All posts by n8rngtd.top

Xabi Alonso's side scored two good goals and overcame a silly sending off to stay undefeated in La Liga.

Kylian Mbappe scored one and assisted another, and Real Madrid overcame a silly Dean Huijsen red card to grind out a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.

Los Blancos were on it from the start. They had a goal ruled out after three minutes, when Arda Guler's clever strike was chalked off due to an offside in the build up.

VAR didn't intervene 10 minutes later. Madrid's opener was classic Mbappe, a dart in behind and drilled finish to give his side a 1-0 lead. He almost made it two shortly after, but his curled effort clipped off the post. But Los Blancos made it interesting. La Real threatened here and there, and were handed a lifeline on half an hour when Huijsen was sent off for dragging down Mikel Oyarzabal as he ran through on goal. Still, Madrid added a crucial second just before half time. Mbappe made it, beating his man and cutting back to a grateful Arda Guler, who poked home. 

Los Blanos insisted on making it difficult for themselves, though. Dani Carvajal handled the ball in the box, and Oyarzabal converted the ensuing penalty with ease. La Real never found a crucial second, though. Thibaut Courtois made a handful of impressive saves and timely interventions to maintain the lead. It wasn't pretty, but Madrid got the job done

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Reale Arena…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

  Sent the wrong way on the penalty. Made a few crucial saves to keep Madrid ahead as time wore on. 

  Dani Carvajal (4/10):

  Was having a very good 50 minutes until he gave away a silly penalty. 

  Eder Militao (8/10):

  Equipped himself well at the back. Won some headers, made some important blocks, and was tidy on the ball. Glimpses of his old, excellent self.

  Dean Huijsen (2/10):

  Shown a straight red for a last-man foul after turning in a shaky 30 minutes. 

  Alvaro Carreras (6/10):

  Solid at left back. Defensively sound, and did ok against the dangerous Kubo late on. 

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  Midfield

  Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

  Solid as a defensive midfielder before being dropped into a centre-back role when Huijsen was sent off. Did well there, too. 

  Dani Ceballos (6/10):

  The game rather passed him by, all said. Puzzling that he was handed a start over Federico Valverde. 

  Arda Guler (8/10):

  Effective throughout, grabbed a goal, and was up for the scrap too. Ran himself into the ground. Arguably Madrid's best player so far this season.

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  Attack

  Brahim Diaz (4/10):

  Completed just nine passes, totaled 19 touches, and was removed at the break. Yet to convince under the new manager. 

  Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

  Magnificent. Had one ruled out, scored another, assisted wonderfully. Quieter late on when Madrid had to bunker in, but a real game-changer. 

  Vinicius Jr (5/10):

  Did a lot of running, but could have been a bit cleaner in the final third. Subbed after 68 minutes. It's not quite happening for him this season. 

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  Subs & Manager

  Federico Valverde (6/10):

  Introduced at half time. Ran around a lot and gave Madrid more energy in midfield. 

  Raul Asencio (5/10):

  A bit chaotic at the back, and was always one rash moment away from a red. 

  Fran Garcia (6/10):

  Brought on for a little solidity on the left side. 

  Trent Alexander-Arnold (N/A):

  No time to make an impact. 

  David Alaba (N/A):

  No time to make an impact. 

  Xabi Alonso (7/10):

  Not the most glamorous win, but a pretty satisfying one. Madrid scored two great goals and then ground out three points. Top of the league. 

After finally agreeing a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now set to intensify their efforts to sign another impressive attacking addition.

Man Utd reach agreement to sign Mbeumo

After a long few weeks, United are finally set to get their man after reportedly agreeing a deal worth as much as £70m+ all-in to sign Mbeumo. INEOS had been spending recent weeks attempting to get that price tag down, but Brentford’s stubborn stance soon forced their hand. Putting the hefty fee aside for the moment, however, there’s no denying that Mbeumo will be an instant upgrade at Old Trafford.

The forward’s arrival will take United’s spending to around the £133m-mark after welcoming Matheus Cunha for a reported fee of £63m at the start of the summer transfer window. For all the criticism that they have received, INEOS have so far backed Ruben Amorim in the summer transfer window.

Not only did Mbeumo and Cunha score a combined 35 Premier League goals last season, but they also stood out for how they outperformed their expected total. Their records suggest that Manchester United are set to welcome two much-needed clinical finishers to their side.

