All posts by n8rngtd.top

Liverpool defied expectations when winning the Premier League last season, but now that they have been crowned champions and are strengthening in the summer transfer market, the wider lens on Arne Slot’s project will be heightened.

To put it another way, Liverpool have returned to the top of English football but must now prove they can defend their title while challenging for the bigger prizes across other fronts.

Mohamed Salah will no doubt have his eyes on the Champions League, while defeat to Newcastle United in March’s Carabao Cup final will fuel the desire to conquer one of England’s domestic tournaments, for sure.

With Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz already bagged and more yet to come, there are so many reasons to be excited for Liverpool fans right now, even if a number of first-teamers potentially face exits before the 2025/26 season arrives.

Most notably, Ibrahima Konate has rejected Liverpool’s latest contract offer, while Luis Diaz, 28, continues to be at the centre of exit rumours. If the Colombian winger is sold, sporting director Richard Hughes has worked with Slot to determine that Anthony Gordon is the perfect replacement.

Why Liverpool could sign Anthony Gordon

It almost feels like Gordon is fated to play in a Liverpool shirt at some stage of his career. Last summer, the Reds were interested in completing a deal, but for Newcastle’s success in avoiding financial breaches through less damaging means.

Liverpool are well stocked on the left flank, but if Diaz is sold – Bayern Munich are the latest club to express an interest in the 28-year-old – a move could be revisited for the man who left the Anfield academy when he was just 11 years old.

Recent reports suggest Liverpool would need to cough up around £75m for the Three Lions star, but, aged 24, this could be a worthwhile investment for a tenacious and electric forward.

Such a move, as stated, hinges on Diaz leaving, and the same could be said at number nine, for Darwin Nunez has failed to bring it together under Slot’s wing and is heading for the door.

Alas, Nunez is set to leave. Napoli are set for crunch talks with Liverpool over the Uruguayan striker, paving the way for a superstar to head down the opposite direction.

Liverpool launch bid for striker

According to French journalist Sebastien Vidal, Liverpool have launched an official bid Napoli’s way for Victor Osimhen, who is back from a season-long loan with Galatasaray and expected to leave the club this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Despite Osimhen being one of the best strikers in the world, he fell out with the Serie A side, and there is no route back. The Italian champions, despite their stance, are unwilling to budge on their £64m valuation.

Well, in that case, Liverpool have offered Nunez and Federico Chiesa, both of whom are coveted by the Neapolitans, as makeweights, additionally putting £17m into the package.

Manchester United, Gala and Saudi Arabian clubs also linger in the race.

Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimhen

We all know that FSG’s dream target is Alexander Isak, who was actually declared “the best striker in the world” last season by analyst Raj Chohan, but the Sweden star is understood to have been valued at £200m, an extortionate fee.

Osimhen, 26, would be a fantastic alternative, having proven himself across a number of years as being one of the most prolific marksmen on the continent and a trophy winner besides.

For sure, he probably didn’t envisage a season in the Turkish Super Lig this time 12 months ago, but the Nigeria international made the most of his season, scoring 37 goals across 41 outings, winning the league title and maintaining comparative prolificness across the span of his career.

Praised for his “world-class” finishing ability by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, Osimhen would certainly prove an upgrade on Nunez, and indeed could be the perfect Isak alternative, for he is athletic and mobile too.

Of course, Osimhen no doubt misses that almost telepathic connection with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at Napoli, the Georgian winger leaving Italy to sign for Paris Saint-Germain for £59m in January, but he could find a dance partner of a similar style in Gordon.

The pacy winger called himself a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against last summer on England duty, having also averaged 1.1 dribbles and 4.4 successful duels per Premier League match last term, as per Sofascore.

With six goals and five assists to his name across the recent league term, there’s no question Gordon regressed after his incredible 2023/24 campaign, notching 26 top-flight goal contributions and earning Newcastle’s Player of the Year award.

One year ago, Dieter Hamann even went as far as to claim that Gordon would be the better pick for the Reds than Kvaratskhelia, directing praise toward the Englishman’s tried-and-tested record in England’s top flight; many talented players have struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the British game before.

