The Sun journalist Tom Barclay has admitted that he would ‘be surprised’ but ‘not shocked’ to see Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu depart the St. Mary’s Stadium this summer.
The Lowdown: Romeu wants to stay
The Spaniard first joined the Saints from Chelsea in a £5m move back in 2015, since establishing himself as a regular in the starting XI, going on to make 251 club appearances and creating 14 goal contributions during that time, via Transfermarkt.
The 30-year-old recently admitted that he would love to remain a Southampton player beyond the end of the season, but with only one year remaining on his current contract, it still remains to be seen whether or not the hierarchy will offer the tenacious midfield maestro a new deal.
When asked about Romeu’s future at the club, Barclay told GiveMeSport:
“The age he’s at, with a year left (on his contract), they don’t like losing players on free transfers. So, I’d be surprised if he left but not shocked.
“And I hope he stays because I think he’s become a pivotal player, who Ralph loves, and I think he said he’s the most professional player he’s ever coached.”
Romeu is not the only midfielder linked with an exit, as James Ward-Prowse is expected to draw major interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
The Verdict: Must keep
If the £59k-per-week star was to leave the top-flight outfit, this would come as a huge loss to Ralph Hasenhuttl because he’s such a valuable player in this Saints side, having made 33 Premier League starts this campaign, forming a great partnership alongside James Ward-Prowse.
Romeu has been an absolute rock in the middle of the park this term, averaging 2.3 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes across all competitions, as per WhoScored, displaying the effects he can have at both ends of the pitch.
Once dubbed as being “one of the best” by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, there’s no doubt that the Austrian boss will do everything he can to retain his engine room operator in a bid to secure a top ten finish next term.
In other news… Southampton have reportedly joined the race to sign one of their transfer targets.
Wolves midfielder Connor Ronan is attracting interest from multiple clubs according to a report from the Scottish Daily Express.
The lowdown: Loan sensation
With Ruben Neves looking more and more likely to leave the Black Country this summer, it looks like Ronan may not be too far behind.
Signed from Rochdale in 2014, he came through the youth ranks at Molineux before making a senior debut in 2016 against Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Wanderers’ first-team altogether but has spent a majority of his professional career out on loan with spells at Walsall, Portsmouth, Dunajska Streda, Grasshoppers and Blackpool.
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Having been sent to St Mirren for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign, Ronan is now attracting interest for a permanent move…
The latest: Permanent deal?
As per the Scottish Daily Express, St Mirren, Aberdeen and St Pauli are all keen on landing the Republic of Ireland youth international.
It’s claimed that the German Bundesliga.2 side have ‘registered an interest’ in Ronan ahead of the summer transfer window.
The report does however state that the man described as being ‘valuable’ by ex-teammate George Dobson is ‘keen’ to return to Wolves and break into Bruno Lage’s plans.
The verdict: Cash in
Under contract at Molineux until 2024 having signed a new deal in September 2020, Ronan would be well within his rights to fight for a place in the first team next season.
However, despite a stellar campaign on loan this term containing eight goals and five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, at 24 and without a single Premier League minute under his belt, a move permanent move would perhaps be the best bet for all parties.
Even with the possible departure of Neves widely speculated, Lage would surely look to replace the Portuguese star in the market as opposed to from within and the 14-cap Under 21 international should seriously consider the reported suitors.
In other news, Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting player. Find out who it is here.
From overhead kicks, last-gasp winners and routine thumpings, the November international break was full of moments of jubilation. But, in between that jubilation, came the heartbreak of missing out on a place at the 2026 World Cup.
For many players, it was their final opportunity to reach football’s biggest stage, only to see it snatched from their grasp once more. Whilst Scotland may still be in party mode and Ireland preparing for the playoffs after Troy Parrott heroics, the likes of Hungary and Nigeria have been left to wonder what might have been.
With the tournament fast approaching, some of the world’s most impressive stars have now had their fates sealed and face the heart-wrenching task of watching on from home as their club teammates do what they can only dream of next summer.
From Victor Osimhen to Dominik Szoboszlai, we’ve taken a look at the best XI of players set to miss out on a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Goalkeeper and defence
GK: Jan Oblak (Slovenia & Atletico Madrid) – Part of Slovenia’s disastrous qualification attempts, Jan Oblak could do nothing but watch on as his side earned just four points from six games in a group with Switzerland, Kosovo and Sweden.