To give context for just how much of an upgrade they’ll provide Amorim, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund managed a combined seven Premier League goals last season.

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After Mbeumo and Cunha, however, the Red Devils are reportedly not done there in the summer transfer window.

Man Utd set to intensify Sesko move

According to TeamTalk, Manchester United are now set to intensify their move to sign Benjamin Sesko, who is valued at a hefty £67m by RB Leipzig this summer.

The 6 foot 5 Slovenia star initially caught United’s eye in 2022, when they first contacted the forward whilst he was still at Red Bull Salzburg. And, having worked on their relationship with player and camp ever since, the Red Devils are in position to step up their interest and complete their attacking overhaul in style.

Like Mbeumo and Cunha, Sesko outperformed Zirkzee and Hojlund last season, with his clinical nature in front of goal also standing out when compared to their underperformance. If Sesko arrives to join the incoming duo then United could be going from one of the most disappointing frontlines to one of the most promising in the Premier League.

Described as a “menace” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old is ready to take the Premier League by storm after stealing countless headlines in the Bundesliga.

Jobe Bellingham’s father, Mark, has been told he was fortunate not to run into the "feisty" Niko Kovac during his half-time substitution rant.

• Teen star moved to Germany from Sunderland
• Hooked after 45 minutes in season opener
• Working under unrealistic expectations

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham senior did not take kindly to seeing his son, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland during the summer transfer window, hauled off just 45 minutes into the Bundesliga season opener against St Pauli.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With emotions running high, Mark Bellingham marched towards the dressing room in a bid to question those responsible for a bold call. He was apprehended by club officials and eventually calmed down.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Dortmund have vowed to avoid any repeat, with friends and family no longer allowed behind the scenes, with coaching staff being left to do their job. That means making difficult decisions that may not be universally well received.

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  WHAT HAMANN SAID

  Discussing the antics of team Bellingham in Dortmund, former Germany international and Bundesliga star Dietmar Hamann told : “There are headlines around Jobe Bellingham, but for the wrong reasons. He came off at half-time. His dad didn't get into the dressing room, but he was on the way.

  “It was probably a good thing he didn't because the manager is a feisty character, so it was probably better he didn't face him. Jobe, he's not been playing well. He did okay in the Club World Cup but has found it hard so far.

  “People compare him to his brother. Expectations are high, really high, probably too high. At the moment, he's probably trying a bit too hard. They've got some good players in the middle of the park, so it'll be interesting.

  “I spoke to people in the UK, and they said they paid far too much money for him. Obviously, time will tell us, but at the moment, he's finding it really hard. Again, we shouldn't forget he's only 19.”

Sunderland are building an impressive summer transfer portfolio and could now be about to accelerate their pursuit of an England international, according to reports.

Sunderland complete Simon Adingra capture

The Black Cats have made some intriguing signings under Regis Le Bris and appear primed to continue their hot streak in the market after wrapping up a five-year deal for Simon Adingra.

Joining for a fee of £21 million plus add-ons, the Ivorian stated after his official announcement: “It’s a pleasure to be here, and I cannot wait to get started. The club and the project are really exciting. I spoke with everyone and their interest in me made the decision easy – I wanted to be part of Sunderland’s future. Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue doing that is incredible.”

With Habib Diarra, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi and Enzo Le Fee also in the building, Sunderland briefly turned their attention towards Marseille midfielder Valentine Rongier but have decided against an £8.6 million move.

Sassuolo star Armand Lauriente is also on the Black Cats’ radar, signalling that Le Bris is keen to strengthen the flanks as his side aim to consolidate themselves in the Premier League.

Stepping up from Serie B to the top-flight in England would be a major adjustment, but there is no doubt that the Wearside giants will need to be creative in their bid to sustain themselves in the world’s most competitive league.

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Taking advantage of their recent promotion, Sunderland could now raid a familiar foe of recent years for one of their prize assets, per recent developments.

Sunderland preparing Aaron Ramsdale bid

According to TBR, Sunderland are preparing a bid to sign Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and have made contact with the representatives of the England international.

The former Arsenal man is understood to be open to a move to the North East, and he would see the opportunity to remain in the Premier League with Le Bris’ men as an ideal opportunity to strengthen his bid to make England’s World Cup squad next summer.

Labelled “exceptional” by Mikel Arteta, Ramsdale would cost in the region of £25 million to bring to the Stadium of Light and has been earmarked as a potential successor to Anthony Patterson.

