When Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk decided to extend their contracts at Liverpool and put months of speculation pertaining to their futures to bed, they wanted reassurances that FSG mean to invest.

The veteran superstars are arguably the finest players in their respective positions worldwide, and despite Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down from his long-held manager’s role last year, have enjoyed staggering success under Arne Slot to move within an inch of the Premier League title.

Liverpool are Champions Elect, all but confirmed as this year’s English top-flight winners. It’s a remarkable feat, built upon the foundations laid by Klopp.

However, now is the time for Slot to put his own stamp on the Anfield side, with Federico Chiesa the sole arrival of his reign so far – goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to arrive this summer after a deal was agreed last year.

While Salah’s staying put and Liverpool are expected to prioritise the signing of a new centre-forward with Darwin Nunez expected to leave, there’s a good chance sporting director Richard Hughes will be tasked with signing a new wideman.

Liverpool need more quality on the wings

Make no mistake, Liverpool’s attacking force has been exactly that under Slot’s wing: a force to be reckoned with. However, with Nunez and Chiesa struggling and Jota enduring a disappointing season too, it’s understandable that the club wish to bolster.

Liverpool’s Frontline in 2024/25 (all comps)

Player

Apps

Goals

Assists

Mohamed Salah

46

32

23

Cody Gakpo

43

16

6

Luis Diaz

45

15

8

Diogo Jota

32

9

4

Darwin Nunez

42

7

7

Federico Chiesa

12

2

2

Stats via Transfermarkt

The likes of Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that Nunez is set to leave this summer after Saudi side Al-Nassr failed with a series of bids in January, but Liverpool may also look out wide in spite of Salah’s contract renewal.

Indeed, Luis Diaz is in red-hot form at the moment but, aged 28 and entering the penultimate year of his contract, is also deemed expendable, should the right offer come in.

Of course, FSG aren’t going to want to let the Barcelona- and Saudi-linked star leave on the cheap, letting suitors know that they will field bids totalling €80m (£67m).

Salah will be 33 by the time the 2025/26 season kicks off, and though Liverpool’s data analysts, some of the best in the business, are confident that the Egyptian King will continue firing true over the next two years, some more firepower wouldn’t go amiss.

When Salah does enter his twilight, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka looks ready to take his mantle and assume the star spot as the Premier League’s most dangerous winger. Liverpool won’t want to let that happen, of course, and have actually identified their own version of the Three Lions superstar.

Liverpool step up interest in rising star

Liverpool are planning for a big summer, alright. If Diaz should leave, plans are being drawn for the transfer of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, one of the most coveted young wingers in Europe right now.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

According to Football Insider, FSG are actually accelerating their plans to sign the 20-year-old after sorting out Liverpool’s contractual obstacles, having been scouting him for a while. He is believed to be a “key target”, as per scout Mick Brown.

Dortmund recognise the value of their youngster, however, and have previously responded to links away by placing a whopping €100m (£85m) price tag on Gittens’ head. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have also registered interest.

Liverpool aren’t likely to engage in such exorbitant demands, but if a more agreeable figure can be agreed, there’s every chance the Reds could secure one of the most exciting English talents around after identifying him as a key target.

What Jamie Gittens would bring to Liverpool

Gittens might still be in the fledgling stage of his professional career, but he’s already made quite the impression in Dortmund’s senior squad, following Jadon Sancho’s footsteps in moving to the German club from Manchester City’s youth academy.

The Yellow Wall have long been a hothouse for developing exciting talent and Gittens will hardly regret his decision, having already featured 102 times for the club.

The step-by-step progress he has shown will have pleased Liverpool’s scouts to no end, always regarded as an athletic, pacy and powerful winger but starting to sharpen his attacking tools, enjoying success as a proper goal threat this term.

Jamie Gittens – Senior BVB Stats by Season (all comps)

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

44 (32)

12

5

23/24

34 (18)

2

8

22/23

20 (5)

3

1

21/22

4 (1)

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

This incremental growth does suggest that Gittens could match his compatriot Saka down the line, albeit in Liverpool’s shade of red.

As per FBref, Gittens ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.

This perfectly illustrates his blend of physicality and potency, something that perhaps Saka, 23, performs without rival at the moment.

Arsenal dispatched Real Madrid over two legs to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League, and Saka was the star forward at the Santiago Bernabeu, his chipped goal taking his haul to 11 strikes and 14 assists across 29 matches this term.

