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.

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.

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.

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.

“Top class” star is absolutely finished at Leeds if the 49ers sign Wilson

This Leeds United star’s career at Elland Road could be over if Callum Wilson signs.

ByDan Emery May 20, 2025

If Glasgow Rangers are going to topple their arch-nemsis next term, the new owners are going to have a job on their hands to appoint the right successor to Barry Ferguson at Ibrox.

Given their cross city rivals’ recent success, the Light Blues need to find somebody who can come in and install a playing style that will see Rangers win trophies and progress in Europe. That simply hasn’t happened in the last few years.

Steven Gerrard managed to do all those things and more during his three-and-a-half-year reign between 2018 and 2021. Could he be an option this summer for a second stint in Glasgow?

The latest on Steven Gerrard's future

According to the Daily Record over the weekend, Gretar Steinsson from the 49ers and sporting director Kevin Thelwell have reportedly narrowed down the list to the final couple of targets.

A new manager could be announced by the end of next week if all goes to plan and Gerrard could certainly be on this list.

2021/22

22

12

1.86

2020/21

56

44

2.52

2019/20

54

36

2.17

2018/19

60

32

1.9

The Englishman led the club to their first Premiership title since 2011 during the 2020/21 campaign, going through the league season undefeated.

Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine under Gerrard. The first two seasons saw plenty of tough defeats and post-Christmas collapses, but he would be a solid option to restore the sinking ship.

However, the 49ers must take a strategic gamble on the next manager. It looked as though Davide Ancelotti was going to get the role, but ultimately, nothing came to pass with the coach set to follow his father, Carlo, to Brazil.

The ideal alternative to Gerrard and Ancelotti

So, who could they go after instead? Well, Italian manager Francesco Farioli announced his decision to leave Ajax after just a single season in the Netherlands.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

It would certainly be a major statement of intent if the 49ers could entice him to Ibrox this summer, that’s for sure.

Farioli left after failing to win the Eredivisie for Ajax, despite leading by nine points with seven games left.

It was a dismal collapse, no doubt about that, but any hopes of the club looking to go close again next season with Farioli at the helm have been dashed as the manager announced he was leaving Amsterdam.

“Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful,” said director Alex Kroes. He was also dubbed “unique” by journalist Lars Jesse following the news.

The 36-year-old tends to utilise an attacking 4-3-3 system, which could be a good fit for several players at Rangers.

Across his 54 matches in charge of the Dutch side, Farioli’s side scored 115 goals – 2.1 per game – while he accumulated 2.09 points per game.

One of the most overlooked aspects was just how well the Italian improved their defence. In the 2023/24 campaign, Ajax conceded a staggering 61 goals.

This season, they conceded only 32, having the best defensive record in the top flight. It wasn’t enough to seal the title, however.

For someone aged just 36, the boss has managed 167 games across his four club sides. It would be a risk, but the way he approaches the game with an impressive attacking philosophy, plus a resolute defence, could transform the fortunes of Rangers.

While the last player to come from Dutch football in Gio van Bronckhorst ultimately ended up being given the boot, his immediate success, winning the Europa League, proves that the adaptation period from the Netherlands might not be too challenging.

Goldson 2.0: Rangers "interested" in signing £2m star from England

Rangers have earmarked a Premier League defender as a potential new signing.

ByRoss Kilvington May 18, 2025

On the search for their Kevin de Bruyne replacement, Manchester City are now reportedly set to “advance” their move to sign a talented midfielder who should have no issues over personal terms.

Man City pushing for top finish to the season

In a season that once looked on course to end without Champions League qualification, Manchester City could yet end the current campaign as high as second. Even though their crown has been snatched from them for the first time in four seasons by a dominant Liverpool side, the Citizens – in the context of their struggles – could have plenty to celebrate.

Without Rodri for the majority of the campaign, without a recognised back four at various stages and with an ageing midfield to fall back on, Pep Guardiola has dragged his side into a seven-game unbeaten run to move within touching distance of Champions League qualification. Also in the FA Cup final, a second-place finish with a trophy to celebrate would represent a fairly routine campaign on paper compared to how chaotic things have truly been at times.

Guardiola took time to particularly heap praise on De Bruyne after his goal ensured that City took their unbeaten run to seven games against Wolves, telling reporters: “His contribution is massive. There are players like Sergio [Aguero], like him, like Vinnie [Kompany] in the heart of the people.

“It’s not just titles and numbers, it’s affection and love and passion. All of us have been one decade here, helping us to win absolutely everything and still he’s here.”