Sunderland’s opening offer is set to be close to Southampton’s asking price, which is, incidentally, the same fee as he was brought to the South Coast for from Arsenal, hence they would break even on the 27-year-old.

Now, it remains to be seen if Le Bris can force a deal over the line to bring another recognisable face with considerable pedigree to the North East.

Underestimate Birmingham City at your own peril next season.

Already, the ultra-ambitious Blues have welcomed in seven new faces to the St. Andrew’s camp with more surely expected as they go about continuing to construct a side ready to compete, and potentially soar, at Championship level.

The most high-profile signing of Birmingham’s hectic summer so far has come in the form of £10m attacker Kyogo Furuhashi leaving Rennes behind for pastures new in the West Midlands, with lots expected of the Japanese forward in his fresh second-tier surroundings.

Why Kyogo Furuhashi is an exciting signing

Whilst he has never got going in France with zero goals or assists next to his name from six Rennes appearances, Birmingham will feel they’ve made a worthwhile investment in the 30-year-old striker based on his blistering output at Celtic alone.

From 165 clashes donning the famous green and white jersey, Kyogo would tally up a stunning 85 strikes in total, alongside also chipping in with a healthy 19 assists for his troubles.

Everyone at St. Andrew’s will be praying he can get back to the clinical best he managed in Scotland when now plying his trade in nearby England, with his former Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou once even labelling the four-time Scottish Premiership winner as “outstanding” for his constant magic in Glasgow.

Kyogo will surely give the likes of Jay Stansfield and Alfie May a run for their money in the forward areas, but another exciting signing up top would be seen as even more of a coup than the 23-time Japan international’s arrival onto the scene.

Birmingham could sign an even bigger talent than Kyogo

Birmingham fans might well feel let down by the millions splashed out on Kyogo if he doesn’t instantly hit the ground running, fearful that another Rennes crisis of confidence has enveloped him.

Whilst it could take time for Kyogo to warm up to the challenges of the Championship, Danny Ings would surely feel instantly more comfortable dropping back down to the EFL, after finding his recent Premier League stints to be full of injuries.

As per a report earlier this summer from journalist Graeme Bailey, Birmingham have considered a move for Ings, knowing full well what he’s capable of in front of goal when injuries aren’t dominating his playing time.

All this talk might well have died down now – with Bailey further revealing that Wrexham and Burnley were even eyeing up the goalscoring veteran – but if Birmingham want another top-quality attacker to add to their glittering striker options, and a star who is an even bigger talent than Furuhashi for free, this is a move they should try to get back into motion.

After all, it’s clear from the table above – unlike Kyogo, who fired blanks in Ligue 1 – that Ings has shown off his goalscoring prowess all across his career, even when issues have arisen, with a hefty 120 career goals next to his name from 406 clashes. It was only four years ago that Aston Villa forked out £30m for his services.

43 of those strikes would come about on the books of Burnley, with the three-time England international chomping at the bit to return to the Championship where he first honed his potent craft, as seen in him bagging a healthy 21 strikes during the 2013/14 season to seal promotion for the Clarets.

From then on, it’s been a career mainly played at the pinnacle of English football, with Ings dropping back down to the Championship with Birmingham seen as a statement of intent on Davies and Co’s end of where they want to be in the very near future.

Once labelled as “clinical” by football journalist Leanne Prescott, Ings would be raring to go donning Birmingham blue if a move was sealed, with the experienced attacker perhaps pipping Kyogo to a starting spot in the process.

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By
Kelan Sarson

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It’s been a jam-packed summer for Chelsea so far this year.

On top of making it through to the knockout rounds of the Club World Cup, the Blues have already been very active in the transfer window.

Enzo Maresca’s side have bought in a number of young talents to bolster the squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, with perhaps the most exciting so far being Liam Delap.

However, in exciting news, the club appear close to securing the services of another young star who could be an even bigger talent than the former Ipswich Town star.

Chelsea target young talents

So far this summer, Chelsea seem to be continuing their habit of targeting young, up-and-coming talents, with names like Nico Williams and Alejandro Garnacho linked with them over the last few weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

However, with the former now looking set to join Barcelona and the latter not exactly the most popular candidate, thanks to how things appear to have ended at Manchester United, the Blues have also looked at a host of other youngsters.

Fortunately, the West Londoners now appear to be closing in on one of those prospects, someone who’s arguably a bigger talent than Delap: Jamie Gittens.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are still pursuing the Borussia Dortmund star.