So dangerous. So dynamic. The right-sided forward’s completeness is part of what makes him such an incredible, highest-class footballer, but Gittens truly has the skills to match him.

The Dortmund man has also been impressive in the Champions League this year, hailed by Romano for one “special” performance against Club Brugge in the group stage, scoring two goals.

The rising star’s technical quality suggests he can go all the way, and under Slot’s wing at Liverpool, maybe he can take the next steps toward rivalling Saka for the position as England’s prized winger.

Related Liverpool have unearthed their new Wijnaldum & it's not Mac Allister

Liverpool have found their new version of Georginio Wijnaldum and it is not Alexis Mac Allister.

Posts ByDan Emery Apr 16, 2025

Celtic provided the perfect response to their 3-2 defeat to their rivals before the international break with a 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday.

The Hoops had allowed their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to be cut down to 13 points by losing to Rangers, but immediately bounced back with a convincing win over the Jam Tarts.

Daizen Maeda took his tally for the season to 30 goals in all competitions for the Bhoys with his two strikes against Hearts, whilst Jota added another goal to his collection since his return to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

Whilst many will focus on the attacking talent that was on display, as Jota and Maeda stole the headlines with their goals, the presence of Callum McGregor in the middle of the park was equally as important.

Why Callum McGregor's performance was important for Celtic

The retired Scotland international missed the 3-2 defeat to Rangers before the break through injury and returned to show the Hoops what they missed with a sublime display in midfield.

Celtic’s captain lined up alongside Reo Hatate and Arne Engels in the midfield three against Hearts on Saturday and stood out as the star performer in that area of the pitch.

Pass accuracy

89%

81%

99%

Passes completed

59

34

66

Key passes

1

0

2

Big chances created

0

0

1

Tackles + interceptions

0

1

2

Dribbled past

1x

0x

0x

As you can see in the table above, McGregor outperformed his positional peers in the match with his exceptional use of the ball and his reliability defensively.

This illustrates why his display was so important for Brendan Rodgers against Hearts because it highlights the quality he brings in and out of possession.

The left-footed star provides a metronomic presence at the base of the midfield for Celtic with his ability to complete passes efficiently under pressure, completing 94% of his passes overall in the division this season.

McGregor, who completes 73 passes per game on average, can control games for the Hoops by dictating the tempo of matches with his passing quality, whilst also frustrating opposition teams because of his press resistance on the ball, forcing them to drop back deeper.

This is part of the reason why Celtic struggled without their captain when they faced Rangers at Parkhead before the break, as Engels is not best suited to that role as the number six.

Why Arne Engels struggled against Rangers

The former Augsburg star started at the base of the midfield, with Luke McCowan and Hatate in the number eight positions, and struggled against the Gers.

Engels is usually tasked with playing as one of the more advanced midfielders, looking to score and create goals, but had to step up in a deeper role against Rangers because of his captain’s injury.

Pass accuracy

88%

94%

Touches

76

89.1

Passes

51

73.2

Ground duel success rate

20%

59%

Possession lost

14x

7.2x

Tackles + interceptions

0

1.7

As you can see in the table above, the Belgium international failed to live up to the standards that the skipper has set for that position in or out of possession, losing the ball far too frequently and offering little protection to the back four.

The 21-year-old starlet should not be expected to be as effective in that role, though, because he is an attack-minded player who has a future as a number eight for Celtic, rather than as a deep-lying conductor of play.

Engels has racked up ten goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Scottish giants this term, which shows that he has excelled at his natural game – scoring and creating goals.

The former Bundesliga whiz is not the long-term successor to McGregor, because that is not his natural game, and that is why he struggled in the game against Rangers before the break.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Rodgers, though, may have already unearthed his next version of the Celtic captain by bringing 19-year-old academy starlet Jude Bonnar into the first-team group.

Why Jude Bonnar could be the next Callum McGregor

The teenage dynamo has been in the matchday squad on five occasions in all competitions since the start of February, and got ten minutes off the bench in a 5-1 win over Aberdeen in the Premiership.

That ten-minute cameo, in which the Scotland U21 international completed all four of his attempted passes, was his first-team debut for the Hoops and the manager spoke to his suitability for the team after the match.

