Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard could be granted one last chance to rescue their Manchester United careers with the appointment of Erik ten Hag.
What’s the word?
That is according to a report from The Sun who claim that Rashford has received assurances that he will get his chance to perform under Ten Hag next season.
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Whilst Lingard could also stay if Ten Hag is able to convince him that he has a future at Manchester United.
Saved or Axed?
24-year-old Rashford has endured the worst season of his career this year, with the out-of-favour England international having just four goals and two assists to show for his 25 appearances for United this season.
It goes without saying that Lingard has also suffered this season, but more so for game-time rather than form, with the 29-year-old accumulating just 355 minutes this campaign from 16 cameo appearances that have seen him grab two goals.
Lingard, who has been dubbed “awful” by Journalist Rob Blanchette, is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with his deal expiring this summer.
Rashford’s situation on the other hand is slightly more intricate, with the winger still holding value amidst his contract expiry in 2023, of which the club have an option to extend by a year.
The 24-year-old – who was labelled “absolutely terrible” by Chris Waddle for his performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League – does have something going for him though. And that is the fact that this is his first blip at Man United with the club massively underachieving as a collective this season.
Though, quite simply, the pair have not been good enough this season and with Ten Hag looking to rebuild the Red Devils, the saving in wages on Lingard and the sale of £45m-rated Rashford could help United to build on their transfer war chest.
Ten Hag’s stance on the £275k-per-week pair will make or break their future at Old Trafford, though with on-going links to the likes of Sebastien Haller, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Antony, it does not bode well for the duo and it should well see them axed.
In other news: Ten Hag could unearth a new Berbatov for Man United by signing 152-goal “hero”…
West Ham United’s European quest gets back underway this evening as they welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the London Stadium for a tricky – but historic – Europa League semi-final clash.
The first of two legs takes place in east London, likely to be in front of a near sell-out crowd with a place in the final in Seville the reward.
Irons boss David Moyes is left with plenty of selection decisions to make – last time out, he rested several key stars against Chelsea in what was a bold call indeed, whilst the Hammers breezed past Lyon by a 4-1 aggregate to make it to this stage of the tournament.
Among the surprise names on the bench at the weekend was Jarrod Bowen and he’s surely a shoo-in to start against Die Adler tonight.
The 25-year-old dynamo, who is currently valued at £31.5m, has been one of West Ham’s standout stars in this exciting campaign, where he has provided a whopping 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.
These include a pair of strikes against the Ligue 1 outfit in the last round and his importance is signified by the fact that Moyes’ side lost three of five games without him in the squad due to injury.
Bowen is also the Hammers’ highest-rated player in the Premier League, as per WhoScored figures, and has proven to be more than just a creative and goalscoring threat in the final third.
An average of one tackle per game suggests he can trackback and do his defensive duties, something that he may well need to do against the Bundesliga outfit in the absence of a few out-and-out senior centre-backs – Moyes is going to have to do some shifting around indeed.
Meanwhile, no other Irons star has managed more successful dribbles per game in the league (1.4) than Bowen, suggesting that he’s capable of taking on his man, beating him and then delivering with a goal or assist.
This sort of threat is going to be needed against a side that knocked FC Barcelona out in the last round.
The 5 foot 9 machine, previously lauded as “unplayable” by his former Hull City boss Grant McCann and as an “absolute manager’s dream” by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, evidently has all the skills to hurt and terrify Frankfurt, who have leaked more goals than they have scored, at the London Stadium.
As such, Moyes must let Bowen off the leash this evening.
AND in other news, Sources: West Ham eye swoop for “brilliant” 21 y/o, he’s “similar to Eden Hazard”…
Following another evening of wasted chances, Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus, who have set a bargain price for their striker.
David Moyes was once again left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland in a game that saw Thierno Barry spurn a clear-cut opportunity to win the game. In the forward’s third start, expectations were high that he could finally kickstart his Everton career.
When the ball arrived at the far post, it looked as though the £27m man was destined to open his account in Merseyside, only for his attempt to find the stands rather than the back of the net. For the umpteenth time this season, the Toffees simply couldn’t find the missing piece to an impressive attacking move.
