All posts by n8rngtd.top

Celtic missed out on the domestic treble earlier this month when they were beaten by Aberdeen on penalties in the final of the SFA Cup at Hampden Park.

The Hoops had already won the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup, but they were unable to claim the third trophy in the collection against the Dons.

Brendan Rodgers may want to go all the way next season, after failing to win the treble in both of his first two years back at the club, and could do that by improving his squad in the summer transfer window.

With that in mind, here is the dream starting line-up that Rodgers could build to attack the 2025/26 campaign head-on when they return to action later this year…

1

Kasper Schmeichel

Starting off between the sticks, Kasper Schmeichel should still be the number one for Celtic next season, at least to begin with, after an impressive debut campaign, despite his own goal in the SFA Cup final.

The former Leicester City stopper racked up an impressive 24 clean sheets in 49 appearances after joining from Anderlecht on a free transfer last year.

2

Alistair Johnston

At right-back, Celtic should be aiming to keep hold of Alistair Johnston amid reported interest from English sides Ipswich Town and Fulham this summer, after he scored four goals and provided ten assists in the Premiership this season.

3

Cameron Carter-Vickers

At the heart of the defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers should be a mainstay in the team again next season, after he was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year yet again. The colossal central defender has the right-sided centre-back position locked down, and it should stay that way.

4

Liam Scales

The left-sided centre-back position is up for debate, unlike the right side, with Auston Trusty, Maik Nawrocki, and Liam Scales all in contention to play that role.

Scales, however, ended the season as the first-choice for Rodgers, despite Trusty and Nawrocki being fit and available, which suggests that he will head into pre-season as the obvious partner to Carter-Vickers.

5

Kieran Tierney

Left-back is another position that should be fairly obvious. Kieran Tierney is joining on a free transfer from Arsenal and should be the go-to option in that area of the park when fit and available.

The Scotland international produced 37 assists in 170 matches for Celtic during his first spell at the club, which suggests that he could provide a huge creative outlet down the left flank for the Scottish giants next season.

It remains to be seen whether or not Greg Taylor, who is out of contract this summer, will be at Parkhead next term, so Tierney is currently the only senior left-back who is guaranteed to be in the squad.

6

Callum McGregor

At the base of the midfield three, captain Callum McGregor is another obvious pick for Rodgers. The skipper started 34 of his 35 appearances in the Premiership this season, which does not suggest that he is close to being on his way out of the XI.

7

Arne Engels

Celtic broke the bank to sign Arne Engels from Augsburg last summer in a club-record £11m move, and he repaid them with a return of ten goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances for the club in his debut season.

8

Lennon Miller

Another new addition to the squad, alongside Tierney, could be Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller, who could arrive to complete the midfield trio with McGregor and Engels.

Serie A side Udinese have been linked with a summer move for Reo Hatate, and Celtic could sign the Scottish starlet, who is a reported transfer target, to replace the Japanese ace.

As you can see in the table above, Miller would be an exciting replacement for Hatate because he offers a similar threat as a creator whilst being better out of possession, albeit he does not provide as much of a goalscoring presence.

At 18, the Scotland U21 international is also nine years younger than the Celtic star and could be the long-term option for Rodgers in that position, which is why it could make sense to cash in on the Japanese star to sign the Motherwell maestro.

9

Nicolas Kuhn

Nicolas Kuhn ended the 2024/25 campaign with an eye-catching haul of 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions from a right wing position for the Hoops.

The left-footed star provided a constant threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Scottish giants, which is why he should remain the starting option on that flank.

10

Mathias Kvistgaarden

The third signing that could be added to this dream starting XI, alongside Tierney and Miller, is Brondby centre-forward Mathias Kvistgaarden.

Celtic are reportedly weighing up a club-record swoop for the Danish marksman, who is valued at in excess of £12m, and it could be a fantastic piece of business for the club to upgrade on Adam Idah.

