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Saturday was a special day for Celtic for multiple reasons after they clinched the Scottish Premiership title with a 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

The Hoops ran out comfortable winners on the day, thanks to two goals apiece from Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah and an own goal from Ryan Strain, to secure their fourth title in as many seasons.

It was the club’s 55th top-flight league title and that means that they are now level with their city rivals on 55 league titles, with a chance to overtake them next season.

Brendan Rodgers has now won four league titles in four full seasons at Parkhead, split across two spells, and will be looking to make history with that 56th title in the 2025/26 campaign.

One player who has already made history in a Celtic shirt, however, is James Forrest after he claimed the 26th trophy of his career at the club on Saturday, making him the most-decorated player in the club’s history.

The one-club man has been in the first-team for 26 trophies won, an incredible accomplishment, but he may not be as involved next season, as his powers on the pitch are waning.

Why James Forrest may not play as much next season

The 33-year-old star is heading towards the latter stage of his career and could find himself on the fringes of the squad next term if the Hoops look to make additions in the summer transfer window.

Forrest’s contract at Parkhead does not expire until the summer of 2026, which means that he is unlikely to move on ahead of next season, but he could spend the final year of that deal on the periphery of the group.

The Hoops academy graduate is currently on course to end the season without a single goal to show for his efforts at the top end of the pitch, having managed at least one goal in all 15 of his previous campaigns in the first-team.

There are, of course, a few more matches left to be played for the Hoops, including the final of the SFA Cup against Aberdeen at Hampden Park, but Forrest has played 25 games in the Premiership and the Champions League to date without finding the back of the net.

Appearances

19

4

Goals

0

0

Shots

28

2

Big chances missed

3

0

Big chances created

3

1

Assists

4

1

As you can see in the table above, Forrest has had 30 shots and missed three ‘big chances’ without scoring a goal in those two competitions, whilst he has only created four ‘big chances’ for the team in that time as well.

At the age of 33, it is not a surprise to see the winger’s influence on the pitch diminish. However, if Celtic want to push on and achieve more success in Europe, they should look to bring in another forward who has the potential to offer more, particularly in Europe.

Celtic's January interest in Norwegian winger

The Daily Record recently reported that the Hoops tried to sign Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter to bolster their wide options in the January transfer window.

It also claimed that the attacker, who carried his passport around in case a move to Parkhead did materialise, is valued at £7m by his current club, although it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops would be willing to pay that much for him.

Transfer Focus

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

During the January transfer window, Football Insider revealed that Rodgers wanted more quality options to call upon in the wide areas and that the club were due to ‘accelerate’ a swoop for the Norwegian starlet.

Journalist Mark Hendry later reported that the Scottish giants had an opening bid rejected by Sarpsborg for the young forward, and the Hoops ended the window without a deal for the 21-year-old talent.

After the club failed to sign the winger in January, Rodgers should push for the Hoops to bring Orjasaeter, once dubbed an “artist” by Havard Flo, to Glasgow in the summer window because he could be an upgrade on Forrest on the flanks.

Why Celtic should sign Sondre Orjasaeter

As aforementioned, the 33-year-old Celtic veteran’s powers are waning, and he should not be relied upon as much as he has been this season, particularly with his four appearances in Europe.

The Hoops will need more quality in the final third if they want to progress in the Champions League and compete in the latter stage of the competition, which is why they should target Orjasaeter and other additions to bolster their squad.

Whilst the Norwegian star is not a proven Champions League performer who would be guaranteed to make a big impact for the Bhoys on the European stage, the 21-year-old talent’s performances for Sarpsborg suggest that the potential is there for him to offer more than Forrest.

Orjasaeter has been in impressive form for his club at league level since the start of the 2024 campaign, showcasing his qualities as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Appearances

28

4

Goals

5

0

Big chances missed

5

1

Big chances created

12

4

Key passes per game

1.9

1.8

Assists

5

1

Dribbles completed per game

2.4

2.3

As you can see in the table above, his teammates have let him down at times by only scoring six goals from the 16 ‘big chances’ that he has created on the wing.

These statistics suggest that he has the quality to offer more than Forrest in the final third, as both a scorer and a creator of goals, if he can translate that form over to Scottish football.

At the age of 21, Orjasaeter is also 12 years younger than the Scottish ace and could be a long-term addition for Celtic, with the potential to develop and improve throughout his time at Parkhead.

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This is why the Hoops should push to get a deal done for the young ace this summer, because they could improve their team and allow Forrest to become less of a frontline option, seeing out his career and contract without being relied upon in the Premiership or the Champions League.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have achieved what they set out to do after appointing Vitor Pereira as manager in December 2024 – avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Old Gold are on an excellent run of form that has seen them win their previous four league matches, taking them further away from the drop zone in the process.