By the end of qualifying, the standings weren’t even close as Kosovo’s 11 points were enough to finish second and leave Slovenia in third to sum things up.
RB: Ola Aina (Nigeria & Nottingham Forest) – If Oblak’s situation was frustrating then Ola Aina’s was on a whole new level over the international break. The right-back could only watch amid his recent injury woes, as Nigeria crashed out of qualifying in a disastrous penalty shoot-out.
The Super Eagles’ manager, Eric Chelle, limited his penalty options by taking off attacking players to hold on for the shoot-out, before suffering the consequences.
CB: Willi Orban (Hungary & RB Leipzig) – As Parrott wheeled away in celebration for Ireland, Willi Orban was one of several Hungary players suffering the heartbreak of late defeat.
They had their World Cup fortunes in their grasp, only for it to be snatched away in the most harsh way possible. Now, the RB Leipzig man, at 33 years old, may never get the chance to feature in the tournament.
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CB: Nikola Milenkovic (Serbia & Nottingham Forest) – It makes Serbia’s struggles all the more confusing, the fact that they also had a defender of Nikola Milenkovic’s calibre at their disposal, but it sums up his season. The Nottingham Forest star has struggled to replicate last season’s form at club level and took that form into the international break.
LB: Milos Kerkez (Hungary & Liverpool) – It’s been a difficult season for Milos Kerkez. The left-back has failed to hit the ground running at Liverpool and recently lost his place back to Andy Robertson. Now, he’s had his World Cup dreams shattered to coincide with his dream move slowly but surely becoming more of a nightmare.
Midfield
CM: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon & Brighton) – Carlos Baleba is undoubtedly destined for big things, but the world stage will have to wait for his presence as Cameroon crashed out of qualifying against DR Congo. At 21 years old, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder will still have more opportunities in his future and those may yet coincide with an impressive move at club level.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary & Liverpool) – Szoboszlai was lost for words after Parrott’s late winner. When his side took the lead before half-time, the Hungary captain would have had his sights set on the World Cup.
Just 45 minutes later, however, he saw his dreams torn apart in cruel fashion. A rare standout for Liverpool this season and often dragging Hungary to victory, Szoboszlai has certainly been hard done by.
RM: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon & Man Utd) – Like his international teammate and potential future club teammate, Belaba, Bryan Mbeumo will be missing the 2026 World Cup.
At the peak of his powers and with everything beginning to come together at Old Trafford, there would have been plenty of hope around Cameroon that the winger could drag them through the qualifiers. Ultimately, though, he struggled to land a mark on DR Congo.
LM: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia & PSG) – As talented as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is, Georgia were always likely to be underdogs in World Cup qualifying. They finished third in Group E and won just once in six games, as Spain and Turkey took the top two spots, and they were forced to settle for third ahead of Bulgaria.
Attack
ST: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria & Galatasaray) – The biggest stage has continuously passed Osimhen by in recent years. Since falling out with Napoli, he’s played much of his club football at Galatasaray, despite endless rumours linking him with some of Europe’s biggest clubs and leagues. Now, he’s set to miss the World Cup and didn’t even get to take a penalty for Nigeria as they crashed out after he was substituted off.
ST: Serhou Guirassy (Guinea & Borussia Dortmund) – Serhou Guirassy is quietly one of the most impressive strikers that European football has to offer. He’s consistently starred in the Bundesliga in recent years, yet won’t get the chance to do the same for Guinea next summer. His side finished fourth in Group G, despite losing just three of their 10 games.
Manchester United have endured a dismal time on the pitch as of late, as seen by their unacceptable 15th-place finish in the Premier League back in 2024/25.
The hierarchy’s answer to such a year was to splash yet more cash in the transfer window, with Ruben Amorim handed over £200m to make the additions he desired.
The recent window has now seen the Red Devils hierarchy spend upwards of £800m since the summer of 2022, with the club only having an FA Cup and Carabao Cup to show for it.
After the first six games of the new campaign, the club have once again failed to deliver, currently sitting in a measly 15th place once again – with Amorim’s side losing nine of their last 15 league matches.
Big money additions like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have all been added to the squad, but the £200m trio have so far only notched two top-flight goals between them.
