All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester City may be at the end of a trophy-laden era, but it is clear that Pep Guardiola is looking ahead to the future in a bid to make sure this season is a one-off.

The Spaniard spent around £190m during the winter transfer window on strengthening his first-team squad, adding some much-needed freshness.

Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez all arrived at the Etihad, with three of the four players aged 23 or younger, as Guardiola has scoured the market for the very best young talent.

Marmoush is the outlier in this regard, but the club required another player who was capable of rivalling Erling Haaland and providing some extra potency to a Man City side who have won just 14 of their 29 Premier League matches so far this campaign.

Early signs are certainly promising, with the Egyptian star settling into life in Manchester easily, replicating his stunning form during the first half of the season for Eintracht Frankfurt which saw him net 20 goals in 25 games.

Omar Marmoush’s start at Manchester City

Haaland’s first two seasons at the club saw him score 90 goals across just 98 matches, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League in the process.

A return of 29 goals this season is certainly respectable indeed, yet he did go through a spell of scoring only three goals in 13 league matches between the end of September and the start of 2025.

This coincided with City struggling in the top flight, losing six matches and falling behind in the race for the title.

Goals

4

Assists

0

Big chances created

3

Key passes per game

1.1

Successful dribbles per game

0.4

Shots per game

2

Signing Marmoush has given the side a major boost, with his positional flexibility giving Guardiola some options.

Indeed, across seven league matches, Marmoush has played in four positions, scoring four goals during this time.

After selling Julian Alvarez last summer to Atlético Madrid, City were poor in the first half of the season, relying on Haaland far too much.

The signing of the former Frankfurt star has taken the pressure off the Norwegian sensation and this partnership could shine throughout the 2025/26 season.

Losing Alvarez, however, has proven to be a massive mistake by Guardiola.

Why Julian Alvarez left Manchester City

Despite his incredible talent, Alvarez was often fighting it out with Haaland for a place in the starting XI. During the 2022/23 season, only 23 of his 49 appearances came from the start, finding the back of the net 17 times.

The 2023/24 season was much better, with a tally of 19 goals and 13 assists coming from 53 games as City retained the Premier League title.

He was an excellent option for Guardiola to call upon, but rumours surfaced last summer regarding his future at the club, with the City boss revealing that the player had asked to leave in search of “a new challenge”.

Having signed the 2022 World Cup winner for just £14m in January 2022, City sold the forward to Atlético Madrid for a fee in the region of £81.5m, representing a club-record sale.

The deal was certainly profitable, but if Haaland suffered a long-term injury, the manager wouldn’t have a recognised centre-forward in the squad ready to deputise.

While City limped through the opening six months of the season, Alvarez has been enjoying life in Madrid, registering 28 goal contributions – 23 goals and five assists – so far across all competitions.

Could the manager already be brewing his next Alvarez at City?

Man City could already have their next Alvarez

Like the move to bring Alvarez to England, Guardiola paid River Plate a fee of around £12.5m to secure the services of the extremely talented teenager, Claudio Echeverri, in January 2024.

He would remain at his club until January this year when he finally moved to England, and he could follow in the footsteps of Alvarez, perhaps turning out even better than the 25-year-old.

Throughout the 2023/24 campaign, Echeverri played 41 matches for River Plate, scoring four goals and recording six assists in the process, coming close to leading his side to the final of the Copa Libertadores in November last year.

His best displays came during the U20 CONMEBOL Championship, which took place in January and February this year.

The midfielder started seven of his nine games for Argentina, scoring six goals, grabbing three assists and creating two big chances for his nation as they reached the final of the competition.

The 19-year-old also succeeded with 1.6 dribbles per game, recovered 1.8 balls per match and scored every 98 minutes, showcasing his talent during the tournament.

While Argentina may not have won, Guardiola will have been keeping a close watch on the teenager throughout the competition, and he will surely make his bow for City sooner rather than later.

Analyst Ben Mattinson profiled the midfielder upon his signing for Man City at the start of 2024 saying:

Remaining in his homeland for another year has only aided his development, as it was unlikely the teenager would get into the City midfield towards the end of last season.

Having starred at the South American Youth Championship last month, it might finally be time for Guardiola to start bleeding Echeverri over the coming months.

