Premier League LIVE - Latest transfers as Ipswich sign Kalvin Phillips and team news ahead of 2024/25 season

The new Premier League season is upon us, with Manchester United hosting Fulham in Friday night’s opener and then the rest of the 20 top-flight teams in action across Saturday, Sunday and Monday night as 2024/25 kicks off in earnest. All 20 teams bar one - Liverpool - have made at least one transfer signing this summer so far, but more are certainly in the works with two weeks remaining before deadline day.

Ahead of the opening round of games we’re bringing you all the latest transfer news in one place, but also the latest team news for each game as managers pick their starting XIs, assess who has emerged from preseason in the best form and fitness and decide which tactics are likely to help them achieve their objectives, both for game one and the season as a whole.

Man United’s new double signing from Bayern Munich are both in the frame to feature tonight for a debut, while at Chelsea, Enzo Maresca has a huge squad to choose from - but appears to be struggling to find the right balance. Arne Slot is still assessing his original group at Anfield, while Mikel Arteta has so far opted for small alterations only as Arsenal try to close the gap to Man City - who themselves are just one in, one out in the transfer window.

Follow the build-up to the new season below with all the latest team news and transfer stories:

Premier League team news and latest transfer updates

• Man United face Fulham on Friday night - De Ligt and Mazraoui in frame to make debuts

• Slot responds to Zubimendi rejection and Luis Diaz rumours

• DONE DEAL! Spurs complete surprise £25m signing of Wilson Odobert

• DONE DEAL! Kalvin Phillips handed Ipswich lifeline as midfielder leaves Manchester City on loan

Thomas Frank keen to keep ‘positive character' Ivan Toney

16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Frank is hoping Ivan Toney can stay at Brentford for one more season, despite speculation linking the striker away from the club.

Toney, who was part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad during this summer’s European Championship finals, is yet to secure a move away from Gtech Community Stadium ahead of the August 30 deadline.

Frank confirmed Toney will be available for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

The 28-year-old is expected to start ahead of new signing Igor Thiago, who picked up a meniscus injury during Brentford’s pre-season friendly against Wimbledon last month.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match, Frank said, “The fresh news is he (Toney) trained with a fresh smile, looked sharp, good attitude, he’s available for Sunday.

“Very much (satisfied to have Toney). As long as I have Ivan I am very happy and that’s hopefully for another year because he’s a fantastic player. We’ve had four great years together and we’re hoping for another year.

“We know there’s speculation and back and forths but let’s just enjoy the moment and let’s look one day ahead and see what happens.

“Ivan’s biggest strength (is to be focused)...he’s good at blocking it (speculation) out (and) focus on training. He’s a positive character who enjoys football so it’s quite easy for him to want to play.”

Brentford hold firm on Ivan Toney’s high price tag

Marc Guehi set to feature for Crystal Palace amid Newcastle speculation

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England defender Marc Guehi is set to feature in Crystal Palace’s Premier League opener against Brentford amid reports linking him with Newcastle.

Palace have reportedly received an offer of £65million from the Magpies for their 24-year-old captain following his impressive displays at Euro 2024.

Chairman Steve Parish said earlier in the week that Newcastle would need to pay “superstar money” and Eagles boss Oliver Glasner confirmed Guehi remains in contention to play in Sunday’s match against the Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium.

“Well, yes, Marc trained today with us, we talked together,” Glasner told a press conference.

“I have no other information, I have to look at my bank account to see if something has come in but it doesn’t look like (it) so we plan (for the game) with Marc.

“He’s our player, he’s our captain and I can’t tell you anything else.”

Mikel Arteta remains tight-lipped on Arsenal links with Mikel Merino

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Arsenal begin their campaign at home to Wolves on Saturday and while new signing Riccardo Calafiori could be involved, Mikel Arteta will be without Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee).

The Gunners remain active in the transfer market, but Arteta was tight-lipped on reported target Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad.

“You know that I cannot talk about any other player,” he insisted.

“After the season we had two objectives. The main one and the most important one is to make sure that we still are very much in love with our players and find ways to improve them.

“Then ok, if there are certain opportunities in the market to improve the squad we have to look at that.

“While the market is open, things can happen. That’s always a possibility.”

Leicester suffer striker blow with Patson Daka set to miss months

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Leicester’s preparations for the new season have been hit with news Patson Daka will be ruled out for a “few months”.