Rodgers told the Daily Record: “He’s got a good profile and fits how we want to play. So that is a nice little taster for him.”

This suggests that the Northern Irish boss sees potential in Bonnar and believes that the teenage talent has the technical skills and know-how to suit the way that his team lines up, with a number six and two eights in a midfield three.

The B team star, whose ability was described as “unbelievable” by former coach Alan McGrillen, spoke to Celtic TV after the game and admitted that he looks up to McGregor as a role model, because of how he acts on and off the pitch every day.

Bonnar has already shown a tiny glimpse of his metronomic qualities, completing 100% of his passes in his cameo against Aberdeen, and Rodgers could look to help him develop and refine that ability to mould him into the new version of McGregor in the future.

The Scottish youngster has also shown the potential to offer a goal threat, as the captain has with eight goals in 28 league matches this term, with a return of ten goals in 46 B team games.

Celtic gem was "the next Van Dijk" but Postecoglou sold him for just £1m

The former Celtic star was described as “the next Van Dijk” by his former manager.

ByDan Emery Apr 3, 2025

This is only the start of the road for Bonnar, though, and there is plenty more time left for him to progress as a player and forge his own way in the game, hopefully at Celtic.

The very early signs, however, are that the potential is there for him to develop into McGregor 2.0 for Rodgers as a composed and controlling midfield star who can also provide a goal threat.

Celtic could take another major step forward in their hunt for the Scottish Premiership title on Saturday afternoon, but Brendan Rodgers will have to deal with an unwanted injury absence over the next few weeks.

Celtic look to respond to criticism with strong domestic finish

The Bhoys are well on course for a domestic treble and could land a fourth successive league title this weekend should a victory over Kilmarnock be coupled with Aberdeen taking three points against Rangers on Sunday.

Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers has warned against his side becoming complacent following a shock 1-0 defeat at St Johnstone last weekend, stating: “It’s happened too many times. I’ve seen a trend now with us, and it will be interesting between now and the end of the season in terms of mentality.”

Enduring a frustrating run of form, Celtic have lost three of their last seven Scottish Premiership encounters. Admittedly, the malaise could be attributed to the struggle of a busy fixture schedule during a long season, but there is clearly a need for an improvement in performances.

Heeding that warning, the Bhoys are already looking to strengthen in the summer transfer window. Mathias Kvistgaarden is back on the agenda at Parkhead after trying and failing to land the £13.5-million-rated forward in January.

Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka has been mentioned as a Celtic target, but that one feels a slightly more unlikely proposition amid Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo’s presence between the sticks.

"Aggressive" – Celtic could make 5 new signings amid Rodgers warchest claim

Celtic aren’t messing around with the summer window now approaching.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Apr 9, 2025

Back in the present, Rodgers may now have to alter his plans slightly over the next few weeks following news that one of his stars has been ruled out due to an unfortunate turn of events.

Celtic star Yang Hyun-jun ruled out due to injury

Speaking ahead of Celtic’s home clash against Kilmarnock, Rodgers has revealed that Yang Hyun-jun has been ruled out for two weeks minimum with an elbow sprain following a freak collision during the Bhoys’ defeat at St Johnstone last weekend.

He stated: “We’ve got Yang that will be out, he’ll have his arm in a sling for a few weeks, obviously he’s had a nasty fall and a slight sprain of his elbow, but everyone else should be okay.

Yang’s statistics in 2024/25 – Scottish Premiership

Appearances

20

Goals

4

Assists

2

Completed dribbles

14

Chances created

16

Touches in opposition box

69

“Hopefully, he’ll be back before the end of the campaign, I think, as I said, it’s two weeks in a sling and then we’ll assess it from there.”

Brought in for £2 million from Gangwon FC in 2023, the 22-year-old’s absence may pave the way for James Forrest to earn a slot in Rodgers’ starting line-up during the run-in amid Nicolas Kuhn’s inconsistent form.

Either way, there are plenty of options for Rodgers to pick from in the wide areas as his side aim to put the seal on yet another domestic treble.

One of Aston Villa’s standout players could still be on the move this summer, despite both the club and the player reportedly being “happy” with the current situation, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Villa thump Magpies to boost Champions League hopes

Aston Villa kept their Champions League hopes alive in emphatic fashion over the weekend with a dominant 4-1 win over high-flying Newcastle United at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins, Ian Maatsen, and Amadou Onana all found the net for Unai Emery’s side, while Magpies defender Dan Burn added to their tally with an own goal.