With the Club World Championships taking place this summer, might this be an ideal time to give the 19-year-old some game time? Especially with the tournament ranking low in terms of importance for City.

In The Pipeline

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

He could be the future of the club, no doubt about that, and Guardiola could soon forget all about Alvarez once the former River Plate sensation gets going at the Etihad. That’s a certainty.

Best signing since Haaland: Pep hit the jackpot on Man City's “elite" star

Manchester City have made their best signing since Haaland with this “elite talent”

ByConnor Holden Mar 21, 2025

Everton are riding the crest of a wave under David Moyes’ wing, who has transformed fortunes at Goodison Park, lifting a depleted bunch and guiding them toward the beginning of a new era.

Toward the end of Sean Dyche’s reign, Everton lost all their colour and struggled to even muster their vestigial attacking quality, with a feeling of inevitability regarding a relegation battle.

Now, the Toffees are more adventurous and coherent. Seven matches have come and gone in the Premier League since Everton last tasted defeat, narrowly losing to Aston Villa in January, Moyes’ first match back.

Looking toward the future, Moyes will want to stamp his print on the Merseysiders this summer, making the requisite changes to make real headway as the squad move to Bramley Moore. While bringing players in is important, so too is parting with those flattering to deceive.

Jesper Lindstrom is part of this undesirable list.

Why Everton need to get rid of Jesper Lindstrom

Everton welcomed Lindstrom from Napoli on loan last summer after a miserable campaign in Serie A for the Danish winger.

It was reported the deal contains an option to buy, but after a total absence of potency throughout the campaign, it’s unlikely The Friedkin Group will move to sign him up for good.

Across 29 appearances in all competitions, the 25-year-old has failed to score even once, registering his first assist when supplying Jack Harrison during Everton’s draw against Wolves at Molineux earlier this month.

He simply hasn’t offered enough to suggest there’s a good reason for biting the bullet and paying the transfer fee when other options abound.

Everton are better off turning the transfer cannon elsewhere. And anyway, when Moyes has got such exciting academy stars pushing for a senior role, he may even find he’s got a ready-made replacement for the Napoli player.

In The Pipeline

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

Everton's next Anthony Gordon could replace Lindstrom

He’s not the most popular name on either half of Merseyside right now, but Anthony Gordon is one of England’s most talented wingers, and after cashing in a £45m cheque for the talent in 2023, Everton would love to promote their next academy star in a similar vein.

Well, they might just have the perfect heir in teenager Kean Wren, who has been making his name known on the academy scene having yet to even reach his 18th birthday.

Originally from Halifax, the right-footer has been with the Finch Farm crew since he was 15, graduating as a first-team scholar with the U18s for the 2024/25 campaign and since going from strength to strength, bagging six goals and laying on one assist across just 12 starts in the U18 Premier League.

Like Gordon, Wren is a dynamic forward capable of playing across the frontline, with such tactical flexibility something Moyes would surely be tempted to use to his advantage, fashioning the youngster into a player befitting his senior set-up and its needs.

Left winger

8

2

1

Centre-forward

3

2

0

Right winger

3

1

0

Attacking midfield

3

0

0

That said, though, the 17-year-old’s at his natural best when fielded off the left flank, as with Gordon.

Hailed for his “thumping” finishing by Everton academy reporter Joe Thomas, Wren has become a mainstay in Leighton Baines’ U18 group and needs only make the requisite physical developments as he continues to grow over the next few years to find him earning opportunities to impress under Moyes’ wing.

Though Gordon left in acrimonious circumstances, Everton banked a pretty in selling him. While Wren’s potential suggests his future may be best served on Merseyside, a similar pattern could be followed here.

Now worth less than Harrison: Everton hit gold selling Lukaku 2.0 for £12m

Everton managed to sell on this flop before his value took a hit.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 17, 2025

With Angus Kinnear already on his way, The Friedkin Group are reportedly plotting a second raid on Leeds United which could see them welcome two more club chiefs at Everton.

Everton eyeing double swoop

Friedkin proved they mean business from the off, sacking Sean Dyche and quickly welcoming the return of David Moyes after over a decade away from Goodison Park before watching results improve ever since.

The Toffees’ 1-1 draw against West Ham United saw them take their recent run to six games without defeat in the Premier League, albeit having drawn five of those games.

