Manchester United appear close to completing the £38 million ($51 million) signing of Atalanta midfielder Éderson, but that move is only the opening act of a wider summer rebuild. With Champions League football returning and the fixture list set to intensify, the squad will need better balance and depth across several positions.

Left back is an obvious priority. Tyrell Malacia’s exit, Patrick Dorgu’s redeployment and Luke Shaw’s injury record during congested periods leave the position thin. Lewis Hall is presented as the standout target. The 21-year-old has developed since leaving Chelsea for Newcastle United, with three strong campaigns delivering Premier League and Champions League experience. Hall’s attacking intent and defensive tenacity mark him out, but securing him could command a sizeable fee, potentially around £60 million ($80 million).

United also require a second central midfielder beyond Éderson. Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s underperformance have left the engine room light. Kobbie Mainoo is viewed as the club’s future, but options beyond him are limited. Éderson brings some of the destructive traits that Casemiro supplied, which would allow the club to invest in a more technical partner. With Elliot Anderson increasingly expected to join Manchester City, Adam Wharton is put forward as a fitting deep-lying playmaker. The 22-year-old enjoyed Conference League success with Crystal Palace, has nearly a century of appearances since arriving virtually unknown in early 2024, and could command a nine-digit sum.

A specialist left winger is also required. Matheus Cunha and Dorgu have filled the role at times, but a dedicated option is preferable across a congested campaign. Bradley Barcola is one of the names linked; PSG’s fourth-choice forward could seek more minutes if Yan Diomande arrives from RB Leipzig. Barcola has 50 goal involvements across the past two seasons, but his price could reach around $134 million if PSG choose to sell.

Finally, United reportedly want another centre forward to compete with Benjamin Šeško without displacing him. Jean-Philippe Mateta is highlighted as an attractive option. His Palace form led to inclusion in Didier Deschamps’s World Cup squad, and he has been a consistent Premier League goalscorer with the power, speed and finishing required to thrive in England.

Manchester United have opened internal discussions with Bruno Fernandes as the club seeks to remove uncertainty over the midfielder’s future. The move follows a season in which Fernandes elevated his output, breaking the Premier League single-season assist record with his 21st on the final day of the campaign.

Reports from Fabrizio Romano indicate United recognise the risk of an exit and have held private talks with the 31-year-old. A release clause of around $77 million (£57 million) remains active in Fernandes’s contract, and the player has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and across Europe.

Club officials have made clear they do not want to sell and wish to continue working with Fernandes, who has previously insisted he would happily stay at Old Trafford as long as he is wanted. The coming summer will test that position.

The case for a sale has centred on finances rather than form. When United struggled under Ruben Amorim last year, few players carried clear transfer value beyond Fernandes, who drew offers from Saudi Arabia worth over $135 million. At that stage a broad squad overhaul appeared likely and Champions League income looked uncertain.

In the space of a year the picture has changed. United have qualified for Europe and several players who struggled under Amorim have improved under Michael Carrick. The immediate squad concerns that fuelled talk of wholesale rebuilding have receded.

The club’s pressing need is now in defensive midfield after Casemiro’s departure. Targets such as Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali will command large fees, and expenditure last year on Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens limits available funds.

While selling Fernandes would raise significant money, doing so ahead of a return to the Champions League and after a season that earned him the Premier League Player of the Season award would be difficult to justify. Club decision-makers appear to accept that funds will need to be found elsewhere.

West Ham’s relegation has forced an urgent summer of choices. Traveling supporters will face novel away days and the absence of VAR next season, but the larger consequence is the club’s reduced leverage over its top players. While Bowen has insisted he’ll remain loyal despite their plight, he may not have a choice.

Tottenham Hotspur are an obvious talking point. West Ham ended their unofficial transfer embargo with Tottenham Hotspur last summer when the clubs completed a deal for Mohammed Kudus, so there is a recent precedent. Spurs need greater quality and depth in forward areas, but selling Bowen to the East End’s bitterest top-flight foes would be incendiary. Few were thrilled by the Kudus deal and moving West Ham’s crown jewel to Tottenham would “surely spark acrimony.” For those reasons, Spurs look an unlikely destination this summer.

Chelsea present a plausible tactical fit. A pivotal summer awaits the club after a season that ended with a 2–1 defeat at Sunderland and the absence of European soccer. New manager Xabi Alonso could use superior quality out wide whether he operates a back three or a back four. Chelsea must streamline their squad and trim a mediocre group of wide players. Estêvão’s hamstring injury is a concern at a key stage of his development. Bowen is the experienced head Alonso supposedly wants, plus he spent the past two seasons as West Ham’s captain. His work ethic out of possession, pace on the counterattack and finishing would address several Chelsea priorities, even if other options appear more likely at this stage.

Manchester United also warrant consideration. United spent more than $270 million (£200 million) to reinvent their attack last summer and will prioritise other positions as they prepare for a return to the Champions League. Michael Carrick’s back-to-basics approach delivered the highest points-per-game of any Premier League manager this season and earned him a two-year contract. Amad Diallo has recorded just one goal contribution at club level in 2026, and with Bryan Mbeumo offering more as a fluid centre forward, United could look to upgrade down the right and exploit West Ham’s weakened negotiating position.