In fact, the Italian journalist has revealed that an “agreement is getting closer” as the two sides continue their talks over the player in the US.

A price is not mentioned in the update, but according to other reports from this week, it looks increasingly likely that the Englishman will cost around £55m.

It might be a lot of money for a 20-year-old, but based on his ability and potential, it could be worth it, especially as he might be a bigger talent than Delap.

How Gittens compares to Delap

So, the first thing to say is that both youngsters look destined for brilliant careers at the very top of the game, but if we had to come down on who we think is just about the bigger talent, it would be Gittens, and there are a few reasons why.

The first is that, while the former Ipswich Town gem was honing his skills in the Championship last season, the Dortmund prospect was making a name for himself in the Bundesliga and even made seven appearances in the Champions League, despite being just 19 years old.

Moreover, this season, when both players were competing in one of Europe’s top five leagues alongside other competitions, the 20-year-old prospect was, in fact, more effective for the German outfit than the 22-year-old was for the Tractor Boys.

For example, the “explosive” Reading-born winger, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 49 appearances, totalling 2,803 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 164.88 minutes.

In contrast, the Winchester-born poacher scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2,670 minutes, for the Suffolk side this year, which comes out to a goal involvement every 190.71 minutes.

Finally, when we examine their underlying numbers, it becomes impossible to ignore just how much better the talented winger fares than his potential new teammate.

For example, not only does he do better in the most critical attacking metrics, like non-penalty goals plus assists and key passes, but also tackles, blocks and interceptions, so he can be trusted to contribute to the dirty work while also impacting play at the sharp end of the pitch.

Ultimately, both Delap and Gittens will be excellent players for Chelsea, but as things stand, the latter appears to be a more promising talent than the 22-year-old striker.

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Manchester United have now reportedly submitted a huge offer to sign a much-needed attacking addition who would instantly make any potential Bryan Mbeumo rejection an afterthought.

Man Utd still chasing Bryan Mbeumo

For a moment it looked as though Manchester United were out on their own in the race to sign Mbeumo only for Tottenham Hotspur to burst onto the scene. With Thomas Frank now by their side, the Lilywhites have reportedly matched Brentford’s asking price and could instantly reunite Mbeumo with his former manager.

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United haven’t simply stepped aside, however. Reports are now claiming that they’ve reached an agreement on personal terms with the talented winger and club chiefs believe that they will complete a move to land his signature this summer.

There was always likely to be interest in Mbeumo following yet another excellent campaign at Brentford. At just 25 years old, there may not be a better time to move than this summer, but he must still get his next decision right.

As for United, whether it’s Mbeumo or another option, signing an attacking reinforcement seems to be at the very top of their wishlist. The Red Devils suffered going forward last season, with both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund at the centre of those struggles which culminated in a 15th-place finish.

Ruben Amorim will be desperate for some added firepower and if it’s not Mbeumo, then rumours suggest that it could yet be an excellent alternative.

INEOS already proved that they’re willing to spend when they welcomed Matheus Cunha for around £63m and now they could spend more than ever amid reports that they’ve submitted a hefty £120m+ bid for one particular talent.

Man Utd submit shock offer to sign Barcelona star Raphinha

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have now submitted a shock €150m (£128m) offer to sign Raphinha from Barcelona this summer. The Spanish giants have reportedly been left surprised by the bid, but their financial situation could yet force them to consider it.

It would instantly be one of the standout deals of the summer if Manchester United made it happen. The Brazilian winger is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or this year and would instantly ensure that the Red Devils forget all about Mbeumo.

With 59 goal involvements in 57 appearances, it’s no surprise that Raphinha has found himself in Ballon d’Or conversations and, as talented as Mbeumo is, there is no denying that the Barcelona star is the standout option.

The winger earned plenty of deserved praise last season, including from Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who told reporters: “He has good dynamics with the ball and he has had an extraordinary match. His offensive and defensive dynamics, and his good technique, are something special. I have never had a player like him and he helps us a lot.”

With all eyes on their Premier League return, Leeds United are reportedly looking to get their summer business underway by securing a double swoop for two Ligue 1 talents.

