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.

Glasgow Rangers’ 2024/25 is over following their Europa League defeat in midweek to Athletic Club at the quarter-final stage.

Having been knocked out of the Scottish Cup in February, plus the fact Celtic are runaway leaders of the Premiership, the final five league games will be dead rubbers for the Ibrox side.

While Philippe Clement was to blame for many reasons, the transfer activity, both in the summer and winter windows, has a lot to answer for regarding the club’s dismal campaign.

Out of all the arrivals to join the club this season, only a few have gained pass marks. Robin Propper could have made that list, yet he has endured a poor season.

Robin Propper's dismal season in numbers

The Dutch defender had played over 100 times for FC Twente, even captaining the side, before making the move to Ibrox last summer.

On the surface, it looked as though he could be a solid signing, especially given his age and the experience gained over his career.

Fast-forward nine months, and it couldn’t have gone any worse. Propper has failed to truly acclimatise to the physical nature of Scottish football, being regularly outpaced and outfought by opposition defenders. As he admitted himself, he “maybe underestimated” the quality of the Premiership.

In Europe, the centre-back has won just 44% of his aerial duels while losing possession 6.7 times per game, and overall, he hasn’t been the best of signings.

Metric (per 90)

Premiership

Europa League

Accurate passes

58.6

30.3

Tackles

1.6

0.8

Total duels won

5.6

2.5

Interceptions

0.9

1

Possession lost

8.7

6.7

Despite this, Propper – who was sent off against Athletic in the first-leg stalemate – may not even be the worst defensive signing Clement made this term. That honour could go to Rafael Fernandes, who, with every passing week, looks an extremely strange signing.

How Rafael Fernandes has performed for Rangers

A few winter arrivals were expected by the Ibrox faithful, but only Rafael Fernandes made the move to Rangers, much to the disappointment of the supporters.

The 22-year-old defender signed on an initial six-month loan deal, having the option to make it permanent, but given how little he has featured, this shouldn’t be exercised.

Indeed, the youngster has played a total of 91 competitive minutes for the Gers spread across four appearances.

His first start for the club came against Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, and it soon turned into a disaster. He lasted only 60 minutes as the Light Blues suffered a shock defeat.

Since then, Fernandes has started only one more game – against Aberdeen last week – and it doesn’t look like he will feature much in the closing weeks.

Across his three league outings, Fernandes won just 25% of his total duels contested, along with committing one foul per game and making zero tackles each match.

He hasn’t exactly had many chances to make an impact at the club, but even when he has been on the pitch, Fernandes hasn’t done himself many favours, that’s for sure.

It was a weird signing in the first place, and when the season finishes, Rangers should say thanks before allowing him to return to Lille.

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ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

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

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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.

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ByHenry Jackson Apr 18, 2025

In the Premier League, Arsenal have been left to bemoan their lack of a fit centre-forward.

Truth be told, even before Kai Havertz sustained a season-ending hamstring injury, they needed more cover in an attacking area.

Just weeks before, Gabriel Jesus was dealt a cruel blow of his own, picking up an ACL injury that means we are unlikely to see him play again in 2025.

That didn’t spur the recruitment team at the Emirates Stadium into life and they have been made to pay the price since.

Still, Mikel Merino has been in fine form since becoming the club’s leading number 9, scoring six goals in his ten outings as a striker. Not bad numbers indeed.

However, the Spaniard, despite his incredible finish against Real Madrid, is not the long-term answer.

Arsenal's hopes of signing a new striker

Andrea Berta has now been in the job a few weeks and his main objective over the summer transfer window must be to strengthen the club’s offence.

It promises to be an exciting summer at Colney with the Gunners not only needing a new forward but also a winger, a back-up goalkeeper and potentially even a midfielder. Martin Zubimendi is reportedly edging close towards a deal.

So, who will the shiny new striker be? That’s the question on everyone’s lips down at N5.

David Ornstein confirmed a few weeks ago that Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres is one of their leading targets but work is also being done on Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

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

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A flurry of reports linked the Slovenian with a move last summer but he ended up penning new terms with German club RB Leipzig.