The new owners have continued to restructure things away from the action after appointing Moyes too, and are reportedly set to make Kinnear their new sporting director after Leeds confirmed his departure.

Speaking to Leeds’ official website, club chairman Paraag Marathe said: “I want to thank Angus for his commitment and service for so many years, and for being a fantastic steward and leader of the club. As we move forward, I am confident that the incredible talent across our team will sustain our success.”

If reports are anything to go by, however, Everton are not done there. According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Kinnear could be joined by current colleagues Nicky Hammond and Gary Penrice from Elland Road in what would be their second raid of Leeds.

Worse than Beto: Moyes must now finally ditch 6/10 Everton man this summer

Everton dropped points against West Ham United this afternoon.

ByRoss Kilvington Mar 15, 2025

Both club chiefs could reportedly be handed key roles in Everton’s transfer department if they decide to join Kinnear in Merseyside this summer. Having played a part in rebuilding Daniel Farke’s side in pursuit of Premier League promotion, Hammond and Penrice could enjoy similarly successful recruitment for the Toffees.

It’s all change at Everton, who are stepping into a new era on all fronts before moving into their new Bramley-Moor Dock stadium.

Everton must get things right this summer

There’s been several false dawns at Everton, but as the end of the Goodison Park era comes to an emotional end, Friedkin will be desperately hoping that their ownership sparks the beginning of a turnaround once and for all.

Already, they’ve seen the benefits of one decision – hiring Moyes to revive Everton’s campaign and take the Toffees far closer to the Premier League’s top half. Now, the responsibility looks set to fall into the path of Kinnear and potentially his ex-Leeds chiefs, Hammond and Penrice.

They could be in for a busy first summer in Merseyside too, with rumours coming thick and fast. Already, names such as Tammy Abraham are threatening to steal the headlines, with a striker seemingly among the priorities at Everton this summer.

As Dominic Calvert-Lewin departs as a free agent, signing Abraham would certainly go a long way towards replacing the academy graduate and ensuring that Friedkin’s new transfer team get off to a solid start.

Whether the Toffees manage to lure the former Chelsea striker back to the Premier League in Kinnear, Hammond and Penrice’s first task remains to be seen, however.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Mathys Tel has revealed which player is the best he has ever played with – and it is not Harry Kane or Son Heung-min.

Tel joined Spurs from Bayern Munich in the January window on loan, with Ange Postecoglou’s side holding an option to buy him on a permanent deal for £45m in the summer.

This comes after the Frenchman reportedly rejected Tottenham’s initial offer to sign him in January, when he was also linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

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2 ByBarney Lane Feb 7, 2025

The 19-year-old has had an encouraging to start to his senior career, starring for Bayern in the German Bundesliga and Champions League after signing from Rennes in the summer of 2022.

Last season, Tel scored an eventual winner against Man Utd in the group stages of the Champions League, and has appeared 16 times in the competition, while he was a frequent substitute during the Bavarians’ successful 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign, with Tel winning the title alongside current England boss Thomas Tuchel.

His game time more than doubled last year, but he was unable to stretch Bayern’s winning run in the Bundesliga, despite posting a career best of 12 top-flight goal involvements.

This season, opportunities under Vincent Kompany had been few and far between, starting just four games in all competitions. Since joining Spurs, he has already hit that milestone, and grabbed his first goal in the Lilywhites’ FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa in early February.

Speaking in an interview with TNT Sports, Mathys Tel revealed various things about his career and personal interests, such as his favourite film, his most-hated food and who he has on his phone’s wallpaper.

But perhaps most intriguing was who he believes is the best player he has played with in his career. Despite playing alongside stars such as Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer and Son Heung-min, Tel opted for former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane.

He said: “There are a lot of players, but Sadio Mane was the best. He works hard every day, after training, before and after the game, so he’s an example for me.”

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ByBarney Lane Feb 12, 2025

Given both players share the same position, it is perhaps not a surprise to see Tel snub the likes of Kane and Son, despite their supreme goalscoring exploits in Tottenham colours.

Sadio Mane was at Bayern for the 2022/23 season before swapping the Bundesliga for the Saudi Pro League, where he now links up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

Tel and Mane only shared the pitch on 11 occasions, which goes to show the effect the Senegalese star had on the French youngster during their short time together.

So Spurs fans may not need to hold a grudge against the winger, who could yet become a new hero in the years to come if he signs on at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when the season is over.