Forget Watkins & Rogers: 9/10 star is becoming Aston Villa's best player

Aston Villa secured a vital 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 20, 2025

The result moved Villa within just two points of Newcastle. They’re also now just one point behind Manchester City and level with Chelsea, making the race for a top-four finish incredibly tight with only a handful of games remaining.

Next up is a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to face City on Tuesday, a fixture that could prove decisive in the push for Champions League qualification. Speaking after the weekend’s win, Emery stressed the importance of maintaining momentum.

“We can’t stop. We are involved in the key moment of the season. Through the Premier League, we are trying to reach our first objective,” he said.

On Watkins – whose goal drew him level with Gabriel Agbonlahor as Villa’s all-time top Premier League scorer – Emery added: “I’m so happy with how he’s performing and progressing under our management. His individual goal is important—for him, for us, for the club, and for our overall development. Hopefully, we can keep helping him to achieve more and more.”

Watkins could leave Villa Park this summer

While Unai Emery is clearly thrilled with Watkins—who has scored 15 Premier League goals this season—his future at Villa Park isn’t entirely secure. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Watkins could still leave the club this summer if the right offer arrives. Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano noted that both Villa and the player are happy with the current situation, but didn’t rule out a move.

“They’re happy with Watkins and he’s happy at the club,” Romano wrote. “Then if a proposal comes, never say never – as it was the case in January.”

Watkins was reportedly the subject of a £40 million bid from Arsenal during the winter transfer window, though Villa ultimately chose to reject the offer.

Having already seen Jhon Durán depart for the Saudi Pro League in January, losing Watkins this summer would represent a major blow for Aston Villa – particularly if they’re unable to secure the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

That said, Villa have shown a knack in recent seasons for replacing outgoing talent with even stronger additions, so it wouldn’t be wise to bet against them pulling off something similar again if Watkins does move on.

Glasgow Rangers are set to miss out on the Scottish Premiership title for the fourth season running, and only an Ianis Hagi equaliser against Aberdeen prevented it from having already happened.

The Gers came back from 2-0 down against the Dons to secure a point away from Ibrox, when a defeat would have seen their city rivals crowned once again.

Rangers know that they have to improve significantly to compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign, and that means that they will have to move on from some players who have failed to show their worth, including Ross McCausland.

Why Rangers should sell Ross McCausland

The academy graduate made his first-team breakthrough last season under Philippe Clement, but he has failed to kick on and establish himself as a key figure for the Gers.

McCausland, who was sent off for two yellow card offences against Aberdeen, has produced three goals and five assists in 42 appearances in the Premiership in the last two seasons.

The Northern Ireland international has as many red cards as goal contributions (one) in 13 outings in the Premiership so far this term, which illustrates his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

This is why Rangers should finally move on from the 21-year-old attacker. However, he is not the only attacker who should be ruthlessly ditched by the Gers, as Oscar Cortes should also be on the chopping block.

Why Rangers should move on from Oscar Cortes

The Colombian winger is currently on loan to the club from Lens, as he has been since January of last year, but the Scottish giants have an obligation to make that deal permanent this summer.

Rangers have to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell, and Football Insider recently reported that those inside the club now see that as a ‘gamble’, due to his lack of success on the pitch to date.

Cortes (£6k-per-week) earns even more than McCausland (£4.7k-per-week), as per Salary Sport, and has offered even less than the Northern Irish forward in the past 18 months.

Oscar Cortes (Premiership)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

6

8

Starts

3

4

Goals

1

0

Key passes per game

1.2

0.5

Big chances created

1

0

Assists

1

0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Colombian flop – who pundit Michael Stewart claimed has a “heart the size of a pea” due to his lack of desire – has rarely been available to make appearances in the Premiership, playing just 14 times in almost a season-and-a-half.

Cortes, who has dealt with several injury issues this season, was given an opportunity from the start against Aberdeen last weekend and was withdrawn at half-time after losing five of his six duels in the first 45 minutes.

Like McCausland, the 21-year-old attacker has failed to prove that he has the quality, or the availability, to be a key player for a team that wants to compete for the title in the Premiership.

This is why Rangers must immediately, and ruthlessly, move on from Cortes as soon as they officially sign him on a permanent deal, whether that means loaning him out to another team to go and attempt to play regular football, or to another team on a permanent basis.

