Manchester United are set to make a fresh approach for Michael Carrick’s dream midfield signing. The Red Devils have sparked their summer transfer window to life in recent weeks, snapping up Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but they are far from done.

Carrick wants his side ready to compete for the top two or three in the Premier League and to be able to sustain a Champions League run, and he knows more talent and depth is needed to pull that off. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester City are not standing still, and United already have a gap to bridge to those sides.

The midfield is a vital component of United’s recruitment this summer, given they lost Casemiro, and now that they have snapped up Santos and Tielemans, the priority will be to find a dominant holding midfielder to play that Casemiro role.

Man Utd reach out again over ‘dream midfielder signing

Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters

United have long dreamed of the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, but a deal has not been on the table up to this point, with Los Blancos valuing Tchouameni as a key part of their midfield, but things are changing at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are now expecting to sign Manchester City and World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri, with the Spaniard said to be keen to return home following his World Cup win, captaining La Roja to the ultimate prize. Rodri actually came through with Atletico Madrid before joining Villarreal and later returning, but those loyalties don’t seem to be a concern.

The move is good news for United, and not just because it means Manchester City will lose a generational player, and perhaps their most important player. The move could change Real Madrid’s stance over Tchouameni, who may himself feel as though his minutes will be reduced with the arrival of Rodri.

According to Simply Utd, Real Madrid are ‘open to a sale’ as long as it is at the right price, which is likely to be a high one, and United are said to have made ‘fresh contact’ over a deal. They are also said to hold an interest in Eduardo Camavinga, who Real Madrid may be more willing to lose this summer, although that is purely speculation.

Man Utd ‘dream’ of Tchouameni signing, but price is an issue

via Reuters

Speaking this week, the Manchester Evening News’ Railston claimed the midfielder signing would be a ‘dream’ for United, but the likely price is going to be an issue. He said: “Speaking to a United source across the weekend in Trondheim, they were adamant that a deal for Tchouameni is not currently realistic due to the cost involved. The internal feeling is that if Real Madrid were willing to sell the midfielder, he would not be available at a price United could meet.

“Tchouameni is a dream signing for United, and they would absolutely make an offer if they received the right signals from Madrid on price, but how much they would want remains to be seen, and whether they are willing to sell at all.”

SummerSlam has always stood as one of WWE’s most iconic and eagerly anticipated spectacles, known for producing storybook moments and legendary clashes inside the squared circle. Since debuting in 1988, the event has played host to some of the most famous matches in WWE history, captivating generations of fans around the world.

Last year marked a major milestone, as SummerSlam became a two-night event for the very first time, mirroring WrestleMania’s format and promising double the action, drama, and unforgettable memories.

As we count down to this landmark pay-per-view, it’s only fitting to look back at the greatest matches that have defined the SummerSlam legacy. WWE recently released their ranking of the top 25 matches in SummerSlam history on YouTube, highlighting iconic bouts that combined tense storylines, in-ring mastery, and show-stopping moments. From classic rivalries to brutal stipulations, these matches have left an everlasting mark on fans and the entire sport.

10

The Undertaker vs Edge

Hell in a Cell Match – SummerSlam 2008

Few rivalries of the late 2000s carried as much personal animosity as The Undertaker and Edge, and their Hell in a Cell clash at SummerSlam 2008 was the brutal end of months of betrayal and revenge. The match embraced chaos from the opening moments, using steel steps and Edge’s trademark tables, ladders and chairs to create a spectacle worthy of the stipulation. It was a war that never stopped escalating, highlighted by Edge’s shocking Spear through the announcer’s table, and The Undertaker’s top-rope chokeslam through stacked tables that had fans losing their minds.

What set this contest apart was the story it told: The Deadman methodically dismantling his rival, paying back every cheap shot and ambush Edge had orchestrated in their feud. The post-match scene, with Undertaker sending Edge crashing through the ring as flames erupted from the hole it had carved, remains one of SummerSlam’s most unforgettable images.