Chelsea have endured somewhat of a disappointing run in recent weeks, losing three games in a row across all competitions, subsequently having an impact on their Premier League standing.

However, Enzo Maresca managed to end their poor run of form last night, claiming a 4-0 win over bottom side Southampton at Stamford Bridge, a victory that was just their third league win of 2025.

Such a convincing display will add needed confidence to the first-team squad, also bolstering their chances of claiming a Champions League place by the end of the season.

However, despite the huge scoreline, multiple players struggled to produce one of their best performances, potentially being punished by higher-quality opposition on another day.

One player in particular was wasteful in West London during the triumph, extending his own disappointing run within the final third over the last few weeks.

Cole Palmer’s form for Chelsea in 2025

Cole Palmer has been the leading talisman in front of goal for Chelsea since his move from Manchester City in 2023, as seen by his mammoth tally of goal contributions.

The England international has registered 60 combined goals and assists in his 75 appearances for the Blues, but has struggled to maintain his performance levels over the last couple of weeks.

Palmer has failed to register a goal contribution in any of the last six games across all competitions, scoring just twice since the turn of the year, showcasing his decline in form.

His showing against the Saints was a wasteful one, notching seven efforts on goal, including three on target, but was unable to find the back of the net – something which he hasn’t usually struggled with in West London.

Such a spell will come as a surprise to the fanbase given his impact over the last 18 months, with Palmer needing to dig deep between now and the end of May to recapture his impressive form.

However, it has allowed for one player to potentially overtake the Englishman in terms of importance to Maresca, with one player thriving since his return to the side.

The Chelsea player who’s becoming more important than Palmer

During the early stages of the 2024/25 season, midfielder Enzo Fernández struggled to cement his place in Maresca’s starting eleven, with Moises Caicedo and Roméo Lavia ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, he’s emerged as a key member of the first team squad in recent weeks, repaying the faith shown in him by the Italian – impressing beyond anyone’s imagination.

Since the turn of the year, the Argentine may only have registered a single goal, but he has starred with his underlying stats, with his showing against Southampton up there with one of his best in recent times.

Fernandez started at the base of the side alongside Caicedo, featuring for 89 minutes at the Bridge, arguably one of the best performers within the side last night.

The 24-year-old completed 88% of the passes he attempted, whilst also winning 100% of the duels he entered – offering a real commanding presence in the midfield department.

Minutes played

89

Touches

80

Pass accuracy

58/66 (88%)

Duels won

5/5 (100%)

Chances created

6

Dribbles completed

1/1 (100%)

Recoveries made

7

Enzo also created six chances, completing 100% of dribbles and making seven recoveries – producing a sensational all-round box-to-box performance for the Blues.

As a result of his display, the former Benfica ace was handed a 9/10 match rating by Football London journalist Bobby Vincent, further demonstrating how impressive he was in the convincing victory.

Palmer has no doubt been crucial to the side over the last couple of months, with the former City star expected to have a drop-off after such a stellar start to life in West London.

However, Fernandez has since stepped up to the plate, producing multiple impressive showings at the heart of the side, taking responsibility with Maresca reaping the rewards as a result of the trust shown in him.

Chelsea's £100m star in the making has very quickly become a liability

He’s been really disappointing recently for Enzo Maresca’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 24, 2025

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is said to be high on Mikel Arteta’s list of ideal strikers for Arsenal, with another update on his price tag now surfacing in what could be a boost for the Gunners.

Arsenal identify Alexander Isak as dream transfer target

Multiple reports from the last few months have indicated the Sweden international, who boasts 19 goals from 29 appearances in all competitions already this season – has plenty of admirers within the Emirates Stadium.

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ByDominic Lund Feb 17, 2025

Isak helped to knock Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals recently, putting in a stellar performance against them during the second leg at St. James’ Park, and opened the scoring for Eddie Howe’s side in their first leg victory.

West Ham (home)

February 22nd

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26th

Man United (away)

March 9th

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Fulham (home)

April 1st

The 25-year-old has been a nightmare for Premier League defences and Arsenal’s own backline since he made the move to England from Real Sociedad, with Arteta and co identifying him as a “dream” transfer target.

“I mean, Arsenal’s dream priority is Alexander Isak, and I’m still told that he would like to join a Champions League club and stay in the Premier League in the long run,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs to GiveMeSport.

