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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke was backed by the board throughout the summer transfer window following the club's relegation to the Championship.

Who did Leeds sign in the summer?

The Whites were able to snap up nine new recruits to bolster their playing squad with the view to competing for an automatic return to the Premier League this season.

Farke has attempted to improve his side with six permanent signings and three loan deals to counter the likes of Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Rodrigo, Max Wober, and Luis Sinisterra, among others, all moving on over the summer.

However, the German's team has also been added to by the players who were out on loan during the 2022/23 campaign returning to Elland Road; including Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell.

How much was Charlie Cresswell worth in 2022?

The England U21 international spent last season on loan with Millwall in the Championship where Football Transfers placed his Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at just €2.1m (£1.8m) by the end of December 2022, the halfway point of his time at the Den.

Cresswell, whose heading ability was lauded as "powerful" by journalist Josh Bunting, ultimately ended up having a sublime year with the Lions as he produced consistently impressive performances at the heart of the defence and proved himself to be an excellent option at that level.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.13 across 28 Championship outings and caught the eye with 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match to go along with a duel success rate of 60%, which shows that the towering stopper won the majority of his battles and dominated opposition forwards.

The 21-year-old also provided an attacking threat with four goals and two assists for Gary Rowett's side, which shows that he can offer a threat from set-pieces as well as being a strong defender within his own box.

How much is Charlie Cresswell worth now?

At the time of writing, Cresswell has an xTV of €8.3m (£7.1m), as per FootballTransfers, which represents a staggering 295% increase on his valuation at the end of 2022.

This shows that the English defender's value has soared throughout 2023 so far and that Leeds have an excellent asset on their hands as his superb performances on the pitch have made him a valuable player for the club to have within the squad.

At the age of 21, the 6 foot 3 brute still has plenty of time on his side to continue his development and should he progress well, he could be Farke's next version of England international Ben Godfrey.

During their time together at Norwich, the German head coach was able to turn the central defender from an academy prospect into a Championship title-winner and a mega-money sale within the space of two years.

How much was Godfrey worth at Norwich?

At the start of the 2018/19 campaign, the central defender had an xTV of only €0.7m (£0.6m) after spending the previous year on loan at Shrewsbury Town in League One.

Farke, however, wasn't deterred by his youth and inexperience. Indeed, he placed his trust in the young defender ahead of experienced options like Grant Hanley and Timm Klose as the talented youngster ended up making 31 Championship appearances that season as Norwich won the league title and earned promotion to the Premier League.

Godfrey averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 over those games, which included 26 starts, and made 1.8 tackles and interceptions per game to go along with a duel success rate of 57%.

The former York prospect also showcased his ability to provide an attacking threat from centre-back with four goals and two assists for the Canaries.

The German head coach continued to trust Godfrey during their 2019/20 top-flight campaign as the English titan started 30 Premier League games, which earned him a big-money move to Everton.

Norwich reportedly raked in a significant transfer fee of £25m from the Toffees for the central defender. This is a significant improvement on the £600k he was valued at just two years prior to the move taking place and shows how much of an impact having a coach who believes in offering academy players a chance can have.

How good is Charlie Cresswell?

The current Leeds centre-back is a player who certainly has the potential to follow in Godfrey's footsteps, based on his impressive form for Millwall.

As shown in the aforementioned statistics, the Lions loanee averaged a higher Sofascore rating, made more defensive interventions per match, and won a higher percentage of his physical contests than the ex-Norwich defender did at that level for Farke.

The 21-year-old has already shown glimpses of being able to replicate that form for Leeds this season, none more so than during his excellent display against Birmingham.

Despite the team losing the match 1-0, Cresswell caught the eye with a strong performance at the heart of the defence. As per Sofascore, he made four clearances, two blocks, two interceptions, and one tackle.

He also won eight of his 11 duels, including six of his seven aerial contests, and was rewarded with a fantastic Sofascore rating of 7.2, the highest on the pitch for the Whites.

What does the future hold for Cresswell?

The more experienced Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk started ahead of him during the recent 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.

However, Godfrey was in a similar position with Hanley, Klose, and Christoph Zimmermann ahead of him at the start of the 2018/19 season for Norwich before eventually breaking into the starting XI and making himself a regular starter as part of their promotion-winning side.