9

Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon

Intercontinental Title Ladder Match – SummerSlam 1995

The sequel to their iconic WrestleMania X ladder match carried immense expectations, but Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon once again delivered a contest that redefined what the Intercontinental Championship could represent. By 1995, Michaels had become one of the company’s most popular stars, creating a rare spectacle of two fan favourites battling for the same prize.

The match blended daring innovation with clever strategy, as Razor focused on Michaels’ leg to slow his ascent, whilst HBK relied on his trademark agility and high-risk offence. Their clashes at the summit of the ladder felt tense and dramatic, with each fall and counter drawing a reaction from the crowd. The finishing sequence, with Michaels finally scaling the ladder and grabbing the title, before sharing a respectful handshake with Ramon, cemented this as not just a rematch, but a worthy continuation of one of WWE’s most influential rivalries.

8

The Rock vs Brock Lesnar

WWE Undisputed Title Match – SummerSlam 2002

SummerSlam 2002 marked a generational shift as The Rock defended the WWE Undisputed Championship against Brock Lesnar, a dominant newcomer who had taken WWE by storm. Lesnar’s sheer power dictated the opening stages, with suplexes and heavy strikes wearing down the champion and establishing him as a physical force unlike anything The Rock had faced.

The match unfolded at a relentless pace, blending spectacle with personal animosity. Paul Heyman’s typical interference backfired spectacularly when The Rock delivered a Rock Bottom through the announcer’s table, igniting the crowd. In a dramatic exchange, both men even used each other’s finishing moves, symbolising the desperation to leave with the title. The closing sequence saw Lesnar counter The Rock and land a decisive F-5 to secure the pin and claim the championship. At just 25 years old, Brock’s victory not only crowned him the youngest world champion in WWE history at the time but also signalled the arrival of a new era.

7

Shawn Michaels vs Triple H

Street Fight – SummerSlam 2002

Shawn Michaels’ return to the ring after more than four years away was always going to be emotional, but his Unsanctioned Street Fight with Triple H at SummerSlam 2002 exceeded every expectation. The story was deeply personal, with two former friends turning into bitter enemies and the atmosphere inside Nassau Coliseum reflected that intensity.

Michaels defied doubts about his physical condition, starting fast with aerial attacks and fearless dives, including a breathtaking splash through a table at ringside and an elbow drop from the top of a ladder. Triple H navigated the match in his usual fashion, calculated brutality, targeting Michaels’ surgically repaired back with chair shots and backbreakers. The bout’s climax saw Michaels reverse a Pedigree attempt into a sudden jackknife roll-up, securing an emotional victory. But the celebration was short-lived: Triple H’s post-match sledgehammer assault left Michaels motionless and being stretchered out, perfectly setting the stage for the continuation of their legendary rivalry.

6

The Hardy Boyz vs The Dudley Boyz vs Edge & Christian

Triple Threat Tag Team TLC Match – SummerSlam 2000

SummerSlam 2000 hosted the first-ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs match, and it didn’t come in a singles match either. Instead, fans were treated to a triple threat tag team match featuring three of the greatest tag teams the WWE has ever seen: The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian. With the tag team belts suspended above the ring, all three teams used these pieces of hardware as both weapons and stepping stones in a chaotic contest that redefined what fans expected from tag team wrestling.

The match became a demolition derby where every team seemed to take their turn crashing through tables, from The Dudleys’ devastating 3-D on Christian, to Jeff Hardy’s missed Swanton Bomb, to Bubba Ray Dudley’s harrowing plunge from a ladder through four of them stacked at ringside. Interference from Lita added another layer of drama, culminating in her being skewered by an Edge Spear. The finale saw Jeff Hardy hanging from the titles before being struck down with a thrown ladder, allowing Edge & Christian to climb unopposed and win the match. As the two champions came back to the canvas, there was no celebration, only carnage, as the ring resembled a sea of motionless bodies.

