All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Liverpool have put paid to any notion of second-season syndrome under Arne Slot’s wing by attacking the transfer market with vicious intent.

The Reds surpassed expectations by winning the Premier League last term, and they did without a proper focal frontman. Sure, Luis Diaz filled in nicely as a false nine, but Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota both flattered to deceive, and the former is at risk of being sold.

If and when that happens, Liverpool will need to sign a new centre-forward, and though Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak appears to be off the market after securing a route back into the Champions League.

A whole host of names have been linked with a move to Anfield, and one of the most recent belongs to Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, having reportedly made contact with the Swedish goalscorer in May.

Manchester United currently lead the race, and maybe that hints the 27-year-old might not be the best option on the market for the Merseysiders.

Still, Liverpool desperately need a new number nine.

Why Liverpool need a striker

Last season, Mohamed Salah led Liverpool to the Premier League title. Football is a team sport, and the sum of a brilliant team is greater than its individual parts, but the Egyptian King proved an exception to that rule.

Across 52 matches in all competitions, Salah scored 34 goals and supplied his teammates with 23 assists. He leapt his way into the upper level of the all-time Premier League scoring charts, now fifth with 186 goals, one strike behind Andy Cole and two ahead of the retired Sergio Aguero.

His talismanic campaign, making good on a promise, has crowned him a two-time English league winner, picking up the sweeping gamut of individual accolades too.

Why does this matter? We were going to discuss Liverpool’s interest in a new striker, after all. Well, Liverpool’s main man turns 33 in just a few days, and though he’s extended his record-breaking contract by two years, he cannot be expected to heave the bulk of his attacking peers in the same way.

Liverpool need someone more reliable than Nunez, who only scored seven goals last term. The likes of Gyokeres have been touted, sure, but Liverpool might have found an even better option.

Liverpool hold talks for new striker

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are still interested in Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward Hugo Ekitike, despite Chelsea making all the noise in recent weeks.

In fact, the reporter claims Liverpool have “held concrete talks with the player’s camp”, perhaps just awaiting clarity on the futures of their expendable forwards.

The major sticking point is that Frankfurt want €100m (£84m) for their rising star, but given that he’s yet to fully grow into his skin, this perhaps skates beyond the line of plausibility.

Why Liverpool should sign Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike only scored four goals across 33 senior outings for Paris Saint-Germain, thus choosing to make his name away from the bloated Parisian superpower.

He hasn’t looked back. After finishing the 2023/24 campaign in good form, Ekitike stepped into his first full term on strong footing, wrapping things up with 22 goals and 12 assists across 48 fixtures.

Once hailed as “the next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, it’s easy to see why he’s held in such high regard, fostering a keen-edged offensive style and marrying it with his rounded underlying qualities.

Sporting’s Gyokeres might be among the hottest commodities on the market, but Liverpool’s data-driven system would be sure to reveal Ekitike as the more desirable pick.

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

Goals

15

Assists

7

Shots (on target)*

3.5 (1.5)

Big chances missed

16

Pass completion

76%

Big chances created

12

Key passes*

1.3

Dribbles*

1.6

Duels won*

4.2

The key thing is he’s finding his feet in front of goal and boasts a combative and creative underlying skill set. For sure, Gyokeres has proven to be a more clinical goalscorer in Portugal, but Ekitike’s multi-faceted game suggests his ceiling his higher, having already been hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as “one of the best centre-forwards out there.”

Further to that point, Nunez was as prolific as they come for Benfica before Liverpool paid the big bucks to bring him over to England, scoring 34 goals across 41 games in 2021/22.

Ekitike, however, bespeaks completeness through his data. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90.

Athletic and dynamic, the archetype for greatness is right there, especially when considering he’s five years Gyokeres’ junior too.

Journalist Bence Bocsak recently discussed Anfield’s interest in the “unique talent”, going on to say, “For the right price, Ekitike would be the perfect forward at Liverpool under Arne Slot.”

Finances will, of course, hold sway in the decision-making, and Liverpool (like Chelsea) aren’t likely to fork out something in the ballpark of £84m for a raw centre-forward, his potential untapped.

Ekitike truly is the perfect profile to unify Liverpool’s frontline over the coming years. Would Gyokeres bring a consistent supply of goals? Yes, he would. But is he the perfect man for the job?

In Ekitike, Slot can fashion a superstar, and that’s the Liverpool way.

Worst sale since Mane: "World-class" Liverpool star now in talks to leave

Liverpool may be set to lose one or two of their first-team regulars this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 9, 2025

Liverpool fans have been treated to an incredible year under the wing of Arne Slot, and it’s only going to get better, with FSG making serious moves in the overtures of the summer transfer window.

