All posts by z3u9t.icu

After dropping down into the Championship a couple of years ago, it was always likely that Leeds United would part ways with numerous players who were above the level of the second tier.

Countless players departed Elland Road ahead of the 2023/24 season, with various others moving on to pastures new even before the club suffered relegation from the Premier League.

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips was arguably one of the most high-profile departures, leaving in a £45m deal to join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the summer of 2022.

It came after the 29-year-old registered just shy of 250 appearances for his boyhood side, rising through the ranks before cementing his place as a regular starter and becoming an England international.

Phillips wasn’t the only big-money departure from Yorkshire during the summer of 2022, with another first-team member also moving on in a huge deal for the club.

Raphinha’s stats for Leeds United

Brazilian attacker Raphinha moved to Leeds in the summer of 2020, costing £17m from French outfit Stade Rennais, with the majority of the supporters unaware of his talents.

The now 28-year-old quickly captured the hearts of the fanbase at Elland Road with his magnificent showings, which saw him notch a combined 15 goals and assists in his debut campaign.

Raphinha would register one fewer the following campaign, a year that would prove to be his final one in Yorkshire, moving on after securing survival on the final day with his goal against Brentford keeping the side in the top flight.

He would join Spanish giants Barcelona in a £55m deal, a club-record fee received, but the club would lose one of their star players – undoubtedly contributing to their eventual relegation just 12 months later.

Replacing the Brazilian was always going to be a mammoth task, but the responsibility fell to one player who could’ve followed in his footsteps in being a success for the Whites.

The player who could’ve been the next Raphinha for Leeds

South American talents have been prevalent at Leeds over the last couple of years, with Raphinha and Luis Sinisterra just two examples of the calibre of players who have plied their trade in Yorkshire.

However, another player could’ve followed suit in thriving in attacking areas in the form of winger Ian Poveda, but it’s safe to say he never lived up to expectations.

The Colombian forward joined the Whites back in January 2020 from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee, subsequently making four league appearances in the promotion-winning campaign.

He would feature in 16 outings during their return to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, but would subsequently spend the two following years on loan at Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool, respectively – highlighting his lack of impact during his time in Yorkshire.

However, after relegation, boss Daniel Farke gave him the opportunity to fight for a first-team place, but he would only make 10 appearances in the first half of last season, before another loan move, this time to Sheffield Wednesday.

After 30 appearances and no goals in the Whites’ first-team, Poveda departed on a free transfer last summer, in what was a massively disappointing move given the early praise around his move by Guardiola.

It’s safe to say he’s not lived up to expectations elsewhere either, only making six appearances since joining Sunderland in the summer, totalling 81 minutes – proving that Leeds made the right call in allowing him to depart.

2019/20

Leeds United

4

0

1

2020/21

Leeds United

16

0

0

2021/22

Blackburn Rovers (loan)

10

1

2

2022/23

Blackpool (loan)

26

3

2

2023/24

Leeds United

10

0

0

2023/24

Sheffield Wednesday (loan)

10

0

1

It’s a shame that Poveda was unable to follow in Raphinha’s footsteps in being a success at Elland Road, but ultimately, the 25-year-old wasn’t good enough to fill the void left by the Brazilian.

His time with the Whites was one of disappointment, having the opportunity to secure promotion with one of their rivals this season, but is unlikely to play any impactful role given his lack of minutes to date.

Leeds dud who's been "abysmal" out on loan must never wear the shirt again

Leeds United need to cash in on one player who’s failed to impress away from Elland Road in 2024/25.

1 ByEthan Lamb Mar 7, 2025

Looking to replace Ederson, Manchester City have now reportedly turned their attention towards Serie A and signing a goalkeeper who has kept over double the amount of clean sheets as the Brazilian this season.

Man City eyeing Ederson upgrade

Everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong for Manchester City this season. The Cityzens are in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time under Pep Guardiola, who has been forced to manage an ageing squad hit with an almighty injury crisis.

