Premier League clubs have started reinforcing their squads for the 2025/26 season, with an early transfer rush ignited by the upcoming Club World Cup.

Premier League clubs are already busy strengthening their squads for the 2025/26 season with an early transfer frenzy sparked by the upcoming Club World Cup. Let’s take a look at five names to watch as the transfer window kicks into gear.

Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Liverpool has shown no sign of resting on their laurels as English champions.

After a quiet first year for Arne Slot in the transfer market, the Reds have moved quickly to back the Dutchman heavily this summer.

The darling of German football, Wirtz looks set to smash the Premier League transfer record should he get his wish of a dream move to Anfield.

Liverpool have reportedly had a bid worth up to 109 million pounds (\$147 million) rejected, as Leverkusen continue to hold out for a 125 million pounds fee.

If accepted, that would break the record set by Chelsea’s £115 million signing of Moises Caicedo from under Liverpool’s noses two years ago..

Wirtz played a key role in Leverkusen’s remarkable German league and cup double in the 2023/24 season, along with a run to the Europa League final under Xabi Alonso.

The two clubs have already completed one transfer, with Jeremie Frimpong joining Liverpool as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)

Fresh from the club’s worst season since they were relegated 51 years ago, losing their inspirational captain would appear to be the worst possible news for United.

However, selling Fernandes to Saudi side Al Hilal could provide much-needed funds for Ruben Amorim to rebuild a squad in his image at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils could receive 100 million pounds for the 30-year-old, who would become one of the world’s highest-paid players if he moves to the Gulf.

“If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to cash in or whatever, it is what it is, and football sometimes is like this,” said Fernandes after United lost the Europa League final to Tottenham last month.

Fernandes would leave enormous shoes to fill for a side already lacking in creativity and a goal threat.

Despite a miserable campaign collectively, only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah provided more goal contributions last season among Premier League players in all competitions than Fernandes’ 19 goals and 19 assists.

Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

Mbeumo is one of United’s key targets to end their woes in front of goal.

The French-born Cameroon international enjoyed a stellar season with Brentford, scoring 20 times.

Mbeumo has enjoyed becoming the Bees’ star player since Ivan Toney left, and his partnership with Yoane Wissa helped Thomas Frank’s team secure an impressive finish in the top half of the table.

Despite interest from Arsenal, Newcastle, and Tottenham, Mbeumo’s preferred destination is reportedly Old Trafford, provided Manchester United can reach an agreement with Brentford.

United have already added Matheus Cunha to strengthen a struggling forward line.

Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon)

A remarkable 54-goal season for Sporting has made the Swede a target for several clubs looking to boost their attacking options.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with bringing Gyokeres back to England as Mikel Arteta looks for a clinical finisher to help end the Gunners’ five-year trophy drought.

The 26-year-old has a 100 million euro (84 million pounds) buyout clause in his Sporting contract, but it is expected the Portuguese champions would settle for around 70 million euros.

Despite six goals in eight Champions League games, there are doubts over Gyokeres’ ability to transfer his prolific form in Portugal to the Premier League.

He joined Sporting just two years ago from English second tier side Coventry after failing to make the grade at Brighton.

Arsenal also have a long-standing interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, while Newcastle’s Alexander Isak appears an unattainable target after the Magpies qualified for the Champions League.

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace

Eze will always be remembered as a Palace legend after scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, securing the Eagles’ first major trophy in their history.

Sure! Here’s the rewritten version without bold fonts:

The England international’s keen eye for goal and ability to deliver defence-splitting passes have made him a target for many of the Premier League’s top clubs.

City are considering the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, while Arsenal and Tottenham have also shown interest and could easily meet his £68 million release clause.

Balleagues

Bal Leagues is a passionate team of sports journalists, analysts, and sports fans who are dedicated to delivering an accurate, insightful, and timely coverage of the global game. From breaking news and in-depth previews to head-to-head stats, predictions, and transfer stories.

We bring the pulse of football, basketball, American football, and other major sports straight to your screen. We are here to provide content you can trust, written by people who live and breathe the game.