The striker suffered an ankle injury during the final pre-season friendly with Lens and has under gone surgery, with new boss Steve Cooper expecting him to be out for some time.

Cooper also said Jamie Vardy and Conor Coady will be missing.

He said during his pre-match press conference for Monday night’s Premier League opener with Tottenham: “Patson is not great. He’s suffered quite a serious ankle injury.

“He’s had an operation and will be out for a few months. Vards has been injured since the second week of pre-season, he’s closer to returning but will be a little while.

“It’s not great. Conor Coady will be out for a few more weeks with his hamstring.

“Vards is at the latter stages of rehab. With his experience, he understands his body and will have a big say in that process of returning.”

Fantasy reminder!

15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With a Friday night game this evening, the deadline to set your FPL teams for the opening weekend is sooner than usual. Looking to bounce back after a tough year or totally new to fantasy football? We’ve picked out 30 players to consider targeting ahead of the new season:

30 FPL players to consider buying for the 2024-25 season

Premier League opening weekend fixtures

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here’s a reminder of the full weekend slate as the Premier League rolls back into town. West Ham against Aston Villa should offer a good gauge of where two teams with real ambition this season are at,

Friday 16 August

Manchester United vs Fulham (8pm BST, Old Trafford)

Saturday 17 August (all 3pm unless stated)

Ipswich vs Liverpool (12.30pm, Portman Road)

Arsenal vs Wolves (Emirates Stadium)

Everton vs Brighton (Goodison Park)

Newcastle vs Southampton (St James’ Park)

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth (City Ground)

West Ham vs Aston Villa (5.30pm, London Stadium)

Sunday 18 August

Brentford vs Crystal Palace (2pm, Gtech Community Stadium)

Chelsea vs Manchester City (4.30pm, Stamford Bridge)

Monday 19 August

Leicester vs Tottenham (8pm, King Power Stadium)

Arne Slot satisfied with Liverpool squad despite lack of incomings

15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insists his side have not been weakened by a lack of signings.

The Reds are the only Premier League team yet to bring anyone in after their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi was ended when the Spain international rejected a move to Anfield.

Centre-back Joel Matip, midfielder Thiago Alcantara and second-choice goalkeeper Adrian all left the club at the end of their contracts, while Fabio Carvalho was sold to Brentford in a £27.5million deal.

The departure of manager Jurgen Klopp after nine years at Anfield also represents a huge change for the club but Slot, who arrived from Feyenoord in June, is confident progress can be made with the quality of the squad he inherited.

And he has not ruled out sporting director Richard Hughes coming up with a signing before the end of the window.

“I’ve said many times already our squad is really strong and it’s not easy to find players who can help us or strengthen the squad,” he said ahead of their Premier League opener at Ipswich.

“Zubimendi was one of them to be fair but he decided not to come. We go forward with the ones we have. We are in a good place.

“In the background Richard is trying to strengthen the squad as he can, unfortunately Zubimendi decided not to come.

“He did every effort and tried everything to bring him in but if a player doesn’t want to come, it’s obvious he’s not coming.”

Pep Guardiola rules Rodri out of Manchester City opener

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been ruled out of his side’s Premier League opener at Chelsea on Sunday.

City are bidding to make it five straight top-flight titles and while England trio Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker could feature, City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed Rodri will not be ready.

The 28-year-old Spaniard has only just returned to training after being forced off at half-time during his country’s win against England in last month’s Euro 2024 final.

Guardiola said: “He is in training. I don’t know, I haven’t seen him yet. He feels good. We’ll have to see how he feels after training.”

When asked if he could be involved at Stamford Bridge, Guardiola replied: “No chance.”

Foden, Stones and Walker could be included in the squad despite only returning to training in midweek after an extended break.

“I’m pretty sure they won’t be ready for 90 minutes, maybe yes, maybe 15 minutes,” Guardiola said.

“The important thing is everybody is back and except for Oscar (Bobb) the rest are OK.”

Bobb will have surgery on Friday to repair a fractured bone in his leg following a non-contact training ground incident on Wednesday and Guardiola expects the Norway winger to be sidelined for up to four months.