Cresswell, shown in the video above, must now be patient and wait for his opportunity to nail down a place in Farke's XI. The German boss has already proven himself to be willing to back young players, as evidenced by Godfrey as well as Archie Gray's emergence as a starter so far this season.

The former Millwall star's superb statistics last term and his soaring market value suggest that he is a talented prospect who is on his way up in the game, meaning that he could be a sublime future asset who may make the club millions in the same way that the now-Everton defender did under Farke's management.

Leeds United have seen plenty of outgoings happen at the club this summer and now another player has departed Elland Road, it has been confirmed.

Who has left Leeds this summer?

The Whites knew that there were likely to be big changes in the summer transfer window, having traded the Premier League for the Championship, as the time in the top flight came to a disappointing end after three years back in the division.

There were some players who were simply never going to be content with playing in the second tier of English football, such as Rodrigo and Jack Harrison, with several other senior individuals moving on.

Meanwhile, a number of new signings have arrived at Elland Road, with Joel Piroe arguably the most exciting acquisition from Swansea City, adding genuine firepower to the attack, and the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara buffing up the spine of the side.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding one youngster who has headed off to pastures new, as another player moves on from Leeds this summer.

Has Jack Jenkins left Leeds?

It has now been confirmed that young midfielder Jack Jenkins has left Leeds on a temporary basis, joining Scunthorpe United on loan until at least January, only pending EFL approval:

"Scunthorpe United is delighted to welcome midfielder Jack Jenkins on loan from Championship side Leeds United. The 21-year-old arrives at Glanford Park to further bolster the Iron's options in the centre of the park, with the initial period running through until January.

"Typically a box-to-box midfielder who can also play as a defensive midfielder, he came through the entire academy in Yorkshire after playing for Garforth Villa at a very young age. Having signed a two-year scholarship in April 2018, was rewarded with his first professional contract at the start of 2019."

This could be an excellent move for Jenkins, in truth, allowing him regular football at a time when he needs to keep progressing as a footballer, rather than growing stagnant and not being afforded the minutes to reach his potential.

Daniel Farke's plans this season may not include the youngster – having only made one solitary appearance for the Whites to date – but it is nonetheless another hit to the manager's squad depth, with the midfield already very dependent on young players.

Leeds have lost a host of midfielders this season, so there is arguably a risk element in letting another player go, even if Jenkins isn't considered an important part of their promotion plans. He did play 11 times on loan at Salford City last season, so has shown he can perform in the Football League.

The last thing Farke needs is to suddenly be in a position where he is short of squad depth, as a relentless Championship season kicks into gear again after the international break.

Allowing him to head out on loan could ultimately be beneficial though, letting him test himself alongside senior professionals and hopefully allowing him to return a more rounded player.

Crystal Palace are now planning to make a move for a "wonderkid", having tracked him for some time, according to a report.

What's the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?

Palace are now close to agreeing a new deal with Eberechi Eze, in what could be a real boost, as the Englishman has been attracting the attention of a number of the Premier League's top clubs, including reigning champions Manchester City.

Not only are the Eagles keen to tie down some of their top attacking players, having already extended Michael Olise's stay at Selhurst Park, but they could also target a new forward in the January transfer window, with Paris Saint Germain's Hugo Ekitike said to be of interest.

Football Insider report that Roy Hodgson's side are set to do battle for the 21-year-old with West Ham United, with both clubs of the belief that he could be one of the best options available on the market in mid-season. Ekitike is not the only youngster that Crystal Palace have their eye on, however, with The Sun reporting they are now looking to snap up 17-year-old Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray, having been put on red alert.

Everton are also credited with an interest in the Leeds ace, who the Eagles have now been tracking for some time, and the report suggests his current club would be willing to let him leave, should they miss out on promotion from the Championship this season.

Palace are now planning to swoop for the midfielder, as he is seen as a viable alternative to Blackburn Rovers' Adam Wharton, who may end up being too expensive, although it is unclear how much Leeds themselves would look to hold out for.

The report speculates that Gray could help fill the void left by Olise, should the attacking midfielder leave the club in the near future, with the likes of Man City and Chelsea still believed to be keen despite him putting pen to paper on a new deal.

