Man City man has medical as deal agreed for Everton-linked ace while ‘all parties’ keen to seal Man Utd star’s exit

The summer transfer window of 2025 has already begun to reshape the landscape of English football, with Manchester’s two powerhouse clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City, at the center of significant player movements. As the 2025-26 Premier League season approaches, both clubs find themselves in dramatically different positions compared to their historical standings, necessitating strategic overhauls that reflect their current circumstances and future ambitions.

The contrasting fortunes of these Manchester giants have created a fascinating narrative in the transfer market. Manchester United, once the dominant force in English football, experienced an unprecedented fall from grace during the previous campaign, while Manchester City, despite their recent struggles, maintain their position among Europe’s elite. This dichotomy has influenced their respective approaches to the transfer market, with each club pursuing strategies that reflect their immediate needs and long-term objectives.

The Manchester United Transformation

Manchester United’s catastrophic 2024-25 campaign will be remembered as one of the darkest chapters in the club’s illustrious history. Finishing 15th in the Premier League table without securing any silverware represented a nadir that few supporters could have imagined possible. The Red Devils, who had dominated English football for decades under Sir Alex Ferguson, found themselves in a position that would have been unthinkable just a few years earlier.

The appointment of Ruben Amorim as manager marked a significant shift in the club’s philosophy and approach. The Portuguese tactician, who made his reputation at Sporting CP, arrived at Old Trafford with a clear mandate to rebuild the squad from the ground up. His tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent have been identified as crucial factors in the club’s potential renaissance.

Amorim’s vision for Manchester United extends beyond mere player acquisitions. The manager has emphasized the importance of creating a cohesive playing style that can be sustained over multiple seasons. This long-term approach has influenced the club’s transfer strategy, with priority given to players who can adapt to his preferred formations and tactical systems.

The squad overhaul at Old Trafford has been comprehensive, touching every area of the pitch. The defense, which was particularly porous during the previous season, has been identified as a priority area for strengthening. The midfield requires players who can provide both creativity and defensive solidity, while the attack needs individuals capable of converting chances and providing the clinical edge that was sorely lacking in the previous campaign.

Manchester City’s Measured Response

Manchester City’s third-place finish in the Premier League, while disappointing by their recent standards, demonstrated the club’s resilience and ability to recover from adversity. The autumn period had been particularly challenging for Pep Guardiola’s side, with a series of poor results leading many to question whether the team would even qualify for European competition.

However, the latter part of the season saw City rediscover their form, ultimately securing Champions League qualification with relative ease. This recovery highlighted the squad’s quality and Guardiola’s tactical flexibility, though it also revealed areas that require attention ahead of the new campaign.

Guardiola’s approach to the transfer market has been characteristically methodical. The Spanish manager has focused on identifying specific gaps in his squad and targeting players who can fill those roles effectively. The early June acquisitions were particularly significant, as they were made with the Club World Cup in mind, demonstrating the club’s commitment to competing on multiple fronts.

The City manager’s philosophy of continuous improvement has driven the club’s transfer activities. Even with a squad that contains numerous world-class players, Guardiola recognizes the need for fresh blood and new ideas to maintain competitive edge. This approach has led to both incoming transfers and the departure of players who no longer fit the system or have reached the end of their peak years.

Kyle Walker’s Journey: From Milan to Burnley

Kyle Walker’s career trajectory over the past year perfectly encapsulates the fluid nature of modern football transfers. The veteran right-back’s loan spell at AC Milan during the second half of the previous season was seen as a potential pathway to a permanent move away from Manchester City. However, the Italian club’s decision not to pursue a permanent deal left Walker in limbo regarding his future.

The initial reports linking Walker with Everton created significant excitement among Toffees supporters. A one-year deal had reportedly been agreed, offering the experienced defender a chance to remain in the Premier League while providing Everton with proven quality at right-back. However, football transfers are notoriously unpredictable, and Everton’s subsequent shift in focus to other targets left Walker once again searching for a new club.

Everton’s pursuit of Kenny Tete from Fulham appeared to be their preferred option, but Tete’s decision to sign a new contract at Craven Cottage forced the Merseyside club to reassess their options. The emergence of Kyle Walker-Peters as a target, following his departure from Southampton, demonstrated Everton’s commitment to strengthening their defensive options despite the setback with Walker.

Walker’s eventual agreement with newly-promoted Burnley represents a fascinating chapter in his career. The two-year deal, worth up to £5 million to Manchester City, provides the 35-year-old with an opportunity to play regular first-team football in the Premier League. For Burnley, securing a player of Walker’s experience and quality represents a significant coup as they prepare for life back in the top flight.

The medical examination that Walker underwent on Friday marked the culmination of weeks of negotiations between the various parties. David Ornstein’s reporting for The Athletic provided crucial insight into the deal’s structure, highlighting the performance-related clauses that could see the fee rise to its maximum value.

Walker’s move to Burnley also reflects the changing dynamics of the Premier League. The veteran’s willingness to join a newly-promoted side demonstrates both his desire to continue playing at the highest level and his recognition that his options at top-six clubs have become limited. For Burnley, the signing represents their ambition to establish themselves as a Premier League club rather than merely survive relegation.

Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona Dream

Marcus Rashford’s situation at Manchester United has become one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer transfer window. The academy graduate’s desire to leave Old Trafford represents a significant moment in the club’s recent history, given his status as both a homegrown talent and a symbol of the club’s connection to its local community.