Pereira will now be thinking ahead to the summer transfer window and just exactly how he can bolster his team for the 2025/26 season. There is no doubt that he has a squad capable of pushing towards the top half of the league table next season, although that much might depend on whether he can keep several key players.

Will Matheus Cunha depart in the summer? If so, the manager might have to spend big in order to find a suitable replacement.

In the January transfer window, Periera brought in players such as Emmanuel Agbadou, Marshall Munetsi and Nasser Djiga. Two of these signings were defenders, and it looks as though the Molineux side are targeting another centre-back when the window finally opens in a couple of months.

Wolves want to sign Ligue 1 defender

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, AJ Auxerre defender Clement Akpa is beginning to attract plenty of attention after enjoying an excellent campaign for the Ligue 1 side.

Transfer Focus

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

Wolves are just one team who are keen on the Ivory Coast international, with interest also coming from the likes of Everton, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim, and VfB Stuttgart monitoring his performances of late.

An asking price hasn’t been stated yet, but given their situation, Auxerre won’t be able to resist any team making a decent offer for the player.

The Old Gold have enjoyed plenty of success shopping in the French top flight since they were promoted back to the Premier League in 2018.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Boubacar Traore moved from France on permanent deals in the summer of 2023, while Mario Lemina and Pablo Sarabia linked up with the club in January 2023.

Arguably, the best signing from France, however, was that of Rayan Ait-Nouri, especially given the impact the defender has had in the Midlands.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s Wolves statistics

Wolves signed Ait-Nouri from Angers on a permanent deal ahead of the 2021/22 campaign following a successful loan spell at Molineux.

“He proved last season that he’s a very talented player, with lots of potential – I thought he did well and kicked on towards the end of the season,” Wolves technical director Scott Sellars said, and the move has turned out extraordinarily well.

Indeed, the Algerian has since gone on to make over 150 competitive appearances for Wolves, registering 28 goal contributions in the process. Not a bad total for a left-back, that’s for sure.

Ait-Nouri has been highly influential for Wolves in the Premier League this term. His ten goal contributions – four goals and six assists – is his best in a single campaign for the club, showcasing his effectiveness in the final third.

The 23-year-old has also won 55% of his total duels contested in the top flight, along with making 2.5 tackles and recovering 4.2 balls per game. His all-around abilities have ensured he can contribute whether Wolves have possession or not.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

38

3

4

2022/23

27

2

1

2021/22

27

1

4

2020/21

24

1

1

Via Transfermarkt

Ait-Nouri has also been attracting interest from elsewhere due to these impressive displays and it won’t be long before the club decide to cash in.

Could Akpa become the next version of the current Old Gold star? A player with immense potential who goes on to become a key player at the club?

Why Wolves want to sign Clement Akpa

Akpa has missed just three Ligue 1 games for Auxerre this season in what is their first season back in the top flight after winning Ligue 2 in 2023/24.

The club have exceeded expectations and currently sit 11th in the table and have even defeated Marseille twice while holding champions PSG to a 0-0 draw during the first half of the season.

Akpa has played a big part in this success throughout the current season. In Ligue 1, the 23-year-old defender has been a rock at the back. Not only has he won 64% of his total duels in the league this term, but the centre-back also lost possession just eight times while making two tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game for Auxerre.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Akpa’s defensive qualities are further highlighted.

Indeed, he ranks in the top 8% for tackles (2.2), in the top 17% for interceptions (1.47) and in the top 18% for blocks (1.6) per 90 across the previous 365 days for his club.

Elsewhere, the youngster also ranks in the top 15% for progressive carries (1.08) per 90 when compared next to his peers, and it proves that while he is superb at the heart of the defence, Akpa is also able to bring the ball out of his own half with ease in order to start attacks.

French journalist Sebastien Denis hailed the player as a “defensive revelation” amid his superb season for Auxerre, and he could be a solid signing for Wolves this summer.

The likelihood is, Ait-Nouri may well be sold in order to secure a major profit on the former Angers starlet. If so, Pereira will have funds to spend this summer as he targets a top-half finish in the Premier League.

Akpa could go on to become Ait-Nouri 2.0 should he move from Ligue 1 to the Premier League in the next few months.

He still has to hit his peak, while exposure in one of the best leagues in the world will allow the defender to go from strength to strength.

Much will depend on the fee that Auxerre demand for one of their prized assets, but if Pereira makes a decent offer, he could snap him up sooner rather than later.

"Unbelievable" £10k-a-week Wolves player is expected to leave this summer

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ByHenry Jackson Apr 18, 2025

Manchester United are now in talks to sign a “world-class” striker, and they could use a first-team star as a makeweight in the negotiations, according to a report.