After such a frustrating campaign, however, the rest of the Premier League will be well aware of just how powerful the Blues could be in the summer transfer window as they look to overhaul what has been a historic squad.

KDB repeat: Man City want to sign "underrated" ace who struggled at Chelsea

He’s been one of the best in his position this season…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 14, 2025

Those at the Etihad are likely to act ruthlessly this summer as they aim to reclaim their English throne at the first time of asking. Already, it looks as though Kevin de Bruyne is heading for the exit door as a free agent and the likes of Ederson could yet join him.

The Brazilian shot-stopper is almost into the final year of his current contract and could yet be among those shown the door as City attempt to cash in before finding an instant upgrade.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now targeting a move to sign Michele Di Gregorio from Juventus this summer following the 27-year-old’s impressive campaign in Serie A. Given that he already turned Liverpool down last summer, however, the Manchester club could face an uphill battle.

Voted the league’s best goalkeeper whilst at Monza last season, Di Gregorio has only kicked on even further since joining Juventus – taking hold of his opportunity. Now, however, he could be on the move again if Manchester City come calling.

The Italian is seemingly one to watch this summer, especially if Ederson concludes what has been an incredible career at the Etihad.

"Reliable" Di Gregorio is at his peak

Following an excellent campaign at Monza, Di Gregorio has picked up where he left off at Juventus to keep 15 clean sheets in all competitions – over double the amount that Ederson has managed at Manchester City.

It’s the type of consistency that has resulted in impressive praise from the likes of former Juventus goalkeeper Michelangelo Rampulla, who told reporters earlier this season: “He showed his true value at Monza. The Juventus shirt is certainly heavier but he is doing his job very well.

“His best quality, as I like to underline, is his presence inside the penalty area, he is the master of his area. He has a certain authority and then there is no question about his value. He plays well with his feet and gives security. He is a reliable goalkeeper.”

Clean Sheets

11

5

Save Percentage

75.4%

69.6%

Pass Accuracy

77.3%

87%

Whilst there may be some concerns over Di Gregorio’s ability to match Ederson with the ball at his feet, his save percentage would certainly offer Manchester City an upgrade on the shot-stopping front this summer.

If the City goalkeeper does depart, then the Italian should be among the leading candidates to arrive at the Etihad when the transfer window swings open.

Liverpool are likely going to be Premier League champions this season and Arne Slot has already commenced building the foundations for exciting reinforcements to arrive at Anfield in the summer.

Liverpool look to maximise appeal in the summer window

Put bluntly, there will never be a better time for players to join Liverpool as they close in their a second title of the Premier League era. Fans had to watch from afar when the Reds claimed the crown in 2020/21, but there will be no such problems come May.

Arne Slot has taken the acclaim of a support that have witnessed their rejuvenated side race into an almost unassailable lead at the summit, though the Dutchman won’t want to stop there as he aims to build a legacy on Merseyside.

Making a start on summer targets, Liverpool are eyeing an ambitious £100 million bid for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo should Mohamed Salah complete a dramatic departure.

The Egypt international has still yet to pen new terms alongside Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, potentially creating an unwanted scenario where high-profile replacements need to be identified as contingencies should the trio move on.

With Andy Robertson not getting any younger, the Reds have Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez high on their wishlist despite Real Madrid’s reported interest in the Hungary international. Getting one over the Champions League heavyweights would likely send out a signal that Liverpool are serious about being England’s dominant force for time to come.

"World-class" £150k-a-week Liverpool player could exit Anfield this summer

The club have made their decision about his future.

ByHenry Jackson Mar 22, 2025

Maximising appeal has to be the focus for Slot and company. Setting the bar high, the former Feyenoord boss is now ready to pay a premium to land one of Europe’s most exciting forwards once the window opens.