Moyes didn’t shy away from mentioning the missed chances at full-time either, and will be getting more and more frustrated with his current striker situation.
What really summed up Everton’s striker problem was the performance of Beto when he came from the bench. Whilst Barry was guilty of missing his chance, his replacement simply struggled to get himself into the game.
It’s something that The Friedkin Group must address if they are to push Everton into the top half of the Premier League. Several names have already been mentioned who could solve Moyes’ problem in the January transfer window, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll arrive.
Moyes could be brewing Everton's own Adam Wharton in "abnormal" 18-year-old
Everton could now be brewing their very own version of Crystal Palace midfield sensation Adam Wharton.
ByKelan Sarson Oct 31, 2025
Among those mentioned includes Ivan Toney, who will likely need a move back into Europe from Al-Ahli if he is to get into Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad. But he’s not the only name on the list, with Vlahovic’s new bargain price suddenly making him an interesting option.
Everton enter race to sign Dusan Vlahovic
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have now entered the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic, who is now available for as little as €20m (£18m) in January if he fails to sign a new contract at Juventus.
The Serbian striker has been linked with a move away from the Italian club for some time, but could now get his chance to move on courtesy of the Premier League in 2026. Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and West Ham United are also in the race to secure his signature in a bargain move.
Minutes
499
597
308
Goals
3
1
0
Assists
0
0
0
Expected Goals
3.2
3.9
1
If the Toffees want a clinical striker then Vlahovic could be their man. The forward has scored three goals in just 499 minutes of action so far this season – the same as three goals in around 5.5 full games.
Described as “strong” by former Juventus boss Igor Tudor, Vlahovic has also matched his expected goals so far this season, whilst Beto has fallen far behind what he is expected to have scored by this stage. Simply put, Everton would be landing themselves a major upgrade.
Are Manchester City being overlooked as Premier League title candidates?
A lot of the recent spotlight has been on Liverpool, considering the champions have lost three top-flight matches in a row for the first time since February 2021, with many thereby anointing league leaders Arsenal as overwhelming favourites.
However, considering Man City have been champions in six of the last eight seasons, they are very much in this race.
Pep Guardiola’s team have yielded 13 points from their last five league outings, going in search of a fourth straight league win when they take on Aston Villa on Sunday.
Ahead of this one, the Sky Blues have actually lost their last two visits to Villa Park, failing to win any of their last three outings there, despite a sequence of five successive victories in Birmingham beforehand.
If the Citizens are to get back to winning ways in the Midlands, should Guardiola boldly drop one of his most loyal disciples and start a forgotten star instead?
Bernardo Silva's Manchester City importance
Just in case anyone was doubting Bernardo Silva’s importance to Manchester City, he was on target at Estadio de la Cerámica on Tuesday night, heading home the second goal that rather cemented three Champions League points against Villarreal.
This was his 418th appearance for the club, only 13 men have ever made more, 18 behind Willie Donachie and his namesake David Silva, who sit ninth and tenth on the all-time list.
Bernardo himself has now scored 73 goals and registered 74 assists for the Sky Blues, while he is the player who has made the most appearances under Guardiola in his entire managerial career, clear of Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson and İlkay Gündoğan, all of whom moved on to pastures new this summer.
Still only 31 years old, there are discussions about Silva’s role in the current Man City side, given that he has not started any of the last three Premier League matches, before returning to the lineup in Eastern Spain on Tuesday.
So, the Portuguese international may well once again be left on a Premier League bench come Sunday afternoon, given that Guardiola needs to make space in his team for another sensation.
Guardiola must start Manchester City's 'freak'
So far this season, Manchester City have been rather over-reliant on the goals of Erling Braut Håland; his tally of 15 goals already accounts for 65% of their entire tally across the Premier League and Champions League.
However, could the return of Omar Marmoush help ease this attacking burden?
The Egyptian suffered a knee injury during Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou in September, so had not been seen since, until coming off the bench for a brief four-minute cameo at El Madrigal on Tuesday.