A year on and his departure from the Bundesliga looks far more likely. Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Arsenal continue to keep a ‘close on’ on the 21-year-old with new steps now taken in a bid to secure his signature.

The report notes that the London club have had ‘direct contact’ with the player’s camp to discuss a move and the feeling after that meeting has been a positive one.

Sesko’s contract – which expires in 2029 – currently contains a release clause valued at around €70m (£60m).

How Sesko compares to Haaland and Isak

A few years ago, Arsenal were monitoring the progress of Alexander Isak. The Swede was at Real Sociedad at the time and wasn’t yet a truly rampant goalscorer.

The year was 2022 and Isak’s contract in Spain also contained a release clause, one that was slightly more than Sesko’s at about £75m.

Sadly, the Gunners deemed that too expensive and since then, he signed for Newcastle for £63m and become one of the Premier League’s leading lights, scoring 20 goals this term, third to only Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the top-flight.

So, Arsenal must learn their lesson. Miss out on Sesko now and you could be looking at a price tag of over £100m in a few years’ time.

The Slovenia international may not be the finished article just yet, but he possesses a unique profile and Berta must buy now, with Arteta undoubtedly having the ability to turn him into a top-class talent, just like Isak.

Indeed, if Arteta can get a tune out of Merino in the club’s forward line, a midfielder by trade, just think what he could do with an actual striker.

Goals scored by Arsenal targets: 2024/25

Player

Games played

Goals scored

Viktor Gyokeres

45

44

Victor Osimhen

33

29

Alexander Isak

35

24

Hugo Ekitike

41

20

Benjamin Sesko

40

19

Matheus Cunha

29

15

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Described as “the new Erling Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko has found the net 19 times in 40 matches this term and seems to be getting better season by season, still aged 21.

Like Haaland, he’s a tall centre-forward. The Norwegian stands at 6 foot 4 while the Arsenal target is a fraction taller at 6 foot 5.

What that allows the pair of them to do is a number of things. Not only are they physical but their lengthy running stride and pace makes them a total nightmare for a defensive line.

Sesko would not get as much time and space in the Premier League, something Haaland is now all too familiar with, but their games marry up nicely when assessing their ball striking as well.

Just look at the thunderbolt below from Leipzig’s star man. It’s a thing of beauty and something that, let’s be honest, no Arsenal player in the current squad is capable of.

Perhaps the biggest difference is that Sesko is actually right-footed, but that’s not a bad thing, particularly when you consider Havertz is left-footed, meaning Berta would be adding more variety to the attack.

While someone like Gyokeres – who has scored 44 goals this season – and Isak, a proven Premier League striker, would be amazing signings, perhaps the best thing to do is go out and get Sesko, an unpolished diamond but someone who possesses elite potential.

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As Evangelos Marinakis commenced the club’s latest scouting mission in Turkey, one Nottingham Forest target was given his marching orders in what was an ill-timed moment to forget.

Nottingham Forest send scouts to Besiktas vs Galatasaray

After defeating Manchester United 1-0 courtesy of Anthony Elanga’s stunning solo effort, Nottingham Forest have every right to be dreaming of Champions League football more than ever in the Premier League. And with that comes the right to turn their attention towards stealing further headlines in the transfer market this summer.

On the transfer front, several big names have already been mentioned – the biggest of which arguably being Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray loanee has enjoyed an excellent spell in Turkey and looks destined for bigger and better things once back at Napoli this summer. With Chris Wood not getting any younger either, Forest could yet make their move.

Turkish football seems to be where it’s at for those at the City Ground too, having also set their sights on two other targets. According to The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest’s scouting mission focused on Semih Kilicsoy last weekend, only for the young Besiktas star to receive a red card in his side’s 2-1 victory over Galatasaray.

Forest officials were also in attendance to watch Baris Alper Yilmaz, but it’s Kilicsoy who stole the headlines when he received his marching orders in the 96th minute before his teammates handed their rivals their first league defeat of the campaign.