Liverpool ready to pay £60m+ for Atalanta's Ademola Lookman

Per a report in Spain, Liverpool are ready to strike for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and have intentions of offering up to €75m (£63.1m) to secure a deal for the flamboyant winger.

Born in London, the 28-year-old represents Nigeria at international level and has registered 18 goals and seven assists in 32 appearances this campaign in all competitions.

Ademola Lookman’s key Serie A statistics in 2024/25

Goals

13

Assists

5

Chances created

49

Shots on target

31

Completed dribbles

28

Mohamed Salah’s key Premier League statistics in 2024/25

Goals

27

Assists

17

Chances created

69

Shots on target

55

Completed dribbles

51

Labelled “exceptional” by former Nigeria goalkeeper Idah Peterside, Lookman is believed to hold strained relations with Gian Piero Gasperini due to his recent comments on the former Everton winger’s missed penalty for Atalanta against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The backlash from his boss has emboldened the player to seek a new challenge this summer, alerting Liverpool alongside divisional rivals Chelsea, who are also willing to commit to a sizeable prospective transfer.

Intriguingly, Lookman and Reds stalwart Van Dijk are both members of the ROOF agency, something that could ease the process of future negotiations.

Fighting off competition for the man in question has to be a priority for Slot. Nevertheless, few would argue they are at a disadvantage given Champions League qualification is guaranteed for 2025/26.

In what could be their first move after potential promotion to the Premier League, Leeds United and the 49ers have now reportedly set their sights on signing one particular reinforcement on loan.

Leeds and 49ers eyeing loan move

As is often the case, the Championship campaign remains in the balance heading into the final two months with Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United all vying for automatic promotion.

As things stand, it is those at Elland Road who will be sweating the most after their 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers saw Sheffield United draw level on points at the top of the league and Burnley move within two points of the automatic promotion places. With eight games to go, Daniel Farke will simply be desperate to get his side over the line.

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ByEthan Lamb Mar 21, 2025

Failing to achieve promotion for the second time under Farke could yet result in another exodus of talent in a repeat of last summer. Promotion, meanwhile, could spark the beginning of a summer to remember if the Whites get things right on and off the pitch.

On that front, a number of potential targets have been mentioned in recent weeks, but one name continues to stand out. According to Graeme Bailey via Leeds United News, the 49ers and Leeds are now plotting a move to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City this summer in what would be his third short-term spell away from The Etihad.

The midfielder has looked more and more desperate for a fresh start ever since completing a move to Manchester City in 2022 and could now at least get an Elland Road reunion.

Following a mixed spell on loan at Ipswich Town, a return to where he was at his best may well provide Phillips with the answers he craves in pursuit of getting back to the player he was in West Yorkshire.

"Fantastic" Phillips needs Leeds return

Out of all the moves that take place this summer, Phillips’ potential return to Leeds is among those that would make most sense if they achieve promotion this season. The midfielder desperately needs a return – perhaps more than they need him – and could instantly reward Farke using his vast Premier League experience.

Having shown glimpses of his quality at Portman Road this season, Kieran McKenna has been full of praise for Phillips at times, telling reporters in the early stages of his move: “As I said when he arrived, he’s followed a very similar pathway to a lot of our players. He’s climbed a mountain, he’s done terrific in his career.

“He went from being a player who played in the Championship for four, five, six seasons, whatever he did, to being part of a newly-promoted team that went to the Premier League, attacked the Premier League, and did fantastic in that division.”

Reportedly earning £8m a year, Leeds would certainly need to negotiate some leeway with Manchester City to make the move happen, but it’s one they should work hard to complete this summer nonetheless.

At the end of the day, goals win games, and Arsenal have simply not scored enough of them this season.

In the Premier League, the Gunners have scored fewer goals than Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, and in the Champions League, ten sides scored more goals than them in the league phase.

Mikel Arteta’s side are an incredibly difficult team to play against, thanks to their league-leading defence, but unless they can find a way to put the ball in the back of the net more often, next season could be another year of almost getting over the line.