49ers aiming to back Leeds in transfer market

Whilst the 49ers group have been busy completing their takeover of Scottish giants Rangers, they’ll still be focused on ensuring that Leeds have a side capable of avoiding the drop at the first time of asking. In doing so, the Whites would become the first promoted side to keep hold of their Premier League status in the last six attempts. That’s the extent of the task at hand for the 49ers and Daniel Farke’s side.

Chairman Paraag Marathe is ready to back Leeds in the transfer market this summer, however, having told reporters last month when asked about potential business: “I’m not really ready to go into that, but yes, your speculation is probably right.

“It’s going to be a mix of seeing if there are inbounds along with outbounds. And that’s probably, that’s probably accurate, but really not ready to go into more detail than that. But we are looking at maximizing what we can do, and so that involves the whole bag, ins and outs.”

Just who arrives is the big question. The transfer window is now open and those at Elland Road will be desperate to see the 49ers get their business underway as soon as possible.

To that end, Dara O’Shea could be one to watch. Recent reports revealed that Leeds are interested in signing the Ipswich Town star and granting him an instant return to the Premier League following relegation.

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Back in the top flight, the impressive defender would be an impressive first pick. He ticks the box for experience both in the Premier League and now a relegation battle. On a personal note, O’Shea himself will be desperate to avoid the drop for a second season on the bounce.

He’s not the only target on Leeds’ radar, however. The 49ers are also reportedly targeting a double swoop to land a Ligue 1 duo this summer.

Leeds chasing double swoop for Fofana and Abdelli

As reported by Ouest France, the 49ers and Leeds are now chasing a double swoop to sign Yahia Fofana and Himad Abdelli from Angers this summer. The former would be an instant upgrade on Illan Meslier at just £8m, whilst the latter would offer plenty of leadership from midfield following his captaincy of the French side in recent years.

Having been dropped by Farke at the back end of last season as Leeds secured promotion, Meslier’s place remains in question and the arrival of Fofana could see the Frenchman exiled altogether at Elland Road.

Alongside Fofana, Abdelli would make an impact in his own right. The midfielder completed the same amount of progressive passes as £100m+ Liverpool target Florian Wirtz last season and two more than Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. He was a standout in Europe’s top seven leagues on that metric and could now be on his way to Elland Road.

Until the official announcements are uploaded, Florian Wirtz beaming into the lens as he confirms his ecstasy at having signed for the Premier League champions, Liverpool fans would be forgiven for holding onto their jubilation.

According to German reports, Bayer Leverkusen have on Monday morning rejected Liverpool’s second official bid for Wirtz, worth around €130m (£110m).

The negotiations were never going to be easy, even if this saga is moving forward with comparative swiftness. Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world”, according to former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes, but all parties anticipate a resolution in the coming days or weeks.

With Jeremie Frimpong already completing his move from Leverkusen to Anfield and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in advanced talks to sign for Liverpool, things are looking good on Merseyside.

However, there’s even more for sporting director Richard Hughes to do ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Liverpool's attacking transfer plans

Darwin Nunez got lost in the celebrations as Liverpool won the Premier League, and these will be the memories he takes with him as he leaves this summer.

It’s not set in stone, but the Uruguayan is expected to leave this summer, with interest rising from Spain and the Saudi Pro League.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been touted as the man to replace him, but Chelsea also have a vested interest in the forward and are considered by BILD reporter Christian Falk to be leading Liverpool in the race.

Believe it or not, even more change may be afoot. Luis Diaz enjoyed a productive campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions, but he has reportedly emerged as a priority for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Barcelona also maintain a long-standing interest.

Liverpool have utilised the dynamic forward’s qualities across wide and central berths this season, and if he was indeed to be sold, the club would surely need to bring in an out-and-out striker as a matter of urgency.

Liverpool enter race for new striker

According to Sky Sports, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is on Liverpool’s shortlist of targets at centre-forward with the Anfield outfit ‘looking’ at him alongside widely reported names like Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.

Interest in Alexander Isak also remains, but he’s off the cards after Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League.

Osimhen has just completed a successful season-long loan with Galatasaray after efforts from Chelsea and Saudi suitors fell through last summer, and there’s no way back for the Nigerian in Naples after an acrimonious divorce.

Napoli would be allegedly looking for a £60m fee, so a deal could certainly be agreed in the coming months, especially if FSG succeed in offloading Nunez.

Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimhen

Osimhen is one of the finest finishers in the game, hailed for his “world-class status” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley. He’s tenacious, layered and physical, surely the perfect fit for Slot’s Liverpool system.