Eddie Howe reveals likely Callum Wilson return date

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Newcastle will be without striker Callum Wilson for tomorrow afternoon’s encounter with Southampton, but there was encouraging news from Eddie Howe today as the manager revealed that the striker is not far away from a return.

“Callum will be back in the early part of the season,” Howe said. “He’s probably a couple of weeks away. He’s making really good progress. To be honest, he wants to push a bit faster, but we’re just trying to manage the situation.”

The long-term absences of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles reduce Newcastle’s options at the back, and Joe Willock is also not yet fully match fit. Sandro Tonali, meanwhile, will be available from August 28 after serving his betting suspension.

DONE DEAL! Ipswich secure Kalvin Phillips on loan

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England international Kalvin Phillips has joined newly-promoted Ipswich on a season-long loan from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who spent the second half of last season with West Ham, could make his debut in Saturday’s clash with Liverpool at Portman Road.

“This is a day I’ve been waiting a number of weeks for now and I’m very happy to be here,” Phillips told the Tractor Boys’ website.

“I want to play as many games as possible, enjoy playing football again and help the team win as many games as possible in the Premier League.”

Phillips, who has 31 international caps and represented his country at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, has made only five top-flight starts since leaving boyhood club Leeds to join City for a reported £45million in 2022.

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, who guided the club to promotion last term, said: “Kalvin has much to offer us in terms of his qualities both on and off the ball, and he is a really humble and likeable character.

“He has been a key member of a newly-promoted team in the Premier League before and of course made a big impression for Leeds United during that period.”

Brighton team news ahead of Everton trip

14:15 , Karl Matchett

Tariq Lamptey, Pervis Estupinan and Evan Ferguson are all back in training for Brighton but are unlikely to be involved at Goodison Park at the weekend.

Hurzeler said: “There are quite a few players who came back this week. I can’t say if they’re already ready for the first game at Everton.

“Pervis is back on the pitch, Tariq is back on the pitch, Ferguson will be too. So it’s great news, but I’m not sure if they’re ready for the first match.

“I think that the squad who played against Villarreal, all of them should be ready.

“We are trying to push our limits, we try to build on the foundations of the last years.

“The Premier League is very competitive but when I look at our squad, the potential is there. The belief is that we can achieve something and make it a season to remember.”

Forest boss Nuno hoping for VAR improvements

14:00 , PA

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo hopes he will not be criticising referees this season.

Nuno was regularly questioning decisions which went against his side last term and on Thursday was handed a £40,000 fine and a suspended touchline ban for comments he made after his side were controversially denied three penalties at Everton last season.

But after Premier League managers met with Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) boss Howard Webb this summer, Nuno is confident better decisions are on the way.

Asked whether he will be moaning about referees as much this season, which kicks off at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, he said: “I hope not, honestly.

“We had a nice meeting, the managers, and he [Webb] explained in detail the changes that they want to implement. Decisions to take less time, better decisions, I’m confident.

“I’m really confident after the meetings we’ve had things will improve, not only for Forest but for all the Premier League. They are trying very hard to improve. We have to trust the referees.

“When people tell you and speak to you and you see their desire to improve, we have to trust them and we as a club have to trust them.

“They are trying very hard to make improvements. I always said - and I said this at the meetings - that it’s the referees who should be the ones to make the decisions, not those who are so far away. That was my main message.”

Joao Cancelo could return for Man City

13:45 , Karl Matchett

Pep Guardiola revealed Joao Cancelo could make a shock return to the Manchester City side after 18 months in exile.

The full-back has not played for City since January 2023 after falling out with Guardiola and has since spent loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

But the Portugal international is training with City’s first team now and may stay, with Guardiola revealing that so far in the transfer window, there has been no interest in signing the 30-year-old.

“Maybe [he will] stay, maybe go on loan, I don’t know yet,” said Guardiola. “He’s training with us, behaving really well in the training sessions. He loves to play football. We will see.”

Asked directly if Cancelo could be back in his team, he replied: “It can happen.”

The former Juventus defender was a key player for Guardiola in the two-and-a-half years before losing his place in the side as he was twice voted a member of the PFA Team of the Year.

But while Cancelo struggled to adapt to a situation when he wasn’t in the team, the City manager said he never doubted his talent.