He said, “It’s very hard to pick between Gordon and Kvaratskhelia. I don’t think there’s an awful lot between the players.”

Osimhen built quite the reputation with the silky winger, and we might be having a different conversation had Liverpool furthered their interest in the Georgian back in January, before he moved to Paris.

Alas, that door has closed. But no matter. If a dynamic and powerful centre-forward in Osimhen can be paired with a rising star in Gordon, Slot may well have the dream strikeforce to lead Liverpool to glory for many years to come.

Slot's answer to Mane: Liverpool chasing "monster" £70m Premier League star

Liverpool have set their sights on another attacking star this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 24, 2025

It is no secret that Leeds United will be in the market to sign new players in the summer transfer window ahead of the Premier League next season.

Fabrizio Romano gave the Championship champions a ‘here we go!’ on Saturday when he confirmed that Jaka Bijol has signed his contract to join the club from Udinese.

The Whites are set to pay a fee in the region of £19m to sign the central defender from the Italian side to bolster their options at the heart of the defence.

Bijol started 34 matches in the Serie A for Udinese in the 2024/25 campaign, which means that he is set to arrive at Elland Road with plenty of experience in one of Europe’s major leagues.

The Slovenia international will now be due to compete with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Max Wober, Joe Rodon, and Pascal Struijk for a place in the starting XI next season.

What Jaka Bijol could bring to Leeds

Bijol is a strong defender in the prime years of his career, at the age of 26, and could provide Daniel Farke with an aerially dominant option at the heart of the defence.

The Slovenian colossus was particularly impressive in the air for Udinese in the Serie A, using his height and frame to tussle with opposition strikers to win key defensive duels.

As you can see in the table above, he ranked very highly among central defenders in the Italian top-flight when it came to competing for headers at the back.

His 68% aerial duel success rate was higher than Struijk (62%) and Rodon (60%) managed in the Championship for the Whites, which suggests that he would improve the Leeds defence from an aerial perspective.

Leeds did, however, have the best xGA (29.6) record in the second tier this season, which suggests that their defence was not a major cause for concern, albeit they have still opted to strengthen in that area of the pitch.

Instead, a bigger issue for the Whites to resolve, on paper at least, is finding a new number one goalkeeper, after Illan Meslier was left on the bench for the final seven games of the 2024/25 season.

Farke needs to find a replacement for the French goalkeeper to start between the sticks in the Premier League next term, and the door is seemingly open for them to sign one from a relegated side.

Door open for Leeds to sign Southampton star

Southampton owner Dragan Solak has opened the door to Aaron Ramsdale moving on from Elland Road before the end of the summer transfer window, after the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, as relayed by LeedsLive, Solak said: “We unfortunately are not sure that Ramsdale is going to stay, even though he loves the club. He’s a great young man, everybody loves him, but he wants to get his place in the national team and it’s not easy to get there in the Championship.”

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

LeedsLive reports that signing a new goalkeeper is one of the priorities on the club’s transfer agenda, as they go in search of a number one for next season.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that the West Yorkshire outfit have eyed up Ramsdale as a potential target to arrive at Elland Road as Farke’s new shot-stopper.

Solak’s comments show that the door is open for the £25m England international to sign for Leeds, and it is now down to the club to pursue a deal that could be even more important than the one to sign Bijol.

Why Leeds should sign Aaron Ramsdale

As aforementioned, Leeds enjoyed a strong defensive record in the Championship this season and were not in desperate need of a player like Bijol, as much as he could improve Farke’s options at centre-back.

Whereas, the Whites are in desperate need of a new number one to replace Meslier next season because the French dud is, simply, not good enough for the top-flight.

The left-footed flop was dropped by Farke after he made three errors that directly led to goals for the opposition and had a goals prevented of -2.73 in 39 appearances in the Championship.

As you can see in the table above, Meslier was also a liability as a shot-stopper in his three seasons in the Premier League with the Whites in the past, as he let in significantly more goals than he should have, based on the post-shot xG of the shots against his goal.