Related Rangers want to hire big Ferguson upgrade who could be their own Arteta

Rangers are reportedly interested in a manager who could be their answer to Mikel Arteta.

Posts ByDan Emery Apr 16, 2025

Rangers need reliable players who can perform week-in-week-out to put themselves in contention for the biggest trophies, which is why McCausland and Cortes should be axed this summer.

Leeds United have the opportunity to improve the first-team squad this summer, regardless of the division they find themselves in between now and the end of the season.

The Whites remain in a solid position to claim promotion from the Championship, currently occupying second place under Daniel Farke – with the German having the chance to win his third second-tier title.

However, the last few weeks have seen the side stutter towards the finish line, winning just one of the last five matches, surrendering their lead at the top of the table.

The last clash in the league saw Farke’s men draw 2-2 with Swansea City after a 97th-minute equaliser from Zan Vipotnik secured an unlikely point for the visitors.

One player in particular failed to deliver during the clash with the Welsh outfit, leading to questions over his long-term future at Elland Road, with many unhappy with his recent showings.

Illan Meslier’s future at Leeds United

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been Farke’s number-one option between the sticks this season but has often produced a moment of madness, costing the side all three points.

He made two separate errors against the Swans at the weekend, with his penalty save forgotten after his mistakes which handed the visitors a point in Yorkshire.

The Frenchman hasn’t been a stranger to a mistake this campaign, currently having a goals prevented xG of -2.7 – massively impacting the club’s chances of getting promoted.

Regardless of what division the club find themselves in next season, Farke must part ways with the 25-year-old if the side are to reach the next level – with his mistakes ultimately too costly.

However, the goalkeeper shouldn’t be the only player to depart the club this summer, with the manager brutally needing to part ways with one player who’s not at the level required for the top flight.

The Leeds star who wouldn’t cut it in the PL

Ahead of the summer, numerous players’ contracts are set to expire, with time running out for the hierarchy to secure an extension on players whose deals are coming to an end.

Junior Firpo is just one first-team member who could depart Elland Road this summer, with the Spaniard no closer to agreeing a new contract – with teams in Spain already registering interest in his services.

Sam Bryam is another player who could leave this window, with the club needing to avoid offering him a new deal – especially if they are to achieve promotion by the end of the year.

The 31-year-old, who’s been labelled “reliable” by one analyst, is currently in his second spell with the Whites, after rejoining on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

The right-back has been a valuable squad member this campaign, making 30 appearances – but only 15 have come from a starting role, with the likes of Firpo and Jayden Bogle ahead of him.

However, the stats he’s produced are unfortunately not up to the level of a Premier League standard, with the 49ers needing higher quality players if they are to maintain their top-flight status if they secure promotion.

Games played

30

Games started

15

Pass accuracy

83%

Touches per 90

75

Tackles won

1.2

Duels won

5.3

Aerials won

2.2

There’s no denying he’s been a tremendous servant for the club over the years, but ultimately he’s coming to the back end of his career with Farke needing to offload him and invest in new blood.

It will be a harsh decision to part ways with him given his extended time with the Whites, but unfortunately, the club need to do what is right if they are to be more competitive in the years ahead, whether that’s in the Championship or the Premier League.

Leeds sold Meslier upgrade for just £1.4m, now he's a "superstar"

Leeds United will now rue getting rid of this Illan Meslier alternative.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 31, 2025

Will Leeds United be able to consolidate themselves as a Premier League-worthy outfit next season after finally breaking free of the Championship’s grip?

It will certainly be easier said than done, however, considering all three promoted teams that went up at Leeds’ expense at the end of the 2023/24 campaign are all tumbling straight back down to the EFL’s top league after a short-lived top-flight stay.

Moreover, Daniel Farke himself has a sketchy track record in the Premier League, having picked up just six career wins at the tricky level, leading to speculation surrounding his future at Elland Road that he could be let go of despite successfully guiding the Whites up to the big-time.

To help in their mission to stay afloat, one of Leeds’ tactics in the summer transfer window could be to poach some of the Championship’s cream of the crop.

Who Leeds could sign this summer

Before looking to bring in some of the EFL’s very best, it might be a case that the Whites look at strengthening courtesy of some Premier League players.