Big-money additions don’t necessarily equal immediate success, but one of their previous mammoth additions has proven his worth over the last few years.
Why Bruno has been United’s talisman in recent years
Given the failures of United on the pitch last season, it no doubt made it hugely tricky for any player to produce their best performance levels to help get the side out of trouble.
However, it didn’t stop Bruno Fernandes from thriving for the Red Devils, with the midfielder producing one of the best campaigns of his professional career.
The Portuguese international ended 2024/25 with a total of 37 combined goals and assists, by far and away the most of any player in the first-team squad.
However, despite his impressive form last year, the 30-year-old has struggled to match such heights in the opening weeks of the new campaign – only being able to score twice in his first six outings.
He’s usually been Mr Reliable from the penalty spot during his five-year spell at Old Trafford, but he’s already racked up two misses from the spot – with the most recent costing Amorim’s side a point against Brentford.
Bruno, who’s the manager’s captain of choice, is still a phenomenal talent, but it’s clear that he’s lacking huge amounts of confidence at present – along with the rest of the first team squad.
However, the same can’t be said for one former player, who has managed to take his career to the next level after departing the Red Devils a number of years ago.
The former United star who’s outperforming Bruno
Players leaving United and furthering their careers is nothing new to the fanbase, with numerous talents reaching the next level in their development after departing.
Anthony Elanga is arguably the biggest example in recent years, leaving in a £15m transfer to join Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023 after emerging through the ranks at Old Trafford.
The Swede managed 82 appearances at the City Ground, scoring 11 and registering 21 assists – before completing a big-money move to join Newcastle United this summer.
He cost a fee in the region of £60m, with the Red Devils selling him for a quarter of the price he generated for Evangelos Marinakis’ side during the off-season.
However, he’s not alone in such an aspect, with Brazilian star Andreas Pereira another talent who has managed to thrive with regular minutes away from the Theatre of Dreams.
He spent nearly a decade as a Red Devil, racking up 75 senior appearances in the process, but many of which were off the substitutes bench – leading to limited first-team action.
As a result, he left in a £10m deal to join Fulham in the summer of 2022, spending three years at Craven Cottage and finally thriving in England’s top-flight.
The 29-year-old racked up 10 goals and 19 assists in his 110 outings for Marco Silva’s men, leading to one analyst labelling the Brazilian international as “sensational”.
However, Pereira has once again been on the move this summer, leaving the Cottagers and joining Brazilian outfit Palmeiras – allowing him to return to his homeland.
He may have only played four games for his new club, but it has not stopped him from having an immediate impact – already scoring twice and registering a further assist.
Games played
4
Goals & assists
3
Chances created
2.8
Cross accuracy
80%
Aerials won
1.2
Interceptions made
1.3
Recoveries made
4.8
Shots taken
1.4
Such a tally of three goal contributions is higher than that of Fernandes, with the Portuguese international missing the chance to outperform him with his two penalty misses.
Given the issues United have had in the middle of the park over recent months, there’s no reason as to why Pereira wouldn’t have been able to play a key role had he not been sold.
However, his story at the Red Devils will always finish with a what if, given his bargain departure a few years ago – with the Brazilian yet another player who got away from their grasp far too soon.
Man Utd flop who had a "nightmare" was even worse than Shaw vs Brentford
The Man Utd player lost the ball 18 times and was even worse than Luke Shaw.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has admitted that one of his “idols” is guilty of making one of the worst decisions in the club’s history.
Shearer's legacy at Newcastle unmatched
When it comes to genuine St James’ Park icons, Shearer’s name rightly appears at the top of the list when supporters are asked who the best footballer in Magpies history is.
No Newcastle player has scored more goals for the club than the former England international, who is also still leading the way in the Premier League overall, netting 260 times in total in the competition.
While Shearer forever missed out on winning major trophies at Newcastle, he lived out his childhood dream of representing his boyhood club and scoring endless goals in front of the Gallowgate End.
The legendary striker played under numerous managers at St James’, from Kenny Dalglish to Bobby Robson, but even great figures such as those mentioned weren’t immune from making errors during their time in charge.
Shearer reveals huge error Dalglish made at Newcastle
Speaking in 2024, with quotes provided by Give Me Sport, Shearer claimed that Dalglish’s decision to sell Les Ferdinand in 1997 was among the worst calls in Newcastle’s history.