As you can see in the table above, their respective performances at league level this season suggest that Kvistgaarden would offer far more than the Irishman as a superior finisher.

Therefore, Celtic should attempt to conclude a deal for the 23-year-old centre-forward, dubbed “sensational” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, in the weeks to come as he could add an even greater goal threat to Rodgers’ side than Idah currently does.

As part of an ambitious overhaul which has received the green light from those upstairs at Craven Cottage, Fulham are now reportedly ready to open talks to sign a Champions League midfielder this summer.

Fulham working on fresh Marco Silva deal

When Tottenham Hotspur sacked Ange Postecoglou, there may have been some nerves around West London regarding Marco Silva’s Fulham future. Those nerves have since been eased courtesy of Thomas Frank, however, who is reportedly set to swap Brentford for the Lilywhites. Now, the Cottagers are reportedly keen to agree a fresh deal with their manager.

As things stand, the former Everton manager has just one year remaining on his Fulham contract, which will leave those in West London with a major problem this time next year unless anything changes.

Whilst concerns continue to grow over his contract situation, Silva has remained as calm as ever. When asked about whether he had rejected a new deal or whether negotiations were even underway, the Fulham boss told reporters: “No, not at all. We didn’t even start. I know there are some rumours around that I refused something but from my side, it’s not true at all.

“Our connection is very, very strong and it’s clear there are so many things for the club to be careful about with players’ contract situations, there are many important decisions ahead with the summer coming up after a great season where we improved like all the other years before.

Fulham now enter race to sign "strong" Premier League-winning midfielder

He’s set to leave his current club.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 6, 2025

“We managed to reach some great numbers again, the best Premier League points tally in our history and if you want to improve, you have to focus on the most important things. I’m not saying the manager’s situation is not important but I’m under contract with the club, I just wanted to clarify that the conversations didn’t start and that’s not for professional reasons but it was just not the moment.”

Whilst the Portuguese manager remains in charge too, Fulham could be well positioned to seal a shock deal to welcome back an impressive midfielder this summer.

Fulham ready to make Palhinha move

According to GiveMeSport, Fulham are now ready to open talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich if the Bundesliga champions are willing to show their midfielder the door in the coming months. His arrival would be part of an ambitious plot to overhaul Silva’s side with as many as five fresh faces this summer.

The Portugal international is, of course, a name well-known around Craven Cottage given that he swapped West London for Bayern just one year ago. After making just six Bundesliga starts, however, the 29-year-old could be on his way back to the Premier League already.

Silva is certainly likely to welcome Palhinha back with open arms too, having praised the midfielder during his time at the club. The Fulham boss told reporters in Palhinha’s final season at the club: “His attitude, his commitment, the way he leads the others around are things that are hard to find in football.”

There’s no doubt that the midfielder’s return would suit all parties, but that’s not to say negotiations would be easy. Palhinha currently reportedly earns around £162,000-a-week at Bayern Munich, which is unlikely to be matched by Fulham.

They might have finished second in the Premier League and made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League, but we aren’t sure anyone at Arsenal would consider this season to be a success.

Long gone are the days in which a top-four finish was celebrated like a trophy at the Emirates, as, thanks to Mikel Arteta and Co, the team are now serious contenders for every competition they enter – meaning a third runners-up medal in as many league campaigns is far from ideal.

Considering the team created the best defence in the league while scoring 17 goals fewer than the eventual winners, it’s pretty clear that to help the squad get over the line next year, the board must invest in offensive players.

This line of thinking may help to explain Arsenal’s reported interest in Aston Villa’s brilliant Morgan Rogers, although even if he were to join the club, he’d be worth millions less than one of his new teammates.

Why Arsenal want Rogers

So, if the reported price tag of around £100m proves to be true, just why do Arsenal want to spend that sort of money on one player, and would he even be worth it?

Market Movers

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?

Well, the answer to the second question is most certainly yes, and there are a few reasons why, starting with his output.