“In training we say ‘hi’ and talk,” Guardiola said. “About what’s going to happen, it depends on his agents and the club. In the end, if he has to stay we will treat him like all the other players like we have done since I have been here. With respect, and try to take the best for his huge qualities that he has. I never doubt about his qualities one second. But I don’t know what is going to happen.”

When is the FPL deadline and 30 players you should consider signing for the 2024-25 season

13:30 , Karl Matchett

The new season in England’s top flight starts tonight and that means the long-awaited return of Fantasy Premier League.

Many players will have already picked their squads for the opening gameweek of the 2024-25 campaign, though even at this stage, new signings and potential injuries might change things - or just a sudden hit of inspiration after reading a list of the best signings, perhaps.

The usual suspects — the likes of Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah — will be among the most popular picks. But there are plenty of other players across the Premier League who might offer genuine value this season.

And most importantly, with a Friday night kick-off, the deadline for gameweek 1 is fast approaching - so remember to join your mini-leagues beforehand!

Here is everything you need to know on the deadline plus 30 players we think might solid additions to any FPL side.

When is the FPL deadline and 30 players you should consider signing

Willian departs Fulham ahead of Premier League opener

13:15 , PA

One more to add to that Fulham exit list!

Brazil international Willian is leaving Fulham after two years at the Premier League club, the 36-year-old said on Friday.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea player signed a one-year contract extension at Fulham last year, which has now expired. Reports in the British media have linked him with a move to Saudi Arabia.

“I would like to thank Fulham for a wonderful two years. It was special to return to the Premier League and be part of this historic club and the amazing fans,” Willian wrote on Instagram.

“I have had incredible moments and this club will always be in my heart.”

Willian, who plays as a left winger or attacking midfielder, made 58 Premier League appearances during his Fulham stay, scoring nine goals.

He scored in a 2-1 win against his former club Chelsea in January 2023, helping Fulham to get their first league victory over their West London rivals in 17 years.

Fulham begin their Premier League campaign at Manchester United later on Friday.

Fulham’s transfer work so far ahead of trip to Old Trafford

13:00 , Karl Matchett

Tonight’s focus has been somewhat on Man United...but have opponents Fulham done enough this summer? Joao Palhinha is a huge loss...and we don’t yet know how well Emile Smith Rowe will bounce back from two years of barely any football, either.

In

• Ryan Sessegnon - Tottenham, free

• Emile Smith Rowe - Arsenal, £34m

• Jorge Cuenca - Villarreal, undisclosed

Out

• Tim Ream - Charlotte FC, undisclosed

• Joao Palhinha - Bayern Munich, £47.4m

• Bobby Decordova-Reid - Leicester, free

• Tyrese Francois - Wigan, free

• George Okkas - Rio Ave, free

• Tosin - Chelsea, free

• George Wickens - Lincoln, undisclosed

• Marek Rodak - Released

• Terence Kongolo - Released

• Luciano D’Auria-Henry - Released

• Caelan Avenell - Released

• Ma’Kel Bogle-Campbell - Released

• Montague Conway - Released

• Matt Dibley-Dias - Northampton, loan

• Devan Tanton - Chesterfield, loan

• Luke Harris - Birmingham, loan

• Olly Sanderson - Bradford, loan

• Kieron Bowie - Hibernian, undisclosed

• Harvey Araujo - Chesterfield, loan

Lee Carsley reveals thoughts on picking first England squad in post-Gareth Southgate era

12:45 , Karl Matchett

A quick break from the Premier League and a word from the new interim England boss, Lee Carsley - who has said that he wants to put his “own stamp” on the team as he prepares to take charge of the senior squad for the first time.

Carsley was appointed as interim earlier this month after Gareth Southgate stepped down in the wake of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. His first match in charge will be the Nations League fixture against Ireland - for whom he won 40 caps as a player – in September.

And speaking to the FA’s in-house media channel, Carsley said that this role is “a very prestigious job following Gareth and Steve [Holland] and the great job that they have done”.

“First and foremost, it’s getting the squad together and picking the right players while trying to get a balance between making sure it’s fresh and competitive but understanding that there are games that we need to do well in and win.

“It’s important that we put our own stamp on the squad and make some adjustments, but also to realise that a lot of the players have done really well in the past and we have to acknowledge that.”

Carsley will be looking to emulate the success of his predecessor, and potentially go one step further if he ends up staying in the job.