Fortunately, reports have suggested that the board and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta are looking to solve this problem and have identified the player to do so.

Arsenal's striker search

Arsenal have needed another striker for what feels like years now, and while they failed to address this need across the last two transfer windows, they appear intent on not making the same mistake again in the summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Perhaps the most exciting striker linked with the club this year is Alexander Isak, who has scored 28 goals in 33 games this season.

However, with Newcastle United supposedly after at least £125m to entertain his exit, it’s a move that feels incredibly unlikely.

Another player often named as a target for the Gunners is Viktor Gyokeres, who has continued his sensational form for Sporting CP last season into this one, although there is plenty of interest in him from other sides, which could complicate matters.

Fortunately, a recent report from Spain revealed that the North Londoners are in pole position for another top-quality striker who may be a better alternative to the Swede: Benjamin Sesko.

In fact, the report claims that the Gunners have already made a bid of €70m for the striker, which is around £59m.

Moreover, while other sides are keen on securing the Slovenian’s services this summer, the North Londoners are in a ‘privileged position’ to complete the deal and bring Sesko to the Emirates.

Why Sesko would be a brilliant Gyokeres alternative

So, the first thing to admit is that, yes, based on this season and last season, Gyokeres appears to be the far more prolific centre-forward.

Appearances

79

92

Minutes

4738′

7454′

Goals

35

85

Assists

8

26

Goal Involvements per Match

0.54

1.20

Minutes per Goal Involvement

110.18′

67.15′

After all, since moving to Sporting, the Swedish international has racked up a tally of 111 goal involvements in 92 games, whereas the Slovenian forward has managed to hit 43 in his 79 appearances since moving to Leipzig two years ago.

However, it’s just as important to note that UEFA currently ranks the Portuguese league as the seventh-best league in Europe, whereas the Bundesliga is fourth and is considered to be among the traditional top five, meaning the level of opposition is far higher.

Moreover, while he’s not been as prolific as the former Stockholm-born star this season, it does not mean he’s been underwhelming.

In 37 appearances, totalling 2681 minutes, he’s scored 17 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.60 games or every 116.56 minutes.

Appearances

37

Minutes

2681′

Goals

17

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.62

Minutes per Goal Involvement

116.56′

To put that in context, he’d be Arsenal’s top scorer this season and level for goal involvements overall with Bukayo Saka, which isn’t bad company to keep for a young centre-forward.

That brings us to the second reason why signing the Radeče-born dynamo could be the wiser option: his age.

By the start of next season, the Leipzig gem will be just 22 years old, while the Swede will be 27.

While that doesn’t mean the latter would be a bad investment, it does mean the club would get less out of him in the long run, and there is more scope for Sesko to reach a higher ceiling as the years progress.

Finally, while both players are tall and powerful centre-forwards, the Slovenian “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, comes in at 6 foot 5. In contrast, Gyokeres is 6 foot 2, and if we know anything about Arteta, he has preferred to sign bigger, more intimidating players in recent years.

Just imagine a spine of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Sesko up top; there wouldn’t be a team in Europe capable of bullying Arsenal off the ball.

Ultimately, the Gunners need a new number nine this summer, and while there are a number of players who’d fit the bill, Sesko looks like he’s someone who could come in and do the job immediately while also developing into an even better player as the years go by.

Arsenal's "special" teen was meant to be Ramsey 2.0, then Arteta sold him

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 29, 2025

With Ruben Amorim reportedly set to show Alejandro Garnacho the Old Trafford door, Manchester United are reportedly seriously keen on signing a rising star to replace the winger this summer.

Amorim to show Garnacho the door

From one of Erik ten Hag’s most influential players, Garnacho has become someone who looks destined to head for the exit door under Amorim amid disappointing form and Manchester United’s PSR problems. In a campaign to forget, the 20-year-old has scored just four Premier League goals and one assist in what sums up the struggles of United’s frontline.