For example, in 54 appearances for Villa this season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born star was able to score 14 goals and provide 15 assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games or every 155.03 minutes, and that is just the sort of offensive capability the North Londoners need in their squad.

For example, Martin Odegaard is the team’s current starting attacking midfielder, and while he’s been brilliant in seasons past, he really struggled this year, ending the campaign with six goals and 12 assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3447 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 2.5 games, or every 191.5 minutes.

Just imagine if Arteta could take the Norwegian off, or rest him completely, and start the dynamic Englishman in his place.

Finally, at just 22 years old, the five-capped international could grow alongside some of the team’s other younger stars, and then there is his ability to play in multiple positions, from midfield to out wide.

Yet, even then and at the fee reported, Rogers would be joining Arsenal with a lower valuation than one of his new teammates.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Rogers

Now, while Arsenal are blessed with a host of incredibly talented players these days, from Declan Rice and David Raya to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, it’ll likely come as no surprise that the star in question is none other than Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End superstar has developed into a talismanic figure in North London since his debut under Unai Emery, and his valuation reflects that, with the CIES Football Observatory pricing him at a whopping €157m earlier this year.

That converts to a staggering £132m, or £32m more than Rogers could end up costing the Gunners this summer, and while that is a sizable difference, it would be hard to argue it’s not fair.

For example, even though the 23-year-old missed over three months of the season with a hamstring injury that required surgery, he was still able to rack up a sensational haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling just 2619 minutes.

That means the North Londoners’ “future legend,” dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or 100.73 minutes, which is not only better than the Villa ace managed but also simply world-class.

Okay, how do their pair stack up against one another when we look at their underlying numbers, then? The Claret and Blue star did spend a sizable part of the season out wide.

Well, rather unsurprisingly, it’s the 43-capped superstar who once again comes out on top, doing better in almost all relevant metrics, such as actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, tackles, shots and shots on target, key passes and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Arsenal should be looking to sign Rogers this summer, as he’d add far more creativity and attacking flair to the team, but he’d have to hit the ground running to see his valuation even approach Saka’s.

Arsenal set to submit bid for "incredible" star who's like Rodrygo & Yamal

The impressive winger would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 9, 2025

Celtic may miss out on a deal to bring Scotland international Lennon Miller to Glasgow before the end of the current summer transfer window.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, as relayed by 67HailHail, former Scottish forward Ross McCormack claimed that the midfield star is likely to be heading abroad instead.

The ex-Fulham and Leeds star said: “I’ve said it for quite a while that I think he would be perfect in Celtic’s midfield. But from all the noises that I have heard – sort of people who are in and around Motherwell and all that – seems to be that he is going to be going abroad.

“When he sees the success your Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour are having over in Serie A, he might just want a piece of that and sort of get out of the limelight which Glasgow would bring.”

SportsBoom recently reported that both Celtic and Rangers have explored a deal to sign the FWA Young Player of the Year, amid interest from Premier League side Sunderland.

If what McCormack has heard is true, though, then the Hoops are set to miss out on a move for the Scottish central midfielder this summer.

Why missing out on Lennon Miller is a blow for Celtic

Missing out on a deal for the Scotland international should be seen as a blow for the Bhoys because he is a talented young star who could have been a key player for Brendan Rodgers.

The 18-year-old star, as aforementioned, won the FWA Young Player of the Year award in the Scottish Premiership, which illustrates just how impressive he was in midfield for Motherwell this season.

Miller started 32 of their 38 league games and caught the eye with his contributions in and out of possession, with two goals and eight assists for his side.

As you can see in the table below, the teenage starlet also stacked up well against his positional peers in a host of key defensive metrics in the Premiership.

These statistics illustrate why it is a blow for the Hoops to seemingly be on course to miss out on a deal to sign the Scotland international from Motherwell this summer, as he has shown that he can perform well in and out of possession in the top-flight already.