How good is Archie Gray?

The fact that the starlet has already managed to break into the Leeds first team despite only being 17-years-old is a sure-fire sign he could be destined for great things, so it is exciting news that Palace are in the race for his signature.

The Englishman has featured in every one of Leeds' Championship games so far this season, and he has mainly been utilised as a defensive midfielder, although he has played in central and attacking roles less regularly, showcasing his versatility.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the young maestro as a "wonderkid", while also branding him "one of the most talented in world football", so it is clear that he has a lot of potential, and he could develop his game further at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles have developed a reputation for signing players from the Championship and helping them blossom, having signed Olise from Reading in 2021, while Eze joined from QPR back in 2020, and it will be exciting if Gray is the next youngster through the door.

USMNT striker Brandon Vazquez netted a filthy effort for Monterrey vs Pumas Sunday evening in Liga MX action.

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• Vazquez scores fifth goal of campaign
• Brilliant effort destroys defender
• Set to clash with FC Cincy Thursday in Champions Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  scored his fifth goal of the Liga MX Clasura 2023/24 Sunday evening, making his eighth appearance in the league for the Mexican sub. He won the ball in the box, bodied a defender and turned brilliantly before firing a low-driven effort into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead over Pumas at the time. Rayados eventually claimed victory, 3-0, with Vazquez playing 81 minutes from the start.

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  WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vazquez's form in Mexico is nothing short of impressive. He's been scoring unique goals that no other forward in the USMNT pool is doing, providing Gregg Berhalter with a striker that fits a mold different from every other player available.

  It remains to be seen if he will be called up for the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals this March, but if he does receive the nod, there's no doubt he will be a threat in the box.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VAZQUEZ AND MONTERREY

  The USMNT striker and his Liga MX club are back in action on Thursday against none other than FC Cincinnati in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The forward's former-club will clash with FCC in a battle of each respective league's heavyweight side.

Tottenham Hotspur are no different to any other club, in that they are also a business, that must keep the finances flowing without overspending outside of their means.

Everton are a great example of a club not to emulate, as their desperation to break into England's elite has resigned them to years of recent relegation battles, and numerous looming FFP sanctions.

Fortunately, despite the two clubs once being side-by-side in mid-table, Mauricio Pochettino came along to propel the Lilywhites up naturally, without having to bring in a whole host of expensive stars. The Argentine's impact was swift and stunning, leading to Premier League title charges and even a place in the Champions League final before his eventual exit.

He helped Daniel Levy reach the best form of his business model, as they bettered the stadium, signed lucrative commercial deals and just evolved in general.

However, it remains true that one of the greatest ways to make money is through the academy, particularly with the sales of graduates. Given they cost nothing to produce, as the financial drain of a youth setup is seldom taken into account, any prodigy sold on marks pure profit.

That explains the Toffees' desperation to offload Anthony Gordon, Ellis Simms and Tom Cannon in the last 12 months, to use them as an example once again.

This is a path that Spurs too have tread down on occasion throughout the years, with arguably their biggest coming just last summer.

Who is Spurs' greatest-ever academy graduate?

In what was Ange Postecoglou's first window in charge, the former Celtic boss instead saw these months dominated not by his fresh tactical ideals, or the feel-good factor he promised to bring, but instead by the future of Harry Kane.

As easily one of their best-ever academy products, the 30-year-old was of huge interest to Bayern Munich, given his dwindling contract, and the fact that he had scored 278 goals in 430 games for his boyhood club, becoming their record scorer as well as England's.

Clearly an exceptionally talented legend of the Premier League, in the end, his desire for silverware proved too much, and he would join Bayern Munich in a £100m move. £100m of pure profit.

When it comes to other youth products, few really come close to the legacy left behind by the England captain. Ledley King, as the quintessential one-club man certainly deserves a mention, whilst Sol Campbell too remains one of their finest exports, even if he sullied his reputation by moving to Arsenal in 2001.

However, whilst far from the top of the list, Alex Pritchard is certainly one who had the potential to be mentioned within this conversation, given the excitement that surrounded his development with both club and country.

Whilst a tough bout of injuries would ultimately halt his career, among reported issues with his attitude, the Lilywhites still recorded a success with the 30-year-old.