A deal for Jeremie Frimpong is being finalised, and the Bayer Leverkusen right-sider will join as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ostensible replacement.

But it’s another of a Werkself persuasion who is slated to be the true heir to Trent’s playmaking position. Indeed, in a saga moving faster than Mohamed Salah in his heyday, Liverpool are now clear favourites to sign Florian Wirtz, who has rejected Bayern Munich in favour of a move to Anfield this summer.

With Manchester City previously withdrawing from consideration (perhaps because they knew he favoured Merseyside?), everything is in place for sporting director Richard Hughes to finalise a deal.

It would be a record signing for Liverpool, but it’s one which makes a whole lot of sense.

Why Liverpool need Florian Wirtz

A deal for Wirtz is almost done, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Liverpool won the Premier League this season, but they aren’t resting on their laurels.

Though Slot’s system still needs a reliable and out-and-out striker, this is a stunning coup that signals a statement of intent. Bayern and Man City both wanted Wirtz, but he chose Anfield.

And what a player. As per FBref, the 22-year-old ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal contributions, the top 7% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

His ability to manipulate space and wrongfoot opponents is second to none; moreover, Wirtz is remarkably switched on, always making the right call and demonstrating precision through his creativity and his ball-striking ability.

This season alone, Wirtz has scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists across all competitions for Leverkusen. Last term, he spearheaded an invincible Bundesliga triumph, earning the division’s Player of the Season award; he won the DFB-Pokal too.

He’s the real deal, all right, having been hailed as a “generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari. And Liverpool might even be gearing up to partner him with a thriving centre-forward.

Liverpool considering move for LaLiga star

As per Spanish sources, Liverpool are battling Bayern Munich for yet another high-profile signing, with the two powerhouses joining Arsenal in a bid to sign Julian Alvarez.

The Argentina star has been immense since joining Atletico Madrid last summer, and while the La Liga giants don’t want to sell, they would be tempted by offers reaching toward the €100m (£85m) mark.

It’s too early to say which direction this story will take in the coming weeks, but Liverpool bosses may feel they have a trump card in Darwin Nunez, a striker they hope to offload this summer and a player who has been reported to be on Los Colchoneros’ radar.

The report claims that the Reds are one of the clubs considering a move to sign the World Cup-winning marksman, and that they would be interested in including Nunez as part of a deal for the striker.

What Julian Alvarez would bring to Liverpool

Liverpool supporters know Alvarez well, for he won a shedload of silverware across two seasons with Manchester City before leaving for Atletico Madrid in a whopping £82m deal last summer.

That figure raised a few eyebrows, but Diego Simeone will certainly feel he has received bang for his buck after the Argentine’s prolific season, surpassing any of his individual success at the Etihad Stadium.

Alvarez’s fine-tuned clinical edge could actually see him leap over Wirtz as Liverpool’s most important signing of the summer, especially when considering the issues the club have been beset with at number nine this term, Nunez and Diogo Jota’s troubles leading Luis Diaz into a makeshift centre-forward role.

River Plate

122

54

31

Manchester City

103

36

19

Atletico Madrid

53

29

6

Argentina

44

12

33

Refocused into more of a goalscoring force than his times in England, Alvarez has been described as “the best forward in the world” this season by journalist Roy Nemer, having indeed reached the verge of the 30-goal mark in his first year in Spain.

Alvarez might be a prolific player, but that’s not why Liverpool have a vested interest, of course. As per FBref, the 5 foot 8 striker ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe this season for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive passes, and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90.

This completeness and dynamism suggest Alvarez would be the perfect addition to Slot’s ranks, the perfect upgrade at number nine. He’s considered by FBref’s data-driven analytics to be a comparable player to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, and would be far cheaper at that.

Securing the 25-year-old’s signature alongside Wirtz’s would represent a staggering coup for Liverpool, but given the need for a new striker, he would indeed prove the standout, not just a new goalscorer but a multi-faceted force to be reckoned with.

Alvarez has scored 17 goals in La Liga this season, and he has only missed seven big chances, as per Sofascore, bespeaking his newfound skill as an elite marksman.

Wirtz is going to be a stunning acquisition, for sure, but Liverpool are already relatively well stocked in their attacking midfield area, whereas up front there is a gaping hole for a reliable marksman.

If FSG manage to pull this one off after swiping Germany’s prized playmaker from the Bundesliga, beating Bayern to the finish line on both occasions, it speaks highly of Michael Edwards’ vision and Liverpool’s potential over the coming years.