Shearer is spot on in his assessment regarding Ferdinand, and while he clearly still sees Dalglish as a hero of his own, there is no question that selling his former attacking teammate was a bad call looking back.
Ferdinand and Shearer were devastating together, with both scoring in the iconic 5-0 win at home to Manchester United in the Premier League in 1996, and the former still had plenty of years left in him.
Granted, the Englishman was 30 years of age when Newcastle opted to move him on to Tottenham, but he showed over a six-year spell in north London that he could have continued scoring goals for the Magpies.
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Dalgilsh’s playing and managerial careers are legendary ones, with the Scot considered by many as the greatest player in Liverpool’s history, but it never worked out for him as Newcastle boss, which was a huge shame, especially for Shearer.
Everton have made some terrific moves in the summer transfer window to bolster David Moyes’ options across the pitch, with the headline-grabber so far being the arrival of Jack Grealish.
The England international has registered an eye-catching haul of four assists in three Premier League outings for the Toffees so far, per Sofascore, with two assists against Wolves and against Brighton.
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall also arrived from Chelsea on a permanent deal and produced a goal and an assist in the 3-2 win over Wolves in the top-flight at the weekend.
Everton eyeing new right-back
The Toffees are now looking at the other end of the pitch for potential reinforcements to improve the back four in front of Jordan Pickford before the deadline passes.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to journalist Alan Myers, Everton have an interest in Norwich City right-back Kellen Fisher ahead of the end of the summer transfer window this evening.
The reporter adds, though, that he is not aware of a formal bid having been placed for the England U21 international, which suggests that there has not been any concrete movement as of yet.
Kellen Fisher in action for Norwich City vs Watford.
Everton’s interest in the 21-year-old talent does seem to show that the club are eyeing a last-minute move to sort their right-back position out.
What Kellen Fisher could bring to Everton
Moyes could have a natural right-back who could take Jake O’Brien out of that position if the club are able to strike a late deal with Norwich for the defender, who was hailed for his “crunching” tackles by reporter Connor Southwell.
Jake O'Brien in action for Everton
Unlike O’Brien, who is a centre-back by trade, Fisher is an out-and-out right-back who has plenty of experience now playing for the Canaries in the Championship, and for England at U20 and U21 level.
In the 3-2 win over Wolves, the current Everton ‘right-back’ lost seven of his nine ground duels and lost possession of the ball a staggering 26 times, per Sofascore, whilst the Canaries gem only lost possession 7.4 times per game on averag last term.
Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match
That performance highlighted the need for the Toffees to have a natural full-back in that position to be mobile enough to win duels as well as good enough technically to progress up the pitch and create chances for the team.
Appearances
38
20
Big chances created
4
1
Assists
4
0
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.7
1.5
Duels won per game
3.9
3.8
Ground duel success rate
53%
53%
Aerial duel success rate
62%
58%
As you can see in the table above, Fisher and O’Brien’s respective statistics at league level last season suggest that the former is far more likely to provide a threat in the final third, by pushing on from right-back to create ‘big chances’ chances for his side.
The Norwich youngster being an athletic, pacey, right-back also means that he is more effective in duels, as illustrated by those statistics, because he is combative and quick across the ground, whilst O’Brien is a natural centre-back who wants to step off instead of potentially having to deal with a foot race.
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Therefore, Fisher has the qualities and the profile to replace O’Brien as the first-choice right-back for Everton if he can adapt to the Premier League, by offering the team more as a strong defender and as a creative threat in the final third.
Tottenham Hotspur are working to back new manager Thomas Frank in the transfer market this summer, with the north Londoners not exactly resting on their laurels after sealing a cut-price deal for Mathys Tel.
"Special" Tottenham forward spotted at another club amid talks to leave
Spurs are in negotiations over his exit.
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Despite agreeing an option to buy Tel for around £45 million in January as part of his initial loan, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy managed to negotiate a lower fee with Bayern Munich, with the Frenchman making his stay permanent for £30 million instead.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl admitted last week that Tottenham were in ongoing talks over Tel’s transfer, and those negotiations were concluded pretty quickly, as Spurs announced their capture of the 20-year-old on Sunday morning.
However, Tel’s arrival is by no means the end when it comes to their pursuit of new forwards.