Amorim hasn’t shied away from criticising the young Argentine either, telling reporters earlier this week: “Garnacho needs to improve the way he runs, the way he defends, scores and assists. He is improving. He is doing the right things. Like any player in our team, he has to choose better in the last third. Bruno is the only one scoring goals easily.”

Imagine him & Bruno: Man Utd make "best ST on the market" their top target

Man Utd are on the search for a striker this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 6, 2025

It’s a relationship that has been on the rocks ever since the former Sporting Club boss arrived and dropped Garnacho for the Manchester derby and now one that looks likely to come to a bitter end when the summer arrives.

INEOS could certainly do with the spending power potentially gained by selling the Argentine too, with Napoli reportedly submitting a bid worth over £60m to secure his signature in recent days and Amorim ready to show the winger the door.

Such a sale would allow the Red Devils to go in pursuit of some much-needed reinforcements of their own amid links to the likes of Mike Maignan in recent weeks. The shot-stopper is one of the best in his position and could bring an end to Andre Onana’s nightmare spell between the sticks at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, United could also land an instant replacement for Garnacho this summer who has looked destined for big things in South America.

Man Utd seriously keen on Ian Subiabre

According to journalist Sebastian Sur, Manchester United are now seriously keen on signing Ian Subiabre from River Plate this summer but are joined by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in the race to secure the teenager’s signature.

Still just 18 years old, Subiabre is not a talent that the Red Devils will want to miss out on – especially to a Premier League rival. The young Argentine is certainly full of confidence, having previously talked up his talents, saying: “I’m a powerful, high-scoring striker. And strong in one-on-one situations. I like to drop back to link up with my teammates and provide assists. I can also play on the right or left wing.”

The likes of analyst Ben Mattinson haven’t shied away from praising the teenager either, dubbing him a “technical winger” at the beginning of last year. After scoring seven goals and assisting another eight last season too, it’s fair to say that Subiabre is exactly that.

Everton and their hierarchy are now pushing to complete the signing of a £12 million attacker who has told his entourage to get the deal done, according to a recent report.

Everton chasing multiple signings to kick off summer business

The Toffees are one of several sides in the Premier League who have nothing to play for in the remaining games of the season, but will want to carry plenty of momentum into the new campaign. Club chiefs at Goodison Park however appear to be turning their attention towards the summer and the business they would like to conclude.

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ByEthan Lamb Apr 24, 2025

Strengthening the options in defence seems to be a high priority for David Moyes, as they have already been linked with a shock move for Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah, who has now been backed to make the move to Everton by former scout Bryan King. The Toffees are also interested in signing David Hancko from Feyenoord, but it is not a cheap deal, as the Dutch side want to get around £34 million for his services.

It’s also been stated that Moyes is keen to strengthen his forward line, as goals have been somewhat of a problem, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin could leave for nothing come the end of the season. Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has been identified as their top target for a new centre-forward, as his future with the Seagulls is very much up in the air.

Everton are pushing to sign £12m winger Moses Simon

As well as looking at Ferguson, the Toffees are also looking at other attacking additions, and according to Africa Foot, relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have identified Moses Simon as a transfer target heading into the summer.

The report states that the Toffees are pushing to complete a deal for Simon after sending scouts to watch him live in action in Ligue 1 in the last few weeks. The Nantes winger is said to have left them impressed, and now the Premier League side are working on a deal, with Simon telling his agent to do whatever needs to be done to complete a move to Everton in the summer transfer window.

Interestingly, his agency CAA Base also represent one of Everton’s coaching staff, Dan Micciche, who is the Toffees’ Player Development Lead.

The French club do not want to sell Simon, despite his contract ending at the end of next season. However, their stance on selling the 29-year-old will change if they receive a bid worth €15 million, which is roughly £12.8 million. The Toffees meanwhile believe they could take advantage of Simon’s contract and bring him to England for less than the price Nantes want.