Ramsdale, however, prevented 0.14 goals in 30 outings in the Premier League and did not make a single error that led to a goal, which shows that he outperformed Meslier whilst playing at a higher level.

The 27-year-old stopper, who was once hailed as “magnificent” by reporter Charles Watts, has 183 appearances in the Premier League in his career to date, which suggests that he could hit the ground running at Elland Road as a player who already knows the division well.

His statistics in the top-flight for the Saints also suggest that he would be a huge upgrade on Meslier, given his more impressive showings as a goalkeeper at a higher level.

That means that he would solve a huge problem for Leeds, given the Frenchman’s dismal performances in recent years, and provide Farke with the goalkeeper that he desperately needs.

Farke's own Zubimendi: Leeds lining up move to sign "exceptional" £9m star

Leeds United are lining up a move to sign a star who could be their own Martin Zubimendi.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 22, 2025

Therefore, he would be an even more important signing for Leeds than Bijol because finding a quality goalkeeper is a more pressing matter than replacing Rodon and Struijk, who impressed as a pairing in the Championship.

It is set to be a very busy summer at Chelsea, even by their own standards.

On Wednesday, the Blues confirmed the signing of Liam Delap, arriving from Ipswich Town for a reported £30m fee.

The forward is poised to make his Chelsea debut in little over a week’s time, with the Blues kicking off their Club World Cup campaign against Los Angeles FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 16 June, before also taking on Flamengo and Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Philadelphia in Group D.

Before the designated Club World Cup transfer window closes on Tuesday 10 June, could Enzo Maresca have another highly-rated young centre-forward at his disposal?

Chelsea chasing attacking reinforcements

Not just content with the addition of Delap in their forward ranks, it would appear Todd Boehly and Co are lining up another exciting move.

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Chelsea are currently “working on” a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitiké.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

He adds that die Adler will only sell if his €100m (around £84m) release clause is met, not wanting to allow another star striker to depart, after Omar Marmoush was sold to Manchester City for a reported £65m as recently as January.

Ekitiké, who is only 22 years old, joined Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain for around £30m in January 2024, scoring 22 times for the German outfit this season, bagging 15 Bundesliga goals, as well as four in the Europa League.

This makes the young Frenchman one of the most in-demand strikers in world football, notably described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, so could he be on his way to Stamford Bridge?

Why Ekitiké could be the next Anelka

Few elite-level players quite enjoyed a transfer as much as Nicolas Anelka.

During his 19-year senior career, the France international played for 12 different clubs in six different countries, ranging from European heavyweights Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, six different Premier League teams, as well as both Shanghai Shenhua and then Mumbai City in Asia.

Almost inarguably, however, Anelka’s best years were spent at Chelsea, making more appearances, 184, and scoring more goals, 59, for the Blues than anyone else.

He was an integral part of their double-winning side under Carlo Ancelotti in 2009/10, scoring 15 times across all competitions, having won the Premier League golden boot the previous season, doing so in his debut campaign in West London, bagging 19 goals, one more than a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Thus, he will always be remembered fondly by the Stamford Bridge faithful, but could another French forward make a similar impact?

Well, Ekitiké and Anelka, in his prime, share many of the same characteristics, far beyond merely their nationality.

Alex Barker of the Athletic praises the Frankfurt forward’s “explosiveness and agility”, adding that he is able to “exploit space” in-behind a defence, allowing him to get into “dangerous positions” and score goals.

Well, as outlined by Nick Wright of Sky Sports, Anelka at his best was the “complete striker” who was “electrifyingly fast and devastatingly direct”. There are certainly comparisons to be had here.

Back to Ekitiké and Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis believes he is a ‘very efficient’ finisher, boasting ‘stellar off-the-ball movement’ which allows him to ‘consistently get high-quality shots off’, so let’s assess the data to see if they support these assertions.

As the table outlines, despite only playing around 84% of the available minutes in the Bundesliga this season, Ekitiké ranked very highly for all the statistics included, ending up first for shots and second for shots on target, just one below Torjägerkanone winner Harry Kane.

The Frenchman actually massively underperformed his xG, but the fact he still managed to score 15 goals suggests he gets in the right positions, and has the potential to score many more.

