All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United’s search for a new striker has moved into overdrive.

With Alexander Isak pushing for a move and Liverpool having lodged their first bid, the Magpies appear resigned to a future without their star striker.

Isak’s decision to skip the club’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia and train independently at Real Sociedad has only added to the growing sense of inevitability.

Eddie Howe’s side are determined to act decisively.

They don’t just want a short-term solution; they want someone who can lead the line for years to come.

The ideal target? A striker who has already adapted to the Premier League, blends physical presence with technical quality, and is ready to shoulder the scoring burden once carried by the Swede.

All signs now point toward a player who checks those boxes, and who has already made a name for himself in England’s top flight.

Latest on Newcastle's search for a striker

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle are considering a move for Jørgen Strand Larsen, who enjoyed a standout debut campaign with Wolves.

Transfer Focus

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

Speaking in a Q & A on Thursday, the Newcastle insider suggested that Larsen has been ‘described as the ‘dark horse’ from the list of possibles’, with his performances having ‘not gone unnoticed’ at St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old Norwegian scored 14 goals in the Premier League last season, the most ever by a Wolves player in their first season at the club, surpassing the previous record held by Raúl Jiménez.

Larsen joined Wolves from Celta Vigo in July 2024 on an initial loan, with the option to buy. That clause was activated earlier this summer, with the deal believed to be worth £23m.

Despite the club’s modest position in the table, Larsen quickly emerged as a key figure. His goals included a run of three in three during April, which earned him a nomination for the Player of the Month award.

Reflecting on his season, Larsen told reporters: “It’s been a good first season in the Premier League.” I’m proud of what I’ve done. I’ve been able to take the steps quite earlier than I’ve done before.”

As already stated, his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

Alan Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day, highlighted how Larsen stepped up in the absence of Matheus Cunha:

“The question was how they were going to get on for the four games without their best player [Matheus] Cunha. I actually think they’ve looked a better team.”

“He was a nuisance. His hold-up play was excellent, and I thought his touch and his control were superb.”

The Norwegian international, who has 21 caps and 3 goals for his country, has seen his market value rise to €30m (£26m).

Standing at 1.93m, he has the physical profile of a traditional No.9 but also brings a versatility that makes him appealing to Newcastle as they look to evolve their attack in the post-Isak era.

Why Strand Larsen Might Be a Smarter Fit Than Šeško

Benjamin Šeško has long been admired by Newcastle’s recruitment team. At 1.94m, he draws obvious comparisons to Erling Haaland and fits the club’s typical age preferences.

He scored 21 goals in 45 games for RB Leipzig last season, including 13 in the Bundesliga, and would represent a clear signal of ambition, with prior reports suggesting an agreement had already been struck.

But there are growing doubts over whether Šeško will end up at Manchester United instead, as well as whether he is actually the right man for the job. For starters, the Slovenian’s numbers don’t surpass those of his Norwegian counterpart.

Strand Larsen outscored Šeško in league competition last season – 14 goals to Šeško’s 13, despite playing in a less dominant team and having far fewer chances created for him.

According to data from FBref, Šeško’s underlying stats also suggest that there is still room for growth.

His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) last season was 8.4, with 11 non-penalty goals scored – a good conversion rate, but not exceptional.

Larsen, by comparison, ranks in the 99th percentile for shot-on-target percentage at a remarkable 61.1%. His npxG per shot (0.19) places him in the 84th percentile, indicating smart, high-quality shot selection.

He also ranks highly for aerial involvement, underlining his all-round centre-forward credentials. There’s also the matter of adaptation.

Šeško would require time to acclimatise to the intensity of the Premier League, while Larsen has already proved he can deliver.

Financially, the move for Larsen also makes more sense. Šeško is tied to a long-term contract at Leipzig until 2029, and the German side are unlikely to sell for anything less than £60–70m.

In contrast, Wolves may be willing to negotiate a deal closer to the £25m they paid, especially if Newcastle structure their payments creatively.

Strand Larsen’s profile – similar to Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) or Ante Budimir (Osasuna) – may not sound glamorous, but it’s highly effective.

His hold-up play would complement Newcastle’s wide runners like Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, while also giving them an added dimension from set-pieces.

Newcastle won’t rush into a decision and are likely to explore both options thoroughly. But if they’re after an immediate impact, a proven Premier League scorer, and a more affordable route to replacing Isak, Jørgen Strand Larsen might just be the smarter bet.