However, this does also provide Celtic with an opportunity to look elsewhere and find alternative midfield targets, which is the case with their latest reported pursuit of a Scottish star.

Celtic ramp up pursuit of Premier League midfielder

According to Football Insider, the Premiership champions are interested in a deal to sign £1.6m West Ham United central midfielder Andy Irving in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops are set to ramp up their efforts to bring the Scotland international to Parkhead to bolster their options in the middle of the park for next season.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that West Ham are prepared to cash in on the left-footed maestro after he rarely featured for Julen Lopetegui or Graham Potter in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

Former scout Mick Brown described him as a top-flight level player, though, as he told Football Insider: “They’re in a difficult market, it’s not easy to sign Premier League-level players, but if one becomes available like he has, I think they’ll be all over it.”

Football Insider also reveals that Irving is a leading target for the Hoops, as they eye a new midfielder, and that they are set to accelerate their plans to sign him now that the window is open again.

Why Celtic should sign Andy Irving

Celtic should sign Irving as a dream alternative to Miller as a midfield signing because he may be a better stylistic fit for the Hoops than the Motherwell man would be.

The 18-year-old star is not used to playing in a team that dominates possession with plenty of touches and passes each game, whilst the West Ham gem’s form in the 2024/25 Premier League season suggests that he would suit Celtic’s way of playing.

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed midfielder is far more used to handling the ball and controlling games as an efficient passer, taking plenty of touches per 90, which is needed in a Hoops team that averaged 75.1% of the ball per game in the league this season.

Irving did not provide any goals or assists in his ten outings in the Premier League, though, but he did catch the eye from an offensive perspective during his time with Klagenfurt in Austria in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

The 25-year-old whiz racked up 14 goals and ten assists in two seasons with the Austrian side, which shows that the potential is there for him to provide quality in front of goal, as Miller did for Motherwell this term.

Irving also made 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game and won 50% of his duels in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season, illustrating that he can also offer defensive strength when needed.

Overall, the West Ham outcast appears to be a dream alternative to Miller because of his suitability to the ball-dominant style of play, his attacking potential, and his competency defensively.

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.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 17, 2025

It is now down to the club to ensure that they can agree a deal with the Hammers to bring Irving over to Glasgow before the end of the summer transfer window, now that it seems unlikely that they will be able to snap up Miller from Motherwell.

Arsenal have a busy summer transfer window ahead of them as the Gunners and Mikel Arteta look to win the Premier League after three successive second-place finishes.

New sporting director Andrea Berta is the man tasked with leading Arsenal’s transfer business, with midfielder Martin Zubimendi set to be the first through the door at the Emirates.

Signing from Real Sociedad in a transfer worth over £50m, Zubimendi should be followed by some attacking additions ahead of Arsenal’s 2025/26 opener at Old Trafford against Man Utd.

AI have actually predicted Arsenal’s 25/26 line-up in a 4-3-3 formation, and if they are correct, the Gunners will have an exciting transfer window.

Berta spends £250m: AI predicts who Arsenal will sign in summer transfer window

It could be an eventful few months at the Emirates.

1

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 14, 2025

AI predicts Arsenal’s 2025/26 starting line-up

1

GK: David Raya

There may not be much change in defence at the Emirates, with Arsenal having the best defensive record in the Premier League over the past two seasons.

David Raya has been a regular during that time and has been backed to keep his spot in the side despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s likely arrival.

2

RB: Jurrien Timber

Getting the nod at right-back is Jurrien Timber after the Dutchman played all across the backline in 24/25, making 48 appearances in all competitions.

They say Timber’s ‘versatility and recovery from injury make him a strong candidate to start at right-back’ as his ‘attacking flair fits Arteta’s system’.

3

CB: William Saliba

William Saliba has been a rock at the back for the Gunners in recent years, which has resulted in rumours of a move to Real Madrid.

Described as ‘a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence’, Saliba still has two years left on his Emirates deal and looks set to play a key role once more.