In January, Spurs held “concrete” talks with the representatives of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, and he’s now re-emerging on their radar.
The 19-year-old impressed for an otherwise dismal Saints side who finished at the foot of the Premier League table last season, chalking up four goals and three assists in all competitions whilst cementing himself as a firm regular under both Russell Martin and Ivan Juric.
Dibling is a “world-class talent” boasting enormous potential, amid comparisons to treble-winning Man City star Jack Grealish, but his price tag has been a major stumbling block for interested sides like Spurs.
Southampton were demanding as much as £100 million to let Dibling go earlier this year, as reliably reported by The Times, but Southampton’s relegation to the Championship could see him depart for significantly less.
Tottenham consider Tyler Dibling move after near-£50m price drop
According to CaughtOffside, Southampton now value the teenage sensation at around £51 million, and Frank’s side remain in the running for his signature.
Southampton'sTylerDiblingcelebrates scoring their third goal
As per their information, Tottenham are considering a summer deal for Dibling, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United all named as fellow English contenders.
RB Leipzig have also seen a £30 million bid rejected for the Englishman, so the Under-21 international could soon be at the centre of a tug of war between sides both domestically and abroad.
Dibling is fast garnering a reputation as a creative player with excellent technique on the ball, mobility, acceleration, agility and good passing range, but it remains to be seen if the near-£50 million price drop will still be enough to entice Levy into making a formal bid.
Even his heavily discounted new valuation could still be seen by many as a major gamble, especially if Levy wants to reinforce other areas of the squad with Tottenham’s Champions League riches.
Arne Slot might not be a manager, framed as Liverpool’s head coach, but the Dutchman still has a significant say in Anfield’s comings and goings.
Working with sporting director Richard Hughes to improve Liverpool’s Premier League-winning squad this summer, the strategy appears to be working, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez slated to upgrade the defensive flanks while Florian Wirtz is targeted as the new playmaker-in-chief.
Engaged in direct and progressive talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Wirtz, 22, Liverpool are on the cusp of breaking their transfer record and signing one of the game’s most sought-after and talented forwards; the German is renowned for his vision, athleticism and output.
Liverpool Dream XI
Trent Alexander-Arnold might be leaving, but wrapping said deals up will assuage the malaise surrounding the vice-captain’s expected free transfer to Real Madrid.
And with Liverpool planning to remodel the frontline, too, Slot’s side could even raise their level for the 2025/26 campaign.
How Slot is remoulding Liverpool's frontline
Mohamed Salah extended his contract by two years last month, and it’s a good thing too. The right-winger broke the record for goal involvements in a 38-game Premier League season, hitting 47, and claimed the full gamut of accolades.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
However, he’s 33 next month and needs more support. That’s why a concerted effort to sign Wirtz has been mounted, with Liverpool looking to sign a new striker in Eintracht Frankfurt’s £84m-rated striker Hugo Ekitike too.
It’s not just incomings, though. Barcelona are known admirers of Luis Diaz, while Bayern Munich have recently registered their interest in Cody Gakpo.
There’s also the Federico Chiesa conundrum. According to The Athletic, a return to Italy is a strong possibility, though perhaps a loan move would be more plausible. Chiesa, 27 and wracked by injuries in recent seasons, has featured peripherally this year after joining from Juventus for a cut-price £12.5m fee last summer.
He may well leave. However, Salah’s getting on a bit and Slot has hinted that the Italy international will be afforded the chance to prove himself during pre-season, so a resurgence isn’t off the cards.
Liverpool's FedericoChiesaand Alexis Mac Allister
The £150k-per-week forward has been unfortunate, and fans would love nothing more than to see him turn his Premier League career around and play an important part for the Reds next term.
The same could be said for Darwin Nunez, however, after three seasons that have left plenty to desired, it’s crucial that, unlike with last summer’s recruit, the 25-year-old is sold during the looming off-season.
Why Liverpool must cash in on Darwin Nunez
It’s simple: if FSG fail to engineer an exit for Nunez this summer, Liverpool will not play the upcoming season with a much-needed new number nine.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
It’s been an up-and-down journey for the Uruguay star, and certainly not without its entertainment, but Nunez needs to leave Liverpool for the good of his career.