His return is certainly a major boost considering that last season, for two different clubs, he was one of the most in-form strikers in Europe, as the table below documents.
Kylian Mbappé
Real Madrid
31
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool
29
Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona
27
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich
26
Mateo Retegui
Atalanta
25
Alexander Isak
Newcastle United
23
Erling Braut Håland
Manchester City
22
Omar Marmoush
Frankfurt & Man City
22
Ousmane Dembélé
Paris Saint-Germain
21
Serhou Guirassy
Borussia Dortmund
21
Patrik Schick
Bayer Leverkusen
21
Ante Budimir
Osasuna
21
Mason Greenwood
Olympique Marseille
21
As the table documents, only five men across Europe’s top five leagues scored more league goals than Marmoush last season, an impressive feat considering the Egyptian changed clubs in January.
Shortly after arriving at the Etihad, he scored a hat-trick against Newcastle, before securing the Premier League Goal of the Season award courtesy of this absolute rocket against Bournemouth in May.
On top of his £59m transfer fee, Marmoush is the club’s third-highest earner, currently pocketing a reported £295k-per-week, behind only the aforementioned Håland and Silva.
Journalist António Mango labelled him a “well-rounded… freak”, international teammate Mohamed Salah heralded him as a “great player with a lot of talent”, while former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger described him as “mobile” and “powerful”, impressed by the “special” talent’s adaptability and versatility.
Marmoush is not only a goalscorer, proving during his short Manchester City career so far that he can get involved in build-up play as if he was a world-renowned attacking midfielder, while also capable of running in behind, thereby creating space for others.
Well, on Sunday, Guardiola will come up against an Aston Villa side who will press ferociously at times and defend with a high line but, as noted by Ali Tweedale of Opta’s the Analyst, Unai Emery’s team are susceptible to transitions, often caught out by opposition counter-attacks due to the fact that their offside trap, once the best in Europe, is no longer watertight.
Thus, while Bernardo offers technical brilliance, this may be a game best suited to Guardiola’s direct attackers.
With that in mind, Jérémy Doku and Savinho appear the obvious choices to start out-wide, the latter rewarded for his scintillating display at the Cerámica this week, having looked ‘Leroy Sane-esque’ on the night.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Through the middle, Marmoush should be chosen to complete the attacking trident, getting forward to support Håland in a second striker role, because his profile is best suited to causing the Villans all sorts of problems, and his return could be a serious game-changer in the title race in general.
Man City have Fernandinho 2.0 who's "one of the best players in the world"
Pep Guardiola may have found his new Fernandinho at Manchester City…
Liverpool’s frenetic summer transfer window is coming to a head, with deals for Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi progressing as Monday’s deadline looms.
Having won the Premier League with minimal transfer investment last season, Arne Slot’s side have spent richly across the past few months, reshaping the defensive flanks and remoulding the frontline, with Hugo Ekitike and British-record man Florian Wirtz hinting at an exciting partnership for many years to come.
Maybe Liverpool’s start to the campaign has been laden with inconsistencies and a somewhat out-of-kilter tactical layout, but this was always going to be a potential hazard at the start of Slot’s second term, with so much change and upheaval since the Premier League title was lifted in May.
One area, however, that hasn’t received much attention is the midfield. While Wirtz is something of an attacking midfielder, his attacking quality and style of play effectively see him play in and around the final third with regularity.
Would it be worth the Reds investing in their engine room before the window slams shut on Monday?
Why Liverpool could sign a midfielder
The summer of 2023 was one of significant change at Liverpool, out with the old and in with the new. So it goes. The likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho, stalwarts all, departed and made way for a new wave of midfield talent.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo. All four have played big roles in the trophy-laden successes of recent seasons, and all four remain important members of the squad.
Gravenberch, recipient of the 2024/25 Young Player of the Year, was particularly influential in winning the Premier League, filling a void at number six and doing so with aplomb, having been peripheral across his maiden term in England.
However, the Netherlands international showed signs of burnout toward the latter end of the campaign, having started 37 matches in the top flight by Slot. Up until December, the 22-year-old didn’t miss a minute of league or Champions League action.