Newcastle enquire for £33m Sesko alternative who made the Ballon d'Or top 30

The Magpies could take full advantage of the situation.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 31, 2025

With just two weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards a Champions League winner to replace Alexander Isak.

Latest on the Alexander Isak saga

It wasn’t so long ago that Isak was the talk of the toon for all good reasons. The Swede was wheeling away in celebration, ironically pointing back at the Liverpool backline after he sent Newcastle on their way to victory in the Carabao Cup final. Now, a great striker has gone on strike and been at the heart of the saga of the summer.

With the Premier League campaign now underway and Isak nowhere to be seen in the Newcastle squad, just where this saga goes next is difficult to say. Whilst he is doing everything to leave the Magpies – even going as far as moving out of his house in Tyneside – Newcastle won’t budge until their £150m price tag is matched, and they have a replacement.

Having his say on the matter in the build-up to the Aston Villa game, manager Eddie Howe told reporters: “We do [have to forget about Isak] – he’s not here with us.

“We have to focus on who is here and get the best out of them. The players are aware he’s not here, the focus will be on each player playing to the best of their ability. I want him to play. I want him to train. I’ve had those conversations [with Isak] but the details of those will remain private.”

Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle breakthrough to sign "amazing" ace is close

The Magpies could finally get their man.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 15, 2025

Meanwhile, the search for a replacement goes on. After missing out on Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, Newcastle have reportedly looked at the likes of Samu Aghehowa and are closing in on a deal to sign Yoane Wissa, but one more name is also threatening to steal the headlines.

Newcastle "interested" in Gonçalo Ramos

As reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Newcastle are now “interested” in signing Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, in what would be a “big transfer”, although the deal will not be an easy one to pull off.

The Portuguese forward did himself no harm in the shop window earlier this week when he emerged from the bench to equalise late on for PSG against Tottenham Hotspur in the Super Cup final.

The Champions League winner may not be first choice at PSG, but he would be the star man at St James’ Park. After scoring 19 goals in all competitions last season in a squad role, Ramos is more than capable of becoming the main man elsewhere.

Even in a bit-part role too, Luis Enrique was full of praise for his forward last season. The PSG boss told reporters in May: “He’s a wonderful player, capable of very high performances.

“If he plays a minute, he plays it very well. If he’s not on the pitch, he still helps the team. And today, he came into the starting eleven and scored three goals. So he’s a player who always performs at his best, and I would call him a guarantee.”

Chelsea chiefs have navigated the club’s finances with serious expertise this summer, thanks largely to Enzo Maresca’s squad and their exploits on the field.

The west Londoners, by winning the Club World Cup, qualifying for the Champions League and selling a host of unwanted players, have brought in close to the £400 million mark.

The CWC win yielded prize money of around £87.5 million, adding to their estimated £80m earnings from qualifying for the Champions League, whilst £220 million has been raised through outgoing transfers.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu left earlier this summer on permanent deals – and to the great benefit of Chelsea’s coffers.

Over the last few months, Chelsea have been a money-making machine, and it’s perhaps not spoken about enough.

This isn’t even factoring in the club’s TV revenue, sponsorship endorsements and merchandise sales, with Chelsea looking in excellent stead when it comes to navigating the Premier League’s PSR rules this year.

Rivals often ponder why Chelsea can spend millions in the transfer market year-on-year, but it is clear that the club’s financial windfalls from numerous sources allow them to do so.

Considering Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Alfie Gilchrist and, potentially, Tyrique George, could all still be sold/loaned before the transfer deadline on September 1, Chelsea can expect even an even greater incoming cash flow over the coming days.

There is also the big matter surrounding Chelsea’s front of shirt sponsor, which is still up in the air and has the potential to bring in millions.

Maresca’s side’s jerseys were sponsor-less for Chelsea’s opening Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace last weekend, but according to football finance expert Stefan Borson, that could soon change.

Chelsea tipped for "very big" shirt sponsorship deal with deal about to be agreed

Borson, speaking to Football Insider, says Chelsea are “adamant” that they’re about to do a “very big” shirt sponsorship deal – which could land them tens of millions.

The Blues agreed a £40 million-a-year deal with Infinite Athlete in September 2023, but that arrangement expired last summer.

In April, Chelsea also announced that DAMAC would appear on the front of their shirts for the rest of the 24/25 season, so the question remains – who will be next?