5

Bret Hart vs Owen Hart

WWE Title Steel Cage Match – SummerSlam 1994

SummerSlam in 1994 showcased one of WWE’s greatest sibling rivalries as Bret and Owen Hart waged war inside a steel cage for the WWE Championship. The match was as much about family pride as it was about the title, with the Hart family watching on from ringside, wincing as the two brothers used the unforgiving structure to punish one another.

Unlike many cage matches of the era, this was built on dramatic escapes rather than simple brutality. Time and again, each brother clawed towards freedom only to be dragged back inside, including tense moments where they traded blows balanced at the very top of the structure. Owen’s piledriver and Sharpshooter nearly sealed the win for him, but Bret’s resilience turned the tide. In the end, Owen’s leg became trapped in the cage as they raced their way down the outside, allowing Bret to jump down and retain his title. Shortly after Bret was announced as the winner, the celebration was cut short when Jim Neidhart blindsided him. Neidhart and Owen then locked themselves inside the cage with Bret, trapping him and unleashing a vicious attack while the rest of the Hart family desperately tried to get over the cage to intervene.

4

CM Punk vs Brock Lesnar

No Disqualification Match – SummerSlam 2013

Dubbed “The Best vs The Beast”, CM Punk’s clash with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2013 was a brutally personal war born from betrayal by Paul Heyman. The no disqualification stipulation allowed both men to unleash everything in their arsenal across 25 brutal minutes that blended technical skill, high-flying offence and raw power.

Punk’s resilience and creativity shone through, using chairs, aerial dives and submission holds to counter Lesnar’s overwhelming strength. The tension heightened whenever Heyman got involved, breaking pins and interfering at key moments, which only fuelled Punk’s fury. After nailing Lesnar with the GTS and locking in the Anaconda Vice, Punk appeared on the verge of victory until another one of Heyman’s distractions turned the tide. Lesnar capitalised, driving Punk into a steel chair with an F-5 to secure victory in one of the most revered SummerSlam matches of the modern era.

3

Bret Hart vs Mr. Perfect

Intercontinental Title Match – SummerSlam 1991

SummerSlam 1991 delivered a technical masterpiece as Bret Hart challenged Mr Perfect for the Intercontinental Championship. Both men were renowned for their in-ring precision and storytelling, and their chemistry was on full display from the opening exchange. Perfect’s arrogance met Hart’s relentless determination, creating a match that balanced athletic counters with hard-hitting strikes and dramatic near-falls.

The contest unfolded like a clinic in wrestling fundamentals, with each competitor targeting weaknesses and refusing to give an inch. Perfect’s crisp offence and Hart’s resilience kept the crowd hooked, building to a decisive finish where Hart applied the Sharpshooter to force the submission, ending Perfect’s 280-day reign as champion. The victory not only earned Hart his first singles title in WWE but also elevated the Intercontinental Championship itself, solidifying the bout as one of the most celebrated examples of pure technical wrestling in WWE history.

2

John Cena vs AJ Styles

Singles Match – SummerSlam 2016

By the time John Cena and AJ Styles met at SummerSlam in 2016, their rivalry had become one of WWE’s most intriguing modern feuds. Styles was the popular newcomer from outside WWE and had already proven he could beat Cena with help from The Club, but this was about settling the score one-on-one.

The match delivered a dramatic back-and-forth spectacle, blending Cena’s powerhouse offence with Styles’ fluid counters. Signature moves were exchanged and reversed in rapid succession as the Styles Clash and Phenomenal Forearm came agonisingly close to sealing it for Styles, as Cena’s Attitude Adjustments, including a huge top-rope version, stunned the crowd with near-falls. In the final moments, Styles countered one last Attitude Adjustment into another Styles Clash and a second Phenomenal Forearm to secure the clean victory. It was proof that a SummerSlam classic didn’t need championships on the line or special stipulations, just two elite performers at their very best.