Endo, industrious and dependable, isn’t a starting player on the biggest occasions, and so Liverpool might want to make a move for a deep-lying rival before the window closes.
Liverpool planning move for Premier League star
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are showing a strong interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, with the multi-club chase for the England international expected to go down to the wire.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
Palace, having sold Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and potentially Guehi to Liverpool, will play hardball and have listed the 21-year-old at a staggering £100m as they anticipate last-minute offers from interested parties.
Liverpool will find some rather daunting competition in their battle, with Manchester City and Real Madrid both ready to rival the Reds and sign the ball-playing specialist for themselves.
What Adam Wharton would bring to Liverpool
Injuries limited Wharton’s Premier League action last season, but his emergence onto the top-flight scene showcased his potential and then some, maybe operating with a similar quality and scope as Gravenberch in all his brilliance under Slot’s wing last year.
Matches (starts)
16 (15)
37 (37)
Goals
0
0
Assists
3
4
Touches*
49.6
66.5
Pass completion
81%
89%
Big chances created
5
3
Key passes*
1.3
0.9
Dribble success
60%
1.0
Ball recoveries*
5.3
5.2
Tackles + interceptions*
4.3
3.5
Duels (won)*
4.9 (54%)
5.0 (57%)
Wharton is silky on the ball, like Gravenberch, but he also boasts a superior range of passing, ranking among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 15% for through balls and the top 5% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.
With this in mind, he could be the perfect signing to unlock the inbound Isak, whose movements, progressiveness and deadly finishing seem a perfect fit for Wharton, playing those surgical passes between the lines with frightening consistency and accuracy.
Isak, 25, was remarked by pundit Ally McCoist last year to be the “best all-round centre-forward” in the English game. He might not have the same ridiculous ball-striking ability as Erling Haaland (who does?), but the Sweden star is undoubtedly a layered and dynamic player, offering so much more than a simple focal point from which teammates can channel their creativity.
His link-up play and intelligence, both in possession and when against the ball, are of the highest class, and there’s little to be said about Isak’s ability to ruffle the feathers of his opponents, slipping this way and that, knowing exactly when to make the right move.
Much has been said of his likeness to Ekitike, but Isak is at his core a deadly finisher, the rest simply embellishments of genuine substance, and while he would help to dynamise Liverpool’s exciting frontline, he would also serve as that perfect outlet for players like Wharton to target.
Wharton would jockey with Gravenberch for a starting berth, but we saw last term the necessity of adding such competition to the ranks, especially if Liverpool hope to wade their way into the deeper fathoms of the campaign’s various offshoots, on top of defending the Premier League title.
Described as a “passing machine” by journalist Henry Winter, Crystal Palace’s rising sensation has so much more to his game. There’s a reason that the biggest clubs across the continents are all keen, after all.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Whether Liverpool’s pursuit proves fruitful remains to be seen, but there’s little question that Wharton has what it takes to raise the level of Slot’s midfield and feed through his skill into Isak’s path too.
New Gakpo: Liverpool agree personal terms for "unplayable" new signing
Liverpool are looking to complete a few more signings before the transfer deadline on Monday.
After his breakthrough the youth system at Manchester United in recent years, Kobbie Mainoo was once seen as the future of the side – potentially playing a key role in any success down the line.
Despite being just 20 years of age, the youngster has already produced numerous moments of magic, many of which have helped the Red Devils in key moments.
The midfielder has already racked up a goal in an FA Cup final, whilst also scoring a vital goal in the Europa League last season – helping Ruben Amorim’s side reach the final in Bilbao.
However, his future at Old Trafford appears up in the air, potentially departing his boyhood side before Monday’s deadline, with the likes of Real Madrid, Leeds and Everton all interested in his signature.
Other options are being considered by the hierarchy in an attempt to bolster the side, with the side potentially getting a new addition before the window slams shut on Monday.
United’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer
Over the last couple of days, Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller has emerged as a key target for United this window, after the German made 47 appearances in all competitions last campaign.