The 50-year-old won the U21 European Championship in 2023 with a squad including Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Curtis Jones. It was the first time in 39 years that England had won the tournament.

“I’ve got a relationship with those players and have known them quite a few years,” Carsley said.

“There’s players that I don’t know as well, but I’m very much aware of them and I think we’ve got some outstanding players in the senior team.

“In the pathway, the level of players over the years has really improved and you can see that by the way we’ve done in major tournaments. The next step is winning, and that’s got to be the objective.”

Erik ten Hag dismisses suggestions he prefers players with Dutch experience

12:30 , Karl Matchett

Erik ten Hag dismissed suggestions he prefers players with experience of Dutch football after Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui became the latest to join Manchester United this week.

The defenders completed moves from Bayern Munich to Old Trafford on Tuesday, linking back up with their former Ajax manager ahead of the Premier League opener against Fulham.

Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez and Antony also played under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, while former loanee Sofyan Amrabat was managed by him at Utrecht.

Tyrell Malacia, Wout Weghorst and Joshua Zirkzee hail from the Netherlands, plus Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount played there, meaning 11 of the 20 signings made his since appointment in 2022 have a Dutch association.

Asked if that background was something he favoured or just a coincidence, Ten Hag said: “No, no, not for favourite. First of all, it’s club decisions. None of them is only my decision.

“It’s always backed or even brought up through the scouting, recruitment, the technical director, the sporting director.

“It’s a decision made by more than only one but, yeah, some you know, the players and personalities, and also it has to fit also in the finance.”

The Premier League writes its own storylines - but Man City case casts a long and inevitable shadow

12:15 , Karl Matchett

There are only a handful of people who know exactly what is happening in the Manchester City case and one of them had to promote the new Premier League season this week.

“It’s clear we have some regulatory challenges,” competition chief executive Richard Masters said. “But I’m confident we can navigate all of that and, by the time we sit down again in 12 months, a lot of that stuff will be clearer and we can have the way we always want it, which is the football front and centre.”

It’s quite a hopeful spin that is perhaps natural from the world’s most bombastic league, especially since this season could involve a storm like no other. This could well be the most controversial and consequential campaign in the English game’s history, that reaches both Bosman and Italy’s Calciopoli in terms of its effects. It could change the face of the table, the future, the past, as well as the Premier League’s very image. An outcome of the City case is expected by April, but any time that late is almost even worse for the Premier League.

There is a striking thought, that feels like it hasn’t been fully grasped as pundits talk about whether Pep Guardiola must sign another forward.

If the repeat champions are found guilty, it could mean the main title challengers suddenly drop right down the table or even be expelled. It’s why this really has to be discussed before any other football this season, as the English game faces a truly unprecedented situation. If it does get to that, it will bring doubt on all of their titles going back to the start of the period covered by these 100-plus charges. Even if City are found not guilty, or any sanction is deemed too soft, the fervent feeling among rivals could lead to civil war. Aside from the upheaval of financial rules, there is the possibility of open revolt from clubs who believe they can’t compete with a state-owned project.

Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney’s big Premier League preview:

Man City case casts inevitable shadow over Premier League’s return

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe on transfer fees amid Marc Guehi rumours

12:00 , PA

Eddie Howe speaking on Newcastle’s ongoing transfer activity: “We’re hopeful. We’re working hard. There’s no lack of effort from outside but, as I said earlier, there’s nothing close.”

Howe declined to comment on Marc Guehi specifically - Crystal Palace reportedly rejected a third bid last night - but when asked if any deals were close, he said: “Not that I know of.”

Speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, as reports suggested the Magpies had made a fourth bid for the £65m-rated England international defender, head coach Howe admitted they would not be held to ransom over any player.

Asked if there was a time when the club would walk away from a deal, he said: “We have done many times in my time here, especially early on where there was very much a ‘Newcastle tax’ on any deal where when we would ring up, the price would double, so many times we were, ‘No, that’s not for us, we’re not going to go down that road where we feel we’re over-paying for players’.

“That’s changed slightly because people have seen the dynamic, that we’re not going to pay silly fees for players, so I think now it’s returned more to normality.”

Bournemouth boss Iraola discusses Solanke and new striker Evanilson

11:45 , PA

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola knows his job has been made harder by Dominic Solanke’s departure but feels the imminent arrival of Brazil striker Evanilson will help take the club forward.