Inevitably, rumours linking Kalvin Phillips with a return have been lingering in the background over the last few months, while last week, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has reportedly become a target for the club.

But, who else is on their radar?

Well, heading into the 2024/25 campaign, they were persistently linked with Sheffield United playmaker Gustavo Hamer.

Leeds would, of course, snap up Jayden Bogle from the Blades, but this other switch wouldn’t go ahead, with the ex-Coventry City attacker then going on to win the coveted prize of Championship’s Player of the Season at the EFL awards this weekend for his efforts under Chris Wilder’s wing.

Gaining such recognition could well reignite the promoted side’s interest, with Hamer now having to fight it out for a place in the Premier League next season via the playoffs.

It’s a move pundit Lee Hendrie thinks has legs too, telling Football League World: “Obviously (Leeds) were interested (in Hamer), and particularly if the Blades don’t go up, I think that is going to be the key factor, isn’t it? He’s a very good player, and he has had a lot of clubs that were sniffing around him, even before going to Sheffield United. He’s proven that he has got that x-factor, one of the better players in the Championship arguably, in that position, anyway.”

Why Hamer would be a major upgrade on Aaronson

Described as an “unbelievable” player by former teammate Oli McBurnie, signing Hamer could finally see Brenden Aaronson pushed to one side in Farke’s starting lineups.

Aaronson should be commended for slotting back into the Whites set-up this season after his time at Elland Road had become sour but that doesn’t mean an upgrade shouldn’t be sought once their Premier League return is here.

The 24-year-old was loaned out to Union Berlin for all of the 2023/24 season right after his side’s demise down to the EFL, only for the number 11 to notch up nine goals and two assists from 44 Championship appearances the following campaign back among the first-team fold.

Unfortunately for the rejuvenated USA international, he has endured a poor personal end to the season even as his side sit pretty in the league’s top two, with a mere two goal contributions falling his way in the Championship in 2025.

Whereas, Hamer – as seen via his sumptuous free-kick against Coventry back in March – has been a constant menace all campaign long for Wilder and Co, with four of his impressive 16 goal contributions in league action coming during United’s last six contests.

Hamer at Sheff Utd vs Aaronson at Leeds

Stat

Hamer

Aaronson

Championship games played

163

44

Premier League games played

36

36

Champ goals

26

9

Champ assists

31

2

PL goals

4

1

PL assists

7

3

Stats by Sofascore

Shades of a certain Pablo Hernandez – a goalscoring and creative midfielder, Hamer certainly blows Aaronson out of the water with his standout Premier League output.

While goals certainly haven’t been hard to come by for Leeds in 2024/25, he would be a welcome addition to Farke’s ranks if a move whirred back into motion, with Hamer more than comfortable as a number ten option to usurp his ex-Red Bull Salzburg counterpart.

Also equally as lively down the left where he’s predominantly starred this season at Bramall Lane, Hamer would potentially give Farke a whole host of options in attack ahead of the step-up in quality, with this signing one that would undoubtedly boost Leeds in their fight for instant survival.

Related Farke is brewing a Piroe upgrade in Leeds teen with "masses of potential"

Leeds United could have a top star for the future in this highly rated youngster.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Apr 27, 2025

Chelsea supporters may have been left confused when the team news dropped for the game against Brentford on Sunday, as several stars were left out of the side.

Despite the Blues not being in action again until Thursday, against Legia Warsaw, Enzo Maresca left Marc Cucurella, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Pedro Neto on the bench from the start.

Those decisions contributed to a toothless and uninspiring performance from the Blues, who are now just two points ahead of Aston Villa in sixth place after the weekend’s results.

Chelsea have, now, scored three goals in their last five matches in all competitions, failing to score more than one in any, and their lack of a clinical, reliable, number nine has been an issue.

Christopher Nkunku has scored one in his last 11 matches for the Blues and Jackson, who recently returned from injury, has gone ten games without a goal.

The London giants need a consistent, ruthless, centre-forward to fire them to glory, which is what Manchester City found when they signed Erling Haaland in the summer of 2022.

Why Chelsea need their own Erling Haaland

The Cityzens reportedly agreed a deal worth £51m to sign the Norway international from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, and that has turned out to be a bargain.

To date, the left-footed monster has scored 120 goals and provided 19 assists in 138 matches in all competitions for City, including 84 goals in 94 Premier League outings.

