Aaron Morris

Manchester United’s proposed sale of Joshua Zirkzee to Napoli has stalled because Napoli must first sanction a departure. Atalanta’s possible loan move for Noa Lang could create the financial and squad space needed for the deal, although Napoli are also considering Gabriel Jesus and Nicolas Jackson. Zirkzee has struggled since joining United from Bologna, scoring only three Premier League goals in his first season and two in his second, while Napoli’s options are complicated by competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa for Jackson.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson said he does not know why his proposed £39 million move to Manchester United collapsed after medical examinations raised concerns about a knee injury. He returned to Atalanta and signed a contract extending to 2031, citing his strong relationship with the club. Manchester United subsequently signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea, while reportedly submitting a £65 million offer for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba despite his minor ankle injury.

Karim Adeyemi scored and assisted in Barcelona’s 5-2 preseason win over FC Basel, prompting praise from Spanish media and fans. The performance has revived scrutiny of Manchester United’s decision not to pursue the forward, who joined Barcelona for £26.5 million after previously attracting a valuation of around £70 million. Adeyemi’s strong records at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund have heightened expectations for his impact in La Liga and the Champions League.

Manchester United have reportedly assigned Marcus Rashford the squad number 14, signalling that the club may expect him to remain at Old Trafford and return to Michael Carrick’s first-team plans. Rashford’s future became uncertain under Ruben Amorim, followed by loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, but Barcelona’s reported spending on Anthony Gordon and a potential move for Rodri makes a permanent transfer less likely. Rashford could feature during United’s preseason tour, with a start against AC Milan considered more likely than an appearance against Leeds United.

Bayern Munich are reportedly considering renewing their interest in Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko as a possible long-term successor to Harry Kane. Sesko scored 11 Premier League goals in 30 appearances during his first United season and is viewed as a key developing player, making his potential departure a major problem for the club. United would have limited replacement options, with Bryan Mbeumo and Mateus Cunha better suited to other positions and Joshua Zirkzee reportedly nearing an exit. Liam Delap, Igor Thiago and Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi have been discussed as possible targets, although Club Brugge insist Tresoldi is not for sale.

Manchester United are monitoring 21-year-old Nicolo Tresoldi after his impressive first season at Club Brugge, where he scored 23 goals and provided nine assists. Tresoldi has reaffirmed his commitment to Brugge for the 2026/27 season, while club president Bart Verhaeghe insists the striker is not for sale. AS Roma have reportedly submitted a bid worth about £29.9 million, and Chelsea are also interested, but United could enter the race if a substantial offer changes Brugge's position.