Man City set to fend off Liverpool hijack and win race for £73k-a-week star

They have been working on a deal since January.

By
Henry Jackson

May 3, 2025

Replacing the Belgian at the end of his current contract will likely prove to be a near-impossible task for all involved at The Etihad, but that hasn’t stopped the Citizens from lining up one particular option.

Man City set to "advance" move for £100m Gibbs-White

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are now set to advance in their deal to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest this summer, who have reportedly placed a staggering £100m price-tag on their midfielder.

In what could be one of the biggest deals of the summer, personal terms between Gibbs-White and City are not expected to be a problem with the Manchester club now tasked with negotiating with those at the City Ground in the coming months.

A central part of Forest’s recent rise, which is likely to end in some form of European football, Gibbs-White has earned plenty of praise from manager Nuno Espirito Santo during his time in charge.

The Forest boss told reporters last season: “Morgan is a very special player for us. Very important, talented, the work rate on the pitch, but to allow Morgan to have these moments a lot of things happen behind, hard work by the boys and this is very important.”

Crystal Palace are now “interested” in signing a “fantastic” Premier League player, who is set to be available for a bargain fee in the summer transfer window, according to reliable reporter Ben Jacobs.

Palace set sights on new midfielder

Palace may have their work cut out trying to keep hold of some of their key players this summer, with the likes of Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta attracting widespread interest, alongside Adam Wharton, with Liverpool now ready to sign the 21-year-old.

With attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze also catching the eye, Oliver Glasner may be tasked with bringing in at least one new midfielder in the summer transfer window, and the manager has several potential options in mind.

Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is of particular interest, with the Eagles racing a number of their Premier League rivals for the 17-year-old, while they are also eyeing a move for Rigg’s teammate, Jobe Bellingham, who Glasner is believed to be a big fan of.

Would cost £0: Crystal Palace now open talks to sign versatile 6'4 colossus

The Eagles have made contact over a move for a defender, who is capable of playing in five positions.

ByDominic Lund Apr 24, 2025

According to Ben Jacobs, Crystal Palace have now joined the race for a new central midfield target, with the reporter taking to X to reveal they are now “interested” in signing Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

With Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League now confirmed, they could be in line to lose one of their key players on the cheap, with Ndidi set to leave for just £9m due to a clause included in his contract.

There is widespread interest in the central midfielder, with Premier League rivals Everton and Fulham also emerging as potential suitors, while Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have him on their “radar”, although they are yet to make an official approach.

"Fantastic" Ndidi has talent to remain in Premier League

Leicester’s performance in the Premier League this season has been nothing short of dismal, having collected just 18 points throughout the campaign, but the Nigerian midfielder has impressed in the top flight in the past.

The Lagos-born maestro was once described as a “monster” after impressing against Liverpool, while he has also been lauded as “fantastic” by members of the media, in light of his performances for Nigeria at international level.

Not only that, but the 28-year-old has been one of the standout players in a poor Leicester side, and he has performed well across a number of key attacking and defensive metrics over the past year, indicating he is a well-rounded midfielder.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.18 (84th percentile)

Tackles

3.37 (96th percentile)

Clearances

3.06 (97th percentile)

Aerials won

2.32 (95th percentile)

At just £9m, Ndidi could be a shrewd acquistion for Crystal Palace this summer, and they should be in a strong position to win the race for his signature, having shown they can compete for major honours by progressing to the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has shared his verdict as Spurs reportedly close in on the appointment of a 52-year-old, with the ex-England international expressing his delight for chairman Daniel Levy.

Tottenham ponder new manager after 20 Premier League defeats

The Lilywhites set a dismal record over the weekend, surpassing their previous number of total Premier League defeats in a single season.

Related Tottenham: £4m-per-year manager enters pole position to replace Postecoglou

The Australian could still leave Spurs if they win the Europa League.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2025

Ange Postecoglou’s side have now lost 20 league games this term, following a 2-0 home defeat to FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace, and this torrid number is quite simply inexcusable for a ‘big six’ club.

Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures

Date

Aston Villa (away)

May 16th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Spurs also find themselves 17th in the table with no wins from their last five. The terrible form of relegated trio Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton has seemingly rescued them from flirting with a drop to the Championship, which makes for seriously grim reading from Postecoglou’s perspective.

Some reports suggest Postecoglou is set to leave Tottenham this summer, even if the Australian ends their 17-year wait for a trophy and qualifies for the Champions League by winning the Europa League final.

A host of tacticians have been tipped to potentially replace Postecoglou, with Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) all on Tottenham’s rumoured managerial shortlist, according to reports in the last month.