He’s stagnated, staled, lacking the intensity and tenacity which characterised his maverick style upon arriving on Merseyside. Now, he’s been hammered into a shape that’s left him unfit for purpose in Slot’s system, too erratic and instinctive to absorb and implement the Dutchman’s sharp tactics.
Given that he arrived from Benfica for a fee rising to a club-record £85m, the disappointment is understandably palpable.
24/25
45
1,982′
7
7
23/24
54
3,026′
18
15
22/23
42
2,366′
15
4
It’s rather telling that Nunez has struggled to adapt to Slot’s vision. Take Ryan Gravenberch; take Gakpo; take, even, Salah. Players have raised their game, all right, but Nunez has regressed.
Given that he takes home some £140k per week, it’s clear Liverpool need to move him on and bid for a more effective class goalscorer, especially when considering how much more he earns than top target Wirtz.
Darwin Nunez warming up for Liverpool
The German superstar takes home £73k per week, which is a little over half of Nunez’s earnings. Of course, he’s in line for a bumper pay rise when concluding his transfer to Liverpool, but it goes to show how disappointing Jurgen Klopp’s signing has been, scorer of 25 Premier League goals across three campaigns having never fallen to a lengthy injury.
Slot has been displeased with the South American’s application, at times, speaking of his “disappointment” in the talisman and even stating he “can’t accept” his perceived lack of work-rate back in February.
This, of course, combines with the plain truth that Nunez’s finishing simply hasn’t come on. As per Sofascore, he’s missed 55 big chances across his three terms in the Premier League, only scoring 25 goals.
You might think that Wirtz would be the perfect player to resurrect the centre-forward’s English career, and indeed, his playmaking prowess suggests he stands a stellar chance of at least raising Nunez’s game, but it’s not a risk Slot can afford to take, especially if attacking threats such as Gakpo or Diaz were to part with the Premier League champions.
Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was the club’s top target, but he’s reportedly not going anywhere after Eddie Howe’s side succeeded in securing a place in next season’s Champions League.
Liverpool's DarwinNunezcelebrates after winning the Premier League
If Liverpool find they must make their move for Ekitike instead, Slot will still get his mitts on “one of the best strikers out there,” as the Frenchman has been dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson.
As discussed earlier in the article, Ekitike would cost a significant outlay, maybe even scratching the same ballpark as Wirtz, but it would be money well spent for a player who would surely represent an upgrade on Nunez, who has sadly fallen by the wayside.
While there’s substance to the argument that Chiesa should stay on, providing cover for Salah, Nunez has failed to perform across three season, and now must be axed. It’s sad, for all of a Liverpool persuasion want him to succeed, but at this stage it would be a risk to keep him on with the league champions.
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Liverpool are ready to make a series of sales in the transfer market this summer.
This summer presents a huge opportunity for Leeds United to strengthen their first-team squad, bolstering the ranks ahead of their return to the Premier League in 2025/26.
Daniel Farke has created an excellent squad at Elland Road over the last two years, leading the club to Championship glory this season, notching a staggering 100 points.
The midfield has been crucial to their success, with Ao Tanaka undoubtedly being the star in such a department, featuring 43 times and being named in the EFL’s Team of the Season.
Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rothwell have all also played their part, with the latter returning to parent club Bournemouth as a result of his loan ending.
However, if the side are to remain in the top-flight at the end of next campaign, additions are needed during the off-season, with work already being made to land new stars for Farke’s side.
The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new midfielders
Manchester City star James McAtee has been constantly on Leeds’ radar in recent weeks, reemerging after previously being a loan target 12 months ago.
The 22-year-old looks set to leave the Etihad this summer, with the Whites battling Nottingham Forest for his signature, but he may cost a pretty penny with Manchester City demanding £35m for his signature.
Manchester City'sJamesMcAteecelebrates after the match
However, another name has emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure of keen interest, according to Africa Foot’s latest report.
The report claims that the Whites are battling Roma for the 32-year-old, who after signing for £20m a number of years ago, is out of contract at the end of the campaign, with the Malian appearing to wave goodbye at Goodison Park on Sunday.
It also states that he could be tempted by an offer to remain in England’s top-flight, extending his stint in such a division after spending the last nine years between Watford and the Toffees.
Why Doucoure has shades of Kalvin Phillips
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips undoubtedly remains one of the best players to come out of Leeds’ Thorpe Arch academy, developing through the youth levels before making his mark at Elland Road.