1

Bret Hart vs British Bulldog

Intercontinental Title Match – SummerSlam 1992

SummerSlam 1992 remains one of WWE’s most iconic nights. The event was held at Wembley Stadium before more than 80,000 fans, a rare UK stage for a pay-per-view and the perfect setting for Hart’s defence of the Intercontinental Championship against the Bulldog. The atmosphere was electric, with home-country support for Davey-Boy Smith amplified by the presence of boxing champion Lennox Lewis walking him out to the ring, holding a Union Jack aloft.

The match itself was a masterclass in contrasts. Hart’s precise technical wrestling met Bulldog’s raw power, creating a compelling back-and-forth story. Both men pushed each other to the limit, with Hart applying the Sharpshooter multiple times in a desperate bid to retain the title, and Bulldog answering with explosive suplexes, including one from the top rope, and his trademark running powerslam. The finish came when Hart attempted a sunset flip, only for Bulldog to counter into a mounted pin and claim the championship as the British crowd erupted in celebration.

The touching image of Bulldog, Bret, and Diana Hart (Bret’s sister and Bulldog’s wife) embracing together in the middle of the ring, after she had watched anxiously from ringside as two of her closest loved ones put on an all-time classic remains one of the most emotional moments in SummerSlam history.

Football players come in all shapes and sizes – and the case is no different in the sport’s most-watched division: the Premier League. While some use their diminutive size to weave in and out of players and stay afoot in the tightest of spaces, there’s something weirdly majestic about watching an abnormally tall footballer do his thing.

Whether it’s a goalkeeper who can fill the sticks with his large-statured frame, a centre-back that dominates aerial duels or a striker that is often used as an archetypal target man, the tallest players often stick out like a sore thumb, purely because of how they tower above everyone else on the turf.

Many of the all-time footballing greats, however, have been on the shorter end of the height spectrum. Take Argentina duo Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona for example, though being tall does have its uses on a football pitch, especially for those who typically use their hands rather than their feet. This list looks at the 22 tallest players to ever step foot in a Premier League fixture, and there are some real throwback names who make it.

22

Nick Woltemade

198cm

In the summer of 2025, Newcastle United were in the market for a new striker to replace Alexander Isak, and they eventually signed Nick Woltemade in a £69.3m move from Stuttgart. Eddie Howe’s side didn’t just snap up one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe, but one of the tallest too. The German stands at just under two metres tall, which only added to an already physically dominant team.

There were very high expectations for Woltemade following his move, but he hasn’t lived up to expectations just yet. He enjoyed a good start to life in England but ended his debut Premier League campaign with an underwhelming eight goals in 33 appearances.

21

Wayne Hennessey

198 cm

Wayne Hennessey – one of the greatest Wales goalkeepers in football history – called time on a successful football career in the summer of 2025. He spent his latter years as a back-up goalkeeper, first with Burnley and then with Nottingham Forest.

Prior to that, though, Hennessey was number one at Wolverhampton Wanderers, who he played for between 2006 and 2014, and at Crystal Palace from 2014 to 2021, helping the latter reach the FA Cup final. At almost two metres tall, he was one of the tallest shot-stoppers to have played in the Premier League.

20

Kristoffer Ajer

198 cm

Kristoffer Ajer first came to the attention of many in Europe during his time with Scottish Premiership juggernauts Celtic, in which he won three Scottish Premiership titles before moving south of the border to join the west London-based outfit in 2021.

The Norwegian, 28, has endured his fair share of struggles with injury since then, but when fit and raring to go, he has proven himself a capable Premier League option, utilising his height well in a team that so greatly relies on set pieces and throw-ins. He’s also sound defensively and uses his frame to tower over the opposition.

19

Asmir Begovic

199 cm

Asmir Begovic made his debut in English football with Portsmouth in 2005, though would spend the following five years out on a number of loans before his 2010 move to Stoke City, where he truly established himself as a first-choice ‘keeper. Incredibly, he is perhaps best remembered for scoring one of the longest goals in Premier League history.

In fact, Croatia-born Begovic famously scored from his own box against Bolton Wanderers for the Potters and joined Chelsea in 2015, where he would go on to become a Premier League champion. Stints with Bournemouth, Everton and QPR followed before Begovic joined Leicester City as a back-up goalkeeping option.