Man Utd's striker targets

It is becoming increasingly clear that Man United will pursue a new striker in the summer transfer window, given that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have just six goals between them in the Premier League this season.

The Red Devils have set their sights on a number of the Premier League’s best strikers, recently making contact over Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha, whose agent is set to fly to England to continue discussions.

Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is United’s top target, however, with the Englishman potentially set to be available on the cheap in the summer, given that his side are almost certain to be relegated to the Championship.

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Delap may be the priority target from within England, but there have also been reports that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is at the top of Ruben Amorim’s list, with the Nigerian set to leave the Italian club at the end of the season.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Man United are now in talks to seal a deal for Osimhen, who has a €70m (£60m) release clause in his contract, which is only available to clubs outside of Italy.

United are in discussions over a £60m agreement, but Hojlund is expected to be used as a makeweight in negotiations, so it is unclear how much money they will be putting on the table alongside the Dane, who would clear over £4m-a-year off their books in wages.

Juventus are also in the race for Osimhen, but they are unwilling to meet his high wage demands, and the fact the release clause doesn’t apply to Italian clubs could also pose an issue.

"World-class" Osimhen could be huge upgrade on Hojlund

The Nigeria international has been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Matt Barlow, and for good reason, having maintained a fantastic goalscoring record for both Napoli and Galatasaray over the past few seasons.

Season

Appearances

Goals

2022-23

39

31

2023-24

32

17

2024-25

32

28

Hojlund, on the other hand, has struggled in front of goal for quite some time, averaging just 0.38 goals per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 54th percentile, when compared to his positional peers.

It would be a shame to see the 22-year-old exit Old Trafford, given that he is still young, and as pointed out by Amorim, the lack of goals is a collective problem.

However, if using Hojlund in negotiations helps get a deal for Osimhen over the line, Man United should not hesitate.

Jamie Carragher took aim at one Liverpool star, who was “really poor” against Sunderland, as Arne Slot’s side endured another mixed evening at Anfield.

Liverpool struggle at Anfield yet again

After victory over West Ham United last weekend, Liverpool looked to their game against Sunderland as an ideal chance to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League and stop the rot. The Black Cats had different ideas, however, and soon reminded the Reds why they find themselves in the position they’re in.

In many ways, Chemsdine Talbi’s deflected effort summed up Liverpool’s recent fortunes. With the Premier League champions entering the game off the back of two Anfield losses, the last thing they needed was for Virgil van Dijk’s block to find the back of Alisson Becker’s net.

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One positive for Liverpool in recent weeks has been the form of Florian Wirtz, though, and at long last the German made his mark in the Premier League. His effort went down as a Nordi Mukiele own goal, but there’s no doubt that one of the summer’s most expensive signings stepped up to get his side level.

It was far from a vintage display from the champions, but they’ll at least be relieved to avoid another defeat. Following victory at West Ham, Slot’s side should see the Leeds United game this weekend as the opportunity to turn the narrative to two wins from three games in the same week.

That said, whether Alexander Isak plays a part this weekend remains to be seen. The Swede didn’t follow up from last weekend’s first Premier League goal for the club and had just 15 touches, much to Carragher’s frustration.

Jamie Carragher slams "really poor" Alexander Isak

Watching on from commentary, Carragher slammed Isak as “really poor” and said that the forward has no “excuses” for his disappointing form at this stage of the campaign.

After smashing their transfer record to welcome the £280,000-a-week star, Liverpool were in dreamland in the summer. Alas, that dream has quickly turned into a nightmare for all involved.

Isak has gone from strike to strike-less at times. Liverpool sit eighth and their attack has never seemed so toothless under Slot. With Hugo Ekitke also struggling to find the back of the net in recent weeks, there’s no doubt that the Reds have an attacking problem on their hands.

It doesn’t get any easier, either. On paper, a trip to a newly promoted side should be a routine affair, but Liverpool will be squaring off against a Leeds side who just defeated Chelsea.

Before then, Slot simply has to find a way to get Isak more involved. With just 15 touches, the Swede was always likely to struggle.

Liverpool open talks this week to sign "monster" Real Madrid target

Thomas Frank’s appointment as Tottenham Hotspur boss brought about a newfound sense of excitement, with the Dane tasked with building on last season’s Europa League triumph.

He was brought into the club to replace Ange Postecoglou, even being handed over £100m by the hierarchy to make the desired changes he wanted to his first team squad.

Whilst his tenure in North London started off in excellent fashion, even remaining as the only side unbeaten away from home in the Premier League, but that came crashing down against Arsenal last week.

The Lilywhites have now failed to win any of their last three outings, shipping a total of 11 goals in that time – with five coming against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday.