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The first red card of the teenager’s career couldn’t have come at a worse time given that scouts from both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa were in attendance, but he will hope to have still done enough to maintain their interest.

"Incredible" Kilicsoy is a rising star

Red card aside, Kilicsoy has been one to watch throughout the current campaign. At just 19 years old, the winger has scored four goals and assisted a further six in all competitions and doesn’t look likely to stop there. A player destined for the top, Nottingham Forest could yet sign another talented winger to add to the likes of Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the coming years.

Earning the praise of football talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, who described his campaign as “incredible”, Kilicsoy has only improved ever since and could earn the move that reflects that improvement this summer.

The Besiktas star is arguably one of the most talented young players that European football has to offer, but that won’t stand in Forest’s way. Closing in on a Champions League place, they could be more ambitious than ever this summer.

Today is the day that Celtic could be crowned champions of the Scottish Premiership if they manage to avoid a defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

The Hoops only need a point to claim the title for the fourth year running, beating their city rivals to the crown once again, in the early kick-off this afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers is looking to seal his second title in as many seasons since his return to Parkhead, and could be ruthless with his team selection by dropping Adam Idah to the bench.

Why Adam Idah could be dropped

The Ireland international was given the nod from the start to play as the number nine against St. Johnstone at Hampden Park, with Daizen Maeda and James Forrest on the wings.

Idah got on the end of a perfect cross from Reo Hatate to bundle the ball in from close range in the 5-0 win over the Saints in the SFA Cup semi-final.

However, the former Norwich City attacker has failed to provide a goal or an assist in his last seven appearances in the Premiership, which shows that he has not been good enough at league level in recent weeks.

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With this in mind, Rodgers could ruthlessly ditch the striker from the team, despite his goal against St. Johnstone, and that would open up space for Jota to come back into the side on the wing.

Why Celtic should unleash Jota

The Northern Irish head coach could move Maeda back into the number nine role and that would free up the Portuguese attacker to play on the left side of the front three.

Jota, who came off the bench to score the fifth goal against the Saints, re-joined the Scottish giants in the January transfer window when he signed from Rennes on a permanent deal.

Since his return to Parkhead, the 26-year-old wing wizard, who Michael Stewart claims “raises the bar” and is a “game-changer” for the club, has hit the ground running with a return of four goals, three ‘big chances’ created, and two assists in six starts in the league.

This shows that, unlike Idah, Jota has been in fine form in the Premiership of late, with his ability to score and create goals on a regular basis from a wide position.

Goals

0.67

Top 3.9%

Expected Goals

0.51

Top 3.9%

xG on target

0.72

Top 1%

Shots on target

1.51

Top 1%

Assists

0.34

Top 17.6%

Expected Assists

0.39

Top 7.8%

Chances created

2.01

Top 21.6%

As you can see in the table above, the former Al-Ittihad forward stacks up incredibly well against his positional peers in the Scottish top-flight, due to his impressive return of goals and assists.

These statistics show that Jota is an attacker who can make a big impact on a regular basis at the top end of the pitch, which is why Rodgers should bring him into the starting XI for this clash with Dundee United today.

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He has the game-changing quality that Celtic could need to get the point that will seal the Premiership title, which would be the Portuguese star’s third in his Hoops career.

Chelsea chiefs are refusing to rule out signing a more experienced player behind-the-scenes, which goes against BlueCo’s usual transfer strategy, and they’re actively considering a free agent who Barcelona really want at the Camp Nou.

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Amid Wesley Fofana’s long-term injury, which has ruled the Frenchman out for the remainder of 2024/2025, Chelsea are believed to be weighing up the possibility of another central defender this summer.

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Their centre-back shortage prompted Enzo Maresca and co to activate the recall clause in Trevoh Chalobah’s loan deal at Crystal Palace, temporarily plugging the gap, but Chelsea are intending to reinforce that area of the squad with a star signing for the long-term.

Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is a top target for Chelsea, according to reports, but they’re likely to face major competition for the Spaniard’s services considering he’ll have an active £50 million release clause in his contract this summer.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures	Date
Ipswich Town (home)	April 13th
Fulham (away)	April 20th
Everton (home)	April 26th
Liverpool (home)	May 4th
Newcastle (away)	May 10th

There have also been rumours of Chelsea and a potential move to re-sign former Cobham academy graduate Marc Guehi. Maresca’s side are among the favourites to strike a deal for the England international, who is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, but his price tag will still reportedly range from £50-60 million.

Given the west Londoners are linked with bringing in a new goalkeeper, midfielder, winger and striker, Chelsea will need to tread carefully and find the best-value option possible to solidify their backline.

Chelsea considering Jonathan Tah move amid Barcelona interest

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Bayer Leverkusen stalwart Jonathan Tah is under consideration at Stamford Bridge.

The 29-year-old played a role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph last term, helping them to end the domestic campaign unbeaten, and he’s set to be up for grabs as a free agent this summer as things stand.

Chelsea are weighing up the possibility of signing Tah at zero cost, but Barcelona pose a threat, as they are “pushing hard” to land the German.

“We have heard through a source that Chelsea are never going to rule out signing an older and more experienced player if they can sign that player under the right circumstances,” wrote Phillips, via his Substack.

“We have heard that 29-year-old centre back from Bayer Leverkusen Jonathan Tah is still under consideration this summer. He is at this moment a free agent in the summer and although Barcelona are pushing to sign him, Chelsea do have him as a potential option but only if they can agree on wages with the player.

“However, there is no indication yet that the player would accept anything from Chelsea but he is keeping his options open right now. I’m unaware as of now if Chelsea have made an approach, but I’m hearing new noise on him.”

He would be an intriguing option for Maresca, and it is clear to see Tah very much remains an elite-level defender.

Over the course of 2024/2025, the 35-cap international has started 27 top-flight matches this season as a mainstay under Xabi Alonso, averaging an impressive 93% passing accuracy out from the back (WhoScored).

Tah would be a snip for Chelsea, regardless of his age, and it is an option which should definitely be given deserved thought.

Liverpool have won the Premier League less than one year after Jurgen Klopp bowed out, almost nine years of leadership, leading the larger-than-life German to intimate his decision to call it a day.

He built Anfield back up from the disrepair it had slumped into. Klopp’s Liverpool wasn’t built in a day but it will stand strong for many years to come, with Arne Slot proving that by taking the blueprint and winning the Premier League in his first season at the helm.

The Dutch tactician is a genius, but he’s dovetailed into Klopp’s hothouse and has taken this special team to another level, Liverpool now crowned top-flight champions for a record-equalling 20th time, perching alongside Manchester United.

One of Klopp’s final and most significant hurrahs was the success in repackaging a flagging midfield and turning it back into a robust machine.

They’ve all played important roles, but who can say that Alexis Mac Allister hasn’t been the pick of the bunch? He was the centrepiece as Tottenham Hotspur were defeated on Sunday evening, for sure.

Alexis Mac Allister's performance vs Spurs

Dominic Solanke powered a header past Alisson after just 12 minutes, silencing Anfield’s raucous atmosphere and threatening to spoil the party.

But Liverpool returned like a tidal wave, scoring three goals before the break and two more after the hour mark. Mac Allister’s was the pick of the bunch, thundering home to restore his team’s lead after Luis Diaz had restored parity eight minutes earlier.

The Argentine put in a performance for the ages, underscored his trophy-winning credentials and status as one of the finest midfielders in the world.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Blending combativeness with a cultured foot, Spurs simply didn’t have the answer and were overwhelmed in the centre, something which proved fatal as Mohamed Salah and co were then able to swarm and pick at the shaky backline.