There are very few rumours in terms of brand names, barring Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air, who’ve been seriously linked. However, the BBC report that talks are ongoing behind-the-scenes as Chelsea carefully try to align with the right partner.

Despite making a 100% start to life in the Premier League as Tottenham Hotspur manager, Thomas Frank still wants to add to his squad to bolster the options at his disposal.

The Dane has already splashed £85m on new additions to date, with Mohammed Kudus the most-expensive signing – costing £55m from West Ham United.

The big-money addition of the Ghanaian has already proved worthwhile, notching two assists in the opening-day triumph over Burnley in North London.

Joao Palhinha has already been added to the ranks, bolstering the options at the heart of the side – already impressing just like Kudus – scoring in the victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.

However, other new arrivals are set to be added to the middle of Frank’s side to provide needed talent and depth, with the September 1st transfer deadline rapidly approaching.

Spurs’ hunt for a new midfielder this summer

In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, Spurs have been preparing a move for Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss – with the Moroccan set to leave the Foxes before the summer deadline.

VIP Tickets

Secure your matchday experience at Tottenham Hotspur with Seat Unique.

Premium Tottenham Hotspur Experiences

It appeared as though he would be set for a move to Crystal Palace, but his transfer to the Eagles has collapsed in recent days – opening the door to a switch to North London.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix as of late, with Marseille star Adrien Rabiot a player in their sights, according to reports in France.

It states that the Lilywhites have entered preliminary talks with the player’s representatives over a move to North London after he was told he’s free to leave the Ligue 1 outfit after a changing room bust-up.

It’s also previously been reported that the Frenchman could be available for as little as €20m (£15m), with AC Milan and Aston Villa also interested in the former Juventus star’s signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Rice

Spurs fans would’ve raised eyebrows when local rivals Arsenal forked out a reported £105m to land midfielder Declan Rice back in the summer of 2023.

However, as hard as it is for the Lilywhites faithful to admit, he’s been a superb addition for the Gunners, notching 16 goals and 20 assists within his 105 outings at the Emirates.

The 26-year-old has been triumphant in six of his 17 appearances against the Lilywhites, often providing a real presence in the middle of the park in such meetings.

His box-to-box nature allows him to have a real impact on proceedings at both ends of the pitch – but if Frank was to land his own version of the Englishman, it would likely cost a pretty penny.

However, a bargain deal for Rabiot could allow the club to land their own version of Rice, with the Frenchman possessing various similar qualities to the former West Ham United star.

The Marseille star was labelled as a similar player to the Gunners star by FBref based on their figures from last season, managing to outperform him in numerous key areas in the process.

Rabiot, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former French star David Trezeguet, posted more combined goals and assists, offering the Lilywhites an added goalscoring threat if he replicates such numbers.

Games played

29

35

Goals & assists

13

11

Pass accuracy

85%

83%

Passes into the final third

5.3

4.3

Progressive passes

6.2

6.1

Tackles won

1.2

0.8

Interceptions made

0.9

0.8

% of tackles won

59%

41%

Take-on success

52%

48%

Aerials won

1.2

1.1

He also managed to impress in finding other teammates, notching a higher pass completion rate, with more of his efforts per 90 being into the final third – offering the likes of Kudus added opportunities in front of goal.

Without the ball, Rabiot has been just as dominant, achieving a higher tackle success rate, whilst also making more interceptions per 90 – arguably being a more all-round box-to-box option than Arsenal star, Rice.

Given the stats produced by the 30-year-old in the 2024/25 campaign, the rumoured £15m transfer fee would be an absolute bargain – possessing the needed Champions League experience for Frank’s side ahead of their European adventure.

If he can replicate such levels in England’s top-flight, the Frenchman would be a superb signing and one that can hand the manager his answer to Rice – and a bargain one at that.

Readers like you help support FootballFanCast. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Bigger talent than Eze: Spurs preparing to hijack move for £60m sensation

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to forget about Eberechi Eze with a move for a top-level talent.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 27, 2025

Liverpool are enjoying the fruits of a bold transfer window while simultaneously trusting in their academy.

Under Arne Slot, the Reds have seamlessly balanced blockbuster arrivals with the promotion of youth talent, echoing the philosophy that served them well under Jürgen Klopp.

The summer business was headline-grabbing.

Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m fee, only for Alexander Isak to eclipse that figure with his £125m move from Newcastle on deadline day.

Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Geovani Leoni and Hugo Ekitike also arrived, while Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez and Jarell Quansah were among those to depart.