Solanke completed his switch to Tottenham last week in a deal which could eventually be worth £65million.

The sale of Bournemouth’s top scorer, who netted 21 goals in all competitions last season, will be offset somewhat by the signing of Evanilson from Porto, with the reported fee an initial £31.7m as part of a club-record £40.2m transfer.

Should all the paperwork be completed in time, Evanilson could feature in Saturday’s opening Premier League game at Nottingham Forest.

Iraola, though, knows replacing Solanke will be a tough ask.

“For us without Dom, my job is going to be more difficult because he is a hell of a player,” the Bournemouth boss said at a press conference.

“But there is also a personal side, that you want the best for him. We will want him to score a lot of goals, to beat every opposition, to be as good as he is.

“I am sure he will be because his behaviour has always been top. It is not easy to score the goals he has scored, to have the performance he has had.

“For sure, he has had offers before, he was very happy here, he has been until the last day. It is also a good chance for him, but we wish him all the best.”

The deal for Evanilson, 24, would have to be completed by midday on Friday for the Brazilian to be involved at Forest.

“He has been here, he arrived last night, he has gone through all the medical stuff, but still he has things to do,” said Iraola.

“A lot of paperwork to do, so I don’t know really what’s going to be the process, when it’s ready.

“I cannot tell you if everything is going to be finished for tomorrow or not.”

Evanilson scored 13 league goals for Porto last season, including a hat-trick in the group stage of the Champions League against Royal Antwerp.

“He is still young, he has played Champions League football, has had experience with the national team,” Iraola said. “If we complete the signing, it will be a good signing for us.”

Bournemouth also confirmed the departure of midfielder Romain Faivre on loan to Ligue 1 club Brest.

Premier League transfer rumours

11:30 , Karl Matchett

Plenty of transfer rumours are persisting around the Premier League, with several teams needing to strengthen before the window closes at the end of the month.

Defending champions Man City are looking to recruit after losing Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and Oscar Bobb to a leg fracture. Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with a move to Guardiola’s side, with other rumours suggesting that the Cityzens could also look to sign Crystal Palace’s Ebere Eze.

Arsenal continue to be frustrated in their pursuit of Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, while they continue to look for suitors for Eddie Nketiah, who is valued at around £30m.

Liverpool were another club frustrated by Real Sociedad, with top summer target Martin Zubimendi eventually turning down the chance to play at Anfield (for now anyway). The Reds have been linked with Valencia ‘keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, though that signing would be one for the future with the Georgian likely to be immediately loaned out.

Spurs complete signing of winger Wilson Odobert

11:16 , Karl Matchett

Tottenham have completed the signing of Wilson Odobert from Burnley. The 19-year-old forward has agreed a contract until 2029 and will wear the number 28 shirt at Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou’s team moved for Odobert after an encouraging debut campaign in England. Odobert made 32 appearances and scored four goals for Burnley after a move from Troyes, but was unable to keep them in the Premier League.

The French winger will now swap the Clarets’ promotion bid in the Championship for life back in the top flight at Tottenham, who will also compete in the Europa League this season.

Reports suggest Spurs have paid around £25m for Odobert, following on from the arrivals of £60m Dominic Solanke, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and the extension of Timo Werner’s loan.

Golden Boot contenders to beat Erling Haaland and latest odds ahead of 2024/25 Premier League season

11:00 , Chris Wilson

The 2024/25 Premier League season gets underway on Friday night and while team honours and objectives are the overriding factors at play, the individual accolades of the campaign will once more be in the spotlight - with the Golden Boot usually an intriguing battle of form and fitness in attack.

Over the past two years, though, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has run away with it - winning back-to-back awards after scoring 36 and then 27 league goals, five clear last year of his nearest rival, Cole Palmer.

Prior to the Norwegian’s arrival it was Mohamed Salah who was frequently in the running, winning or joint-winning on three occasions, though another summer of transfers, managerial changes and shifts in tactical trends means we could well see new candidates emerge across the next ten months.

Golden Boot contenders to beat Haaland and odds ahead of 24/25 Premier League

Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, top four, relegation, best signing, top scorer and more

10:45 , Karl Matchett

Hold on to your hats once again everyone: the Premier League is back this weekend.