In the meantime, while none of these possible appointments appear close, one hire which is becoming more anticipated by the week is the return of ex-managing director Fabio Paratici.

The Italian’s worldwide ban by FIFA is due to end on June 30th, and this has prompted many reports linking him with a return to N17.

Corriere della Sera recently stated that Paratici will re-join Tottenham after talks with AC Milan broke down, and some media outlets closer to home claim that Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been recommended to Spurs by the 52-year-old already.

Robinson thrilled by potential Paratici return to Tottenham

Speaking to Tottenham News, ex-Spurs keeper Robinson has shared exactly why he believes Paratici’s potentially imminent comeback is a welcome boost for the north Londoners.

“His recruitment has been excellent,” said the pundit, who regularly features on Sky Sports.

“Listen, he’s had an official ban, but I think his fingerprints have been all over a lot of Tottenham signings. You can’t work in an official capacity, but there’s nobody saying you can’t ring your mate up and make a phone call and recommend him a player.

“Anyone can do that. You look at the signings that he’s had, you look at Kulusevski, Bentancur, Romero, Vicario. The signings that he’s brought to the club have been a success.

“I think from the outside looking in, it’s somebody that Daniel Levy trusts. So if he comes back in an official capacity, I think that’ll be a good thing for the club if he can work with whatever manager’s in charge next season and get the recruitment right for the style of play that the manager wants to achieve.

“It’s vitally important, as we’ve seen this season with Ange, you have to have a set of players that fit the system that the manager wants to play, or else it’s not going to work.”

Chelsea reached the final of the Conference League courtesy of a 5-1 aggregate victory over Swedish side Djurgarden in midweek.

Ending the season with a trophy could be a catalyst for the Blues to improve even further in 2025/26.

Enzo Maresca will be determined to succeed, but even more importantly, is the fact that he has blooded several youngsters into the team, notably Tyrique George.

With the summer transfer window opening in a few weeks, might the Italian be aiming to sign another talented forward?

Chelsea plot move for Borussia Dortmund starlet

According to reports, the Blues have earmarked Dortmund starlet Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as a player under serious consideration this summer.

The Stamford Bridge side are currently in contact with the Englishman regarding a potential deal and if they secure Champions League qualification, it could help their cause massively.

Previously valued at €100m (£85m), Gittens’ asking price has now dropped to ‘just’ €50m (£42m) as he doesn’t fit the system of Niko Kovač, which could open the door for Chelsea to make their move.

If they did bring the youngster to London, they would be signing one of the most talented wingers in Germany.

Transfer Focus

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

He is certainly a bigger talent than George. That’s for sure.

Why Chelsea must sign Jamie Gittens

Since making his senior debut for the Blues earlier this season, the 19-year-old has now racked up 23 appearances in all competitions.

Not one to be fazed by performing at the highest level, the teenager has scored twice and chipped in with five assists, helping the club reach yet another European final.

He will only continue to get better, especially if Maresca keeps utilising him in this Chelsea squad. Signing Gittens, however, would perhaps take the club to the next level.

Making his debut for Dortmund all the way back during the 2021/22 season, Gittens has made over 100 appearances for the club. A total of 31 goal contributions have been recorded in this time as he has emerged as a player to watch out for in the coming years.

Jamie Gittens’ stats in the Bundesliga for Dortmund (2024/25)
Goals	8
Assists	3
Big chances created	6
Key passes per game	0.7
Successful dribbles per game	2.6
Shots per game	1.7
Via Sofascore

Hailed as a “wonderkid” by Statman Dave in November 2023, Gittens has the talent to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who both made huge moves abroad after shining in Germany.

Despite his tender years, he is already playing like an experienced winger. Indeed, when compared to positional peers, Gittens currently ranks in the top 8% for progressive carries (5.55) and in the top 1% for successful take-ons (3.62) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

This ability to advance the ball into dangerous areas while being able to beat his marker could give Maresca something extra in the final third next season.

George’s emergence from academy starlet to first-team regular shows that the club aren’t going to be totally reliant on the transfer market.

But when a talent like Gittens is available, it would be foolish not to try and sign him. Especially for a fee of £42m.

Eden Hazard 2.0: Chelsea make contact to sign £64m "difference-maker"

Chelsea have reportedly made contact over a deal to sign a star who could be Eden Hazard 2.0.

By
Dan Emery

May 10, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not just Trent: World-class Liverpool star must not play for the club again

Liverpool are ready to make a series of sales in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 26, 2025

Liverpool have been the team to beat throughout 2024/25, as seen by the progress made under Arne Slot since he took the reins during the summer last year.