Despite those upheavals, Liverpool began their Premier League defence with three straight wins – 4-2 at home to Bournemouth, 3-2 away at Newcastle, and 1-0 against Arsenal at Anfield.

Slot has rotated his stars while showing a willingness to reward academy prospects. Against Newcastle, that faith paid off spectacularly when a debutant stole the headlines.

Rio Ngumoha: A star Rises

Rio Ngumoha had been on Liverpool’s radar for months before his 2024 switch from Chelsea’s academy, but few predicted the immediate impact he would make.

Introduced in the 96th minute at St James’ Park, the then 16-year-old marked his Premier League debut by scoring in the 100th minute – becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history.

1

James Vaughan

16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days

2

James Milner

16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days

3

Wayne Rooney

16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days

4

Rio Ngumoha

16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days

5

Cesc Fabregas

17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

Now 17, Ngumoha is regarded as one of England’s brightest talents.

A skilful and creative forward, he combines flair with composure beyond his years. His market value, via Transfermarkt, already stands at €10m (£8m), reflecting his rising reputation.

The England youth international had been gradually integrated into senior training last season, appearing on the bench in an EFL Cup tie against Southampton before making his professional debut in January’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley.

That appearance made him the youngest Liverpool player to start a first-team game, and the youngest to feature in the competition for the Reds.

Ngumoha’s rapid ascent has naturally drawn comparisons with other academy graduates who once carried a similar weight of expectation.

For Liverpool, there is a recent example that provides both inspiration and caution.

Liverpool's original Ngumoha

Kaide Gordon was once Liverpool’s golden boy, described by Klopp as a “special talent.”

Signed from Derby County in 2021 for £1m, he was earmarked for a swift breakthrough.

The right-winger wasted little time making an impression, debuting in an EFL Cup win at Norwich and scoring his first senior goal against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup.

A Premier League debut soon followed in 2022, and Gordon looked set to carve out a long-term role in Liverpool’s attack.

But progress stalled. Persistent injuries disrupted his momentum and halted his development at a crucial stage.

Last season brought loan spells at Portsmouth and Norwich in the Championship, intended to reignite his trajectory having not played in the Slot era to date. In fact, he’s not been seen in Liverpool red for 18 months.

While those experiences offered game time, they also highlighted the gulf between potential and consistency.

Gordon was linked with another temporary move this summer, but a deal failed to materialise, leaving him to fight for minutes at Anfield.

In The Pipeline

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

Now 20, Gordon’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of academy prospects. For every breakthrough like Ngumoha, there are setbacks like Gordon’s. The path from prodigy to first-team regular is rarely linear.

That juxtaposition makes Ngumoha’s situation fascinating. The youngster’s debut winner has elevated him into the spotlight, but Liverpool will be keen to manage his development carefully, avoiding the pitfalls that befell Gordon.

With Slot’s track record of nurturing talent, there is optimism that Ngumoha can continue his upward curve without being burdened by premature expectation.

Ngumoha may be Liverpool’s present and future, but his progression must be handled with care.

The contrast with Gordon illustrates both the opportunity and the risk of investing in youth.

For Slot, the challenge is to integrate Ngumoha while continuing Liverpool’s title defence – a delicate balancing act that could shape the club’s future as much as its present.

Not Ngumoha: Liverpool's exciting 17-year-old could become the next Isak

Liverpool have refined every level of their squad this summer, from youth to senior standard.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 4, 2025

Gary Neville has now suggested an “ungainly” Arsenal “misfit” could struggle against better teams than Nottingham Forest.

Gunners breeze past Nottingham Forest

Liverpool’s late winner at Burnley ensured the Gunners remain three points behind Arne Slot’s side in the Premier League title race, but Mikel Arteta is likely to be happy with the statement his side made against Nottingham Forest.

The north Londoners ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Ange Postecoglou’s side, with Martin Zubimendi bagging a brace, while Viktor Gyokeres also scored his third goal of the season after linking up with fellow summer signing Eberechi Eze.

The Sweden international has made an impressive start to the campaign, having also chipped in with two goals against Leeds United, although there have been some suggestions the former Sporting CP man could be a flat-track bully.

That view is echoed to a certain extent by Neville, who suggested Gyokeres doesn’t fit in with the rest of his teammates, given that he isn’t easy on the eye, although the Sky Sports pundit also made it clear that he could be exactly the type of player Arsenal need.

