There are just five weeks to go until the 2024/25 Premier League season begins so the top flight clubs are preparing to lead the way in transfer activity and, with Euro 2024 in its final week, things are about to warm up.
And Manchester United fans, my SBOTOP mate James among them, will be quietly optimistic with the noises coming out of Old Trafford. After an eighth placed finish last term and a lot of speculation around the future of manager Erik Ten Hag the Red Devils are active in the market and getting nearer to closing a couple of deals. It’s always helpful to get your business done early in the transfer window and it looks like new part owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is determined to strengthen the squad.
United struggled at both ends of the pitch last season with most of the good news coming in midfield as Kobbie Mainoo made a huge impact and Scott McTominay put in some sterling performances. But as striker Rasmus Hojlund struggled to find consistency in his first season at Old Trafford, and with a defence ravaged by injury and players past their best the poor results were inevitable.
There is news that an exciting signing to bolster the United attack is getting closer. A deal to bring Joshua Zirkzee from Italian club Bologna is reported to be progressing nicely. I Rossoblu had an outstanding season in Serie A, finishing third and the form of the 6ft 4in Zirkzee was one of the highlights of their campaign. With 11 goals and five assists he finished as top scorer for Bologna and, at 23 years of age, he could be about to explode onto the world stage, currently with the Netherlands on their Euro 2024 campaign and making an appearance in the quarter final win over Turkey.
There has been agreement between the Manchester United and Bologna with a £34m release clause set to be activated but, with the player still in Germany, Old Trafford officials are waiting for the green light.
The Red Devils are also looking to shore up their defence and they have a few irons in the fire. United are in dialogue with Bayern Munich over the potential signing of Matthijs De Ligt who is also currently at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands, who have a semi-final date with England on Wednesday night. They are also in pursuit of Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite who had a brilliant season at Goodison Park on his return from a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven and, at 6ft 5in the 22 year old is a colossus at the back. Manchester United have made an improved offer of £50m for the former Carlisle United youngster and are waiting for a response.
The third line of attack is in France, where Lille defender Leny Yoro is said to be interested in a move to Old Trafford, despite a fake social media campaign claiming that he had shunned such an approach. Liverpool are also rumoured to be interested in the 18 year old who has already made 46 appearances for Lille so there is some way to go on that story.
The fourth defensive name on Manchester United’s shopping list is Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi who has impressed so much for England at Euro 2024. Again, the Red Devils are weighing up a £50m move for Guehi so, with such an amount of activity surely there will be defensive reinforcements arriving at Old Trafford soon.
There has been plenty of interest in Palace players and, in other Premier League 2024 news, the Eagles winger Michael Olise has completed his move to Bayern Munich after the Bundesliga side agreed to meet a fee of 60m Euros including add-ons for the 22 year old. The Bavarians’ new manager, Vincent Kompany has moved quickly in the market and he has also agreed to shell out 50m Euros to bring Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha to Munich.
United and Fulham kick of the 2024/25 Campaign
The Red Devils, maybe with a brand new defence, will kick off the 2024/25 campaign with a home game against Fulham, when the Cottagers will presumably be without Palhinha. It’s the Friday night fixture and Ten Hag will hope his team can start with a bang.
But, much to Reds fans annoyance, the Premier League 2024 betting odds will install Manchester City as the favourites to win their fifth league title in a row when they begin their title defence away to Chelsea, while last season’s runners up Arsenal have a tricky opening away to Wolves.
Arne Slot’s first game as Liverpool manager will be away to new boys Ipswich Town, while Julen Lopetegui begins his reign as West Ham United boss with a battle of the Clarets, when Aston Villa are visitors to the London Stadium.
Five weeks and counting!
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