Though he was forced away from Europe’s top-five leagues this season, Osimhen’s time in the Turkish Super Lig has proved a clinical success, instrumental in Galatasaray winning the league and the Ziraat Turkish Cup.

Aged 26, this would be the time for him to try his hand at Premier League football, and FSG chiefs must seriously consider prioritising him over Sesko and Ekitike, who are both talented but raw and undeveloped.

As per FBref, Osimhen ranked among the top 3% of centre-forwards across Europe in 2024/25 for goals scored, the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area, and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising his elite-level threat.

Sesko, who has a £70m release clause in his contract, and the £84m-rated Ekitike, conversely, still have something to be desired in regard to their prolific output. Across 48 matches this year, Frankfurt’s man bagged 22 goals from 48 matches, while Sesko has posted 27 goals from 64 appearances in the German Bundesliga since signing for Leipzig two years ago.

Coined by analyst Ben Mattinson a “transitional monster” and a “beast in the air”, Osimhen is the real deal, all right, and would provide Liverpool with a ridiculous focal point from which Salah, who turns 33 this month, can ease his burden and the inbound Wirtz can forge a deadly partnership.

That’s not to say Ekitike and Sesko couldn’t make their mark too, but Liverpool are set to undergo some rather drastic changes in the offensive department, and a striker proven to be one of the best in the world would be a sure-fire way to ensure Slot’s finely-woven system remains in place.

Osimhen, furthermore, is more than just a goalscorer. His nifty footwork, swift-limbed and purposeful with his passing and link-up play, suggests there’s a real player in there who could, by turns, make the net bulge himself and feed Salah and co.

Given that, at £60m, Osimhen would come at a cheaper price than Liverpool’s other major striker targets, it feels like a bit of a no-brainer, one that could see the Reds retain their Premier League title and maybe get their mitts on some silverware across other fronts.

One thing’s for certain: all three transfer targets would prove to be upgrades on Nunez, who has sadly fallen by the wayside in Slot’s set-up, and Liverpool cannot afford to have a misfiring number nine fronting the project once again.

Regarded as “the best striker on the market” by data journalist Statman Dave, Liverpool need to make this one happen; Osimhen might just prove to be the final piece of the puzzle for an Anfield side looking to consolidate their position at the very top of the global game.

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Newcastle United are said to have made contact with a huge club over signing a player who Eddie Howe has hailed as “very good” in the past.

Newcastle already pushing for summer signings

The Magpies are already being linked with new signings under the assumption that they will qualify for next season’s Champions League, with Dinamo Zagreb attacking midfielder Martin Baturina mentioned as a potential target this week. He has scored twice and registered one assist in Europe’s top club competition in 2024/25.

Newcastle need to target a new striker this summer, in order to provide more competition for Alexander Isak, especially with Callum Wilson expected to leave the club. Liam Delap is one possible option to come in, having suffered relegation from the Premier League with Ipswich Town and not wanting to play in the Championship next season.

At the other end of the pitch, the Magpies continue to target goalkeepers, with Espanyol ace Joan Garcia seen as an alternative option to the likes of James Trafford and Caoimhin Kelleher. He has even quite bizarrely been compared to Lionel Messi, with Manolo Gonzalez saying: “It’s like when Barcelona had Messi. There were tough matches, and Messi would resolve them. Well, we have that in goal with Joan Garcia.”

A centre-back is also required for Newcastle before next season gets underway, in order to add freshness to a key area of the pitch, and now a new update has emerged regarding a potential addition there.

Newcastle make contact with AC Milan over Thiaw

According to The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have made an approach to AC Milan over the signing of centre-back Malick Thiaw this summer, in a possible £25m transfer.

They are “one of several clubs” believed to be in the race to snap up the 23-year-old, with Milan “prepared to listen to offers for some of their regular starters” ahead of the upcoming window.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Thiaw for several weeks, and it now appears as though they have cranked up their efforts to bring him in.

The German could add quality in and out of possession for the Magpies, having enjoyed a 93.4% pass completion rate and averaged 3.5 clearances per game in Serie A this season.

Meanwhile, Howe has shown his admiration for Thiaw, too, saying of him: “There’s no updates on that. I’m always reluctant to comment on these things, but he’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

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By
Dominic Lund

May 21, 2025

At 23, Thiaw could be the young centre-back that Newcastle crave this summer, coming in as a mainstay alongside Sven Botman, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn not getting any younger.