"He's still got it" – Odegaard says "complete" icon is Arsenal's best ever

The Arsenal captain has revealed who he believes the best player in the Gunners’ history is.

ByDominic Lund Sep 14, 2025

Neville said: “He’s a misfit, he’s a misfit for that group of players in the sense that he’s not sort of technically amazing, but I actually like that sort of contrast. That idea of having this battering ram who’s a little bit sort of ungainly, and he’s sort of, I think he’ll beat up small teams.

“Whether he’ll do it in the big games and score in the big games, not as sure, I think that the best defenders might handle him, and we’ll see, but I think he’ll beat up smaller teams for Arsenal, you know, that’s not a bad thing.”

Gyokeres is what Arsenal have been crying out for

In recent years, slipping up against some of the so-called smaller teams has been a problem for the Gunners, with draws against Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace in April costing them in the Premier League title race last season.

As such, it is by no means a bad thing that Arteta has brought in a striker who may get the majority of his goals against teams lower down the table, and the 27-year-old has made a flying start to life in the Premier League.

The former Sporting CP star is not the only new signing who is looking promising either, with Eze bagging his first assist in an Arsenal shirt against Forest, while Noni Madueke completed five dribbles, the highest number of any player on the pitch.

The Gunners have the squad to make a real push for the title this season, but their next Premier League match will be another real test, with Arteta’s side set to take on Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Chelsea are now ready to open agent talks to sign a “spectacular” forward, who is also being targeted by Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Blues keen on new winger amid slow start for Gittens

Jamie Gittens arrived at Stamford Bridge in a £51.5m deal back in July, but it would be fair to say the winger has made a slow start to life in west London, having failed to record a goal or an assist in his opening four Premier League games.

After struggling against Brentford, touching the ball just 17 times, the 21-year-old has been rested for the last two matches, with Enzo Maresca opting not to call upon the left-winger at Old Trafford, despite the Blues trailing for most of the game.

Gittens still has plenty of time to prove himself ahead of the January transfer window, but the west Londoners have now set their sights on a new winger, who could push for a starting spot on the left-wing.

Chelsea now set to open talks to sign "baller", Maresca thinks he's ideal

The Blues are planning to enter discussions to sign a new midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Sep 21, 2025

That is according to a report from Bianconera News (via Sport Witness), which states Chelsea have ‘come knocking’ for Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester United also keen.

Such is the Blues’ level of interest, they are now ready to open talks with his agents over a deal, but it could be difficult to prise Yildaz away from Juventus, given that the Italian club are reluctant to sanction a departure, and have started working on a new contract.

The report doesn’t state how much the Serie A side are looking to receive, but it may take a huge bid to get a deal over the line, with Maresca’s side having a £61m offer knocked back during the summer transfer window.

"Spectacular" Yildiz could be Gittens upgrade

The 20-year-old has made a flying start to the new Serie A campaign, picking up four goal contributions in his opening four games, while also finding the back of the net against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Scout Jacek Kulig has also lauded the youngster for his ability to make “spectacular solo runs”, and he has outperformed Gittens across a number of key attacking metrics over the past year.

Average per 90

Jamie Gittens

Kenan Yildiz

Assists

0.10

0.21

Progressive passes

4.36

3.47

Shot-creating actions

4.36

2.04

As such, Yildiz could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, but it may take a huge offer to get a deal done, given that a £61m bid was knocked back during the summer, and the Turk is yet to prove himself over a long enough time period to justify paying that sort of fee.

Tottenham have reportedly held initial talks over signing a Real Madrid star who’s becoming disenfranchised with life under Xabi Alonso, but it’s actually not the often linked Rodrygo or Arda Güler.

Spurs were linked with surprise summer move for Rodrygo

Thomas Frank’s side, ideally, wanted to bring in two new star wingers during the summer.

While Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani arrived at N17, with all three capable of playing out wide, Spurs were widely reported to be pursuing another forward towards the final days of the window.

Tottenham saw two bids rejected for Man City winger Savinho, and they were tipped to potentially go back in for the Brazilian in January (Dean Jones), until he decided to sign a new contract at Eastlands recently.

The former Girona star was a top personal transfer target for Frank, who believed he could be “huge” for Spurs, according to Fabrizio Romano, but all hope of signing Savinho in the near future has been quashed by the 21-year-old agreeing an extension until 2031.

With City’s rising star now off the table, it could be worth revisiting a potential bid for Rodrygo.