Fans have rejoiced over the triumph in the Premier League this season, but you might say that success has merely scratched the surface of what this team is capable of.

Open to leaving: Liverpool “machine” would be finished if FSG sign Wirtz

Liverpool are going punch-for-punch with Bayern Munich in the fight to sign Florian Wirtz.

ByAngus Sinclair May 23, 2025

Celtic have the chance to win the domestic treble for the second time in three seasons when they travel to Hampden Park to take on Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup this weekend.

The Hoops have already won the Scottish Premiership title and won the League Cup, beating Rangers on penalties, in the first half of the campaign, which means that a win on Saturday would clinch the treble.

Brendan Rodgers is seemingly not satisfied with that, though, as the Scottish giants are already eyeing up players to come in and bolster the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller has been linked with a cross-Scotland switch to Glasgow, whilst Peterborough star Kwame Poku was recently linked with a move to the club.

The Scottish giants have, however, already wrapped up one signing before the summer transfer window even opens for business, as Kieran Tierney will be joining the club on a free transfer at the end of June.

Why Kieran Tierney is an exciting signing for Celtic

The Scotland international’s contract with Arsenal is due to expire this summer, and it has already been confirmed that the defender will be returning to Parkhead for a second spell in Glasgow.

This is an exciting signing for the Hoops for multiple reasons, not least because of the emotional backdrop to it. Tierney came up through the academy system and made his breakthrough in the first-team before starring for many years.

As you can see in the graphic above, the defender made 170 appearances for the club before his £25m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019, and won five Scottish Premiership titles in that time.

He came up through the academy as a Celtic boy and achieved great success with the team, which is why his return could be an emotional one for him and the supporters heading into next season.

It could also be an exciting signing because of the quality that Tierney can provide from a left-back position, as shown in the impressive highlights package above.

The flying full-back scored eight goals and provided 37 assists during his first spell at the club, which shows that he is a defender who likes to burst forward to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

This means that he could provide Rodgers with another attacking outlet down the left side, due to his ability to score and create goals from a left-back role, to support the winger ahead of him.

However, it is also worth pointing out that the 27-year-old is due to return to Celtic with a concerning injury history that suggests that he could miss a lot of matches for the Hoops.

24/25

1

160

18

23/24

3

103

21

22/23

0

0

0

21/22

2

116

17

20/21

4

87

19

19/20

1

97

19

18/19

5

140

27

17/18

1

23

5

16/17

1

86

16

As you can see in the table above, Tierney has been absent for at least 16 games in seven of the last nine seasons of his career for Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and Celtic combined.

This means that there may also be a degree of concern over the move, as his injury history suggests that the defender may not be a consistent performer, due to a lack of availability, for Rodgers.

With this in mind, Celtic could land an even more exciting signing than Tierney by swooping for Blackburn Rovers attacker Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer, having been linked with an interest in the English forward.

Why Dolan would be more exciting than Tierney for Celtic

Whilst the Championship winger would not arrive at Parkhead with the same emotional connection with the supporters that Tierney has, Dolan could be a more exciting signing for Rodgers and the Hoops for footballing reasons.

Transfer Focus

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

Firstly, at the age of 23, the English star would be more of a long-term signing for the Hoops because he is four years younger than the Scottish dynamo. This means that he could be a part of Rodgers’ team for many, many, more years to come, making him an exciting signing for the future, as well as the present.

Dolan would also arrive as a durable and dependable performer from a physical perspective, as he has not had any notable injuries that have kept him out for significant periods, unlike Tierney.

This suggests that the Blackburn star, described as “absolutely terrific” by journalist Elliott Jackson, would be far more likely to be available week-in-week-out during the season, which is backed up by his statistics for the English side in the 2024/25 campaign.

Appearances

44

Touches per game

38.1

Goals

7

Conversion rate

14%

Big chances created

7

Key passes

44

Assists

6

As you can see in the table above, Dolan featured in 44 of their 46 league matches in the Championship, and contributed with 14 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined.

Whilst that return in front of goal may not be hugely exciting on paper, it is worth taking into account that Blackburn averaged 49.1% possession per game and only racked up 51.7 xG in 46 matches, the 16th lowest amount in the division.

This means that Dolan has not been playing in a dominant, successful, and attacking side with Blackburn, which is why his personal numbers are not particularly amazing.

Now, the thought of a player who can score seven goals and create seven ‘big chances’ in a defensive Blackburn team playing in a dominant, front-footed, Rodgers-coached Celtic side is an exciting thought, as he would have far more opportunities to showcase his ability at the top end of the pitch.