The Dutchman has led the Reds to their second Premier League title, but has already wasted little time in targeting reinforcements ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

After such a dominant year that saw the club win the title by 10 points, you wouldn’t expect a whole host of changes, but it appears as though Slot desperately wants new additions to inject further quality into the side.

Countless players have been touted with a summer switch to Anfield, but as of yet, no deals have reached their conclusion with the window not yet open.

However, work is being done behind the scenes over the last couple of days, with rapid progress being made on numerous deals in the full-back areas, as well as Florian Wirtz.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new full-backs

With Trent Alexander-Arnold departing Liverpool this summer, Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been the main target to fill the void, agreeing a £29.5m deal for his services.

The Dutchman has travelled to Merseyside over the last couple of days to complete the formalities of his switch to England, potentially being the club’s first signing of the summer.

He’s not the only player who’s edging closer to a move to Anfield, with Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez still on their radar ahead of the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He claims that the hierarchy are still “working on” a deal to land the Hungarian international, who’s registered two goals and five assists in the Premier League this campaign.

It’s been reported that the Cherries are demanding £45m for his signature during the off-season, with the defender open to a switch to join Slot’s men – following in the footsteps of one player currently on the books.

Why Kerkez could repeat Liverpool's Mac Allister success

Alexis Mac Allister has played a key role in the success endured by Liverpool over the last few months, cementing his place at the heart of the side alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

The Argentine, who joined in a £35m deal from Brighton back in the summer of 2023, has registered 95 appearances in the last two years since his move to Merseyside.

49 of which have come during 2024/25, featuring in all but three Premier League matches, notching 10 combined goals and assists, having a huge impact in their ability to claim the title.

The 26-year-old now appears to be a bargain given his success at Anfield, potentially replicating such a deal with a move for Kerkez over the coming months.

A deal for the Bournemouth defender could see another young star move to the club from a mid-table English outfit, looking to be a key player in any future success under the Dutchman.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a leading full-back despite his tender age, having the tools to thrive at both ends, which has undoubtedly led to the keen interest from Slot’s men.

Kerkez, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Charles Watts, has created 1.1 chances per 90 along with 1.1 successful crosses per 90 – subsequently able to hand other players in front of him the chance to star in the final third.

Games played

38

Goals & assists

7

Pass accuracy

81%

Successful crosses

1.1

Chances created

1.1

Dribbles completed

56%

Tackles won

50%

He’s also completed 56% of the dribbles he’s attempted, with 1.9 touches in the opposition box – further highlighting the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.

However, Kerkez has also starred defensively, winning 50% of the tackles he’s entered and has come out on top of 4.1 duels per 90, having the capability without the ball to impress despite his attacking nature.

The £45m fee could well prove to be a good price for a young talent who is only going to improve further should he receive more minutes in England’s top-flight over the next few seasons.

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Mac Allister on Merseyside, it would be a sensational deal, offering Slot a new dimension to his already star-studded first team squad.

Slot's answer to Huijsen: Liverpool enquire about signing £74m "freak"

Liverpool would consider signing a centre-back this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 28, 2025

Looking towards the summer transfer window, Manchester United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign a serial winner represented by the same agency as Patrick Dorgu.

Man Utd's summer plan taking shape

Whilst step one of Manchester United’s transfer plan will be to win the Europa League later this month and confirm their shock place in next season’s Champions League, they simply need to invest no matter the outcome against Tottenham Hotspur. Ahead of his first full season in charge, Ruben Amorim will have the chance to prove doubters wrong, but will finally need players who suit his system to do exactly that.

The new Amrabat: Amorim must axe 4/10 Man Utd man who lost the ball 15x

Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final last night, setting up a clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

6 ByEthan Lamb May 9, 2025

If recent rumours are anything to go by then it will, indeed, be a busy summer for the Red Devils on both the incomings and departures front. Already, players like Antony and Marcus Rashford could be heading for the exit door as the start of a hefty clear-out at Old Trafford, which Amorim will be desperate to see end with plenty of fresh faces.

Meanwhile, on the incomings front, names such as Ronald Araujo and Yann Bisseck have threatened to steal the headlines as of late. Two defenders who squared off in one of the best Champions League semi-finals in recent memory, as Inter Milan came out on top to win 7-6 on aggregate, both would undoubtedly improve the current Manchester United backline.

Amorim is well aware of the need for improvement too, having told reporters in the build-up to his side’s Europa League semi-final victory over Athletic Bilbao: “For me, in that moment and you look at Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results. That is my idea. In the end of the season, we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title.”