Apps

173

Goals

32

Assists

37

The Nigeria international has scored seven goals and recorded nine assists in 28 Ligue 1 games this season, which is his best return in his career. Everton may need to strengthen in the wide areas this summer, as there is uncertainty over the future of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, who are both on loan until the end of the campaign.

Liverpool have yet to officially lift the 2024/25 Premier League trophy but already sporting director Richard Hughes is looking at ways to improve Arne Slot’s side.

There’s no question that the Merseysiders have put on a season-long clinic, deserving, runaway winners. However, it’s also true that the likes of Arsenal and dethroned Manchester City will be frustrated with their respective top-flight campaigns and will be determined to come back stronger next year.

However, FSG and Anfield’s senior figures will be sure to take comfort in the manner of their triumph: winning the Premier League after bringing only Federico Chiesa into the first team – and he’s yet to even start a league fixture.

The mastery behind Slot’s genius has been in his soft and significant tactical tweaks to Jurgen Klopp’s system, also shaping existing squad players into superstars.

Ryan Gravenberch is the standout star, going from drifting prospect to the “exceptional” midfield player for the Reds, so says The Athletic’s James Pearce, but he’s not the only one.

Cody Gakpo has also been a revelation in his own right.

Cody Gakpo's season in numbers

Gakpo’s goal against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, expertly taken to make it 3-1 and put Liverpool within an inch of sealing the title, was his 17th of the season.

What’s telling is that that goal saw him beat last year’s 16-goal haul, and in over 600 fewer minutes at that.

Klopp utilised Gakpo’s dynamic talents in his own way, throwing him around the park like an erratic darts player across a board. This may well have proved fundamental development for the Netherlands international, but there’s no question he’s gone up a gear in a more structured role for his new coach on the attacking left flank.

Pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch agreed earlier in the term that the 25-year-old has “gone up a level,” and it’s exciting to think that Gakpo can ascend higher still.

Gakpo’s success this season owes largely to Slot’s tactical acumen, but there’s more still to come. The likes of Gakpo and Luis Diaz are bound to find more stable results with a high-class goalscorer in the centre.

However, Liverpool could also find another way to elevate Gakpo’s game even further, preparing to bid for one of the most talented young playmakers in the business.

Slot driving exciting Liverpool deal

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons this summer, with the Dutch playmaker emerging as one of FSG’s top targets.

Aged 21, Simons is one of the most exciting young talents in the world and would cost the Anfield side £60m, should they wish to advance their interest into something more solid. Manchester United are also sniffing around.

However, with Slot personally driving the deal for yet another Dutchman to join Gakpo, Gravenberch and co, it’s one to keep an eye on for sure.

Imagine Gakpo & Xavi Simons

Should Trent Alexander-Arnold leave Liverpool as expected when his contract expires this summer, Liverpool will lose one of their primary (if not the primary) creative sources.

Simons could prove to be the new playmaking hub, reorienting Liverpool’s creativity from the right channel and into the centre. Given that Simons has already forged something of a “symbiotic partnership” with his international peer, in the mind of journalist Bence Bocsak, it might prove to bear dividends.

The duo played together during their time at PSV Eindhoven, during the 2022/23 season, before Gakpo earned himself a £35m transfer to Anfield after his performances for his nation at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Ranking among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers cross Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 20% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for ball recoveries made per 90, as per FBref, Simons could certainly add some panache from the middle, bearing the athletic energy to cover for Dominik Szoboszlai too.

Looking at his statistics in the Bundesliga this season, you get a closer look at why Simons is such hot property, prolific, creative and combative in a way which would work a treat in Slot’s squad.