This is another reason why the 23-year-old star could be an even more exciting signing than Tierney for Celtic, because of the untapped potential that the Northern Irish boss could get out of the winger.

Dolan would arrive as a young talent with huge potential and an encouraging injury record, rather than an experienced head with a concerning availability record, and it is now down to the club to strike a deal for his services.

Worse than Scales: Rodgers must axe Celtic flop for the cup final

Rodgers must drop this Celtic flop who was even worse than Liam Scales.

ByDan Emery May 17, 2025

Chelsea booked their place in the Europa Conference League final last night with a routine 1-0 victory over Swedish outfit Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half strike was enough to secure a 5-1 aggregate win, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing Real Betis in the final at the end of the month.

The Blues have reached their eighth major European final, looking to add to their two Champions League and two Europa League triumphs in previous years.

Given their form in the competition, it would be a surprise to no one that Maresca’s men are the favourites to go all the way – topping off a superb first year in the role for the Italian.

Numerous players impressed during the second leg victory, potentially handing the manager a selection headache ahead of the remaining Premier League fixtures.

Chelsea’s star performers against Djurgarden

Alongside scoring the goal that clinched another win, midfielder Dewsbury-Hall enjoyed an evening to remember, producing numerous impressive figures throughout.

The 26-year-old created three chances – the most of any player in the match – whilst also completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted, showcasing the threat he carried in attacking areas.

He wasn’t the only star to impress at the Bridge last night, with 16-year-old academy graduate Reggie Walsh getting the opportunity to start from the off after his cameo last week.

The teenager impressed with the opportunity, completing 91% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning four fouls and posing a serious threat to the opposition despite his tender age.

However, despite the showings by the aforementioned duo, one other Blues star managed to impress, with the boss simply unable to drop him from the side after such a positive showing.

The Chelsea star who now looks undroppable after Djurgarden

The Europa Conference League run has been extremely beneficial for Maresca over the last few months, handing the manager the opportunity to fully evaluate the players at his disposal.

Many players, like Walsh, have taken the chance handed to them with both hands, but the same can’t be said for others, with departures likely over the summer window.

That being said, investment is also to be expected in West London as the club looks to push towards the summit of the Premier League during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, such events shouldn’t affect youngster Josh Acheampong, who’s managed to go from strength to strength after originally being frozen out during the early stages of the Maresca reign.

The 19-year-old featured for the entirety of the clash once again last night, thriving in the side as the Blues booked their place in the final of yet another final.

He registered a staggering 122 touches on the ball, completing 85 passes at a completion rate of 91% – not looking out of place in the first-team ranks despite his youthful years.

Acheampong also managed to make 10 passes into the final third and won two tackles, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch during the triumph – leading to journalist Nizaar Kinsella labelling him as “Chelsea’s best player”.

Minutes played

90

Touches

122

Passes completed

85/93 (91%)

Passes into final third

10

Tackles won

2

Fouls won

4

Duels won

9

To top off his magnificent showing, the teenager was handed a 7/10 match rating by The Express’ Dom Smith, highlighting how impressive he was during the meeting at the Bridge.

After such a display, Maresca can’t drop the academy gem, handing him a selection headache ahead of the weekend’s huge clash with Newcastle United.

The Blues need an excellent end to the campaign if they are to secure Champions League football for next season, with Acheampong deserving of the opportunity to help the club in their quest.

He's better than Gittens: Chelsea in talks to sign "world-class" £64m star

Chelsea are making moves over a deal to land new attacking stars ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb May 8, 2025

It is set to be a busy summer for Manchester City.

On the pitch, the Sky Blues are competing at the FIFA Club World Cup, kicking off their campaign on 18 June in Philadelphia against Wydad Casablanca, before also meeting Al Ain and Juventus.

Meantime, the Citizens are also likely to be busy in the transfer market, as they were in January, spending a reported £180m to recruit Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, Nico González, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah.

There is a clear strategy to make this squad younger, so are the Sky Blues now leading the chase for another highly-rated youngster?

Manchester City preparing a bid for a new full-back

According to reports from Spain, Manchester City are ‘preparing’ a bid to sign Benfica left-back Álvaro Carreras.

Transfer Focus

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

They claim the 21-year-old ‘has caught the attention of Pep Guardiola’, making him a ‘priority option’ as Man City seek to bolster their left-back options.

Carreras actually spent time in Manchester United’s academy, making 42 appearances during a season-long loan spell at Preston North End in the EFL Championship, but he has really taken his game to a new level since joining Benfica for a reported fee of €6m (£5m) in the summer 2024 – after an initial loan move – featuring 61 times for As Águias so far.