The decision to give Rashford’s number 10 shirt to new signing Matheus Cunha sent a clear message about the club’s intentions. This symbolic gesture effectively confirmed that Rashford’s time at United was drawing to a close, despite his lengthy association with the club and previous status as one of their most important players.

Fabrizio Romano’s insights into Rashford’s preferred destination have added another layer of complexity to the situation. Barcelona’s appeal to the English forward is understandable, given the club’s history of developing attacking players and their commitment to attractive, possession-based football. The Spanish giants’ status as reigning La Liga champions only adds to their allure.

However, Rashford’s determination to hold out for a Barcelona move, despite having multiple other options, demonstrates both his ambition and his willingness to take risks with his career. The forward’s patience in waiting for his preferred destination could either pay dividends or potentially leave him in a difficult position if Barcelona’s interest wanes or if they pursue other targets.

The complexity of Rashford’s situation is further compounded by Barcelona’s well-documented financial constraints. The Catalan club’s ability to structure a deal that satisfies both Manchester United’s valuation and their own budgetary limitations will be crucial in determining whether this transfer materializes.

Romano’s revelation that “all parties are going to the same direction for Marcus Rashford to leave” suggests that there is consensus about his departure, even if the destination remains uncertain. This alignment of interests between player, current club, and potential new club often facilitates smoother negotiations and increases the likelihood of a successful transfer.

The Aston Villa Connection

Rashford’s loan spell at Aston Villa during the second half of the previous season provided valuable context for understanding his current situation. The temporary move allowed him to gain regular playing time and potentially rebuild his confidence after a difficult period at United. However, the fact that a permanent move to Villa Park has not materialized suggests that various factors may have influenced this decision.

The suggested swap deal involving Ollie Watkins represented an interesting potential solution that could have benefited both clubs. Watkins’ proven Premier League goalscoring record and his ability to lead the line effectively would have addressed one of United’s key weaknesses. However, Rashford’s reluctance to return to Villa, as revealed by Romano, indicates that the forward has specific preferences about his next destination.

This situation highlights the complex considerations that modern players must weigh when making career decisions. Factors such as playing style, tactical fit, club ambitions, and personal preferences all play crucial roles in determining whether a transfer will be successful. Rashford’s decision to prioritize a move to Barcelona over a return to Villa demonstrates his belief that he can still compete at the highest level of European football.

Strategic Implications for Manchester United

Rashford’s departure, along with the other four players who have expressed desires to leave, presents both challenges and opportunities for Manchester United. The immediate challenge lies in replacing players who, despite their recent struggles, possess Premier League experience and understand the demands of English football.

However, the departures also provide Ruben Amorim with an opportunity to implement his vision more comprehensively. By bringing in players who specifically fit his tactical system and mentality, the Portuguese manager can begin to create the cohesive unit that has been lacking at Old Trafford in recent years.

The financial aspect of these departures cannot be overlooked. Transfer fees received for outgoing players will provide additional resources for Amorim to invest in his preferred targets. This influx of funds could prove crucial in securing the quality of players needed to compete with the Premier League’s elite clubs.

Manchester City’s Squad Evolution

While Manchester United undergoes a comprehensive overhaul, Manchester City’s approach has been more measured and selective. Guardiola’s experience and the club’s recent success have afforded them the luxury of making targeted improvements rather than wholesale changes.

The departure of Kyle Walker, while significant, reflects the natural evolution of the squad. At 35, Walker’s best years are behind him, and his move to Burnley allows City to invest in younger alternatives who can provide similar qualities over a longer period.

City’s early June signings, made with the Club World Cup in mind, demonstrate the club’s commitment to competing on multiple fronts. The additional fixture congestion that comes with participation in FIFA’s expanded tournament requires squad depth and quality that can maintain performance levels across various competitions.

The Broader Transfer Market Context

The movements involving these Manchester clubs reflect broader trends in the modern transfer market. The increasing importance of tactical fit, the influence of player preferences, and the complexity of financial arrangements all play crucial roles in determining transfer outcomes.

The case of Kyle Walker demonstrates how player value and market dynamics can shift rapidly. A player who was once among the Premier League’s premier full-backs has seen his options become more limited as his age and recent performances have reduced his appeal to top-tier clubs.

Conversely, Rashford’s situation illustrates how player ambition and market positioning can create complex scenarios. His desire to join Barcelona, despite having other options, shows how players increasingly view their careers in global rather than purely domestic terms.

Conclusion: The Summer of Transformation

As the 2025-26 Premier League season approaches, both Manchester clubs find themselves at critical junctures. United’s comprehensive rebuild under Amorim represents one of the most ambitious overhauls in recent Premier League history, while City’s more measured approach reflects their position as an established power seeking to maintain their competitiveness.

The transfers and potential moves discussed here represent just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative summer for both clubs. Walker’s move to Burnley provides the veteran defender with an opportunity to continue his Premier League career while allowing City to invest in the future. Rashford’s pursuit of a Barcelona move, meanwhile, symbolizes both his personal ambitions and United’s willingness to part with even their most established players in pursuit of renewal.

The success or failure of these strategic decisions will ultimately be judged on the pitch when the new season begins. However, the early signs suggest that both clubs are committed to the changes necessary to achieve their respective objectives, whether that involves rebuilding from the ground up or fine-tuning an already successful formula.

The coming weeks will likely bring further developments in both stories, with additional signings, departures, and strategic decisions shaping the final composition of both squads. What remains certain is that the Manchester clubs’ transfer activities will continue to be among the most closely watched and analyzed in world football, reflecting their enduring importance in the global game.