4

CB: Gabriel

No shocks at centre-back from AI, with Gabriel expected to partner Saliba at the back after signing a new four-year deal this summer.

The Brazilian’s new deal reflects his status under Arteta, and his ‘aggressive defending and leadership underline his importance’.

5

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Still just 18 years of age, Myles Lewis-Skelly is already an Arsenal regular at left-back and is also on course to agree a new Gunners contract.

AI have the Englishman ahead of Riccardo Calafiori and think he’ll start ahead of the Italian in 25/26.

6

CM: Martin Zubimendi

After spending more than £50m on new signing Martin Zubimendi, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that AI believe he’ll be straight in Arteta’s starting XI.

They say the Spaniard ‘will anchor the midfield, allowing others to push forward’.

7

CM: Declan Rice

With Zubimendi in the No. 6 role, Declan Rice has been backed to ‘thrive as a No. 8’ at the Emirates, occupying a box-to-box role with the new signing in a deeper position.

AI states that Rice’s ‘leadership, stamina, and goal-scoring ability from midfield make him a guaranteed starter’ under Arteta, and it’s hard to argue against that.

8

CM: Martin Odegaard (c)

Completing the midfield is captain Martin Odegaard, who is actually approaching 200 appearances in a Gunners shirt.

AI says that despite a dip in form which saw Odegaard score just three Premier League goals in 30 appearances last season, the Norway star’s ‘chance creation and work rate ensure his spot in the side’.

9

RW: Bukayo Saka

Arsenal missed Bukayo Saka’s goals and assists last season, with the winger out for large parts of the season through injury.

Now back fit, though, Saka’s ‘role on the right is undisputed’ and Ethan Nwaneri is named as a promising backup to Arsenal’s No. 7.

10

CF: Benjamin Sesko

A new striker is at the top of Arsenal’s to-do list before September 1, and one attacker who has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates is Benjamin Sesko.

AI says the towering centre-forward will be in the starting line up next season at a cost of £70m. Sesko will ‘offer the physicality and clinical edge Arteta seeks, edging out Viktor Gyokeres as the primary target’.

Kobbie Mainoo is a player who appeared to be the future of Manchester United, but his future could now be in doubt over the next couple of years.

The 2023/24 campaign was a phenomenal one for the 20-year-old, scoring crucial goals against Wolves, Liverpool and even the FA Cup final triumph over rivals Manchester City.

However, the same can’t be said for last season, only making 19 starts in the Premier League and failing to register a single goal or assist – highlighting his decline under Ruben Amorim.

As a result, he’s been linked with various moves away from Old Trafford this summer, potentially being offloaded to raise funds for any additions the manager desires.

Should he stay, it could get even worse at the Theatre of Dreams for the Englishman, potentially falling further down the pecking order given the interest elsewhere.

The latest on Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder

Douglas Luiz is a player who’s been firmly on their radar this summer, potentially available for a bargain price after only starting three Serie A matches last campaign.

He’s been subject to talks already this window, with the Italian outfit opening to allowing him to join the Red Devils in any deal which could see Jadon Sancho move to Turin.

However, he’s not the only midfielder in Italy’s top flight currently in their sights, with Atalanta star Ederson another player under consideration, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that higher-ups at Old Trafford have already held talks with the 26-year-old’s representatives over a potential deal, but it could set them back around £50m this summer.

It also states that Amorim’s side see him as one of the best options on the market for the midfield department, but it’s unclear if the player himself would be open to any move to England.

Why United’s £50m target could prove to be bad news for Mainoo

The midfield department at United already has a fair amount of quality, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro all already on the club’s books.

Given the other options, Mainoo has found minutes harder to come by, even having to feature in a false nine position at times last campaign, with the central midfield department one that’s already stacked.

Christian Eriksen was released at the end of his contract at the end of June, which raised funds and opened a gap for added minutes within the first team setup.