Now, could the one-time Real Madrid starlet – who reportedly has a release clause of €50m (£41m) – be making the move to the other side of Manchester, but how well would he fit in at Man City?

How Álvaro Carreras would improve Manchester City

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes Carreras as an “excellent left-back”, while Portuguese Football Expert Kevin Fernandes believes he is “one of the best” players in his position on the market this summer, describing him as “defensively solid” having enjoyed a “meteoric” rise since making the move to Lisbon.

The former United man has also been lauded by Kulig for his “amazing engine and quality” at left-back, potentially proving a solution to what has been a problem position for Manchester City all throughout this season.

Right now, Nico O’Reilly, a 20-year-old, inexperienced attacking midfielder, is being deployed there by Guardiola, following a game-changing second-half appearance off the bench during last month’s FA Cup victory at Bournemouth, in which he scored and registered an assist.

At other times, Joško Gvardiol had appeared to be the undisputed first-choice for this role, while Rico Lewis, a versatile full-back, isn’t starting very much on either side, with Matheus Nunes the most common starting right-back in recent months.

So, considering Carreras would probably be usurping Lewis in the full-back pecking order, let’s asses how the two youngsters compare.

Appearances

66

71

Minutes

4,557

4,822

Pass completion %

79.6%

92.1%

Progressive passes

71

226

Progressive carries

34

92

Take on success %

60.5%

46.3%

Shot-creating actions

46

97

Goal-creating actions

4

12

Crosses

135

14

Tackles won

61

49

Interceptions

77

31

Ball recoveries

99

196

% of aerial duels won

54.4%

23.3%

Errors leading to an opposition shot

1

3

The table makes for interesting reading because, based on statistics from the start of last season, Lewis significantly comes out on top when it comes to both possession and chances created metric.

Meantime, Carreras is a vastly superior out-of-possession defender, emphasised by his tackles won, ball recoveries and percentage of aerials duels won, albeit the latter is slightly harsh on Lewis, considering he’s 5 foot 7 in. Even so, the addition of such competition could be bad news for the young England star.

This season, as Manchester City have struggled significantly more, they’ve been tasked with doing a lot more defending, a challenge some of their defenders have not been able to cope with, so Carreras would certainly address this issue and be an excellent addition.

Worth even more than Wirtz: Man City struck gold on "extraordinary" star

Man City have hit the jackpot with one of Pep Guardiola’s star men

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 18, 2025

Arsenal are ready to move in with a contract offer for one of their key transfer targets this summer, as Andrea Berta looks to give Gunners boss Mikel Arteta his full backing ahead of a crucial 2024/2025 campaign.

Arsenal flying high after impressive 3-0 win over Real Madrid

The north Londoners blew everyone away with a stunning 3-0 victory over European champions Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this week, courtesy of two sensational Declan Rice free-kicks and a great finish from emergency striker Mikel Merino.

Arsenal want to finalise £17m deal for Fabregas target "as soon as possible"

The former Gunners star is apparently eyeing him for Como.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 8, 2025

The statement performance in Europe gifts Arsenal a huge advantage heading into the Bernabeu second leg, with Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga also set to miss the next game after he was sent off in added time.

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

With nothing left to play for in the Premier League, the north Londoners could still make history this season, and the prospect of Arsenal going on to clinch their first ever Champions League crown has been made all the more real after Tuesday’s heroics.

“We’re going to enjoy the win, because we feel we deserve to do that, but we know it’s just half-time, and we’re going to have to be even better in Madrid to go through,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s second leg in Madrid.

“They [the players] were talking about it immediately. You know, great, enjoy it, and now let’s prepare for Saturday very well, and then we’ll have the time to prepare for the next challenge in Madrid. But they are all very excited. We have our time, and we are just, again, in the middle of it, at half-time, however you want to call it. There is still so much to do here.”

Berta’s priority potential summer signings will have been watching Arsenal’s 3-0 dismantling of Real with serious curiosity, and a good run in Europe may well contribute towards the Italian’s mission to tempt them with a move to the Emirates.

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be a leading candidate to reinforce Arsenal’s striking options, and a report now claims they’re ready to make the Swede an intriguing proposal.

Arsenal offer Viktor Gyokeres a £192,000-per-week contract

Arsenal are ready to open club-to-club talks for Gyokeres, according to recent media sources, but Just Arsenal now report they’ve already got their eyes on securing personal terms for the former Coventry City striker.

The outlet claims Arsenal are preparing to offer Gyokeres a contract worth up to £192,000-per-week, which would run until 2030, they’re currently favourites to land the 26-year-old ahead of both Chelsea and Man United.