It’s been reported that he could be allowed to leave the Bundesliga outfit for a fee in the region of £32m this window – but time is rapidly running out to complete a deal for his signature.
VfB Stuttgart'sAngeloStillercelebrates scoring their first goal
However, other options have been considered by the board, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher another player INEOS are considering, according to TBR Football.
They claim the Red Devils are one of multiple sides currently interested in the 25-year-old’s signature, with the LaLiga side potentially allowing the Englishman to depart the club this summer.
It’s also been reported that the former Chelsea star could be tempted by a return to the Premier League, with Diego Simeone’s side demanding €50m (£43m) for his signature.
Why United’s latest target would be bad news for Mainoo
Despite rumours about his future at United, Mainoo started the Carabao Cup defeat against Grimsby Town on Wednesday night – in what was a night to forget for the football club.
The academy graduate featured for the entirety of the contest, even scoring his penalty in the shootout, but it wasn’t enough as Amorim’s side crashed out at the first hurdle.
However, he did get the assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, helping produce the first goal of what’s been a slow start to the 2025/26 campaign – leading to questions about Amorim’s future in the role.
Last night was Mainoo’s first appearance of the new season, previously being an unnamed substitute in the two Premier League outings against Arsenal and Fulham.
It’s clear that the youngster isn’t in the manager’s immediate plans, as seen by his lack of league action, with a move for Gallagher only pushing him further down the pecking order.
When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the 2024/25 campaign, the Atlético star managed to better Mainoo in various key areas – highlighting the quality he could add to the Red Devils midfield.
Gallagher, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, completed more progressive passes per 90, with more of his attempts going into the opposition box – handing the new attackers the chance to thrive at Old Trafford.
Games played
32
25
Goals & assists
6
0
Progressive passes
3.5
3.4
Passes into the opposition box
0.8
0.6
Progressive carries
1.4
1.2
Carries into final third
1.3
0.9
Tackles won
1.8
1.5
Blocks made
1.3
0.8
Interceptions made
1.1
0.9
Recoveries made
5.9
4.8
He also completed more progressive carries per 90, taking the ball into the final third more per 90, further showcasing the excellent ability the Atlético star possesses with the ball at his feet.
However, Gallagher has been just as effective without the ball, winning more tackles per 90 and making more blocks – subsequently handing Amorim the ball-winning option he’s craved this summer.
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
£43m could prove to be an excellent addition by the club, with the Englishman having key Premier League experience in the Red Devils’ hunt for glory once again.
Any move could spell the end of Mainoo’s time at Old Trafford – with the supporters potentially unhappy with the hierarchy should they decide to part ways with the youngster.
Bigger blow than Mainoo: £50m Man Utd ace in "very advanced" talks to leave
Manchester United look set to offload another star as Kobbie Mainoo exit rumours pick up pace.
Manchester United have identified a lesser-known new target in their quest to find an upgrade on goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to a recent report.
Man Utd identify alternative options in the market
The transfer window is now officially back open and will remain open until the beginning of September, which means United can now look to add more arrivals after Matheus Cunha before the club returns for pre-season training.
Man Utd talks progressing to sign "one of the best strikers out there"
Manchester United are reportedly accelerating a deal to sign a new centre-forward.
ByDan Emery Jun 15, 2025
The Red Devils are continuing to try and find an agreement with Brentford to sign Bryan Mbeumo this summer. United have already seen one bid turned down, and while a new offer has yet to go in, Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg has reported that United do now have a “verbal agreement” in place with Brentford over a deal for Mbeumo.
But his arrival will not stop the Red Devils from looking to sign a new striker; Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is one player the club has looked at, but he is said to be prioritising a move to Arsenal.
Therefore, United have started to look at other options, and one striker they are taking a serious look at is Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Foot Mercato have reported that United are interested in a deal for the forward and are now accelerating their move, as talks are progressing well. Plettenberg also states that United are the only team to make contact with Frankfurt, as both Liverpool and Chelsea are also keeping an eye on the player’s situation, so it may be a summer of seeking multiple options for their priority positions.