Thus, if Chelsea are able to secure his signature, they absolutely should, because Ekitiké could come in and make an immediate impact, just as Anelka did all those years ago.

The dream XI Chelsea could build: Delap arrives alongside £175m duo

Chelsea could spend a bucket load again this summer.

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 5, 2025

Everton have been put through the wringer over the past several years, but the return of David Moyes in January has turned the club back in the right direction.

The Friedkin Group have a daunting task ahead, with so many players out of contract at the end of the month. But it’s also a golden opportunity to redesign the Toffees squad as they step into a new home at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

New CEO Angus Kinnear, who left Leeds United to replace Kevin Thelwell in May, has got his work cut out, but Everton are willing to entrust their senior figures with the big decisions, and understandably so, given Moyes has identified an exciting new option to strengthen the frontline.

Everton make their first move

According to Turkish outlet A Spor, Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz has been approached by Everton as they look to add depth and dynamism to Moyes’ squad.

Yilmaz can play across both attacking flanks and thus would fit the bill as to what the manager hopes to add. It’s understood that the Merseysiders will soon present an opening £16m offer, but that the Istanbul club are holding out for a figure closer to £29m.

With Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom both returning to their parent clubs after difficult loan spells at Goodison Park, this could be a shrewd signing indeed for the Blues.

What Yilmaz would bring to Everton

Everton’s Premier League pedigree has at times felt threatened by the turbulence at the club over recent seasons, by the dysfunction that has led to palpable fears of relegation.

Moyes, though, transformed the club when arriving in January, after 12 years away. Everton finished comfortably in 13th place, and if they can get things right during the off-season, bringing in players such as Yilmaz, they could be headed for a new level of success.

Yilmaz, a silky and talented winger, would certainly ease the burden on Iliman Ndiaye’s shoulders, the Senegalese star hailed by pundit Jamie Redknapp for his “dynamite” qualities after joining from Marseille for £15m last summer.

He could even prove an upgrade on Dwight McNeil, taking his place in the starting line-up as Charly Alcaraz makes the number ten spot his own, especially after notching 20 goal contributions from 48 matches for Gala last season.

That came after a EURO 2024 showdown with the Netherlands, which led Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk to declare his adversary “difficult for every defender”.

The Turk’s constant running and unrelenting intensity suggest he’d be a fantastic addition to the Premier League, potentially even capable of keeping McNeil on the bench.

Everton’s industrious playmaker started the 2023/24 season off with aplomb, but a knee injury ruled him out for the entirety of the midseason. Still, the one-time Burnley talent finished the year with four goals and eight assists from 21 top-flight fixtures, 15 starts.

Though McNeil is evidently the more naturally creative player, Everton could add a new dimension to their attacking efforts by bringing Yilmaz in.

Everton, let’s not forget, finished 13th in the chance creation standings last season (63 big chances created) but only scored 42 goals, fewer than all but the three relegated outfits.

Ultimately, it would serve Moyes well to have both players in the team next season, but Yilmaz’s pace and directness offer shades of Ndiaye, and we’ve seen how well he took to life in the Premier League when signing for Everton.

Everton ready to trigger £30m release clause for "exciting" DCL replacement

The Toffees could land their Liam Delap alternative.

2

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 8, 2025

Getting one over on their rivals and putting their Champions League place to good use, Newcastle United could now reportedly beat Aston Villa to one Ligue 1 defender this summer.

UCL qualification key for Newcastle this summer

From easing their PSR concerns to helping to keep hold of key players and attracting just as important upgrades, to say that Champions League qualification will prove to be vital for Newcastle this summer would be an understatement. The Magpies didn’t do it the easy way, but their place among Europe’s elite was secured on the final day of the Premier League season nonetheless.

Edging past Aston Villa on goal difference despite losing to Everton on the final day, the feeling around St James’ Park at full-time last weekend would have been major relief combined with the job of what awaits next season.

Eddie Howe had his say on the impact that Champions League qualification is likely to make on Newcastle’s summer transfer window, telling reporters: “Difficult to say on numbers, but I do think it’s a window that we have to be active in and I’m sure we will be.