While the latter two sides are both engaged in talks with Gyokeres’ reps, they haven’t matched Arsenal’s financial conditions, meaning Arteta’s side are out in front as things stand.

The forward has bagged 44 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions, a truly incredible feat of proficiency, and reports suggest that he’d be allowed to leave for around £62-70 million – far lower than his £83 million release clause.

Following another prolific campaign in the Primeira Liga, it is a wonder why Gyokeres is still waiting for his big move, with some calling the player a “massively underrated” centre-forward.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is facing the prospect of a key squad member being tempted away from N17 this summer, with the Spurs star now believed to be seriously keen on an exit before next season.

Players who are likely to leave Tottenham this summer

A host of players are up for the axe at Spurs, with some decisions reportedly already made behind-the-scenes.

Spurs doing groundwork to sign "exceptional" £55m winger; he's a key target

Tottenham are looking to make a splash in the summer transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Mar 25, 2025

After a lacklustre temporary spell in north London, RB Leipzig loanee Timo Werner is set to return to his parent club at the end of the season, with the Lilywhites and chairman Daniel Levy electing not to trigger the £8.5 million buy option in his contract.

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

Meanwhile, out-of-contract trio Sergio Reguilon, Alfie Whiteman and Fraser Forster are all set to leave Hotspur Way on free deals this summer, as their contracts tick down towards expiry on June 30.

Richarlison could also be sold by Tottenham, according to reports, following a season blighted by injuries for the Brazilian. Everton are believed to be expressing an interest in re-signing their former star striker, as per GiveMeSport, and Levy could take a £20 million loss on Richarlison by letting him go for around £40 million.

The likes of Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil, who have both enjoyed productive stints away from Spurs, on loan at Leeds United and Girona respectively, are also reportedly unlikely to be donning Lilywhites colours for the 2025/2026 season.

There is also the prospect of elite sides attempting to prise Postecoglou’s star players away, following what has been a disappointing second campaign in charge for the Tottenham boss.

Now, Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid are becoming seriously linked with a move for £165,000-per-week defender Cristian Romero.

Sky Sports reported this week that Atletico hold an interest in signing Romero this summer, with the Argentine believed to be a credible target for the La Liga side ahead of next campaign.

Some outlets have previously claimed that Levy could demand as much as £150 million to sell Romero, which may well be out of Atletico’s price range, but perhaps the centre-back himself could force through a move.

Cristian Romero determined to quit Tottenham after talks with his camp

As per reports from Spain, Romero “will do everything he can” to leave Tottenham this summer, and Atlético have already held talks with the South American’s camp as they ponder a move.

The 26-year-old is apparently ready to do his part in an attempt to seal a move away from north London, but it will also require a “significant investment” from Atlético, which Tottenham will demand if they even entertain the possibility of selling their crucial defender.

Simeone’s side appear determined, though, as they “dream” of striking a deal for Romero and luring him to the Wanda Metropolitano.

The former Atalanta star has been unable to exert his influence on the Spurs backline akin to last season, having spent the vast majority of this campaign sidelined through injury alongside partner Micky van de Ven. However, when fit and available, there is no denying he would be a sore miss and very difficult to replace.

It has been a really poor season for Manchester United, who are battling to get a top-half finish this season.

However, things were not made easier with the news a couple of weeks ago that Amad is out injured. The Ivorian attacker has been sensational under Ruben Amorim – contributing with nine goals and seven assists – but will miss the remainder of the season.

It’s safe to say that the 22-year-old has had a real impact on the Red Devils this season and will be a big miss.

With Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount also out with injury, it leaves Amorim thin on the ground in terms of options in that number 10 role.

Man United's current attacking midfield options

Amorim has four realistic options to play as a number 10. One of those is Bruno Fernandes. United’s captain has been playing deeper at times under Amorim, but his goal threat is obvious. He has ten goals and 12 assists this term.

The United boss has also tended to start Joshua Zirkzee behind the striker in recent weeks. His excellent ability to link play up and find runners beyond him, plus the physical presence he offers, means he could work well as an attacking midfielder in the dual 10 system Amorim employs. He has already shown great signs when playing there in recent weeks.

Alejandro Garnacho offers something unique at attacking midfield. He is unlike any other United player, someone who will relentlessly dribble at the opposition defence and try and take them on one-vs-one. The youngster has 14 goal involvements this season but has been in a drought.

Christian Eriksen is the fourth realistic option Amorim has to play in the role. Now into the final few months of his deal at United, the Denmark international has not featured much this season but possesses the timeless ability to unlock a defence with one pass.