After all, they did manage to offload him for a decent fee, and have overseen a depreciation in value that has only validated their decision. Pochettino saw right through the current Sunderland man, and let him depart at the perfect time.

How much was Alex Pritchard worth at Spurs?

As he sought to make his breakthrough with his boyhood club, Pritchard unsurprisingly remained a relative unknown, especially given he would make just two senior appearances across his seven years with Spurs.

Whilst Football Transfers seek to outline his value ever since departing north London, they suggest that just before he left for Norwich City, it sat at a lowly €1.4m (£1.2m).

This would make the subsequent fee they earned a truly outstanding piece of business, and one that has held up across a career that once promised much, but ultimately failed to deliver.

How much did Spurs sell Alex Pritchard for?

Having shown virtually nothing at the senior level, it therefore made it all the more surprising when the Canaries came calling for his services, among other clubs. Whilst it made sense, to invest in such a promising talent and allow him to flourish with less pressure, they likely could have acquired him for a far cheaper fee.

After all, leaving at the age of 23, he had done little to merit the £8m paid. He would then reveal, upon his exit: "It was a bit disappointing to finally leave Spurs. But in the end I couldn't wait to get out of there. They just never gave me a chance."

What is Alex Pritchard's market value now?

To emphasise just how intelligent a piece of business this became, Football Transfers are worth consulting once again to showcase his development.

Having devolved into a true Championship stalwart, admittedly impressing across stints with Huddersfield Town and the Black Cats, he is now supposedly worth just €800k (£606k), such is his lack of top-level experience and his age.

Despite that tiny valuation, he has still earned praise at times throughout his career, with journalist Josh Bunting branding him "outstanding", and a "calm and comfortable" presence on the ball.

Why is Alex Pritchard worth that much?

Such a valuation is hard to argue with, when he has featured so heavily for a team only recently promoted back into the Championship.

However, his qualities at this level cannot be denied, with his role in Sunderland's fine start to the new season there for all to see. His 7.14 average rating is made even more impressive given he is only averaging 48 minutes per game, having assisted twice from just three stars, but still averaging 1.4 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

Tony Mowbray would even praise his mindset upon returning to face the Terriers back in 2022, as he noted: "I told him before the game, you’ll score tonight son. He slipped over in the far corner and got pelters off their fans didn’t he. It’s difficult when you go back to a football club, you want to do well and sometimes try too hard.

“It’s good for Pritchard. He’s unique. He’s a fiery little guy with an opinion on everything He was taking some flak but good for him and good for the fans."

He is the experienced glue that holds his side together, with his impact off the bench huge. However, unless he is to take that next step up to the Premier League in the coming years, his is an expected Transfer Value that will likely remain low, continuing to justify Spurs' decision to sell.

Chelsea have been offered the chance to potentially sign a Barcelona player by intermediaries, who are actively contacting Premier League sides to gauge their interest in striking a transfer deal for him.

Enzo Maresca comments on Chelsea injury problems

The top-four chasers take on Aston Villa in the Premier League this evening off the back of a torrid run, and manager Enzo Maresca is currently having to deal with mounting injury problems.

Chelsea prepared to really push for "Gallas-type" £216k-per-week defender

The west Londoners “love” him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 22, 2025

Nicolas Jackson, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Roméo Lavia, Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke are all out and unavailable for Chelsea for today’s late clash at Villa Park, leaving Maresca short of attacking options in particular.

Luckily for Chelsea, Unai Emery’s side are on a similarly bad run coming into this game. They’re without a league win from their last five top-flight encounters, with their last set of three points coming away to Everton back in mid-January.

Nevertheless, Maresca recognises the tough task facing his side in the Midlands. “I think we spent almost the whole season in the top four,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s form and Aston Villa.

“Now we have just 13 games to go, so for sure now, the target for us now is to try and finish in the top four – to finish in the best way. We are going to try to do our best to achieve that, knowing that the difficult moment we have now is probably one of the reasons why, and the most important reason why, is because of the injury situation; we have five or six players, significant players, that are out.