“We haven’t recruited strongly in three windows and I think eventually, that can catch up with you in the end if you continue not to change because change is an important part of the squad dynamic.

“I think we feel that and I think we potentially felt that last summer as well, so I think that’s why the players have done so well to carry the success through. Yes, it is going to be a big transfer window.”

When Newcastle’s recruitment will get underway with that said remains to be seen, but reports have already been coming thick and fast as to who could arrive this summer.

Newcastle could hijack Aston Villa's Murillo move

According to El Marcador’s José Miguel Domínguez, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle could now hijack Aston Villa’s attempts to sign Amir Murillo from Marseille with an offer of their own, using their Champions League qualification as a major advantage, a competition Murillo wants to play in next season.

The Villans have already reportedly seen offers rejected for the right-back, which could allow the Magpies to come swooping in and match Marseille’s reported €25m (£21m) valuation.

The journalist said that the defender is keen to remain at Marseille due to Champions League football being on offer, but that is something that Newcastle can also provide and are expected to make a bid.

“The player’s desire, as of today, is to continue at Marseille because he plays in the Champions League. However, a siren call and a formal offer from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, who were very close to playing in the Champions League and will be playing in the Europa League. Another team, Newcastle, is expected to submit a formal offer for him in the coming days. Be careful, because they do play in the Champions League.”

He'd be incredible with Isak: Newcastle prepare bid for "deadly" £60m star

Newcastle are looking to make some impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

May 30, 2025

It is a valuation that Marseille are in a strong position to demand too, after Murillo put pen to paper on a new which could keep him at the club until 2028 back in March. It was then that manager Roberto De Zerbi was full of praise for his defender, telling reporters whilst also acknowledging Murillo’s injury: “Yes, first of all, I am very happy about the extension of his contract, because he has earned it.

“You have to recognise the work of people who do good things. At the moment, he is having a very good season, and we are all really happy for him. But yes, it is a problem, because Murillo has unique characteristics.”

Chelsea’s desire to sign a new defender this summer is no secret. After conceding 57 goals across all competitions this term, it is clear another centre-back or two is needed.

Much will depend on just how much money Enzo Maresca has to spend when the transfer window opens.

A few players might be sold in order to balance the books, although if the club achieves Champions League qualification, Maresca will need to strengthen his side.

Several defenders have already been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although one has chosen Real Madrid instead…

Chelsea targeting defenders in the transfer window

Dean Huijsen was a name on the list of targets for Chelsea, but defender ended up joining Real Madrid, who activated the £50m release clause that was in his Bournemouth contract.

The Blues must move on, and they have already earmarked an ideal alternative to the Spaniard. Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is the latest name linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Hato, who is currently valued at £42m, only turned 19 in March and has the advantage of being able to play either at centre-back or on the left side of the defence.

The chance to play Champions League football with the Blues could give them a boost in their pursuit and he would make for an interesting signing.

Despite showing interest in both of these young, talented defenders, Maresca has someone in his squad who came through the Cobham academy and is valued higher than Hato and Huijsen; Levi Colwill.

Why Chelsea have struck gold on Levi Colwill

Colwill may have had to wait until the 2023/24 season to make his debut for Chelsea after a number of loan spells, but he has been a regular ever since.

Under Maresca, the Englishman has played 36 times in all competitions, even breaking through to earn three caps for England.

Colwill has missed just three Premier League games this season for the Blues and, throughout the campaign, he has won 56% of his total duels per match, kept nine clean sheets and recovered 3.5 balls per game in the top flight.

Furthermore, when compared to his peers in the division, Colwill ranks impressively, notably sitting in the top 12% for passes completed (67.32) per 90, along with ranking in the top 32% for aerials won (2.32) per 90 for Chelsea.

He is still only 22, meaning he could be a cornerstone for the club over the next few years. Indeed, his performances have even seen his value rise exponentially with some reports noting last year that the club now value him at a whopping £100m.

This means he is worth even more than both Hato and Huijsen put together, signifying just how impressive a player Maresca has on his hands.