However, amid this injury crisis, perhaps Amorim wishes United still had a former academy graduate on the books who has impressed after leaving the club.

Former Man United academy graduate would now be perfect

In the last few seasons, so many academy graduates have departed Old Trafford permanently. That includes established first-team players like Scott McTominay, who moved to Napoli, and less experienced yet high-potential players like Teden Mengi, who is now at Luton Town.

Another recent academy departure was attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira. The Brazilian, who went on several loan spells during his time at Old Trafford, made 75 appearances for the club, scoring and assisting nine times.

In 2022, he made the move to West Londoners Fulham for a fee in the region of £10m. Since joining the Cottagers, Pereira has thrived. In 108 games for the club, he has scored on ten occasions and grabbed 19 assists. His valuation of as much as £17.5m by Football Transfers shows just how much he has improved.

In his first two Premier League campaigns at the club, he managed to hit ten goal involvements. He also managed to get on the scoresheet in a 2-2 draw at Anfield against Liverpool this term, which surely brought a smile to the faces of United fans.

Pereira’s performances have been impressive over the past few seasons so much so that you can now draw a statistical comparison with Martin Odegaard and remarkably Phil Foden who are adjudged to be similar players via FBref.

The Arsenal captain, who is valued as highly as £90m by Transfermarkt, has three goals and six assists for the Gunners this season.

The statistical evidence suggests that both midfielders have been creatively excellent players over the season. On average, Pereira plays 2.67 key passes per game, compared to 2.33 for Odegaard. The Fulham star also averages 5.27 shot-creating actions per game, with the Arsenal skipper slightly less at 4.68 per game.

Key passes

2.67

2.33

Goals and assists

0.27

0.31

Shot-creating actions

5.27

4.68

Tackles and interceptions

1.37

1.1

Ball recoveries

4.66

3.62

Perhaps Amorim wishes he had the former United star to call upon this season. As Statman Dave said, he is an “underrated playmaker”, and could have made a real difference for the Red Devils this season.

Amorim has repeated Man Utd's Pogba blunder by axing "unplayable" star

Manchester United may look back on this decision with regret in the future.

ByDan Emery Feb 24, 2025

Arsenal are a club with a proud history of developing and promoting young talent into the first team.

Mikel Arteta has carried that tradition on during his time, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and now Max Dowman all getting chances under him.

However, when it comes to the most successful Hale End product under the Spaniard’s stewardship, it’s hard to ignore Bukayo Saka, who has become a world-class superstar in recent years.

So, fans should be very excited about another young prospect making his way through the academy, who has been likened to a young version of the England international.

Saka's academy journey

Saka joined Hale End as a seven-year-old, with him later revealing that it was his father who pushed for him to join the club over others.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

The Ealing-born gem made his debut for the club’s U18 against Fulham in August 2017, a game the Gunners would lose 4-1.

The youngster would end that season with a respectable haul of eight goals and four assists in 22 games.

The following year, he made just six appearances for the U18S and 24 for the U23S, scoring six goals and providing nine assists for the latter.

However, that was also the season in which he made his first-team debut, away to Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League group stage, under Unai Emery.

At this point, the exciting prospect was still very much seen as a left-sided attacker and had made just a single appearance on the right across both campaigns.

The 19/20 season brought the end of Saka’s time in the academy setup, as he made just one appearance for the U23s in a Premier League 2 game against Everton, which they drew.

Appearances

28

25

Goals

16

6

Assists

6

9

In all, the now 24-year-old made 28 appearances for Arsenal’s U18s, in which he produced 22 goal involvements and 25 appearances for the U23s, in which he produced 15.

Everyone now knows how the rest of the story goes, and so fans should be excited that there is another Hale End talent currently being compared to Saka.

Arsenal's next Saka

With the likes of Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly and now Dowman, it feels like Hale End can’t stop producing incredible talents, and the next one off the line might just be Brando Bailey-Joseph.

The 17-year-old has been so impressive in recent months that, despite only signing scholarship terms with the club a few months ago, he has already put pen to paper on a professional deal.

Moreover, according to one analyst, he is currently looking “very reminiscent of a young Saka.”

The argument he puts forward is that, like the Gunners’ talisman, there has been a lot more talk around other youngsters in the academy over him, and he is just quietly plugging away in the background.

Appearances

16

Minutes

1098′

Goals

4

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.5

Minutes per Goal Involvement

137.25′

For example, in 16 appearances this term, totalling 1098 minutes, he has scored four goals and provided four assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 137.25 minutes, which would be pretty good for a striker, let alone a winger who has been moved between both sides over and over again.