“I was watching two days ago the first game against Villa, and unfortunately, we have five players in that game that are out. Wes, Noni, Nico, Romeo – so the team changed completely, and it’s something this season happens almost with many clubs. Arsenal have injuries, City have injuries, and we are going to try our best to win games even with the amount of injuries we have.”

Lavia’s injury prompted Chelsea to sign Mathis Amougou from Saint-Étienne in January, with the 19-year-old set to be a first-team player for the remainder of 2024/25 before heading out on loan to sister Strasbourg next campaign.

Chelsea offered Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong by intermediaries

Given Amougou won’t be at Stamford Bridge for 2025/26, reports have suggested that Chelsea could target Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo this summer after showing some interest in January.

Now, as per journalist Graeme Bailey and The Boot Room, £302,000-per-week Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is an option for the Blues as well.

It is believed that Chelsea have been contacted by agents about signing De Jong, who are making suitors aware of his potential availability and testing the water to see which clubs could bite heading into the next transfer window.

The Dutchman has struggled with injuries and a lack of consistent opportunities under Hansi Flick this season, and De Jong’s contract expires in 2026, meaning he could leave for a relatively cheap fee if Chelsea were to pursue a move.

Jesse Lingard has taken to social media after securing his first K-League win with his new side FC Seoul.

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• Lingard joins FC Seoul
• Secures first win
• Yet to make starting XI

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Manchester United and West Ham playmaker took to his personal Instagram account after securing three points in the league for the first time since joining the club.

  Lingard has made three appearances for his new side but the 2-0 win over Jeju was the first time he was able to contribute to his new team tasting victory. Goals from Stanislav Illjutcenko and Sung-Yeung Ki proved to be the difference at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

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• WHAT LINGARD SAID

  Posting on Instagram, Lingard wrote: "Perfect Saturday afternoon."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lingard joined the South Korean side in February after leaving Nottingham Forest on a free transfer at the end of last season. The England international is yet to make his first start for FC Seoul but will be hoping he can build on his first win with more positive performances in the future.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LINGARD?

  Lingard and his teammates will be back in action after the upcoming international break. Their next fixture will arrive against eighth-place Gangwon, where the 31-year-old will be hoping to break into the starting line-up.

Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho proved to be the matchwinner as Borussia Dortmund sent PSV packing from the Champions League last 16.

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• Sancho put in an impressive shift in attack
• Scored his first-ever UCL knockout goal
• Luuk de Jong's poor finishing sank PSV

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  TELL ME MORE

  The hosts deservedly got their noses in front just three minutes into the match after being held to a 1-1 draw in the Netherlands two weeks back. Sancho looked in inspired form right from the off and his strike from outside the box had laser-like precision. He caressed the ball with a deft first touch, was allowed the time to take aim and unleashed a shot that went through the legs of a defender and rippled the net. The goal gave Dortmund a shot in the arm, and if Niclas Fullkrug was a bit more clinical then the home side would have been 2-0 up within the first 20 minutes.

  PSV started to grow in the final 10 minutes of the first half and were a completely different side in the second 45 minutes. The introduction of Hirving Lozano sparked them into life but they were profligate in front of goal, which did not help their cause. Luuk de Jong missed a late sitter, and to compound his misery, Marco Reus struck at the other end just seconds later to put the tie to bed.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  It was Sancho's first-ever goal in a Champions League knockout stage game. He has seven strikes and six assists in 30 appearances in the competition.

• THE MVP

  Sancho played with confidence and had an assertive attitude that was largely missing during his spell with Manchester United. He slalomed down the left wing time and again, dribbled past defenders, cut inside and even tracked back while Dortmund were mostly chasing the ball in the second half. A solid 73 minutes until he walked off gingerly before being replaced by Reus.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  De Jong must take his fair share of the blame after PSV drew a blank, despite being the better side for the bulk of the second period. The Dutch striker was an anonymous figure throughout the match, struggled to get into goal-scoring positions and his finishing was way off the mark. In fact, the best chance of the game fell for him deep in stoppage time but he skied it over the crossbar.

Turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, Brighton & Hove Albion are now reportedly keen on signing a key defensive addition ahead of rivals Crystal Palace.

Brighton transfer news

The Seagulls are once again back on track under Fabian Hurzeler after a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest sparked doubts over his Brighton future for the first time. Now three games without defeat following two victories in two games against Chelsea and a comfortable 4-0 thrashing of struggling Southampton, those at The Amex will have their sights set on the European places once again.

