EPL Transfer News: Trincão, Gittens, Chelsea and More
Francisco Trincão Set to Commit Future to Sporting CP
Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincão is reportedly close to renewing his contract with the Portuguese side, in a move that could come as a significant blow to Manchester City and Manchester United’s summer plans.
Trincão famously showcased his talent last November when Manchester City endured a heavy defeat in Lisbon during a Champions League clash. His performance caught the attention of many, including Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim—who had previously managed Trincão at Braga and helped facilitate his 2020 move to Barcelona.
According to A Bola, Trincão, along with teammate Pedro Gonçalves, has agreed to a contract extension. Negotiations for both players were deemed a “priority,” and the process is expected to wrap up shortly. The rewards for their loyalty include longer contracts, increased wages, and elevated status within the team.
Despite this development, both Manchester clubs have already secured high-profile attacking reinforcements early in the transfer window. Manchester City signed Lyon’s Rayan Cherki in a £34 million deal, while United activated Matheus Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause to bring the Wolves striker to Old Trafford. Both new arrivals are tipped to be instrumental in the 2025–26 season.
Borussia Dortmund Open to Jamie Gittens Exit Post-Club World Cup
Borussia Dortmund have not closed the door on the possibility of Jamie Gittens departing after the FIFA Club World Cup, with Chelsea leading the race for the 20-year-old forward.
Chelsea’s ongoing commitment to acquiring young, long-term talents aligns well with Gittens’s profile. The Blues have reportedly shown strong interest, seeking to sign him on a contract likely spanning seven or eight years.
Speaking after Dortmund’s Club World Cup draw with Fluminense, sporting director Sebastian Kehl acknowledged discussions with the player: “We’ve had one or two conversations with Jamie in the last few days. He’s professional enough to know that he has to perform. That’s part of his nature,” Kehl stated. “Jamie will still be very important for us in this tournament. We’ll see what happens after that. But I don’t have a negative opinion of him.”
Gittens’s past includes a brief spell at Chelsea’s youth academy, alongside stints at Reading and Manchester City. His move to Dortmund in 2020 at age 16 echoed Jadon Sancho’s path, suggesting a strong development route via the Bundesliga.
Mamadou Sarr Wants to Become One of the Best Chelsea Players by Emulating Rival
Chelsea’s youth-focused recruitment drive continues with the arrival of 19-year-old centre-back Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg. The signing was completed just ahead of the Club World Cup.
Sarr had a commendable campaign in Ligue 1, playing a key role in Strasbourg’s return to European competition after a 20-year absence. His Premier League ambitions are clear—he aspires to become the next Virgil van Dijk. “I want to be like Virgil van Dijk,” Sarr told reporters. “I love van Dijk, he’s a leader. For a defender, that’s very important. But some people tell me I play like Ibrahima Konaté.”
Chelsea paid £11.9 million to bring Sarr to Stamford Bridge. He was immediately included in Enzo Maresca’s squad for the U.S. leg of the Club World Cup tour.
Chelsea Eye Kudus and Pedro Amid Mudryk Concerns
As part of their strategic summer rebuild, Chelsea have held talks over moves for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Brighton striker João Pedro. Manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly eager to bring in a new right-footed left winger, especially following the doping charge hanging over Mykhailo Mudryk, which could result in a ban of up to four years.
While Jamie Gittens remains the club’s priority target, Chelsea are keeping their options open. An enquiry has been made for Lyon’s Malick Fofana, while Kudus and Pedro are under serious consideration.
Chelsea had previously made an approach for Kudus, which was rejected. Now, the club has been offered another opportunity to sign the Ghanaian, though West Ham prefer a cash-only deal, whereas Chelsea are keen on a swap. Kudus has an £85 million release clause, valid only for the first 10 days of July, but the Hammers are unlikely to demand the full amount.
Meanwhile, talks have also taken place regarding João Pedro, who is valued at £60 million. The Brazilian forward is looking for a new challenge, and Chelsea are exploring a potential move.
The Club World Cup might just be the prelude to a busy transfer period for the Blues. The arrival of Brazilian starlet Estêvão from Palmeiras is already confirmed post-tournament, and more signings are likely to follow.