In addition to the output, the analyst also points out that, like Arteta’s mercurial number seven, he has shown an “incredible technical” ability in the academy.

This is an opinion shared by Hale End expert Will Balsam, who claims that the youngster’s “fire feet, chopping into the grass constantly, make it impossible for defenders to know what’s coming.”

Ultimately, while it’s so early in his journey, Bailey-Joseph looks like he could be the next Hale End star to make it in the first team and follow in Saka’s footsteps on the wing.

Rice was fuming with him: Arsenal's "future captain" has regressed big time

It has been a season to forget for the Arsenal star so far this year.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 1, 2025

The start of a new season is fast approaching, and Celtic continue to be busy in the transfer market.

Already this summer, the Hoops have made five first-team signings, with Kieran Tierney’s return certainly the most exciting, while Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand, Hayato Inamura and Ross Doohan have all also arrived.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Brendan Rodgers’ side have won both pre-season friendlies to date, beating Queens Park 1-0 at Lesser Hampden last Friday, before a 2-1 victory over Cork City at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday; young defender Colby Donovan the late match-winner in Ireland.

Now, Rodgers will be determined to add more attacking firepower to his ranks, so could the Celts sign a familiar face to Scottish Premiership viewers?

Celtic targeting more attackers

Right now, with Jota sidelined due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury long-term, and Nicolas Kühn on his way to Como, Celtic are short of top-class attacking options.

Daizen Maeda

Celtic

51

33

12

Adam Idah

Celtic

53

20

1

Yang Hyun-Jun

Celtic

34

6

6

James Forrest

Celtic

33

1

7

Johnny Kenny

Celtic & Shamrock Rovers

28

11

4

Luis Palma

Celtic & Olympiacos

24

1

1

Benjamin Nygren

Nordsjælland

32

16

4

Marco Tilio

Melbourne City

20

5

4

Callum Osmand

Fulham U21s

22

11

4

As the table outlines, while Daizen Maeda was on fire and Adam Idah did reach 20 goals across all competitions, new signing Benjamin Nygren is the only player who was prolific at an elite senior level last season, hence why reinforcements are required.

Thus, reports in Spain claim that Celtic are interested in signing former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski.

The North Macedonia centre-forward departed the Dons 12 months ago to join La Liga side Girona for a reported £6.8m fee, but scored just four goals in 22 appearances for the Catalan club, hence why Blanquivermells are looking to sell.

The aforementioned report claims that Bundesliga duo Freiburg and newly-promoted Hamburg have also ‘expressed interest’, with Girona hoping to recoup the money invested last summer.

Transfer Focus

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

So, could the former Aberdeen fans’ favourite be back in Scottish football, but this time bedecked in green and white hoops?

Why Bojan Miovski would be an upgrade on Adam Idah

During his time at Pittodrie, Miovski certainly impressed, with his performances described by journalist Bence Bocsák as “quality”, thereby included in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, which is always an impressive feat for any non-Old Firm player.

Then teammate Nicky Devlin claimed that Miovski was the best striker in the Premiership, while Scott Bradley of Breaking the Lines labelled him a ‘clinical finisher’. Journalist Josh Bunting even described him as the “complete number nine”.

So, let’s assess how his statistics compare to Idah, who is yet to really nail down the starting centre-forward spot at Celtic, despite being signed for £9m following a loan spell, and the obvious need for a striker after Kyōgo Furuhashi was sold.

Appearances

98

72

Minutes

7,597

3,181

Goals

44

29

Premiership goals

32

21

European goals

4

3

Assists

7

3

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis.

Shots

2.3

3.6

Shots on target

1.3

2.3

Chances Created

0.8

1

Touches

28.1

36.8

Touches in the box

4.9

7.8

As the table outlines, Miovski’s raw statistics, goals and assists, are more impressive, albeit he has played more than twice as many minutes in Scottish football than Idah.

Nevertheless, the bottom section of statistics underlines why this is such a noteworthy achievement by the North Macedonia, scoring that many goals for a team who finished third and then seventh, thereby taking significantly fewer shots and enjoying substantially fewer touches than Idah.

Thus, with the service that a Celtic striker enjoys, just imagine how good Miovski’s goal-scoring statistics would be.

Thus, given that he knows the league, so would take little to acclimatise, if Celtic are searching for a guaranteed goalscorer right now, he might just be their man.

Better signing than Nygren: Celtic close in on deal for "fantastic" talent

Even after Benjamin Nygren’s arrival, Celtic still require more attacking reinforcements, so are they close to signing a “fantastic” new striker?

1 ByBen Gray Jul 10, 2025