However, despite that admission, the lure of Old Trafford remains there to exploit amid reports that Manchester United have now been offered the chance to sign a serial winner.

Man Utd offered chance to sign Kingsley Coman

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United have now been offered the chance to sign Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich this summer by the winger’s agent. The Frenchman’s representatives have been knocking on doors around European football hoping to seal a move this summer, with Old Trafford seemingly among those.

A serial winner having won league titles at Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus as well as the Champions League in Bavaria, Coman may not be at the peak of his powers but he would help change the mentality in the Manchester United dressing room.

What’s more, a deal could be made easier by the fact that Coman is represented by the same agency as Patrick Dorgu, who completed a move to Old Trafford in January. With contact already established and a relationship already built between both parties, the Red Devils have an ideal opportunity.

Dubbed a player who has “incredible talent” by former Bayern manager and current Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, Coman could yet rediscover his most clinical form at Manchester United this summer.

Everton are planning for a busy summer, with The Friedkin Group willing to back David Moyes as he whips his side into shape.

The Scottish manager has been brilliant since replacing Sean Dyche in the dugout, but there’s only so much he can do without investment across numerous positions, angling the Toffees toward a state of confidence and coherence, capable of competing at the upper end of the Premier League.

There’s no question the Merseysiders need more goals as they step into the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, and Moyes appears to have found his man already, with Everton joining the race for a Serie A striker.

Everton join race for new striker

It’s no secret that Everton are in need of a new centre-forward, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin approaching the end of his current contract, while Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is likely to return to his parent club.

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With that in mind, Caught Offside report that Everton have joined the hotly-contested race for Valentin Castellanos, a 26-year-old striker plying his trade for Lazio.

The reliable goalscorer would be allowed to leave if Lazio received a fee of around £30m, although in truth, suitors may well be put off by such demands.

In any case, Everton know they have their work cut out with this one: Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all eager to make their move this summer.

What Castellanos would bring to Everton

Castellanos, a two-cap Argentina international, played out the early years of his career in his homeland before transferring to the MLS in 2018, where he would remain in the Big Apple with New York City F.C. until moving on loan to Girona in 2022.

A prolific season in Spain led to a permanent move to Lazio, and after scoring just four Serie A goals last season, Castellanos has now posted 14 across 39 appearances this term, supplying eight assists.

There’s an athletic grace to his football that would certainly add a dimension to Moyes’ attack, contrasting with the powerful strides of Beto and Calvert-Lewin’s target man style, should the veteran forward renew his contract.

As per FBref, Castellanos ranks among the top 9% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and the top 20% for progressive carries per 90, praised for his “extraordinary” technical ability by Lazio boss Marco Baroni.

The nine’s performances in the Europa League this year have also led the data-driven platform to compare him to Richarlison, Everton’s former talisman who left for Tottenham Hotspur in a £60m deal back in 2022.

It’s difficult to analyse the Brazilian’s performances from this term, for his availability has been limited due to injury, but Richarlison did enjoy heightened success under Ange Postecoglou’s wing last year, with his energy, versatility and snapping bite making for an intriguing option.

League Stats – Castellanos vs Richarlison

Stats (* per game)

Castellanos (24/25)

Richarlison (23/24)

Matches (starts)

28 (27)

28 (18)

Goals

10

11

Assists

3

4

Shots (on target)*

3.6 (1.4)

2.2 (0.9)

Big chances missed

13

7

Pass completion

70%

71%

Key passes*

1.0

0.6

Dribbles*

0.6

0.4

Duels won*

4.8

2.9

Stats via Sofascore

It’s an option Castellanos could provide for Moyes to have an even greater effect.

Richarlison’s tenacity and ability to add a direct threat while using his movements and physicality to upset defenders differentiates him from the rabble of forwards across the continent. Fitness setbacks have been his nemesis in recent years, but his underlying talent level remains strong.

However, while Everton might be interested in completing a deal, it doesn’t make sense to take a backwards step when every aspect of the club is currently angled forward, to a new beginning.

Castellanos could be the man to lead Everton over the coming years, bearing Richarlison’s prolific quality and multi-facetedness.

Though the Argentine could perhaps be a bit more clinical with his shooting, there’s enough about his overall game that Moyes would delight in working with him, adding a layer to an Everton team firmly rooted in structure and solidity and purposeful pragmaticism.

After renewed promise since the harsh winter of Dyche’s final days abated, Everton have got an appetite for a new level of success.

Showing intent and bringing players such as Castellanos into the fold, instead of returning for a former star in Richarlison, who has flattered to deceive since leaving, is surely the way forward.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 19, 2025