Manchester City, after their fourth title in a row, are aiming for a magnificent five-in-a-row - but will this be the season Arsenal finally get over the line and win a first top-flight crown in 21 years?

Liverpool will be an intriguing watch under new manager Arne Slot and a total of five clubs will take to the new season with a fresh look in the dugout, with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Julen Lopetegui at West Ham, Steve Cooper at Leicester City and Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton.

Maresca at Chelsea will be a fascinating watch and how will Erik ten Hag fare at Manchester United after being given a new contract? The journeys of the newly-promoted trio of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton will be interesting, too.

Now, ahead of the opening game between Manchester United and Fulham on Friday night, our writers make their predictions for the next season:

Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, relegation, best signing, and more

Matthijs de Ligt signing is proof Erik ten Hag is all-in on his Dutch gamble

10:30 , Chris Wilson

“Manchester is red,” read the message on a football club’s social-media account; though not from the Manchester club who play in red. It was a cheeky point made by Ajax, surveying Manchester United’s recruitment drive and the addition of two of their alumni, Matthis de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, on the same day. It means that, in the former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag’s reign, United have now spent around a quarter of a billion pounds on his Ajax players.

Not that all the proceeds have gone to Amsterdam: De Ligt and Mazraoui arrived from Bayern Munich, just as Andre Onana had taken the long route from the Netherlands, via a one-season stay at Internazionale. But Ajax cashed in to the tune of £56m for Lisandro Martinez and, ridiculously, £86m for Antony.

Matthijs de Ligt signing is proof Erik ten Hag is all-in on his Dutch gamble

Premier League transfer rumours

10:15 , Chris Wilson

Manchester United have been active in the market, having recently completed the signings of Bayern duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. They continue to be linked with PSG’s Manuel Ugarte as a midfield target, as well as Burnley’s Sander Berge. Christian Eriksen is the latest player rumoured to be leaving the club.

Tottenham are fresh off completing the signing of Dominic Solanke and the sale of Emerson Royal, and they are another club that has been linked with Ebere Eze.

Newcastle will soon welcome back Sandro Tonali from his ban, though both Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon have been linked with moves away. The club recently had a fourth bid rejected for Marc Guehi, and have been linked with Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah and Noni Madueke.

Aston Villa have had a quieter window in terms of links, though there have been rumours that they want to hijack Atletico’s deal for Conor Gallagher. The club has also been pursuing Sporting winger Pedro Goncalves.

And the transfer merry-go-round at Chelsea continues, with the club linked to Joao Felix most recently. There are rumours that they have expressed an interest in signing Jadon Sancho, and they continue to be linked to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

Liverpool team news - Arne Slot faces media ahead of first match in charge

10:00 , Karl Matchett

And here’s the Reds’ new boss on his approach with the squad, the availability for tomorrow and how he’s planning to get the best out of a couple of players:

“You don’t get points in preseason but the games are important to prepare for the Premier League. It’s not harder to prepare for a promoted team because we saw their games from last year and preseason. It’s true there’s positivity around a club like this but as people told me, every game is intense here and there are no easy games. That’s what we can expect tomorrow.

“As a manager you try to implement your playing style. We try to adjust where we can to improve the team a bit and that’s what gives me and my staff the energy. The players do the things we want and buy into it. How far are we along? Some have been in for 10 or 12 days but many things have stayed the same and we’re ready for the game tomorrow. If I’m here for five, six, seven years I’ll still give the same answer: there’s lots to improve.

“A position for a player is related to the team. You want to bring the best out of a player but first out of the team. Trent is known for playing right full-back and in the modern game a lot go into midfield. I saw him do that last season and in the middle at the Euros. It’s up to me where I think he can help the team the most.

“Everyone is fit.

“Darwin [Nunez] we bring as much as we can into scoring positions but every individual benefits from team performances. Not only him but others, they will score goals as we’ve seen in preseason. We scored even from smaller chances. We have to bring him, Diogo [Jota] and others into promising positions.”

Liverpool transfers - Arne Slot faces media ahead of first match in charge

09:46 , Karl Matchett

Here’s Liverpool’s Arne Slot talking just now about transfers, before his first game in charge tomorrow:

“I’ve said many times, our squad is really strong and it’s not easy to find player who can help us. Zubimendi was one to be fair but he decided not to come so we go on with the ones we have. We’re in a good place and in the background [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad as he can. He tried everything but the player decided not to come.