Former Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The 29-year-old made a total of 234 appearances, helping the side secure promotion in 2020, before cementing their place in the Premier League – something which Farke will be desperate to do this campaign.
He caught the eye with his passing ability and ball-winning talent, whilst also registering numerous goals and having a positive impact within the final third when the ball fell his way.
Phillips would depart to join Manchester City in a £45m deal back in the summer of 2022, already being linked with a return to Yorkshire after his dismal stint under Guardiola.
However, the club should steer clear of any reunion and pursue a move for Doucoure, with the Malian international having the tools to be the club’s next version of the academy graduate.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
Whilst he’s featured in a more attacking role than Phillips this campaign, he has still managed to thrive in and out of possession, whilst handing the manager an added threat in the final third.
Doucoure, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one journalist, has registered five combined goals and assists this campaign, whilst also notching a higher shot-on-target rate – highlighting his clinical edge in attacking areas.
Games played
32
19
Goals & assists
5
0
Progressive carries
1.5
0.3
Shot-on-target accuracy
29%
18%
Pass accuracy
80%
79%
Tackles won in the defensive third
0.8
0.5
Take-on success
53%
41%
Aerials won
41%
24%
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst registering more progressive carries – handing Farke an excellent option in possession throughout what’s likely to be a difficult campaign.
The Toffees star’s dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more tackles in the defensive third and coming out on top in more aerial battles, offering the added defensive talent needed in the club’s midfield.
Given the fact that he’s available on a free transfer this summer, it’s a no-brainer that the Whites need to snap up a deal for Doucoure, with the Malian offering an experienced option in the middle of the park.
If he can get anywhere near the levels achieved by Phillips at Elland Road, he would be one hell of an addition, potentially playing a massive role in their chances of achieving survival next campaign.
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Chelsea are now aiming to seal the signing of a key target by the end of this month, according to Fabrizio Romano, and Enzo Maresca’s side are very keen to strike a deal for the player as soon as possible.
Chelsea set for "huge" Premier League clash with Newcastle United
On the field, Chelsea are putting full focus into their race for Champions League qualification, and face a “huge” trip to St James’ Park, where they will take on fellow top-five contenders Newcastle United.
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Chelsea will be fully aware of the tough task facing them on Sunday, having already lost at St. James’ in the Carabao Cup this season, but they’ll also go into the contest on a high after beating Premier League champions Liverpool last weekend.
Newcastle (away)
May 11th
Man United (home)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)
May 25th
Maresca’s side have picked up form again, winning their last three league games, with Newcastle coming as a very well-matched opponent. Both sides are level on points and goal difference, but a win up north has the power to all but seal Chelsea’s place in the Champions League draw next season, depending on results elsewhere.
“It’s a big one, it’s a huge one,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle.
“United will be a big one, Forest will be a big one. Now we have three more games, all of them are going to be big games. For sure, Sunday is a chance to start in the right way. We are on a good run, in a good mood, and hopefully, we can play a good game and win the game.”
Maintaining their place in the top five and qualifying for the Champions League will also have a knock-on effect when it comes to their summer transfer plans, as already confirmed by Maresca, so a lot is on the line.
Chelsea want to sign Dean Huijsen "by the end of May"
One of their top targets, according to widespread reports, is Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
The Spaniard’s £50 million release clause has piqued interest from across England and beyond, with Chelsea reliably believed to have held serious talks with Huijsen’s camp ahead of the summer window, which opens on June 1.
According to Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, Chelsea now want to seal a deal for Huijsen by the end of May, as they seek to finalise an agreement as soon as possible amid the fierce competition for his signature.
“The idea of the three main Premier League clubs involved in this story, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, is to do the deal now as soon as possible,” said Romano.
“Now it means by the end of May, so to close the deal this month.”
The 20-year-old has seriously impressed over his debut campaign in England, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp lavishing praise on Huijsen as an already “complete” defender.
“If you’re creating a footballer, the modern-day centre-back, you’ve got a bit of the influence from the Netherlands, the influence from Spain, where they come out with the ball and all the great defenders they’ve had,” said Redknapp.
“And then you’ve got that Italian mark on it as well, so the journey, the mixture that he’s got, is pretty perfect, and now he’s found himself in the Premier League. The elements are good, everything is right for him. You have to get all the right ingredients to be a top player.