Man City man has medical as deal agreed for Everton-linked ace while ‘all parties’ keen to seal Man Utd star’s exit
Manchester United and Manchester City Gearing Up for Premier League Return as Summer Transfer Activity Heats Up
As the countdown begins to the start of the 2025–26 Premier League season—now just six weeks away—both Manchester United and Manchester City are actively working to strengthen their squads in a bid to improve on disappointing campaigns last term.
For Manchester United, last season was nothing short of disastrous. The Red Devils slumped to a dismal 15th-place finish and ended the campaign without lifting a single trophy, prompting significant internal reflection and changes. New manager Ruben Amorim is now tasked with the daunting job of reviving the club’s fortunes. Eager to reshape the squad, he is targeting reinforcements across several positions in the hope of breathing new life into United’s underperforming team.
City, meanwhile, fared slightly better by finishing third, though by their lofty standards, going trophy-less was a major underachievement. A worrying dip in form during the autumn months raised fears that Pep Guardiola’s side might even miss out on a top-five finish. However, they managed to recover and secure a return to the Champions League. Determined not to repeat the same mistakes, City wasted no time in the summer window, completing several signings early in June. Guardiola’s focus has been on preparing his side for a hectic upcoming schedule, including participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Kyle Walker Nearing Burnley Switch
While City have welcomed fresh faces, they’ve also begun trimming the squad. Veteran right-back Kyle Walker is among the players being moved on. The 35-year-old, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at AC Milan, has been seeking a new permanent destination after the Italian club declined to make his move permanent.
Initial reports had linked Walker with a short-term deal at Everton, but that proposed transfer now appears to have fallen through. The Merseyside club has shifted its focus elsewhere, having tried—and failed—to sign Kenny Tete from Fulham. With Tete committing to a new deal at Craven Cottage, Everton’s attention has turned to former Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who is now a free agent.
Amid the uncertainty, a new suitor has emerged for Kyle Walker. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, newly-promoted Burnley are set to land the experienced defender. Walker has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Clarets, with the transfer potentially worth up to £5 million. He was undergoing a medical on Friday ahead of the move.
Rashford Open to Barcelona Switch Amid United Exit Links
Meanwhile, over at Old Trafford, speculation surrounding Marcus Rashford’s future has intensified. According to Manchester World, the England international is one of five players who have informed the club of their desire to leave this summer. In a symbolic move that may hint at his impending departure, Rashford’s iconic number 10 shirt has already been handed over to recent signing Matheus Cunha.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano offered an update on the situation, revealing that while Rashford has received multiple offers, his preferred destination is clear.
“Marcus Rashford would be very keen on a move to Barcelona,” Romano said. “He remains very open to that opportunity. Since January, I’ve been reporting that Rashford is eager to make a move to Barca, and nothing has changed—he’s still waiting for them to make a move. He has other options, but Barcelona is his top choice.”
Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, though talks of a permanent switch—possibly involving a swap deal with striker Ollie Watkins—ultimately fell apart. Rashford reportedly turned down a return to Villa Park and is now holding out hope that a move to La Liga champions Barcelona will materialise in the coming weeks.