Alexis Mac Allister’s Performance vs Tottenham

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

83′

Goals

1

Assists

0

Shots (on target)

3 (2)

Accurate passes

35/40 (88%)

Key passes

2

Tackles + interceptions

7

Clearances

1

Duels won

7/11

Stats via Sofascore

The former Brighton man has earned his flowers, no doubt about that. However, he wasn’t the only one to produce the goods when Liverpool needed it, with Cody Gakpo’s display confirming, were it not known already, that he is undroppable over on the left flank.

Cody Gakpo is now undroppable after title win

Gakpo has been frustrated by injury over the past few months, but he’s come on leaps and bounds under the wing of Slot this season and effectively sealed the title-winning victory over Tottenham when making it 3-1 before half-time.

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BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin hailed Gakpo for his “twinkle toes,” collecting from the corner and moving into a pocket with fleet feet, capitalising on some shoddy defending before unleashing a pinpoint finish to Guglielmo Vicario’s right.

The 25-year-old’s cool finish was emblematic of his campaign, an icy figure down the left flank whose goalscoring knack and industrious approach to his football suggests he has nailed down the berth and should not be moved.

There’s a case to be made that Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez should both be sold this summer, with Diaz working so seamlessly as a roving focal frontman.

It allows Salah to maximise his output and it has paid dividends for Gakpo, whose positional readjustment this season, almost exclusively playing off the left, having been dotted all about last year, has seen him clinch 17 goals and six assists in all competitions this season.

The Dutchman isn’t just a poacher either. His goals come in various forms, and he gets stuck in defensively too, having won six of his eight duels against Tottenham while chipping in with two tackles and two interceptions apiece, as per Sofascore. As a result, he was awarded with an 8/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo.

Plenty has been made of Liverpool’s projected transfer plans, and while fans would like a new wideman to enrich these formidable ranks, Gakpo, a Premier League champion, has proved that he’s a fixed feature in Slot’s starting line-up.

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Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 24, 2025

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers could leave the club this summer if he doesn’t get his way with one key thing, according to a worrying update regarding his future.

Rodgers unhappy amid doubts over his future

The Hoops lost 1-0 away to St Johnstone on Sunday afternoon, delaying their Scottish Premiership title triumph, following a disappointing performance. It may still be 13 points clear at the top of the table, but an angry Rodgers made it clear what he thought of the display.

“Bitterly disappointing. It’s a huge credit to St Johnstone and congratulations to them. For us, poor start to the game, but not the first time and this is something for me that we will look at, certainly in the summer. But the start was really poor, it was soft, it was too comfortable in the game. We go behind and then obviously we are much better in the second half. There’s definitely anger. I’m trying to control it.”

There have also been reports over Rodgers’ future at Celtic in recent days, with no guarantee that he will stay put this summer and a return to the Premier League mooted. While the latest reports described him as “content” in his current role, they also claimed he “could quit” if interest arrives from an English club that appeals to him. Now, a fresh update has dropped, further shedding light on the situation.

Rodgers could leave Celtic if wish isn't granted

According to Football Insider, Rodgers will “demand the backing of the Celtic board” this summer, or potentially leave as manager if it doesn’t happen. The 52-year-old “wants to build on the success his side have had this season”, and while this again states that he is happy currently, that “could change if the board fail to meet his demands ahead of the off-season”.

This should certainly act as a warning to Celtic’s board, with Rodgers making it clear that he won’t be amused if funds aren’t made for him to bring in new faces this summer.

While those looking from the outside may look at the Premiership table and ask where there is any great need for reinforcements, bringing a freshness to the Hoops’ squad is always important, especially for a European challenge.

Rodgers will be aware that he hasn’t yet impressed too muchin European competition with Celtic, so he will be desperate to make more of an impression in the Champions League moving forward. It sounds as though the Irishman is more likely to remain at Parkhead than leave, but this latest update should act as a word of warning to those high up at the club.

Worse than Kuhn: Celtic must axe star who lost the ball every 4 touches

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ByRobbie Walls Apr 6, 2025

Losing Rodgers would be a big blow, given his talent as a manager, and seeing him depart so early in his second spell at the club could see the Hoops lose momentum.

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.