“The rest of the team (apart from Matip, Thiago and Adrian) stayed together and that’s a good thing. Jurgen left a good team and we’re building from there. Last season they won a trophy, this year won’t be easy but we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“I don’t think this is the place to talk about contracts but I can assure you they (Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah) are in the squad tomorrow.

“I don’t understand the argument if you don’t strengthen you’re weaker. The training ground you can help the team and players to improve - that’s what happened here recent years. Maybe you mean the clubs around you strengthen and become better but it’s not always true if you sign players you’re better. Every player needs perspective on playing time and sometimes the group energy goes down with many new additions.

“If we think we’ve found someone we’ll try and bring him in. The one we thought could help us said no but in the background Richard is trying to improve the team.

“Luis Diaz? His future is with us. I like a lot what I’ve seen in the last ten days, he’s had a big impact on Liverpool.”

Predicted line-ups

09:30 , Chris Wilson

Manchester United XI: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Pellistri, Martinez, Casemiro, Mainoo, Garnacho, McTominay, Rashford, Fernandes.

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson, Lukic, Pereira, Smith Rowe, Wilson, Muniz, Iwobi.

Team news

09:15 , Chris Wilson

Tonight, Fulham play their first competitive match since losing Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich. The Portuguese signed for a fee of around £45m, and Fulham responded by later signing Emile Smith Rowe for a club record fee of £27m plus add-ons.

Earlier in the window, the club brought back Ryan Sessegnon from Spurs, and added centre-back Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal. Both players, as well as Smith Rowe, are in contention to start tonight.

It remains to be seen who’ll start up front for the Cottagers, with Raul Jimenez in contention but Rodrigo Muniz expected to get the nod.

Expect to see plenty of the same faces we saw last season too, with Andreas Pereira, Adama Traore and Bernd Leno all keeping their places in the starting eleven.

Team news

09:00 , Chris Wilson

Manchester United have already picked up a host of injuries in pre-season, including their biggest summer signing so far Leny Yoro, who has undergone surgery and is expected to miss three months.

Rasmus Hojlund also sustained an injury and will miss six weeks, while Luke Shaw missed the Community Shield.

The club have since signed defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who are both in line to make their debuts on Friday evening.

Is Man Utd vs Fulham on TV?

08:45 , Chris Wilson

Manchester United vs Fulham kicks off at 8pm BST on Friday August 16, at Old Trafford Stadium.

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League with coverage on both channels starting at 6.30pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the match via the SkyGo App.

You can find out everything you need to know below.

Is Manchester United vs Fulham on TV? How to watch Premier League opener

Man Utd vs Fulham

08:30 , Chris Wilson

Manchester United host Fulham in the opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League season on Friday.

Erik ten Hag’s side had a disappointing season last time around, finishing in eighth place, and only qualifying for Europe because they won the FA Cup.

Their goal difference was lower than any team placed above them and they conceded 58 goals during the season, while only scoring 57.

United have made some key backroom acquisitions over the summer,including Ruud van Nistelrooy, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.

It will be the first full season since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a stake in the club and there are high expectations set.

Man Utd new duo could make debut against Fulham

08:15 , Karl Matchett

More team news from this match to come, but first it’s worth noting that the Manchester United boss has confirmed his latest additions can play tonight.

Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui could make their Manchester United debuts against Fulham on Friday after Erik ten Hag confirmed his new signings are in contention for the Premier League opener.

The two former Ajax defenders joined from Bayern Munich in a £52m double deal and could be plunged into United’s injury-hit defence.

“They will be in the squad,” said Ten Hag, who revealed Harry Maguire is also available after coming off in the Community Shield.

And Ten Hag believes Mazraoui’s ability on the ball can make him the answer to United’s problem left-back position.

Man Utd’s new signings could make debuts against Fulham confirms Erik ten Hag

Premier League transfers and team news - live updates

08:10 , Karl Matchett

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage and build-up towards the 2024/25 season - today we’re bringing you an all-day lead-up to the opener, Manchester United against Fulham, with the latest team news for all ten matches in the top flight across the weekend.

We’re also keeping a full focus on all the latest transfer news, rumours and completed deals, with Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all rumoured to be targeting significant signings over the past couple of days.

Stay tuned for all the latest before a ball is kicked!