Matches (starts)

21 (21)

Goals

9

Assists

5

Pass completion

84%

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

2.2

Dribbles*

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

Duels won*

4.4

While Liverpool will need to sign a striker to complete the set, a player such as Simons would go a long way toward cementing a peerless level of attacking fluency at Liverpool, connecting the dots together and allowing Gakpo to continue his rise as one of the Premier League’s finest wingers.

Gakpo already ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe for non-penalty goals scored (0.52) per 90, also ranking outside the top 20% for shots taken, which effectively means he’s making the most out of the chances that fall his way.

With a playmaker like Simons, who has been dubbed a “game-changer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, one he has already formed a prosperous on-field relationship with, taking a seat as the central creative force in Slot’s Liverpool project, there’s no telling how high Gakpo could reach.

Or Simons, for that matter. Having made his name known over the past several years, it’s easy to forget that the diminutive Dutch player is still so young. Given the direction Liverpool are going and the success Slot has already had with elevating his countrymen to new levels, this could be one to keep an eye on as the market looms large.

Worth as much as Huijsen: Liverpool struck gold on "special" £4m signing

Liverpool could sell this young star for a significant profit this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 30, 2025

Manchester United find themselves 14th in the Premier League table after their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

The Red Devils needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund to avoid a 16th defeat in the top-flight this season, in what has been a significantly below-par campaign for the club.

INEOS and Ruben Amorim must work together to ensure that the recruitment work this summer is spot on, as there have been too many missteps in recent years, including the signing of Mason Mount in the summer of 2023.

Why Mason Mount has been a flop for Manchester United

The England international signed for the Red Devils from Chelsea for a reported fee of £55m ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and has had a rough time in Manchester so far.

Since the start of last season, Mount has missed a whopping 50 matches through calf and hamstring injuries, which have heavily disrupted his time at Old Trafford.

When available, however, the English attacking midfielder has not done enough to justify the money spent on his services, with a return of one goal and one assist in 39 appearances in all competitions.

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This has led to his market value, as per Transfermarkt, plummeting to just £24m, which shows that he has been a flop for Manchester United so far because the midfielder has not delivered goals or assists, or consistent availability, and is now worth significantly less than the fee they paid for him.

Mount is not the only player from that batch of recruitment in 2023 who has not been good enough, though, as Andre Onana should be ruthlessly ditched by INEOS this summer.

Why Man Utd should sell Andre Onana

Manchester United reportedly paid £47.2m to sign the Cameroon international from Ajax in the summer of 2023, and his value has plummeted in the two years since then.

It was recently reported that the club would consider offers of at least £20m for Onana, which means that he could be sold for even less than Mount is currently worth (£24m).

As you can see in the highlights above, Onana most recently had a night to forget against Lyon with two mistakes in the Europa League, which led to him being dropped against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

That came directly after former United midfielder Nemanja Matic dubbed him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history” after being asked about Onana’s claim that his team were better than Lyon.

Whilst the Red Devils eventually won the tie over two legs, the Cameroon international’s personal performances did not do much to dismiss Matic’s harsh claim.

Appearances

44

43

Goals conceded

73

59

Errors leading to shots

3

1

Errors leading to goals

3

5

Penalties committed

1

0

As you can see in the table above, making errors is not a new issue for Onana because the shot-stopper has been error-prone throughout his two seasons in Manchester to date.

He has not been a reliable, safe, pair of hands between the sticks, due to these errors in the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Europa League, and that is why INEOS must ruthlessly cash in on him this summer.

United should look to move Onana on, whether that is for a fee of £20m or another figure, and then attempt to recruit a replacement who can be relied upon week-in-week-out at the top level, without Amorim having to be concerned about his goalkeeper making calamitous errors consistently.

Better signing than Huijsen: Man Utd preparing bid to sign £51m "monster"

Manchester United are plotting a bid to sign a star who’d be an even better addition than Dean Huijsen.

ByDan Emery Apr 28, 2025

Fair to say it’s been an eventful season for Tottenham Hotspur supporters, but it could have the happiest of endings.