However, Mainoo may not be able to take advantage of the situation, especially given the recent rumours over a move to land Brazilian talent Ederson.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the most recent season, the Atalanta star has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas – potentially ending Mainoo’s time with the Red Devils should he join.

Ederson, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders in Seria A” by journalist Matteo Bonetti and registered more combined goals and assists, along with more shot-creating actions per 90 – highlighting the goalscoring threat he carries in front of goal.

He’s also thrived with the ball at his feet, completing more of the passes he’s attempted, with more passes into the final third per 90 – having the tools to provide those in front of him with added chances.

The Brazilian’s dominance over the United youngster is further reflected out-of-possession, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also making more interceptions per 90, hence why Italian content creator Damiano Coccia has even claimed that Ederson is “the strongest defensive midfielder in the world.”

£50m for a player of Ederson’s quality could prove to be an excellent pickup, handing the side the elite-level talent at the heart of the squad they have been crying out for.

Mainoo is a player who was once seen as the future of the football club, but his playing time could well be further limited should the Atalanta star move to Old Trafford this summer.

Wilcox preparing bid to sign Man Utd's answer to Jude Bellingham this week

Manchester United appear to be making a huge move to land a superb young talent this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 9, 2025

Liverpool are preparing to defend their Premier League title, and while Arne Slot will be emboldened by the ambitious signings made thus far, their divisional rivals are growing in strength, packaging their teams with fresh parts.

But the Merseysiders set the standard with the £100m signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, a deal which may yet rise to £116m with add-ons.

It’s a fool’s game to name a prediction for the Premier League Player of the Year before the campaign’s even kicked off (but here we go anyway), and Wirtz hasn’t even played competitively in the English game yet, but he’s got to be among the frontrunners, and rightly so.

The attacking midfielder’s peerless creativity established him as a superstar in Germany, and he will hold the key to unlocking defences and charging Slot’s goalscoring endeavours.

In many respects, football is secondary at Anfield after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, yet before too long, Richard Hughes’ focus will turn back to the transfer market with the 2025/26 campaign only weeks away – and Darwin Nunez expected to leave Liverpool for a new chapter.

The latest on Liverpool's striker search

The Athletic have confirmed that Liverpool are prioritising the acquisition of a new central striker as we head into the next phase of the summer transfer window.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak remains the dreamy top target, but signing him will be no easy feat, rated at £200m by his employers, who have no wish to sell.

However, the Magpies are looking to close a deal for Hugo Ekitike, another high on Liverpool’s list, which could spark a series of variables that might just play to Anfield’s favour. However, this is conjectural right now.

In any case, Liverpool need to replace Nunez, who only scored seven times last term and is heading toward the exit, something both parties are open to. Even with an elite playmaker in Wirtz joining the club, it’s felt the 25-year-old has had ample chances to prove himself.

With Napoli and Al Hilal both keen on the Uruguayan, the former already coming close but to be thwarted by financial differences, it’s only a matter of time before a move progresses for Nunez.

And when that happens, FSG are primed to sign a new out-and-out frontman.

Liverpool make contact for new striker

According to Liverpool reporter Matt Thielen, Liverpool have been in contact with Samu Aghehowa’s agents as they search for a new striker this summer.

The Reds aren’t the only ones scanning the market for a new striker to have centred on Aghehowa, however, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United both having shown an interest in recent weeks.

The 21-year-old could also prove to be cost-efficient. While he has an £82.5m release clause in his contract, Samu could be sold for considerably less at £63m.

Why Liverpool want Samu Aghehowa

In 2024, Aghehowa looked set for a transfer from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea, before the move collapsed and Porto swooped in.

The Blues’ frustrations proved to be the Portuguese outfit’s gain, for they have enjoyed the prolific qualities of a thriving young striker who has been hailed for his “elite potential” by analyst Ben Mattinson after scoring 27 goals and adding three assists across 45 matches in all competitions last term, notably dispatching a cool brace against Manchester United in the Europa League.