Crucially, after shipping seven at Forest, Brighton have conceded just once in their last three games in all competitions – keeping clean sheets against both Chelsea and Southampton last time out.

There will, of course, still be some concerns over the nature of that Forest defeat but such a thrashing represents a blip rather than a growing trend under Hurzeler at this stage. And it’s a blip which The Amex are unlikely to see again if the Seagulls welcome one particular summer target.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Brighton are now keen to sign Rav van den Berg ahead of arch-rivals Crystal Palace this summer. The Middlesbrough defender has impressed once again in the Championship this season even as Michael Carrick’s side continue to slip away from their play-off ambitions.

Brighton now very keen on double swoop for Championship "top prospects"

The teenage sensations have also caught the eye of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

By
Dominic Lund

Feb 17, 2025

Brighton, meanwhile, could certainly do with a long-term replacement for Lewis Dunk which Van den Berg would instantly provide. At just 20 years old, the Dutchman would become the future of Hurzeler’s backline alongside January arrival Eiran Cashin. Dealing Palace a transfer blow also wouldn’t go amiss in Sussex this summer, either.

"Terrific" Van den Berg could replace Dunk

As important as Dunk is, there’s no escaping from the fact that he’s 33 years old and gradually moving past the peak of his powers as a result. It’s something that Brighton will not want to be underprepared for given just how difficult it will be to replace their captain, making Van den Berg’s arrival all the more crucial this summer.

The 20-year-old has often found himself at the centre of praise throughout his time at Middlesbrough, including from Carrick. The Boro boss told reporters last season: “He’s a terrific individual, really grounded and humble, terrific character and great attitude. He has a real calming influence but quite sure of himself in a really good way.

“I think he told me he’d played right-back once before before Betis when Tommy got injured in pre-season. And he’s never played left-back in his life and ended up playing there against Sheffield Wednesday. He just has the ability to do that, he’s a really good footballer, he’s clever, sharp, hungry, he has a great attitude.”

A season on, Van den Berg has continued to impress and could yet have earned himself a move to the Premier League this summer as a result.

There could soon be movement regarding a takeover Manchester United involving Sheikh Jassim, following a recent development.

Man Utd takeover latest; Sheikh Jassim

The Red Devils were first put up on the market last November, and almost 12 months on, there is still no real resolution, with the Glazers still in charge. Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have been the two main contenders to take control from the current Man Utd owners, with the former of the two making a fifth and final bid to take 100% control of the club way back in June. (Jassim Man Utd bid)

More recently, reports have suggested that Ratcliffe’s Man Utd bid could be changed to take a minority stake of 25%, something which would allow the Glazers to remain at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Jassim and David Beckham at Man Utd appears to be another possibility, with the former looking to make the Red Devils icon an Old Trafford ambassador, should his bid prove successful. A further new update has now emerged, and it looks as if Beckham back on the books of United could soon be a possibility.

One journalist from Qatari outlet Alkass TV Sports shared a Man Utd takeover update involving Jassim in the last 48 hours. He stated that Ratcliffe will not be the one to take control at Old Trafford, with a deal involving Jassim and co now “very close”.

“In light of the current circumstances, I do not want to talk about sports, but I can assure you that Sir Ratcliffe will not take over Manchester United (because he was not serious in the first place) and the Qatari takeover is very close, after the stubbornness of the Glazers after submitting more than 3 offers. More details coming soon.”

How rich is Sheikh Jassim?

Jassim is worth an estimated $1.5bn when it comes to personal net worth and the Man United supporter is a member of the Qatari royal family. Chairman of the richest bank in Qatar (QIB), Jassim’s plans at Man Utd are seemingly big, with reports claiming he has vowed to clear the Old Trafford debt and invest his own funds.

A redevelopment of the iconic stadium also appears to be on his list, whereas his hunger for success on the pitch is high, showing how he could invest more into the playing squad. Therefore, if this recent update from Qatar is accurate, we could hear some huge news regarding a Jassim takeover before the month is out, and if a deal can be completed quickly, who knows, the new owner could back the club in the January transfer window.