The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be one to remember, with the FIFA World Cup already providing shock results, last gasp goals and brutal thrashings as 48 nations battle it out for the iconic trophy. Off the pitch, the summer transfer window is now well underway, and Premier League sides are scrambling to get their priority signings on board.
Liverpool stunned Newcastle by hijacking their deal for Victor Munoz, while Spurs and Man United look set to have a particularly busy few weeks of player trading.
Crystal Palace enter race for Juventus misfit Openda
Today’s rumour mill round up gets underway at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace are preparing for a new era following the arrival of manager Pierre Sage. According to Italian outlet Tutto Juve, the Eagles are now set to enter the race to sign Juventus striker Lois Openda.
The Serie A giants signed Openda on a loan with an obligation to buy last summer. He then proceeded to have an abysmal season, but Juve had no choice but to sign him as per the loan agreement. They’re now looking to get rid of him immediately, with Leeds United previously heavily linked with a move for the ex RB Leipzig striker.
The latest story suggests that new Palace boss Sage is a fan of Openda, and the south London side are said to be the most advanced of a cluster of interested Premier League clubs including Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Everton. The player’s wages are said to be an issue, but with Juve potentially willing to allow the Belgium international to leave on loan, it could work out as an affordable move for Palace.
Aston Villa emerge as surprise contenders for Woltemade
Next up, it’s over to Villa Park, where an intriguing story has emerged linking Aston Villa with Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade. Caught Offside suggest there have been some “differences in opinion” between the German striker and manager Eddie Howe in terms of the player’s best role, which could see him leave after just one season at St. James’ Park.
The story suggests that Aston Villa, along with European duo Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, are “keeping an eye on the situation”, and that the Magpies are willing to entertain offers. Interestingly, it’s claimed that Newcastle would be okay with taking a £10m loss on the £65m they spent to sign Woltemade last summer, with a £55m bid deemed enough to seal the deal. It’s also said that the supposedly interested clubs would prefer a loan deal with an option to buy.
Everton keen on World Cup star Ueda
Bringing us to a close, it’s over to Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Everton are on the hunt for a new striker. Beto and Thierno Barry managed 16 Premier League goals between them last season, but the club are hoping to find a more reliable goal scoring option to drive the club on next season.
According to Team Talk, the Toffees have taken a shine to Japan international Ayase Ueda, who scored 26 goals in 40 games for Dutch giants Feyenoord last season. The report suggests he could be available for around £30m, and notes additional interest from the likes of Leeds and Brighton. Chelsea’s Liam Delap and West Ham’s Taty Castellanos are namechecked as potential alternatives.
The bottom line
Crystal Palace are chasing Openda. Aston Villa are circling Woltemade. Everton are eyeing Ueda.
Three Premier League clubs. Three strikers. Three very different targets.
The summer transfer window is heating up. And the World Cup is only adding to the excitement.
Expect more deals, more rumours and more drama in the days ahead.