The Norwegian superstar hit the ground running in England, where he was born, with one of the best individual seasons in the history of the Premier League, scoring 36 goals and providing eight assists in 33 starts.

His tally of 36 goals broke the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season, previously stood at 34, and led City to the top-flight title.

Erling Haaland’s Man City career
Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
24/25	40	30	4
23/24	45	38	6
22/23	53	52	9
Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old marksman has delivered an exceptional number of goals in every season he has played for Pep Guardiola’s team to date.

The former Dortmund star has also delivered in big games, scoring six goals in eight games against Manchester United and four goals in six matches against Chelsea, to be a difference-maker for City against their rivals.

This is why the Blues must try to find their own version of Haaland in the upcoming summer transfer window, because Nkunku and Jackson’s recent form shows that the club does not currently have a number nine who can be relied on week-in-week-out.

Maresca could be on the right track to finding his answer to the Manchester City superstar, though, as Chelsea have reportedly made a move to sign a new forward.

Chelsea submit bid for prolific striker

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Sporting centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that they have submitted an offer in the region of £64m in an attempt to convince the Portuguese giants to part ways with the Sweden international, but Manchester United have come in with the same bid.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that Chelsea and the Red Devils are now fighting it out to land the former Coventry City and Brighton & Hove Albion striker back to England this summer.

However, the report does not reveal whether or not these two bids of £64m will be enough to tempt Sporting into cashing in on their star forward ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Whether they can sign Gyokeres at that price or if they have to spend a bit more to acquire his services, Chelsea must push to get a deal over the line for the Swedish centre-forward in the next transfer window because he could be Maresca’s answer to Haaland.

Why Gyokeres could be Chelsea's answer to Haaland

As aforementioned, the Blues do not have a reliable, consistent, striker who they can expect to score 20 or more goals every season to fire the team to glory, as City do with their Norwegian phenom.

After a return of 21 goals and ten assists in 46 Championship games for Coventry in the 2022/23 campaign, Gyokeres opted to move abroad to sign for Sporting to take his career to the next level.

That has turned out to be a masterstroke by the 26-year-old marksman because he has scored 86 goals and provided 26 assists in 93 matches for the Portuguese outfit to date.

Gyokeres has also stepped up to perform in the Champions League for Sporting, even scoring a hat-trick whilst up against Haaland earlier this season, which shows that he can compete at the very top level.

The Swedish star, who was described as “unplayable” by former teammate Maxime Biamou, has also delivered exceptionally impressive performances in the Portuguese top-flight in his two seasons with Sporting so far, proving himself to be a lethal finisher.

Viktor Gyokeres (Liga Portugal)	23/24	24/25
Appearances	33	26
xG	22.71	24.63
Goals	29	30
Conversion rate	25%	28%
Big chances created	11	11
Assists	10	6
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Chelsea target has fired in an unbelievable 59 goals in 59 appearances in Liga Portugal since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, which shows that he can find the back of the net on a consistent basis if provided with enough service.

Gyokeres has also outperformed his xG in both seasons, which speaks to his ruthless nature in front of goal, and this suggests that he would thrive in a team that creates plenty of chances, as Haaland has with Man City.

He has a Haaland-esque goal return in all competitions for Sporting, as well as outperforming him with his hat-trick against Man City earlier this term, and that is why he could be Maresca’s answer to the Cityzens star.

New target: Chelsea eye move for £50m star who's "similar to Bellingham"

The Blues have set their sights on an “incredible” midfielder, who has been compared to Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 7, 2025

It is now down to the club to ensure that they can beat Manchester United in the race to sign the striker, who previously played for Ruben Amorim, to bolster their squad and provide them with their own ruthless, clinical, and consistent number nine to compete in the Premier League next term.

Manchester City are in pole position and ahead of rivals Liverpool when it comes to signing a £15 million teenager, according to a new report.

Guardiola wants Man City to win the FA Cup for Kevin De Bruyne

Belgian international Kevin De Bruyne is leaving the Blues at the end of the season, after announcing the news at the beginning of this month. It will put an end to his 10 years at the club, during which time he has won 16 trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.

Man City have struck gold on "exceptional" gem worth more than Kerkez

City have hit the jackpot on a current academy graduate who is starring under Guardiola.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2025

De Bruyne revealed earlier this week that it was City who decided he would be leaving, as they didn’t offer a new contract, which “surprised” him. He said: “I have not had any offer the whole year; they just took a decision.

