruben Amorim to reshape the squad to his liking at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils could net £100 million for the 30-year-old midfielder, who would become one of the highest-paid players globally if he makes the switch to the Gulf.

“If the club believes it’s time to part ways because they want to cash in or whatever, that’s just how football is sometimes,” Fernandes remarked after United’s defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham last month.

Should he depart, he would leave a significant gap in a team already struggling for creativity and goal-scoring prowess.

Despite a frustrating season overall, only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah contributed more goals and assists than Fernandes’ combined total of 38 across all competitions last term.

Mbeumo has emerged as one of United’s primary targets to address their goal-scoring issues.

The Cameroon international, born in France, had an outstanding season with Brentford, netting 20 goals.

Mbeumo thrived as Brentford’s standout performer following Ivan Toney’s departure, and his partnership with Yoane Wissa propelled Thomas Frank’s team to a commendable top-half finish.

Even with interest from Arsenal, Newcastle, and Tottenham, Mbeumo reportedly prefers a move to Old Trafford if United can negotiate a deal with Brentford.

United has already secured Matheus Cunha to strengthen their faltering attack.

Following a sensational 54-goal season with Sporting, Gyokeres has become a target for several clubs looking to boost their offensive options.

Arsenal has been heavily linked with a move to bring Gyokeres back to England as Mikel Arteta searches for a prolific finisher to help end the Gunners’ five-year trophy drought.

The 26-year-old possesses a €100 million buyout clause in his contract with Sporting, although it’s anticipated that the Portuguese champions would accept around €70 million.

Despite six goals in eight Champions League appearances, concerns linger about Gyokeres’ ability to replicate his successful form in the Premier League.

He joined Sporting two years ago from Championship side Coventry after not making the grade at Brighton.

Arsenal also maintains a long-standing interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, while Newcastle’s Alexander Isak seems an unrealistic target following the Magpies’ Champions League qualification.

Eze will forever be enshrined as a Palace legend, having scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City to secure the Eagles’ first-ever major trophy.

The England international’s keen eye for goal and ability to deliver defence-splitting passes have attracted the interest of several top Premier League clubs.

City view the 26-year-old as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, while Arsenal and Tottenham are also in the mix and could easily trigger his £68 million release clause.