Spurs have lost 19 Premier League matches this season to date, one more would be their most in a single campaign since 1935, thereby languishing 16th in the table.

However, on Thursday night, the Lilywhites overcame Bodø/Glimt in the Arctic Circle, so will now face Manchester United in the Europa League Final at San Mamés on 21 May.

Thus, Ange Postecoglou is potentially 90 minutes away from delivering Tottenham’s first trophy since 2008 and Champions League qualification, but Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport believes the Aussie could still be sacked, even if his team triumph in Bilbao.

So, who does Daniel Levy have in mind as a potential successor, and could his dream candidate be a José Mourinho repeat?

Tottenham's top target to replace Postecoglou

According to a report by Gianluca Di Marzio, Fulham manager Marco Silva is top of Levy’s list to become the new Spurs boss this summer, adding that the 47-year-old is ‘very popular’ amongst the Tottenham hierarchy.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

As outlined by Dave Tickner of Football 365, there are numerous other candidates in the fray for this post, including Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna and Scott Parker, as well as Andoni Iraola, who, as noted by Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jay Harris of the Athletic, was the ‘leading candidate’ to get the job.

However, George Flood of the Evening Standard believes Spurs would face a ‘tough battle’ to ‘coax’ the Spaniard away from Bournemouth, hence why Silva now appears to be the front-runner.

So, would the Portuguese be a success in North London, or would he fare similarly to his compatriot who recently occupied the Hotspur hot seat?

Why Marco Silva would be a good fit for Tottenham

If ever a manager has burst onto the scene, Micah Richards style, it’s Marco Silva, first coming to the attention of a Premier League-watching audience in 2017 when he was appointed Hull City manager.

At the time, the Tigers were rock-bottom of the division, having won just one of the previous 18 games and, as outlined by Aaron Barton of Opta’s the Analyst, while he failed to keep Hull up, six wins from nine home games, most-notably beating Liverpool 2-0, caught the eye of others.

So, let’s assess Silva’s managerial career so far.

Estoril Praia

2011-14

116

46.55%

Segunda Divisão title

Sporting CP

2014-15

53

60.38%

Taça de Portugal

Olympiacos

2015-16

48

79.17%

Greek Super League title

Hull City

2017

22

36.36%

Resigned

Watford

2017-18

26

30.77%

Sacked

Everton

2018-19

60

40%

Sacked

Fulham

2021-present

182

45.86%

EFL Championship title

As the table outlines, after bouncing around Hull, Watford and Everton, Silva has really found a home in West London, winning the Championship title in 2022, on course to lead Fulham to a third successive mid-table finish, currently knocking on the door of European qualification.

For his work at Craven Cottage, Dean Jones of GiveMeSport has labelled Silva a “genius”, while Mak Pakhei of Total Football Analysis praises his tactical adaptability and flexibility, which allows Fulham to compete against the Premier League’s elite, doing so ‘without heavy investment’.

Meantime, as outlined by Nick Wright of Sky Sports, Silva and the aforementioned Mourinho are ‘old friends’, with the Fulham boss thanking his compatriot for changing how Portuguese coaches are viewed abroad.

Silva has previously been dubbed the ‘new Mourinho’, but their styles are very different, with Silva’s teams more attacking, proactive and on the front-foot.

Well, of course, lest we forget, Mourinho was Spurs manager for a period of time, but supporters would hope Silva’s potential tenure would go rather better, with Jack Pitt-Brooke of the Athletic outlining how José’s ‘defensive tactics…reactive training and repeated public criticism of the players’ in the media resulted in his downfall.

Despite the lazy, nationality-driven comparisons, Silva and Mourinho are very different coaches, and the current Fulham boss appears to have all the attributes to be a success at Spurs, potentially in charge of them for a Champions League campaign come September.

Bigger talent than Huijsen: Spurs' "crazy" teen is a "monster of a CB"

The sensational gem could be a superstar for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 9, 2025