Man Utd keen on signing new £34m ace as Onana replacement
As the Red Devils continue to look at ways of improving their forward line, club chiefs are also in the market for a new goalkeeper, and according to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, relayed by Sport Witness, Man United are interested in signing Atalanta shot-stopper Marco Carnesecchi.
The report states that the 24-year-old is “coveted” by United, as they believe he would be a good replacement for Onana. It goes on to add that Atalanta value their goalkeeper at €40 million, which is roughly £34 million, but given he is under contract until 2028 negotiations could be difficult, with the report noting how much United were forced to pay for Rasmus Hojlund.
Carnesecchi joined Atalanta’s academy back in 2017 and was promoted to the first team two years later. However, he’s had to remain patient when it comes to game time, as he only got a regular shot in goal during the 2023/24 season, playing 27 games in Serie A. He kept his place in goal last term and played 34 times in the league, keeping 13 clean sheets in the process. The Italian also played nine times in the Champions League, during which he kept an impressive five clean sheets.
Apps
76
Goals conceded
79
Clean sheets
28
His arrival at Old Trafford depends heavily on what happens to Onana, who has been linked with a move away from the club. It was reported over a month ago that he was in talks about a move to Saudi Arabia, but as of yet a move has yet to materialise. The 29-year-old has been in Burkina Faso over the past week and was asked about his future under Ruben Amorim, to which Onana responded he doesn’t know.
Onana said of his United future: “Will I leave? I don’t know, we’ll see!”
Leeds United are set for a massive summer in the transfer market as they aim to make themselves a competitive outfit in the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Daniel Farke led the side to the Championship title this campaign after achieving a staggering total of 100 points, ending their two-year stint in England’s second division.
However, the real test starts now for the German, looking to avoid relegation from the top flight, something which he’s been unable to do with his previous attempts with Norwich City.
If he is to achieve such a feat, the board will need to back him heavily this summer, with a £100m spending spree mooted around Yorkshire over the last couple of days.
With the transfer window rapidly approaching, the board have already made plans for potential additions, with one name already emerging as a key target for the summer.
The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of James McAtee
In recent days, Manchester City star James McAtee has remerged on Leeds’ shortlist after previously being a target on loan ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The 22-year-old has impressed within Pep Guardiola’s squad this campaign, registering seven goals in his 27 appearances throughout the current campaign.
Manchester City'sJamesMcAteecelebrates after the match
With his deal set to expire in 2026, the Whites have been touted as a potential destination for the youngster, but could face competition from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
A report from the Yorkshire Evening Post claims that Farke’s side have made an enquiry to sign the youngster this summer, but any deal would set the hierarchy back around £25m.
However, despite the links to the English star, the club already have a talent whose worth more than McAtee – showcasing the impressive recruitment conducted by the club in recent years.
The Leeds star who’s now worth more than McAtee
Over the last couple of seasons, Leeds have recruited well in the market, undoubtedly playing a massive role in their success they’ve endured this campaign.
Ethan Ampadu joined for just £7m from Chelsea back in the summer of 2023, now looking to be a bargain given his success in the side – registering 86 appearances in his two years at the club.
The Welsh international has even taken the captain’s armband during Farke’s reign, highlighting the impressive development he’s made at Elland Road since his switch.
He’s not the only person to exceed expectations, with winger Wilfried Gnonto thriving in Yorkshire over the last couple of years after his £3.8m transfer from FC Zurich in the summer of 2022.
The Italian has since made huge strides in the professional game, registering over 100 appearances for the club – producing numerous moments of magic in such a time period.
He’s managed to find the net on 22 occasions, including one of the goals against Plymouth Argyle on the final day – securing the club the Championship title as a result.
Such performances have seen him linked with huge moves away from the club in recent years, with Everton just one of the sides interested in his signature as of late.
Games played
43
Goals & assists
15
Pass accuracy
82%
Successful dribbles
1.7
Touches in opposition box
5.5
Chances created
1.8
Shots taken
3.2
Interest isn’t the only thing that has occurred as a result of his displays, with his market value taking a sharp upturn – now with millions more than the fee they paid for his signature.