“But of course, in the short-to-medium term, he’s on fire for Newcastle United. He’s invested at Newcastle, and he’s well contracted at Newcastle, so they aren’t worried about necessarily losing Isak imminently, nor do they feel they absolutely have to agree a new contract with him because he remains healthily contracted.

“So it’s a bit of a dream target for Arsenal.”

Isak’s deal still has another three years left to run, meaning the Magpies can afford to charge premium rates for their world-class marksman in the event major clubs do come knocking for his signature.

Reports have suggested that the former La Liga sensation could cost as much £125 million, which means Arsenal would have to break their transfer record to strike a deal for Isak, if Newcastle even entertained the idea of selling him.

Arsenal told new Alexander Isak price tag in boost for Mikel Arteta

However, a new claim has emerged courtesy of Spanish news outlet Sport, which may well come as a boost for Arteta in his pursuit of the superstar number nine.

Indeed, they report that Newcastle have set Isak’s valuation at a fee in excess of £83 million, which is a seismic drop from other mooted figures. Arsenal are yet again mentioned by Sport as one of the contenders for his services, but they face stiff competition from Chelsea and Liverpool, who are also in the running.

While £83 million is still a hefty figure, you can make a very serious case that Isak is one of the best centre-forwards in world football right now, and quality attacking players of his ilk will all command a marquee price tag.

Manchester United’s transfer activity this summer could define Ruben Amorim’s tenure in charge at Old Trafford, subsequently needing to make a quick start to the 2025/26 campaign.

The 40-year-old is set to have a bumper budget to spend to improve his squad this window, with the hierarchy set to back him in his quest to take them back to their former glory.

It’s evident after the Red Devils’ 15th-placed Premier League finish this season that an overhaul is needed, with key work already commencing during the transfer window.

The departures of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have all been confirmed, freeing up needed money on the wage bill to allow for new investments.

It remains to be seen how much money Amorim will have at his disposal, but it appears as though he’s set to spend big in his hunt for success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this window

Work has rapidly been done within United’s attacking department, with PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos being a name mentioned over a move to join the Red Devils, with the French side open to his departure.

They’ve also made progress on a deal for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, with talks being held with the Serie A outfit over a potential deal for the Serbian international.

However, despite the work being conducted elsewhere, the club appear to be extremely close to landing a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

He’s reported that Amorim’s side are on the verge of signing the 25-year-old attacker after they made their latest bid in the region of £60m earlier this week.

Crook also confirms that talks are progressing nicely between the two clubs, with only minor details needing to be ironed out before a deal is agreed.

Why Mbeumo would be a better signing than Cunha for United

Earlier this summer, Matheus Cunha completed his move to join United after being firmly on their radar for many months after his success at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian joined in a £62.5m deal after registering 15 goals and six assists for Vitor Pereira’s side in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

His versatility, being able to operate in an attacking midfield role or centre forward role, makes him an excellent fit for Amorim’s system, hopefully being a player who can catapult them to future success.

Cunha’s experience in England could prove to be vital in their ambitions next campaign, but he will need added reinforcements within the final third if the Red Devils are to take a step in the right direction.

However, he could be about to land just that in a move for Mbeumo in the coming days, with the Cameroonian showcasing his talents in England’s top-flight this season.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from this season, the Brentford star has massively outperformed Cunha in various key areas – highlighting why he would be a better addition.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered more goals and achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, demonstrating his clinical ability within the final third.

Games played

38

33

Goals & assists

27

21

Shot on target accuracy

43%

40%

Goal per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

47%

44%

Carries into final third

2

1.4

Crosses completed

5.3

4.9

Aerials won

32%

31%

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst posting more carries into the box per 90, showcasing the direct nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

The Cameroonian’s dominance doesn’t end there, completing more crosses and winning more aerials per 90, handing Amorim an all-round dangerous option in attacking areas.

Should the deal be completed in the coming days, it would certainly improve the options currently at the manager’s disposal, something which he’s greatly craved as of late.

The prospect of Mbeumo and Cunha linking up together is certainly an exciting one, handing the club the platform to build on ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

He's perfect for Mbeumo: Wilcox opens talks to sign £35m star for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make a move for another young gem this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign FC Nordsjælland forward Benjamin Nygren, whose contract expires at the end of this year, on a permanent deal this summer.