As a result, the hierarchy have since been targeting added reinforcements for the January transfer window to try and bolster Frank’s current first-team squad.

Spurs’ hunt for added reinforcements in January

During the past couple of weeks, Spurs have been targeting a move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo – with the Ghanaian seen as the perfect man to improve the frontline.

He’s already scored six times and registered three assists in the Premier League this campaign, leading to interest from other sides such as Arsenal and Liverpool.

However, his asking price has already been revealed, with the 25-year-old available for £65m as his release clause becomes active from the start of 2026.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer a defensive option being targeted ahead of the upcoming window.

According to TuttoJuve, Frank’s men are “ready to make” a €40m (£35m) bid for the Brazilian, who has been restricted to just four Serie A appearances this campaign.

The report states that the Lilywhites see the 28-year-old as the perfect option to bolster their backline, but it’s unclear if his current employers will sanction his transfer.

Why Spurs’ £35m target would be an upgrade on Romero

After Frank’s appointment in the summer, the Dane made a swift decision to create a leadership group that would lead Spurs forward under his guidance in North London.

Centre-back Cristian Romero was named as one of the players in the aforementioned group, with the Argentine wearing the armband in every game he’s featured in.

Whilst many have heaped praise on the 27-year-old in recent times, he’s endured somewhat of a slump in form over recent weeks – as seen by the club’s poor defensive record.

He was even responsible for two of PSG’s goals on Wednesday night, as he gave the ball to Pape Sarr in a dangerous position, before blocking Vitinha’s shot with his hand – resulting in a penalty for the hosts.

His underlying stats have also taken a hit as a result in recent weeks, which has led to numerous areas becoming a cause for concern to the manager and his staff.

When comparing Romero’s stats to those of Bremer in 2025/26 to date, the Brazilian has managed to better his fellow South American in key areas – highlighting why he’d be an upgrade on the Lilywhites defender.

Bremer, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Matteo Bonetti, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also notching more key passes per 90.

Games played

4

10

Goals & assists

2

1

Pass accuracy

89%

88%

Key passes

0.8

0.2

% of tackles won

90%

76%

Clearances made

5.8

3.7

Recoveries made

4.7

3.7

Aerials won

68%

66%

Such numbers highlight his incredible ball-playing ability, with such numbers handing Frank an added option to play out from the back and through the thirds when needed.

He’s also won more of the tackles he’s entered in 2025/26, whilst making more clearances per 90 – offering the needed defensive quality the side has lacked in recent weeks.

Other numbers, such as a higher aerial success rate and more recoveries made, highlight his all-round dominance without the ball – with Bremer looking like an incredible addition at £35m.

Such a move may feel somewhat harsh on Romero, but ultimately, it’s clear that the hierarchy have identified a player who is a level above the Argentine international.

If the board can complete a deal for Bremer, it would be a superb deal and one that could finally hand Frank the answer to their recent struggles in the defensive third.

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Although it’s not time to breathe a sight of relief just yet, reports have suggested that one Sheffield Wednesday candidate has travelled to Hillsborough and a bid for the club is expected.

The Dejphon Chansiri era is officially over, but the Owls entered administration as a result and were handed a 12-point deduction to turn their Championship survival push into their very own mission impossible.

The good times, however, are on their way. Fans flooded to the club shop when Chansiri’s exit was confirmed, before they packed out Hillsborough in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City. This is, at long last, a club pulling in the same direction from top to bottom and co-administrator Kris Wigfield took time to thank supporters earlier this week.

Timeline for Sheffield Wednesday takeover as candidates move to next stage

A positive sign for the Owls.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 6, 2025

The Begbies Traynor managing partner said: “Ahead of the Norwich game, we wanted to give a brief update as best we can to keep fans informed.

“Whilst we are bound by confidentiality for much of this process, it is worth saying that the fantastic support of the fans through attending matches and buying merchandise from the club shop has been vital to running the club and the ground day-to-day – this includes paying the wages of employees and players.”

Regarding prospective buyers, there’s been plenty of interest in Sheffield Wednesday. Several parties have reportedly presented proof of funds worth £50m and the likes of John McEvoy and former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley have been mentioned.

Administrators have set an loose deadline of November 21 for when they want new owners through the door and the latest update suggests that they are on course to meet that deadline this month.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidates take Hillsborough tour

As confirmed by Wigfield, an unnamed Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidate has now travelled to Hillsborough for a tour of the stadium and a look at other facilities such as the training ground. Other parties are set to follow suit and opening bids are expected to commence as the Owls move closer and closer to welcoming new owners.

The 12-point hit dealt Sheffield Wednesday an undeniable blow but with Chansiri finally gone, things are beginning to look up at Hillsborough.

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