His performances were praised during a loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion during the 2022/23 campaign, with talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming he was a “world-class talent”.

If he continues on this upwards trajectory, Colwill could become one of the best players for the Blues over the coming years, and they have certainly struck gold on him.

Chelsea readying huge £70m bid to sign their new version of Mason Mount

Chelsea are reportedly ready to pay the release clause for a star who could be Mason Mount 2.0.

By
Dan Emery

May 19, 2025

The forward line at Manchester United has massively disappointed throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly having an impact on their lowly Premier League standing.

Ruben Amorim’s team have only managed to find the net on 42 occasions within their 35 league outings – an average of just 1.2 per game, with numerous players failing to deliver.

Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have been the two senior forward options throughout the campaign, but have largely struggled in the final third, netting just seven league goals between them.

Such form has allowed youngster Chido Obi to emerge into the first-team squad at just 17, becoming the youngest United starter in the Premier League after his appearance from the off against Brentford on Sunday.

However, if they are to get anywhere near their former glory next season, it’s crucial the board back Amorim and hand him the funds to allow him to make themselves changes he desires.

The latest on United’s hunt to sign new attackers

A new striker needs to be high up on the club’s list this summer, with the hierarchy evidently wasting no time after entering talks to land Nigerian talisman Victor Osimhen.

The 26-year-old, who’s spending the year on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, appears to be of interest to the club after scoring 24 times in 27 league appearances.

However, the striker isn’t the only forward on their radar, with Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao firmly on their radar ahead of the summer, according to CaughtOffside.

The report states that manager Amorim is leading the charge to the 25-year-old’s signature after previously managing the attacker during his time in charge of the Liga Portugal outfit.

It also claims that the boss has personally requested the board to land the Portuguese international who’s said to be available during this window for a fee in the region of £34m.

Why United’s £34m target could be Amorim’s next Amad

Ivorian Amad Diallo has been a key player for United throughout this campaign, registering 17 combined goals and assists across all competitions.

However, his progress has been massively halted over the last three months, only returning to action in recent weeks after his extended lay-off, but he has already showcased his quality.

The 22-year-old scored off the bench in the defeat to Brentford last weekend, but his return to full fitness could hand the Red Devils a mammoth boost in their Europa League triumph hopes.

Regardless of who’s signed this summer, Amad will remain a key member of the side, undoubtedly playing a crucial role in any success they could achieve in the manager’s first full campaign in charge.

However, Amorim could land his new version of the Ivorian in the form of Trincao, who possesses very similar attributes, given their ability to cut inside onto their favoured left foot off the right-hand side.

They can also both feature in a wing-back role if needed, with the Sporting ace massively outperforming the current United star when delving into their respective figures from this season.

Trincao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Rafael Hernandez, has notched more combined goals and assists, highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more take-ons per 90, having all of the tools to hand other attackers the chance to increase their own tallies in the final third.

The former Barcelona ace has also managed to take more shots per 90, whilst also winning more aerials, certainly handing Amorim an all-round presence to transform his attack in 2025/26.

£34m in today’s market is an excellent price for a player who’s proven his quality, producing countless stats that are well above those of current star Amad.

Depth is also just as important to the first-team squad next season, handing the manager the opportunity to rotate his side and have the best possible chance of success in multiple competitions.

He'd be amazing with Cunha & Amad: Man Utd in talks to sign elite striker

Manchester United could be allowed to land a new talisman who could supercharge their overhaul this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 6, 2025

Leeds United supporters are in dreamland at the moment as Daniel Farke’s men – who notoriously make things hard for themselves – managed to lift the Championship title on the final day.

The true character and resolve of Farke’s men was on full display away at Plymouth Argyle, with a last-gasp goal from Manor Solomon managing to turn the tie around to gift Leeds that much-needed victory to be crowned champions.

Solomon’s memorable impact upon proceedings surely means he’s up there as one of Leeds’ best buys from last summer, with the Tottenham Hotspur loanee’s constant class a big plus during his team’s successful pursuit of Premier League football.