Tottenham were also linked with a move for the Real forward towards the back end of August, with reports in Spain claiming that Spurs made an approach for Rodrygo amid their pursuit of world-class attacking players (Mundo Deportivo).

Appearances

277

Goals

68

Assists

53

Bookings

11

Minutes played

16,358

The 24-year-old has started just one La Liga match under Xabi Alonso this season and was on the bench yet again for Real’s 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League on Tuesday.

With the 2026 World Cup looming and competition rife for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, Rodrygo may not be satisfied with his bit-part role for much longer — which could open the door for Tottenham to swoop.

There were suggestions in the summer that Real could be open to loaning Rodrygo out, and that would suit Tottenham down to the ground, as CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, technical director Johan Lange and the new-look Lilywhites boardroom maintain their plans to sign another wide player in January.

Tottenham are also reportedly targeting Guler, but given his newly-found prominence at the Bernabeu, a move for the Turkey international could prove very difficult.

However, as per a new report, Guler and Rodrygo aren’t the only Real players on Tottenham’s radar.

Tottenham hold "preliminary talks" over signing Federico Valverde

As per reports from Spain, £280,000-per-week Real midfielder Federico Valverde has emerged as a “priority” target for Lange and co.

Unlike Rodrygo, their vice-captain has been selected regularly by Alonso, with Valverde notching three assists from midfield already and playing a key role at times.

That being said, a Spanish media source reports that Valverde is being slowly left in the dark by Real’s new manager, who wants more disciplined midfielders to maintain control of the park.

Valverde struggled in their 5-2 derby loss to Atlético Madrid last weekend, and the Uruguayan is apparently losing some faith in the dressing room.

Lange could take full advantage of this, with the report claiming that Tottenham are “leading the way in preliminary talks” for Valverde despite interest from other top Premier League sides.

Real’s board are also split over selling Valverde, as some believe he could still have a role to play under Alonso, while others think it could be the right time to sell in January and reinvest the funds into more squad upgrades.

The 27-year-old, who boasts over 70 caps for the Uruguay national team, has racked up 32 goals and 34 assists from 331 appearances for the Whites, with Ancelotti previously calling Valverde the “most complete player” in world football.

Liverpool aren’t quite right this season. Despite an incredible summer spending spree that soared above anything that English football has seen before, Arne Slot’s side are struggling to recapture the verve of last season.

But for Liverpool to have completed an underwhelming start to their title defence and perch at the top of the table after six games, winning the first five before suffering defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend.

Many Redmen have struggled to find their finest form, but not all have flattered to deceive, with Federico Chiesa already looking leaps and bounds above the rarely-seen winger on the margins last year.

Chiesa's Liverpool resurgence

Liverpool hardly broke the bank after replacing Jurgen Klopp with Slot during the summer of 2024, only adding Chiesa to the ranks, and for a shrewd £12.5m fee at that.

However, Chiesa arrived having been ravaged by injury problems in recent years at Juventus, and he spent the lion’s share of the 2024/25 campaign on the sidelines, either suffering from fitness issues or overlooked by Slot.

This year, however, he is looking to make up for lost time, already with two goals and two assists apiece across all competitions. So impressive has he been that there have been calls for the underperforming Mohamed Salah to be dropped, and for Chiesa to start from the right.

Hugo Ekitike

9

5 (1)

Mohamed Salah

9

3 (3)

Federico Chiesa

6

2 (2)

Alexander Isak

5

1 (0)

Cody Gakpo

9

1 (2)

Rio Ngumoha

5

1 (0)

The versatile Italian will play an important role across the term, but there’s another member of Slot’s squad who has fallen deeper into the fringes of the squad and is beginning to look like last year’s version of the 27-year-old.

Slot's new version of Chiesa

While Chiesa is enjoying a resurgence on Merseyside, Wataru Endo’s role at the club continues to become more and more insubstantial, having

Described by Liverpool correspondent David Lynch as being an “unsung hero” for Liverpool, Endo was instrumental in steering Klopp toward a trophy-winning crescendo at the Anfield helm, and he achieved cult status last year for his tough-tackling cameos in the dying embers of matches.

Having joined for about £16m from Stuttgart after Liverpool missed out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both signing for Chelsea, the 32-year-old Endo has played a crucial role in getting this current Liverpool team off the ground, but he’s into the penultimate year of his contract and has sat as an unused substitute for each of his side’s past three top-flight fixtures.

