Manchester United are reported to be preparing a substantial midfield overhaul this summer, with the club said to be willing to “go very big” on central reinforcements. The plan could involve two marquee arrivals and has placed soon-to-be free agent Leon Goretzka firmly on the radar.

Goretzka spent eight seasons at Bayern Munich after joining on July 1, 2018. Arriving from Schalke as a wiry all-rounder, he bulked up during the COVID-19 hiatus and returned with a markedly different build. The 6’2″ midfielder described himself as “more self-confident and more robust.” He added: “Going into full-blooded challenges feeling like that gives me a greater sense of security.” Under Hansi Flick he drove Bayern to the 2019–20 Bundesliga title and a Champions League triumph.

Across his Bayern spell the record shows Joined: July 1, 2018; Games: 292; Goals: 47; Assists: 48; Titles: x6 Bundesliga, x1 Champions League, x2 DFB Pokal, x1 Club World Cup, x1 UEFA Super Cup. Injuries disrupted the following two seasons and, when Thomas Tuchel arrived in 2023, the new coach immediately sought to move him on that summer. Bayern’s board retained him, but reduced playing time followed and that decline cost him a place at the 2024 European Championships held on German soil.

Vincent Kompany initially shared Tuchel’s lack of faith before reintegrating Goretzka and praising his response: “Leon has always worked hard, he’s always been hungry in training,” and, “It’s a good thing for Leon and the other lads. Leon showed the right reaction: with his feet, not with words.”

United, despite an upturn under Carrick, still need a central midfield replacement for the outgoing Casemiro. Manuel Ugarte had been the ideal profile but appears not to be the solution. Goretzka’s more front-footed profile would likely complement one of the three midfield targets United have been circling for months: Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. Anderson is described as arguably the most complete of the trio, though his dominance may reflect both his talent and his teammates’ limitations, and all three are expected to command substantial fees.

Lucas Paquetá has completed a return to Flamengo after three-and-a-half years with West Ham United, a move that ended speculation about offers from two Premier League clubs. On arrival in Rio, Paquetá told Flamengo TV that his priority was clear and recounted how interest from England did not change his mind.

“Tottenham called, Chelsea called,” Paquetá revealed. “And the funny thing is that Tata [Paquetá’s agent] called all excited and said, ‘Chelsea’s calling, they’re gonna make an offer.’

“I replied, ‘Okay, but what about Flamengo?’ He said, ‘Are you serious?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I don’t want to know about that. I want to hear about Flamengo,’ and that’s how it all happened.”

The 28-year-old elected to leave Europe and rejoin the club where he began his career. Flamengo paid West Ham £35.8 million (€42 million, $49.4 million) for Paquetá, a fee described as the highest ever for transfers within North and South American football. That figure eclipsed the recent record set when Cruzeiro paid €27 million ($32 million) to sign Gérson from Zenit.

Flamengo returnees and recent signings underline the club’s continental ambition. Since Paquetá departed in January 2019, Flamengo have claimed three Copa Libertadores titles and begin the season as defending Brazilian League and Libertadores champions. The squad has also added players with European experience, including Saúl Níguez, Samu Lino and Jorginho.

Paquetá framed his decision in personal terms in a farewell to West Ham, writing that he wanted to “find joy in football again and regain my peace.” The midfielder had been subject to an English Football Federation investigation into alleged gambling charges but was cleared. He now arrives at Flamengo hoping for consistent minutes and to position himself for selection by Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.

After midweek’s conclusion of the Champions League and Europa League group stages, attention turns back to the Premier League for Gameweek 24. Manchester United arrive on Sunday buoyed by recent results under Michael Carrick, while rivals face a potentially decisive trip to north London for the title race.

Brighton and Everton meet in a tight mid-table duel where three points separate the clubs. Brighton’s reliable home record and Everton’s strong away form point to a close game. A draw looks the likeliest outcome: Brighton 1–1 Everton.

Arsenal travel to Elland Road under fresh scrutiny after their defeat to Man Utd. Mikel Arteta made sweeping changes in midweek and the side need points to rebuild momentum. Leeds’ strong run makes this a difficult test and a narrow win for the visitors is predicted: Leeds 1–2 Arsenal.

Wolves versus Bournemouth in the Midlands carries little immediate consequence for the table. Both defences have been vulnerable recently and an open, high-scoring game is probable: Wolves 3–3 Bournemouth.

Chelsea have enjoyed a marked improvement under Liam Rosenior, including a key midweek win in Naples. With Cole Palmer returning, Chelsea should have the depth to cope with a congested schedule and are favoured: Chelsea 3–1 West Ham.

Liverpool host Newcastle in an evening fixture that promises intensity despite midweek travel. Liverpool remain without a league victory in five games and Arne Slot’s side have defensive issues. Alexander Isak remains absent through injury. Expect a draw: Liverpool 2–2 Newcastle.

Aston Villa return to Villa Park while managing a mounting injury list in midfield and attack. They should just edge a competitive Brentford: Aston Villa 2–1 Brentford.

Man Utd will look to extend their run at Old Trafford against Fulham following consecutive big wins. United’s defensive reshuffle has steadied them and they are predicted to prevail: Man Utd 3–1 Fulham.

Palace continue a winless run of 11 matches with Oliver Glasner seeking to arrest the slide. Nottingham Forest arrive in better form and should take a narrow home victory: Nottingham Forest 1–0 Crystal Palace.

The weekend closes with Tottenham hosting Man City. City have regained momentum and, despite Tottenham’s ability to frustrate top sides, a Man City win is forecast: Tottenham 0–2 Man City.

Monday’s fixture sees Sunderland expected to overcome Burnley at the Stadium of Light: Sunderland 2–0 Burnley.