The Spanish striker has proved himself to be a deadly marksman, but he’s also a crisp and progressive distributor, ranked among the top 4% of strikers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal last year for pass completion and the top 6% for through balls per 90, as per FBref.

In this regard, Slot could sign a new centre-forward with the goalscoring instinct and indeed technical awareness to operate within the ranged tactical parameters the Dutch coach likes to enforce.

Transfer Focus

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

And it’s a tactical quirk which could find an ideal partner in Wirtz, whose ball-playing qualities and silky movement would allow the striker to find space with consistency and strike on goal. Or, conversely, ‘Samu’ could use his capacity to drop deep and play surgical balls into the box to keep defenders guessing, letting his 22-year-old teammate sidle into space.

Hailed as a “monster in the making” with a “complete profile” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Aghehowa has the potential to throw down with the finest number nines that the game has to offer, but he’s not there yet.

However, his still-in-development skill set could actually be the perfect thing for Wirtz, with the two attacking players combining and growing in accordance with their partnership, learning all about the idiosyncrasies of each other’s games.

Looking at his clinical edge and ability to maximise a goalscoring opportunity (only hitting the target at an average of 1.1 times per league match last season) the Spanish forward could be elevated to the next level by Wirtz.

The German, after all, has been described as a “genius” of a creator by former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, with his flowing river of chances sure to raise the 6 foot 4 powerhouse’s output.

Given that, were Aghehowa to sign, this could be Liverpool’s definitive offensive duo for an age, it makes sense that Hughes would have a vested interest.

Newcastle appear to be closing in on a deal for Ekitike, and the line over on Tyneside is Isak’s staying put; the 25-year-old will work in tandem with his younger French teammate.

Liverpool will, of course, remain attentive to Isak’s situation. Still, FSG’s ambitions only run so far, and it seems unlikely that a figure in the ballpark of £200m would be green-lit after such steep expenditure already.

With this Porto phenom going from strength to strength, Slot and co could forget about all that and focus on a man who looks perfect for this high-flying project.

Better than Wirtz: Liverpool preparing £113m bid to sign superstar winger

Liverpool could sign another marquee player this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 15, 2025

England are sweating on Marc Guehi's fitness ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifying game against Serbia. The Three Lions have maintained a 100 per cent win record in qualifying so far, including the victory over Andorra on Saturday, where Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was on target, but they could be without Crystal Palace star Guehi on Tuesday night.

• Guehi struggling with a groin injury
• Attended Monday's training 
• England take on Serbia on Tuesday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the , Guehi, who played for 76 minutes in the win over Andorra, is nursing a groin issue, which has raised doubts over his participation in the upcoming qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade. The report, however, added that the entire 24-man squad, including Guehi, trained at St George's Park on Monday morning under Thomas Tuchel's watchful eyes, and Palace defender's injury seems to be a minor one.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Guehi paired up with Newcastle's Dan Burn in the centre of the defence in the Andorra clash as the Three Lions predictably kept a clean sheet. However, the attack was a concern for Tuchel as his side found it hard to break down the resilient Andorran defence despite being utterly dominant.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In a recent interaction with the media, Tuchel admitted that he wants the Three Lions to go back to basics in their bid to win the World Cup next year. The England boss has spoken of the tactics he plans to deploy and is not afraid of instructing his team to be far more direct and to make the most of set-pieces.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  Tuchel will take a final call on Guehi after monitoring his condition on the day of the game. England lock horns against Serbia on Tuesday night.

Leeds United are “targeting” a £17m Lucas Perri alternative, who’s “open to a move” this summer, with his club now ready to cash-in, according to reporter Sebastien Vidal.

Leeds' goalkeeper pursuit heating up

Daniel Farke and the 49ers Enterprises are set to bring in a replacement for Illan Meslier this summer, and Lyon shot-stopper Lucas Perri was identified as Leeds’ number one target, given the Brazilian’s impressive performances for the French side last season.