The right-sided attacker could become the second official signing for the Hoops in the off-season, after the club confirmed Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal earlier this week.

Celtic's transfer priorities this summer

Following the much-needed signing of Tierney to fill their gaping hole at left-back, with Greg Taylor out of contract this summer, Celtic appear to have turned their attention to the wide areas.

Nygren is ‘expected’ to sign for the Scottish giants to bolster their options on the right flank, but they are also looking for a new forward on the left side of the pitch.

It was recently claimed that the Hoops are in talks with left-winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s representatives over a move from Royal Antwerp, and the Scottish Premiership champions are in negotiations with Sarpsborg over a move for Norwegian flanker Sondre Orjasaeter.

This makes it clear that Celtic are after a right-footed left-winger – Balikwisha or Orjasaeter – to go along with the signing of Nygren, who is a left-footed right-winger.

New wingers are not the only signings on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers this summer, though, as the Northern Irish head coach is also looking to improve the depth of his midfield.

Celtic believe they can land bargain deal for Premier League star

According to West Ham United-focused outlet Claret & Hugh, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Scotland international Andy Irving, who is for sale, in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hammers are open to offers for the 25-year-old central midfielder, as ‘almost everyone’ is for sale at the Premier League side.

It reveals that the Hoops believe that they can land the left-footed maestro for a ‘bargain’ fee, although no exact price tag is mentioned, because he was rarely used by Graham Potter in the 2024/25 campaign, playing just ten times in the top-flight.

Passes made

60.00

Top 8%

Pass accuracy

90.0%

Top 16%

Long passes made

3.89

Top 5%

Long pass accuracy

87.5%

Top 4%

Cross accuracy

50%

Top 11%

Touches

87.78

Top 6%

Irving showcased his quality in possession, as shown in the table above, by ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key passing and possession-based metrics in the limited minutes that he had on the pitch.

Claret & Hugh adds that the Scottish midfielder is ‘open’ to a move away from the Premier League club in order to go in search of regular first-team football, which is why a transfer to Parkhead could be one that ‘suits all parties’.

Irving, who made his Scotland debut earlier this month against Liechtenstein, appears to have the on-ball qualities to perfectly suit playing in a Celtic team that averaged 75.1% possession per game in the Premiership in the 2024/25 season.

His desire to constantly get on the ball and make passes, short and long, whilst being efficient in doing so, could make him a good fit for Rodgers’ dominant Hoops midfielder, which is why this is a deal that could make a lot of sense for both clubs and the player.

More exciting than Tierney: Celtic expected to complete "no-brainer" deal

Celtic are expected to seal the signing of a star who would be more exciting than Kieran Tierney.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 14, 2025

Celtic appear to be closing in on an exciting addition to their attacking arsenal as they pursue a deal for FC Nordsjaelland winger Benjamin Nygren.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph recently claimed that the Hoops are close to agreeing a fee to sign the Sweden international from the Danish outfit.

For a fee of around £2m, the 23-year-old attacker could be a very cost-effective and shrewd signing for Brendan Rodgers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why £2m is a bargain fee for Benjamin Nygren

The Scottish giants appear set to land a bargain deal for the left-footed winger because his contract with Nordsjaelland is due to expire at the end of December.

This means that the Danish outfit have to cash in now, for a reduced fee, because they would otherwise risk losing him for nothing in the January transfer window at the start of next year.

It also looks to be a bargain because of the quality that he could provide at the top end of the pitch, after the flanker scored 15 goals in 30 league matches this season.

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Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

The £2m fee also means that Nygren is set to be worth less than the majority of the Celtic squad, including centre-back Liam Scales, who the club have hit gold on.

Celtic have hit the jackpot on Liam Scales

The Hoops swooped to sign the Ireland international from Shamrock Rovers in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £500k, which has turned out to be a bargain fee for the defender.

Scales has scored six goals in 97 appearances for the Scottish giants in all competitions to date, and has been a regular starter at the back under Rodgers in the past two seasons.

The left-footed titan even made the PFA Team of the Year, alongside defensive partner Cameron Carter-Vickers, at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, thanks to his impressive showings in the Scottish Premiership.