“Obviously, I was a bit surprised, but I just have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.”

The 33-year-old has since been linked with moves to different teams in the MLS, while Italian side Como are keeping an eye on his situation. It was reported by Sky Sports that Aston Villa have held internal talks over signing De Bruyne this summer. The Belgian will be concentrating on finishing the season strong, and Pep Guardiola believes winning the FA Cup would be a “good way” for De Bruyne to leave the club.

“He has proved [himself by] the amount of minutes he has played since he announced that it is the last month for him at Manchester City. Yeah, it would be good.”

Man City leading Liverpool in race to sign new £15m teenager

As De Bruyne weighs up the next step in his career, the Blues have their eye on a new arrival who will hope to have the same success as the Belgian. According to Football Insider, Man City are now leading the race to sign Jeremy Monga from Leicester City.

The report states that the Blues are ahead of Liverpool, who are also keen on signing the 15-year-old, and are now expected to wrap up the deal for him to move to the Etihad this summer, unless something drastic happens.

City are keen on signing Monga, as they believe the player fits the profile of the young players they have been looking to sign, as well as him being suited to their system and youth model.

The Blues have had a long-term interest in the left-winger, as back in January, City joined the race to sign Monga, who was also being looked at by Paris Saint-Germain. The England under-16 international has come through the academy at the King Power Stadium, and in this campaign, despite the Foxes’ struggles on the pitch, Monga has made his Premier League debut in a 16th-minute cameo against Newcastle United, as well as featuring late on against Liverpool.

Apps

11

Goals

2

Assists

2

Leicester’s relegation has now been confirmed, and therefore, Ruud van Nistelrooy could be willing to hand Monga more minutes on the pitch, despite the fact he looks set to leave and join City.

Back in January it was reported that Leicester valued Monga at around £15 million, and that could be the fee the Blues are going to have to pay to complete this transfer.

Liverpool are winners, they are champions again. 20 times for the Reds. Doesn’t that sound a little bit nice, eh?

There was a sense of inevitability as fans gathered around Anfield this afternoon. Red flares could be seen from several miles away. Liverpool was red and by the end of the day, they were Premier League title winners.

Five years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, supporters did not have this day. They may have been celebrating a league triumph but it was from the dreary setting of their living rooms, rather than a sunny Merseyside occasion.

They deserve this, truth be told. The fans have waited patiently to celebrate something with the team and this was their moment, their special day. It was never in doubt, was it?

Well, it was for a bit. Dominic Solanke’s powered header made it 1-0 to Spurs early doors but the Reds, as they so often have this term under Arne Slot’s wing, fought back. 5-1. What a performance it was, goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah and a late own goal from Destiny Udogie.

How Liverpool celebrated their title win

What an afternoon this was. Liverpool basked in the glory of their title win, dancing in front of the kop.

Mo Salah took plenty of selfies, Virgil van Dijk waxed lyrical about the city he resides in and plays in, while Trent Alexander-Arnold watched on. Surely this isn’t his swansong tour?

A year ago, Jurgen Klopp stood chanting the name of Slot and a year on, Slot repaid the favour. But, where does Trent stand in all of this?

Salah has signed a new deal, as has captain fantastic, Van Dijk.

However, as we all know by now, Real Madrid want him. The whole of the footballing world seems to think he’s off to the Bernabeu but is he?

The right-back’s goal against Leicester last week was full of emotion, ripping off his shirt and darting over to the away supporters where he bellowed into the sky. It was full of fury, perhaps full of sadness too that these could be his final few weeks in red.

Well, as he looked into the Kop on Sunday afternoon, surely he wants a bit more of the pie. You’re not going to leave, are you, Trent?

Well, Gakpo certainly hopes he doesn’t. Speaking after the game, the Dutchman was looking ahead to the future and may have hinted that things aren’t as clear-cut as we may have thought.

“Now with Mo and Virgil staying and hopefully Trent as well, we can keep on building.”

Well, he didn’t say he was leaving but he didn’t say he was staying either. Whatever you think of the statement, it’s certainly a cryptic response to the current situation.

Agent in England: Liverpool pushing to sign "immense" £30m Trent heir

Liverpool are set to lose their vice-captain on a free transfer this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 26, 2025