Football transfer news 16.7: Man United switch from Mbeumo to Sesko, Liverpool approach Isak

Man United give up on Mbeumo, turn to Benjamin Sesko?

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United are considering withdrawing from the Bryan Mbeumo deal after Brentford insisted on keeping the price at 65 million pounds ($84 million) and rejected the "Red Devils"' offer of 55 million pounds ($71 million).

With a deal still in the works, United have turned their attention to Benjamin Sesko, a striker who was once a target for Arsenal. However, RB Leipzig value the Slovenian striker at £70 million ($90 million).

Arsenal are said to have given up on the deal as they are close to signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. That opens up the door for Man United, although the biggest hurdle at the moment is the problem of clearing the attack, when Antony, Sancho, Rashford, Garnacho, Zirkzee and Hojlund are all not yet reassuring.

To date, Man United have only added one notable recruit – striker Matheus Cunha from Wolves for a fee of £62.5 million ($81 million).

Napoli stop pursuing Darwin Nunez

Napoli have agreed a loan deal for Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca with an option to buy at the end of the season, Sky Italia reports. The move means the Serie A champions will no longer pursue Darwin Nunez, a player Liverpool would only be willing to let go for a decent fee.

Lorenzo Lucca, who turns 25 in October, impressed in the 2024/25 season with 14 goals in 36 games for Udinese.

Bayern Munich has not given up on Luis Diaz

Bayern Munich have had a £58.6 million ($76 million) bid for Luis Diaz rejected by Liverpool, according to Der Spiegel. However, the Bundesliga champions are still hopeful of landing the Colombian star and will soon return to the negotiating table with a higher offer.

Liverpool have valued Diaz at £90 million ($116 million), but a deal of £70–75 million ($90–97 million) is possible, given that the two sides have only two years left on their contract. Diaz, 28, is also said to want to leave as he has not received a new contract offer from his club.

Football transfer news 16.7: Man United switch from Mbeumo to Sesko, Liverpool approach Isak - photo 2

Liverpool approach Isak's agent

Anfield insiders say Liverpool have made contact with Alexander Isak's agent to explore a possible transfer. Although they have not yet made an official offer to Newcastle United, the Kop are said to be ready to spend up to £120 million ($155 million) to convince the St. James' Park team to let him go.

Although Newcastle insists Isak is not for sale, the club is still quietly working on a replacement, with Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt) in their sights. Any plans will depend on Isak's own decision in the coming days.

Leeds reach agreement to sign Sean Longstaff

In an effort to stay in the Premier League next season, Leeds United have reached an agreement to sign midfielder Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United for a fee of £12 million ($15.5 million).

Longstaff came through the Newcastle academy and has been used regularly in recent seasons, but only as a substitute.

If he arrives at Elland Road, he will become Leeds' seventh new signing in the summer of 2025, after Jaka Bijol, Lukas Nmecha, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson and two young talents Louis Enahoro-Marcus and Jayden Lienou.

Man City say goodbye to at least 5 first-team players

According to The Athletic, Manchester City have agreed to let at least five first-team players leave this summer, either on transfer or loan. The list includes: John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Claudio Echeverri, Oscar Bobb and Nico O'Reilly.

Stones, Kovacic and Gundogan are veterans who have contributed greatly to the success of "The Citizens", but are all on the other side of their careers. The remaining young players will be loaned out to gain more playing experience.

As of mid-July, Man City had spent more than £112 million (equivalent to $145 million) to bring in three new players: Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders.

Top 10 most expensive deals in the summer transfer market 2025 (as of July 16)

(Unit: million USD – only initial transfer fee, excluding additional fees)

1. Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen → Liverpool): 137.5

2. Matheus Cunha (Wolves → Man United): 80.1

3. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad → Arsenal): 76.5

4. Mohammed Kudus (West Ham → Tottenham): 70

5. Jamie Gittens (Dortmund → Chelsea): 70

6. Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest → Newcastle): 70

7. João Pedro (Brighton → Chelsea): 68.9

8. Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth → Real Madrid): 67.5

9. Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan → Man City): 59.4

10. Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth → Liverpool): 50.6