18

Jannik Vestergaard

199 cm

After making a name for himself in the Bundesliga, Jannik Vestergaard moved to England in 2018, joining Southampton under manager Ralph Hassenhuttl. Over the next three years, Vestergaard, who stands just below two metres tall, announced himself as an imposing defender, which eventually led to Leicester City making a bid for him in 2021.

Though he had a mixed relationship with former manager Brendan Rodgers, Vestergaard stayed with the club after their relegation and was a key part of the team that won immediate promotion back to the Premier League. The 59-cap Denmark international is currently a free agent after being releaed by leicester following their relagation to League One.

17

Sasa Kalajdzic

200 cm

The Austrian’s time in the Premier League didn’t exactly get off to a flyer after putting pen to paper in the summer of 2022. A five-year deal was rolled out in front of the large-statured frontman as Wolverhampton Wanderers looked to alleviate their goalscoring issues. Instead, on his debut in September, Sasa Kalajdzic suffered a season-ending ACL injury having played just 45 minutes for the Old Gold.

If the striker thought he had put that issue behind him, then he was sadly mistaken. Kalajdzic suffered another knee injury while on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt in February 2024, with it being the third significant issue with his knee. After spending the 25/26 campaign on loan at LASK, Wolves fans are patiently waiting for the day they can use his height to their advantage.

16

Thibaut Courtois

200 cm

A Premier League great, Thibaut Courtois established himself as one of modern football’s greatest goalkeepers while at Chelsea. Standing at 200 cm, his imposing silhouette between the sticks was enough to strike fear into the finest of strikers during his west London days.

Even better, the imposing Belgian uses his height to his advantage even to this day with Real Madrid, commanding incoming set pieces and decreasing angles for strikers to shoot at. Once he hangs up his gloves, he will be well-placed alongside the likes of Manuel Neuer and Gianluigi Buffon as the best of the best – and not because of his height. A Champions League winner with Los Blancos, the big Belgian has seen it and done it all at club level.

15

Lorenzo Lucca

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

With Nottingham Forest struggling during the 2025/26 season, they decided to sign giant striker Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli in the hopes he could score the goals that would propel them to safety. The Tricky Trees’ form improved, and they successfully avoided relegation, but the Italian only played a very minor role in that.

Lucca enjoyed an impressive debut as he scored against Leeds United. But he would only play three more times in the Premier League, with Chris Wood and Igor Jesus preferred. Forest had an option to buy Lucca but, unsurprisingly, they decided not to make his stint permanent.

14

Dan Burn

201 cm

Newcastle-born and bred, Dan Burn, who makes the Premier League’s tallest XI, has been a paramount aspect of Eddie Howe’s success on Tyneside, most notably their return to the Champions League for the 2023/2024 campaign. The 34-year-old enjoyed the trials and tribulations of English football before getting his chance to perform at its highest level, having endured stints at Darlington, Yeovil and Wigan.

Plying his trade at centre-back for the majority of career, a switch to left-back occurred while under Graham Potter’s watchful eye at Brighton & Hove Albion and the role change has persisted since, following his move to Tyneside. A threat at both ends of the pitch, his game encapsulates much more of being a footballer, given he is defensively astute and overly calm in possession of the ball. Now an England international too, the defender picked up his first career trophy when he marshalled the Magpies to a Carabao Cup triumph in 2025.

13

Fraser Forster

201 cm

Fraser Forster has chalked up 155 games in the Premier League for both Spurs and Southampton. Throughout his career, the six-cap Englishman has struggled to cement himself as a sure-fire starter at a top club, though he enjoyed the majority of his success in Scotland with Celtic, a club for which he won four league titles and three Scottish Cup trophies.

While things may not have exactly gone swimmingly in England’s top-flight for the 38-year-old, there’s no doubt that he is a solid goalkeeper and is one of the tallest at that – standing at 201 cm tall. Forster is a backup goalkeeper at Bournemouth.