Gnonto, who’s been labelled “monster” by one analyst, is now valued at £19.5m by FootballTransfers, an increase of over 410% since he moved to Yorkshire.
Such a value is higher than that of McAtee, who’s valued at just £15m – further highlighting the impressive work done behind the scenes over the last few seasons.
A deal for McAtee is certainly one that would bolster the attacking department at Elland Road, that’s if his goal tally from 2024/25 is anything to go by.
However, a repeat of a deal for Gnonto showcases that bargains are still there to be had in the current climate, with any subsequent deal banking the club a hefty profit in the years ahead.
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Leeds could land their own version of Gustavo Hamer in a move for this £25m star.
Leeds United have a huge summer ahead of them in the coming months, needing to build a side capable of surviving the drop in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.
The Whites will be attempting to do something which no side has managed in the last two seasons, in maintaining their top-flight status after securing promotion from the Championship.
Southampton, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United have all tried and failed, handing Daniel Farke a huge task to prevent the club from being added to such a list.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkecelebrates after the match
The German has already had questions asked about his future at Elland Road, with the Whites manager potentially being replaced before the start of the next campaign.
Regardless of the situation, the foundations have already been laid for the summer window, with numerous players already linked with a summer switch to Yorkshire.
An update on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer
Over the last few weeks, rumours have emerged over Leeds making a potential move for Newcastle United’s midfielder Sean Longstaff, but could face huge competition from other top-flight sides for his signature.
Everton have been named as the latest side to enter the race for his services, with the Magpies only demanding a £10m fee to part ways with the 27-year-old.
Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff
His experience in the division could be vital for the Whites’ chances of securing survival next season, potentially being joined by Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, if recent reports are to be believed.
It was reported by BILD via Sport Witness that the Whites are keen on a move for the 27-year-old this summer, looking to cement his place as number one under Farke.
It also states that no asking price has yet been set for his services, but that he could be open to a move to the Premier League to further his career at the top level.
Why Leeds’ target could be Farke’s next Tanaka
The 2024/25 season has been a hugely successful one for Leeds, ending their stay in the Championship, but also landing key talents such as Ao Tanaka in the process.
The Japanese international joined from Fortuna Düsseldorf last summer for a reported £3.5m fee, cementing himself as a key player in Farke’s starting eleven throughout the last few months.
He’s managed to rack up 44 appearances across all competitions, notching six combined goals and assists – even being named in the Championship Team of the Season.
Such a deal has been one of the club’s best in recent years, playing a pivotal role in their success and hopefully taking the Premier League by storm after his debut year in Yorkshire.
However, the manager could be about to land his next version of the star this summer in the form of Dahmen, who could follow in Tanaka’s footsteps by joining the Whites from a German side.
Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick in action with FC Augsburg'sFinnDahmen
If he manages to get anywhere near the level of the Japanese star, he will be a fan favourite in no time, potentially playing a vital role in their chances of staying up.
The German has excelled in recent months, making 16 appearances, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding just ten goals during such a period – leading to journalist Christian Pohlmann labelling him as “extraordinary”.
Games played
16
Clean sheets
9
Goals conceded
10
Save percentage
85%
Saves made
3.5
Errors leading to goals
0
Pass accuracy
68%
His staggering numbers don’t stop there, saving 85% of the efforts that he’s faced this campaign, averaging 3.5 saves per 90 – handing Farke that added solidity he needs at the back.
Dahmen has also not made a single error leading to a goal, and is more than capable of playing out from the back, 68% of the passes he’s attempted throughout 2024/25.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the club back this summer, the stats he’s produced are incredible, certainly bolstering the ranks at Elland Road.
Their dealings with landing players from Germany in recent months have been successful, as seen with Tanaka, which could lead to Dahmen being the next star to make the switch to England.
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Liverpool’s season may well be over, but that’s only because Arne Slot’s side have wrapped up the Premier League title with plenty of time to spare.
Anfield’s chief decision-makers are bound to be hard at work right now, perhaps finding their transfer plans accelerated after such dominance in the English top flight.
