Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed skepticism over Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on DA4P’s YouTube channel, Solanke provided his predictions for the teams likely to qualify for the Champions League spots.

Solanke confidently included Tottenham first in his top-four forecast, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City. When questioned about Manchester United’s potential to challenge for a Champions League position next term, Solanke simply replied, “nah,” instead opting to include Arsenal as a contender.

This blunt verdict reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the Red Devils, who endured a difficult previous season. While Solanke’s confidence in Tottenham’s qualification might raise some eyebrows—given their 17th-place finish last season—his assessment of Manchester United aligns with widespread doubts about their immediate recovery under Ruben Amorim’s management.

Solanke’s straightforward response underlines the challenges ahead for Manchester United, suggesting the club faces another challenging campaign outside Europe’s elite competition.

The latest transfer developments across major European clubs reveal a complex web of interest and negotiation. Liverpool value Luis Díaz highly, with internal estimates ranging from €80 million to €100 million. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have expressed interest in Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, although the player prefers to stay in the Premier League, where Aston Villa and Chelsea are monitoring him.

Chelsea recently made an offer around €65 million for Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız, but the Italian club is adamant about retaining the young winger. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is pushing for a move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is also in talks with Chelsea.

Manchester City has approached Newcastle regarding a £50 million bid for right back Tino Livramento, but Newcastle aims to renew his contract. To offset potential departures, Newcastle may pursue Wolverhampton’s Jørgen Strand Larsen as a striker replacement.

In midfield, Juventus’ Douglas Luiz is attracting attention from Everton, Liverpool, and West Ham – Luiz has delayed preseason return to prompt a transfer. Tottenham Hotspur, despite wishing to keep him, may loan young winger Mikey Moore after his request. Liverpool face transfer pressure from Real Madrid and Barcelona for center back Ibrahima Konaté, with Liverpool priced at £40 million to avoid losing him on a free next summer.

Real Madrid’s new coach Xabi Alonso has concerns about adapting Trent Alexander-Arnold defensively to his style. Barcelona are targeting Man City’s Erling Haaland as a future replacement for Robert Lewandowski; Haaland is reportedly dissatisfied in Manchester and open to leaving the Premier League.

Real Madrid also prepare to negotiate with Vinicius Junior regarding his contract amid concerns over his current form versus salary demands. Villarreal are close to signing Inter’s Tajon Buchanan for €9 million.

Additionally, Como’s manager Cesc Fàbregas aims to sign Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, who is uncertain about staying in MLS and may consider returning to Europe, having ruled out Saudi Arabia. This potential move could mark a significant shift in Messi’s career trajectory.

Manchester City have confirmed an agreement to bring goalkeeper James Trafford back to the club, following his transfer from Burnley. This transaction was facilitated by a £40 million buy-back clause included in the deal when Trafford moved to Burnley in the summer of 2023. Despite this, City’s reacquisition fee is reportedly below that amount. The Athletic reported that Manchester City matched a £27 million bid from Newcastle United for Trafford, who was originally sold for £14 million just two years ago.

This development indicates a likely departure of one of City’s current goalkeepers, as the club seeks to adjust its squad depth. Notably, Pep Guardiola is reportedly eager to retain Ederson despite his attracting interest from Galatasaray.

Trafford has openly expressed his ambition to establish himself in the Premier League and revealed the allure of becoming Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper. Reflecting on his move to Burnley, he stated, “I wanted to go, and when the opportunity came to play in the Premier League and go to Burnley, I was like, ‘Yeah, I want to do that’… I said I wanted to play for Man City, and who doesn’t want to be Man City’s No.1? I believed I could be, but obviously at this moment in time, I’m not going to say that I want to be X, Y and Z because I need to get better.”