Solomon's promotion-winning heroics

Snapping up Solomon’s services, albeit on a temporary basis, would have been viewed as somewhat of a risk last August, considering the 25-year-old attacker’s injury-prone status back at his parent employers.

Indeed, across both the 2022/23 season for Fulham and the following campaign for Spurs, the dimunitive forward would miss a substantial 50 clashes owing to injury, which adds up to 425 days missing from action.

However, it’s fair to say he’s made up for all that lost time whilst on the books of Leeds, with Solomon uttered in the same breath as Elland Road legend Pablo Hernandez now when picking up a blistering 22 goals and assists this season from 39 league outings.

Leeds would love to hold onto their silky number 14 for good, with a potential now for one of Solomon’s teammates in North London to link up with the on-fire attacker in West Yorkshire.

Leeds could seal Solomon repeat with £30m "nuisance"

Of course, not every risky move in the transfer market pays off like Solomon’s did.

But, Leeds could be about to try and a seal repeat of the 25-year-old’s golden deal anyway with a new striker purchase, with The Boy Hotspur now reporting that the newly promoted side are just one suitor intrigued by a potential deal for Spurs attacker Richarlison.

Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also named as keen onlookers, but Leeds will hope they can advance to the front of the queue for the Brazilian’s services, knowing full well he can be a lethal finisher of chances in the Premier League when on his A-game.

Unfortunately, much like Solomon, the South American is prone to a spell on the sidelines due to injury, but his superb goal record at the level when injury-free really does speak for itself.

Looking at the table above, the former Everton hero has managed to amass a sturdy 64 Premier League strikes from 241 total appearances in the competition.

Four of those have come about this season even whilst Richarlison has wrestled with various different injury issues, meaning he could kick on and be the star Farke desires up top next campaign when the treatment room is hopefully left behind.

Previously praised as a “constant nuisance for defenders” by current boss Ange Postecoglou, the £30m-rated forward’s arrival on the scene could just be what Leeds need to become clinical up a level.

Yet, splashing out such a high amount on an injury-heavy presence might well be deemed too risky, but as was seen in Solomon’s success story, hazardous deals are sometimes worth signing off on.

Pablo Hernandez 2.0: Leeds seriously eyeing move for "dazzling" £35m star

Leeds are interested in signing a Premier League star who could be the club’s new Pablo Hernandez.

By
Dan Emery

May 4, 2025

Manchester City would have been watching the Premier League results coming in on Saturday with glee, especially when Arsenal shockingly collapsed to a 2-1 defeat at home to AFC Bournemouth.

That surprise loss at the Emirates means Pep Guardiola’s men – off the back of downing Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on Friday night – are only three points off matching the Gunners in second spot, meaning the rest of May could be a fight now to see who is second best to Arne Slot’s runaway Liverpool.

With an FA Cup trophy also potentially in their hands, this season, once written off as a misfire, might well have some positives after all, with some big buys in the summer boosting City’s chances of becoming Premier League title challengers again.

Man City close in on big-money target

Guardiola and Co have been linked to a whole host of names as the 2024/25 campaign begins to wind down, with the main face dominating conversation being Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz.

According to reports, Bayern Munich are also interested, meaning City would have to pursue alternative targets in the midfield areas, with the likes of Gabriel Sara also reportedly on their radar.

Transfer Focus

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But, a different path could be explored by the serial winners shortly, with a new report by journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that long-standing City target Morgan Gibbs-White is contemplating his future at Nottingham Forest.

Both Liverpool and Newcastle United are also keen to add the 25-year-old attacking midfielder to their rosters, but it remains to be seen which club would be willing to splash out the mammoth £100m asking price to land the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man.

Whether or not City want to pay that price, according to Fabrizio Romano on Sunday, the Citizens are planning to advance their efforts to sign the Englishman soon.

After all, City have already seen what Gibbs-White is capable of when he assisted this sweet strike versus them back in March, with the potential here for the two-time England international to strike up a fierce relationship with Erling Haaland up top.

How Gibbs-White could get more out of Haaland

The Nordic goal machine does have his deficiencies when it comes to long spells out of the side with injury, but when he’s at the peak of his powers and purring in front of goal, there are few attackers better than the 24-year-old in world football.