Scales’ emergence as a regular starter, and excellent performer, for the Hoops in the last two seasons has caused his market value to soar way beyond the £500k they initially paid for him, and beyond the fee they are set to pay for Nygren.

July 2021

£500k

December 2022

£600k

December 2023

£1.7m

May 2024

£2.1m

October 2024

£3m

December 2024

£3.4m

March 2025

£3m

June 2025

£3.4m

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old defender’s value is now at a whopping £3.4m, which is significantly more than the £500k they invested in him four years ago.

It also means that Scales, who was dubbed “underrated” by Neil Lennon, is worth £1.4m more than a winger who scored 15 league goals this season, Nygren, which is still impressive in spite of the forward’s contractual situation.

His market value shows that Celtic hit the jackpot by snapping him up from Shamrock Rovers for a modest fee, as he has developed into a regular starter and a very valuable asset who could make the club a healthy profit in the future if they decide to cash in on him.

As exciting as Nygren: £7m star is now a target for Celtic this summer

Celtic are eyeing up another forward alongside the signing of Benjamin Nygren.

ByDan Emery Jun 17, 2025

Hopefully, Scales will continue to be a dependable figure at the back for the Scottish giants next season, which could lead to his value soaring even higher.

Celtic are on track to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch this week with a deal for FC Nordsjaelland winger Benjamin Nygren moving closer.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that the Hoops are close to agreeing a fee with the Danish side for the Sweden international, in a move that is expected to cost around £2m.

The journalist states that there is a desire from all parties to get a deal over the line and that talks are progressing well, as Brendan Rodgers looks to add another forward to his attacking arsenal.

Nygren scored 15 goals in 30 matches in the Danish Superliga during the 2024/25 campaign, as a left-footed right winger, and could compete with Nicolas Kuhn for a place in the team next season at Parkhead.

The Swedish star may not be the only winger to arrive in Glasgow before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as they are also eyeing up a left-winger.

Celtic have interest in Norwegian forward

According to the Daily Record, Brendan Rodgers wants further attacking signings on top of the pending arrival of Nygren, with a couple of left-sided forwards on the club’s radar.

Transfer Focus

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The report claims that Norway U21 international Sondre Orjasaeter is one of the wingers being eyed up by the Scottish giants, as they look to add more quality to their frontline options.

It states that the Sarpsborg star, who is valued at £7m by his club, is a long-term target for the Scottish Premiership champions, alongside Royal Antwerp’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

This should be good news for the Hoops faithful because Orjasaeter would be a signing that is just as exciting as Nygren if they can get a deal over the line before the end of the window.

Why Sondre Orjasaeter is as exciting as Benjamin Nygren

Nygren is an exciting addition because of his impressive goal tally of 15 goals in 30 league games, but the 23-year-old has only provided three assists in his last 50 outings in the Superliga.

Orjasaeter may not be a winger who is going to score 15 goals in a season, which is why Nygren is particularly exciting, as he has only scored six league goals since the start of the 2024 Eliteserien campaign.

However, the Norwegian starlet offers creativity as well as a goal threat from the left flank, and is two years younger than the Swedish forward at the age of 21.

Orjasaeter has created seven ‘big chances’ and delivered two assists in seven Eliteserien outings in the 2025 campaign to date, after he caught the eye in last year’s season.

xG

4.01

Top 26%

Goals

5

Top 18%

Shots on target

30

Top 1%

Assists

5

Top 16%

xA

6.31

Top 11%

Chances created

52

Top 11%

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old starlet ranked very highly in the Norwegian top-flight as both a scorer and a creator of goals for his side, and was let down by wasteful finishing from his teammates.

Orjasaeter, who was dubbed a “highly valued player” by Sarpsborg sporting director Hampus Andersson, is a winger who provides a decent goal threat, but also brings the ability to consistently unlock opposition defences with his creativity.

This is why he is as exciting as Nygren, despite the disparity between their respective goal outputs, because they could both offer a lot of quality at the top end of the pitch for the Hoops, albeit in different ways.

Celtic can land bigger signing than Schlupp in move for "incredible" star

Celtic have progressed in their attempts to sign a left-back who would be even better than Jeffrey Schlupp.

ByDan Emery Jun 14, 2025

It is now down to the club to ensure that they get transfers over the line for both of these wingers in the coming days and weeks, to give Rodgers plenty to work with next season.