Despite suggesting the goalkeeper needs to work on his passing, journalist Luke Entwistle has suggested Perri could be a solid signing for the Whites, given his shot-stopping abilities,

Entwistle said: “He doesn’t always assure you, although most of the time he does get away with it, manages to get the ball away, and progress the ball, but he can be a little bit hairy sometimes in that regard.

“He’s a bit of a Hollywood goalkeeper, likes the Hollywood save for the cameras, he is a good shot stopper, though he’s tall as well, and commands his box.”

Major blow for 49ers as £30m+ Leeds target now pushing other clubs to bid

Leeds have a fight on their hands to secure one of their top targets of the summer transfer window.

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By
Brett Worthington

Jul 16, 2025

However, should Farke have concerns over the Lyon goalkeeper’s ability in possession of the ball, there are plenty of alternative options on the shortlist, with Angers SCO’s Yahia Fofana recently being identified as another leading target.

With Fofana potentially set to be available for just £8m, the Ivorian could be a low-cost addition to Farke’s squad, but there could be competition for his signature, as Manchester United have also been named as an interested party in the past.

A new goalkeeper target has also now made his way onto Leeds’ shortlist, namely Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, according to Vidal on X, who states the Belgian shot-stopper is set to be available for £17m.

Lammens is “open to a move” this summer, and with his club “ready to sell”, a move to Elland Road could be on the cards, with the Whites viewing him as their future no.1.

Lammens could be "phenomenal" signing for Leeds

Farke knows he cannot rely on Meslier, having dropped him in favour of Karl Darlow during the promotion run-in, but there are signs the Antwerp goalkeeper could be a more trustworthy option between the sticks.

The 23-year-old’s save percentage per 90 over the past year is particularly impressive, placing in the 98th percentile when compared to other goalkeepers, while also ranking in the 99th percentile for his crossed stopped percentage.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig was also amazed by the shot-stopper’s performances in the Belgian Pro League last season, lauding him as “simply phenomenal”.

Lammens is at the right age to be a long-term success at Elland Road, but the only concern is likely to be that he currently remains unproven in one of Europe’s major leagues.

Lucas Bergvall announced himself in dazzling fashion as Tottenham Hotspur crushed West Ham 3-0 in a fiery London derby. The Swedish prodigy, just 19 years and 223 days old, became the second-youngest Spurs player ever to both score and assist in a single Premier League match. Only Nick Barmby (18 years, 321 days), who achieved the feat back in 1992, stands ahead of him in the record books.

• Spurs pile misery on shambolic Hammers

  From the very first whistle, West Ham looked rattled. Tottenham’s press suffocated the hosts and, when Mohammed Kudus’ corner was nodded home by Cristian Romero in the 19th minute, it looked like the breakthrough had come. But referee Jarred Gillett pulled it back for a foul by Micky van de Ven on Kyle Walker-Peters. Spurs didn’t sulk; they turned the screw.

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• Bergvall’s magic moment stuns London Stadium

  Just minutes before the hour mark, Romero lofted a searching pass into the box, and Bergvall rose majestically, guiding a looping header into the far corner. The finish oozed composure, and Spurs players mobbed him while the away fans roared; a new star had truly arrived.

• Assist adds shine to historic night

  If the goal showcased Bergvall’s instinct, his assist underlined his intelligence. Driving into the box with fearless intent, the youngster laid it on a plate for Van de Ven, who swept the ball home in the 64th minute. That strike killed off any faint hopes of a West Ham revival. For Bergvall, it was a moment of history; the stats confirming his place among Spurs’ youngest-ever difference-makers.

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  Champions League test next for Bergvall

  For Spurs boss Thomas Frank, it was the kind of dominant performance he has been demanding after a shock loss to Bournemouth before the international break. His midfield was disciplined, his forwards ruthless, and his teenage sensation, Bergvall, delivered a game to remember. With Champions League duties looming against Villarreal on Tuesday night, the timing couldn’t be better.