Overall this season, Haaland finds himself on a blistering 30 strikes from 40 clashes, with 21 of those coming in the bread and butter of the Premier League, even when City have regularly found themselves off the boil.

Therefore, throwing in Gibbs-White to the mix could only work wonders for Haaland’s potency, with the 25-year-old actually bettering the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan in terms of assists this season in the Premier League.

In the words of by football statistician Statman Dave, he has been a “magician” for the Tricky Trees, amassing nine assists in the league, with his equally impressive goal count of five strikes from 30 league games no doubt enhancing Guardiola’s men in the forward areas even more if a signature was reached.

While De Bruyne makes more key passes per game with two, Gibbs-White isn’t far behind with 1.5 in the Premier League this season. That’s a number that would rank him fourth in the City squad, ahead of other midfielders in the shape of Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Rodri.

Evidently, City do need to freshen in the attacking midfield spots with De Bruyne heading for the exit door and Gundogan failing to find the back of the net in the league this season from 31 contests.

Therefore, Gibbs-White might be the transformative body City desire, with the £100m target also a potentially perfect teammate for Haaland to bounce off of to enable the goals to flow even more from their clinical number nine.

Man City sold arguably the "best forward in the world", now he's like Wirtz

Manchester City might have already sold their own Florian Wirtz when getting rid of this top attacker.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 3, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are being handed a boost in the chase for a key transfer target also wanted by Man City, with the player said to be considering a move to north London behind-the-scenes.

Tottenham face Nottingham Forest after Europa League triumph

Under-fire Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was given some rare breathing room after his side put in a dogged display to overcome Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.

Tottenham: Thierry Henry-like striker facing exit with Spurs ready to bid

The Lilywhites want to take full advantage.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 19, 2025

A penalty by Dominic Solanke was eventually enough to send the Lilywhites into their first Europa League semi-final since 1984, with Tottenham showcasing the much-needed mature defensive qualities which they’ve lacked all campaign.

Postecoglou’s future remains in the balance, but the Australian could still make good on his promise of always winning silverware during his second season in charge.

A tough test in Bodo/Glimt awaits Tottenham in the semis, and despite their minnow status, they cannot be taken lightly – having just knocked out Serie A giants Lazio.

“From our perspective, we’ve had a difficult season and I think there’s some reasoning behind that. It was pretty evident that when we’ve got our strongest team out there, a lot of things we’ve suffered with this year I’m sure we wouldn’t have,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s chances of winning the Europa League.

“The spine of our team, at times we’ve been missing Vicario, Romero, Van de Ven, Bentancur, Solanke, all of them we’ve been missing at different times this year.

“We’ve got the whole group. It’s not just them, it’s the whole group together. We know that we can be a team that’s pretty compelling against anybody. We’re in the final four now, so we’ve given ourselves a chance.”

Before their all-important battle against the Norwegians, which could make or break their season, Spurs have two tough Premier League tests in Nottingham Forest and champions elect Liverpool.

Postecoglou will be looking to maintain the positive mood around N17 after their quarter-final triumph, and hopefully not add more top flight defeats to their record after already losing 17 this term.

Hugo Larsson now considering move to Tottenham this summer

Summer transfer targets will also be keeping a keen eye on Tottenham’s end to the season, and one of them is believed to be Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson.

The versatile Sweden midfielder is a mainstay for Dino Toppmoller’s side, racking up 40 appearances in all competitions, and he’s done enough to earn himself a £50 million price tag and interest from Man City (Pete O’Rourke).

However, according to GiveMeSport, the 20-year-old is also a wanted man at Spurs. As per their sources, Larsson is privately considering a move to Tottenham, so he’s fully aware of their interest, and it is claimed that Postecoglou’s side are now “increasingly confident” they can tempt him to N17 as a result.

Predominantly a defensive midfielder, the Scandinavian starlet has already drawn comparisons with Rodri, and Football Analyst Ben Mattinson believes Larsson is “one of the most exciting talents” to come out of Sweden in recent years.

However, Chelsea are also believed to be in race for Larsson, so there is plenty of competition.