Tenacious, industrious and a model professional, Endo remains a valued member of Slot’s squad, but it’s hard to see him earning many opportunities, with his quality on the ball admittedly limited.

Given Gravenberch came into his own last year and is now one of Liverpool’s most important players, even said by journalist Beth Lindop to be “on par with Salah and Van Dijk”, it doesn’t look like Endo will be earning a string of starts in the Premier League any time soon, with Slot sure to look for other ways to cover at number six, should the Dutchman fall to an injury.

With Stefan Bajcetic also waiting in the wings and boasting a confidence in receiving the ball, pivoting and progressing forward, there’s a sense Endo’s fringe role at Liverpool may become more peripheral still as the year goes on.

While Chiesa’s bounce-back across the opening weeks of the season serves as inspiration for any footballer looking to pick themselves up from the wayside, Endo is not a spring chicken anymore, and his big moments in Slot’s squad might trail behind him.

Trent 2.0: FSG have already sold a Bradley & Frimpong upgrade at Liverpool

Arne Slot has problems to fix at Liverpool after an up-and-down start to the season.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 30, 2025

Over the years, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side have not been short of superstars. Whether they are homegrown players, like Phil Foden, or brought in from other clubs, both in the Premier League and abroad, the Spaniard has certainly coached some big names.

Foden is certainly one of the players who could fit into that category, and fellow England international Raheem Sterling became one of the best players in the league under Guardiola. Of course, you have the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri who joined from clubs across Europe, and helped bring success to East Manchester.

One of the latest players who falls into this category is certainly Erling Haaland.

Erling Haaland's current market value

The start that Haaland has made to the 2025/26 campaign has been astronomical. There has only been one game in the top flight in which he has not scored. He has completely dominated the Premier League this season.

Let’s look at that from a numerical point of view. The Norwegian forward has played nine games for City across all competitions, and already has 12 goals.

He’s found the back of the net nine times in seven Premier League appearances, with the other three coming in two Champions League games.

The City number nine has carried his imperious form over to the international arena, too. He’s scored nine goals for Norway this season, including back-to-back hat-tricks and five goals in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

Guardiola says Haaland’s form is “better than ever” this season, and it is easy to see why. His unstoppable run is also reflected in his current market value, with CIES Football Observatory deeming him to be worth as much as £208m.

However, the 25-year-old is not the only player in the Citizens squad who looks like a £100m talent in the making, reinforcing the fact that Guardiola’s side is still filled with superstars.

Man City star is looking like a £100m player

Haaland is, without doubt, City’s most important player this season. He’s scored nine of their 15 Premier League goals so far, so they would certainly be a lot lower in the table without him leading the line.

At the other end of the pitch, summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma has made some extremely important contributions.

The Italian goalkeeper joined from Paris Saint-Germain at the back end of the window and has been crucial for Guardiola.

The shot-stopper, who lifted the Champions League with the Parisian side last season, has slotted seamlessly into his new club. Having played six games across all competitions, he’s kept three clean sheets and conceded just four goals.

Saves such as this one from Bryan Mbeumo’s effort show why he will be so important for City. Making his debut in a Manchester derby, the Italian was able to tip wide the Manchester United winger’s strike, which seemed destined for the bottom left corner.

His singing has been a big coup for City. Donnarumma’s consistency for PSG was clear to see with some of his numbers.

He regularly had a save rate in the 70s, with his highest coming in 2023/24, where it stood at 79.1%. In a City shirt, it’s currently at 66.7%.

2021/22 (PSG)

2.9

75.3%

2022/23 (PSG)

3.3

75.2%

2023/24 (PSG)

3.5

79.1%

2024/25 (PSG)

2.3

70.2%

2025/26 (Man City)

1.3

66.7%

One City page over on X, City Chief, said the Citizens have “got a £100m goalkeeper for £25m,” and it certainly feels that way based on Donnarumma’s start to the season.

He has been imperious between the posts for his new side, with his size, reflexes and the way he commands his box making it hard to score past him.

Football scout Antonio Mango once said the former AC Milan star was a “generational” talent. Well, all the evidence this season certainly makes it clear why that is the case. Just like Haaland, Donnarumma has been key to Guardiola in the early parts of the season.

Man City have signed the "best in the world" & he's a new Rodri-type player

Manchester City have a new Rodri-type player in their glittering ranks who is one of the world’s best.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 16, 2025