Why central midfielders are this summer’s biggest transfer trend

Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali And Carlos Baleba — possibly even Bruno Guimaraes, Alex Scott, Tyler Adams And Aurelian Chaumeny — All have one thing in common: These are must-have targets that virtually every top team wants to sign this summer.

If you want to spot the big transfer trend, it’s all about the midfielders.

only Arsenalwho added Martin Jubimendi An impressive midfield group already in place last summer Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard And Michael MarinoStrong enough in the middle of the pitch they can leave their rivals fighting for a small pool of top midfield talent this time around.

Casemiroupcoming departure from Manchester United As a free agent and the uncertainty ends Rodriits future Manchester City Ensure the two Manchester clubs are in the race to sign the best deep-lying No. 6’s and box-to-box No. 8’s before the start of next season.

Liverpool Also looking to add youthful energy and proven ability to their midfield this summer, it will lead to a domino effect further down the line if top clubs secure their main targets. Premier League table, clubs need to replace midfielders they lose to stronger rivals.

A year ago, the summer transfer window was all about finding a world-class center forward to score the goals that would take a team to the next level.

Liverpool have sealed a British-record £125m deal for Newcastle Alexander IssacArsenal have ended their long search for a centre-forward by signing Victor Gaikeres in a £64 million transfer from Sporting CP And Manchester United beat Newcastle to sign Benjamin Sesco In a £74 million move from Arabic Leipzig.

Chelsea Also reinforced with moves for their forward line John Pedro (£60 million, Brighton) and Liam Delap (£30m, Ipswich), while Newcastle reinvested in signing Issac Windfall Yon warned (£55 million, Brentford) and Nick Oltemed (£69 million, VFB Stuttgart)

The pursuit of attacking reinforcements has also seen Liverpool commit to a £116 million deal to bring him in Bayer Leverkusenof Florian Wirtz And Arsenal added the winger You are Maduek (£48m, Chelsea) and midfielder God bless you (£67.5 million, Crystal Palace), while forwarding Mathews Cunha And Brian Mbeumo Headed to Old Trafford from Wolves and Brentford, transfer fees of £133.5m respectively.

Twelve months on, the focus has shifted, and City, United and Liverpool are all fighting for the same goal.

Nottingham Forest And England Midfielder Anderson is a player that everyone wants. Sources have told ESPN that City and United are in the lead to sign the 23-year-old, although the clubs have been told that a fee of as much as £120million could be required to lure Forest to a deal, meaning alternative options are being explored. United have made it clear they will not make a £120m move for a player whose transfer cost £35m when he left Newcastle at the City Ground two years ago.

CTO interested in Chelsea Enzo Fernandezwhose transfer cost the London club a then British record fee when he completed the £106.3 million switch Benfica In January 2023, and they could end the summer with a strong pairing of Anderson and Fernandez if they are prepared to approve huge contracts for the two players.

Sources have told ESPN that United want to bring in at least two new midfielders this summer CasemiroIts departure and Manuel UgarteFailed to succeed at Old Trafford.

Kobi MainuLast week’s decision to sign a new deal until 2031 gave United some certainty going forward, but two new signings remain essential and, should they miss out on Anderson, their options list includes Real MadridIts Chaumeny, Palace’s Wharton, Brighton’s Baleba and the Bournemouth duo of Scott and Adams.

Athleticism, the ability to create and dictate play and consistency are United’s key requirements — United States of America International Adams could prove too risky given his injury record — but the market may ultimately dictate that they compromise their checklist to make a deal and strengthen that vital area of ​​their squad.

Sources say United and City are also interested in Newcastle’s Tonali and Guimaraes, but much depends on the direction Newcastle take this summer in terms of manager Eddie Howe’s future and whether the club’s Saudi Arabian owners are prepared to invest more or have to offload players first to raise funds for new deals.

But United and City are both clubs likely to make the biggest moves in midfield, with Liverpool rivaling both for leading targets.

Sources said so Mohamed SalahDue to his departure at the end of this season and a long-term Achilles tendon injury Hugo is in Ekiti That means Liverpool will focus on adding right-sided forwards and strikers to their squad. Arne Slott’s side also look to add left back cover due to Andy Robertson’s decision to move on.

But with Alexis McAllister Struggling to recapture last season’s form and Japan international Wataru EndoWith his future uncertain, Liverpool are looking to add at least one midfielder to their squad.

Whether Liverpool can beat United and City to the likes of Anderson, Tonali or Guimaraes, if Newcastle are prepared to do business, remains to be seen, but the outgoing champions will be swimming in the same waters as their Manchester rivals.

Arsenal have their top-class midfield already locked in, but everyone else is looking for the same thing and just like last year’s striker deal, clubs will overspend and make mistakes. But the clubs that get it right will be challenging for the biggest trophy next season.