The football transfer market continues its busy pace, coinciding with the highly anticipated return of the EFL Championship this Friday, featuring many new faces. This update provides a mid-week overview as European clubs finalize preparations for the upcoming season.
Upcoming Matches
Footy Fix
- Leagues Cup: Orlando City vs. Necaxa, 7 p.m. U.S./Eastern
- USL Championship: Monterrey Bay vs. FC Tulsa, 10 p.m. U.S./Eastern
- League One: Port Vale vs. Cardiff City, 3 p.m. U.S./Eastern
- Leagues Cup: Monterrey vs. Charlotte FC, 7:30 p.m. U.S./Eastern
The Forward Line
A Battle for Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko is the latest highly sought-after attacker in Europe, drawing significant interest from the Premier League, with Manchester United and Newcastle United competing for the 22-year-old forward.
Reports indicate that Newcastle initially offered approximately $87 million plus $6 million in add-ons, which RB Leipzig rejected. Manchester United then made a similar $87 million offer but included $12 million in add-ons. Although Leipzig accepted Newcastle`s improved bid of $96 million plus $3 million, Sesko reportedly favors a move to Old Trafford. This preference suggests he is likely to become United`s new central striker, potentially becoming the focal point of manager Ruben Amorim`s rebuilding strategy.
Ahead of his first full season, United has focused recruitment on players suitable for Amorim`s preferred 3-4-3 formation, significantly bolstering their attack this summer with signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Sesko would be the central figure in this attacking trio, a seemingly natural progression for a young forward with immense potential to become a generational talent. However, questions remain about the Slovenian international`s readiness for such a significant move. His strong attributes, including speed and physicality, appear to be raw talent rather than a fully developed skill set, which is understandable for a 22-year-old. While Amorim`s ability to develop a talent like Sesko is currently unknown, his successful guidance of Viktor Gyokeres (now at Arsenal) at Sporting Lisbon offers a promising precedent.
Sesko`s potential transfer to United also highlights the ongoing challenges at Old Trafford. He represents just one piece of an unfinished team, undergoing yet another rebuild in the past decade, with hopes that this attempt will finally succeed. The club seems to have placed significant trust in Amorim for his first full season, despite him being relatively new to elite-level management and assembling a somewhat unproven squad to execute his vision. The speed at which this plan will materialize – or if it will at all – remains the persistent question at Old Trafford, alongside concerns about whether anyone involved will be given sufficient time to bring it all together.
Midfield Link Play
Championship`s Attackers Take Center Stage
The European football season unofficially commences with the EFL Championship`s opening match this Friday. The highly anticipated Premier League promotion race will be a major focus this weekend, as 24 hopeful teams strive for a spot in England`s top flight over the next nine months. Action begins at St Andrew`s with a clash between two promotion contenders: Birmingham City and Ipswich Town, with the latter returning to the Championship after finishing 19th in the Premier League last season.
While the three promotion spots are a primary goal, players can also earn their way into the Premier League next year by excelling in England`s second division. The Championship has proven to be a valuable proving ground for players transitioning to the Premier League, with Viktor Gyokeres serving as a recent example. The new Arsenal player scored 41 goals for Coventry City before his move to Sporting Lisbon, where he excelled before securing a high-profile transfer to north London. Many players are worth watching who could follow in Gyokeres` footsteps, with Middlesbrough`s Tommy Conway topping the list.
Chuck Booth`s assessment of Tommy Conway: `We`re looking at a quintessential number nine now, with high expectations for Tommy Conway this season. He recorded 13 goals and one assist last season for Middlesbrough and is becoming a consistent scorer at this level, with 31 Championship goals and five assists in the past three seasons across Bristol City and Boro. At 23, he may not have the work rate of others on this list, but his strong finishing compensates for it, especially since he contributes to the attack and buildup with his passing. On a different team, his assist numbers might be higher, but that`s not required at Boro, where he is free to stay in the box and convert chances.`
American forwards will also have opportunities to impress over the coming nine months, especially with a World Cup on home soil less than a year away. Josh Sargent and Haji Wright remain with Norwich City and Coventry City, respectively. Additionally, two new American names join the league after participating in this summer`s Gold Cup final run: Damion Downs, who joined Southampton from FC Koln, and notably, Patrick Agyemang, who moved to Derby County from MLS` Charlotte FC.
Top Stories
- Sesko`s transfer fee: RB Leipzig is set to receive approximately $100 million for Benjamin Sesko, raising questions about whether such a high price is justified for the player and his future club.
- Unprepared Premier League teams: With just over a week until the Premier League season starts, several teams still have significant work to do to be ready for their opening matches.
- PL promotion challenges: While Wrexham aims for a fourth consecutive promotion, advancing through the Championship to the Premier League is exceptionally difficult. This section examines the requirements for Premier League promotion and how newly promoted teams typically fare.
- Son Heung-min to LAFC: Son Heung-min is reportedly finalizing a record MLS transfer to LAFC, a move that appears mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
- NWSL`s return highlights: Trinity Rodman shone in the NWSL`s first weekend back from the summer break, earning a spot on the Team of the Week, while the Kansas City Current maintains its strong position in the power rankings.
- Crystal Palace`s promising season: Following their FA Cup victory, Crystal Palace might be set for a significant season, possibly including European competition, much like other rising teams in Europe`s top five leagues.
- Lucho Acosta`s MLS future: The latest updates on Lucho Acosta`s potential MLS departure and what his role with the U.S. men`s national team could be.
- Thomas Partey joins Villarreal: Thomas Partey will sign with Villarreal after being granted provisional bail in England following charges of rape and sexual assault.
- La Liga vs. Premier League debate: The Morning Footy panel discusses whether any player from the Premier League`s best XI could make it into La Liga`s equivalent top squad.
The Back Line
Best Bets
- Upcoming Bet: Leagues Cup – Monterrey vs. Charlotte FC, Thursday, 7:30 p.m. (U.S. Eastern)
- Prediction: Wilfried Zaha to score (+185) – Although Wilfried Zaha isn`t Charlotte FC`s primary goal scorer with six goals this season, the winger is in strong form, contributing to four goals in his last four games. It`s plausible he`ll score again on Thursday in North Carolina, potentially helping Charlotte secure their first Leagues Cup victory.
For more expert picks, predictions, and betting news, explore our dedicated betting insights.
What We`re Watching
What`s on CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): This morning show helps fans start their day with highlights, interviews, and major soccer storylines.
- Attacking Third (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday): A live studio show dedicated to women`s soccer, covering the NWSL, USWNT, and European domestic leagues. Analysts provide breakdowns and insights throughout the year.
- Call it What You Want (Tuesday and Thursday): Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola discuss USMNT topics and the state of U.S. soccer as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup.
- Scoreline (Daily): A new daily show featuring the biggest news and results from global football, along with match highlights and memorable goals.
- How to watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel providing extensive coverage of global soccer competitions. It can be streamed on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