Of course, that’s not the only reason Liverpool’s season is done and dusted, if we’re being candid. The Merseysiders have no FA Cup or Champions League final to prepare for, having been dumped out of both competitions at premature stages.
Jarell Quansah for Liverpool
This isn’t really to the detriment of Slot’s squad, merely a reflection of the unforeseen heights reached this season. Few expected Liverpool to go from strength to strength after Jurgen Klopp left last year, let alone win the league title.
Slot has been stringent in his team rotation, and will need to add depth this summer. Luckily, he’s had an absolute rock of a leader in Virgil van Dijk, unflappable, unmovable.
The importance of Van Dijk to Liverpool
The importance of Van Dijk. It really can’t be overstated how significant a part of Liverpool’s rise and rise he has been. Without this towering Dutchman, Klopp’s dynasty wouldn’t have scaled the mountain between good and greatness.
The art of spending wisely. Sure, Van Dijk cost Liverpool a world-record £75m fee, leaving Southampton on the South Coast in January 2018, but has there ever been a defender in that ballpark, and there are more, who have given their new employers the same bang for their buck?
Van Dijk took the captain’s armband from Jordan Henderson at the end of the 2022/23 season, but he’s been a leader ever since he arrived.
However, that level has been notched up since assuming the new weight of responsibility, for he led the resurgence last year, put Liverpool back in the Champions League and scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final. Now, he’s skippered his way toward a second Premier League title, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher saying, “he’s too good for the highest level” of football.
Carabao Cup winner Virgil van Dijk.
Tying the 33-year-old down to a new deal was always going to be imperative, and now he joins Mohamed Salah in devoting two more years of his prime to this wonderful club.
Maybe the final two years of his career at the highest level. Maybe, time works its hands onto every world-class player, and there will come a point when Carragher’s effusions no longer ring true.
Maybe Liverpool would be prudent to find and sign a successor this summer.
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Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Dean Huijsen is the talk of the town, but Liverpool might actually be ready to head down a different track and sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.
According to DaveOCKOP, 22-year-old Murillo is one of the shortlisted names ahead of the summer window, his blend of meaty athleticism and technical quality making him the perfect option for a team challenging at the top of the European pyramid each year.
However, he wouldn’t come cheap. It was suggested a few months back that Forest will demand £80m for the defender, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also considered suitors.
What Murillo would bring to Liverpool
Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders at Forest. He’s transformed the club from relegation stragglers to genuine Champions League contenders, with their fate hanging in the balance ahead of the final few matches of the season.
Forest were hit with a points deduction after breaching financial fair play (FFP) rules in the 2022/23 season. The windfall from securing a seat at Europe’s eminent table would ease their worries this summer, but FFP compliance will be a tricky slope to navigate in any case, and Liverpool could take advantage.
Certainly, Murillo still has progress to make in his professional journey, but that’s why Liverpool should act now, adding the Brazilian to a rich backline and allowing him to learn under Van Dijk’s wing before settling into an enhanced role.
Make no mistake, Murillo’s already got enough in his locker to make a marked improvement on Liverpool’s defence. Hailed for his “monstrous” performances by journalist Ryan Taylor, he’s menacing and unflinching in his duties.
The Tricky Trees star isn’t the finished article, but he’s already performing at a level that challenges Van Dijk for his throne.
Matches (starts)
35 (35)
34 (34)
Goals
3
2
Assists
1
0
Clean sheets
14
11
Touches*
90.5
54.9
Pass completion
92%
79%
Key passes*
0.3
0.4
Dribbles*
0.1
0.8
Ball recoveries*
3.1
3.9
Tackles + interceptions*
2.5
2.5
Clearances*
5.1
6.8
Aerial duels won (%)*
3.2 (71%)
1.3 (66%)
In fact, he’s been described as being “easily one of the best defenders in the league” by talent scout Jacek Kulig only a few months ago, not all that far away from Liverpool’s main man.
Murillo is energetic and creative too. While defending his goalkeeper serves as his principal aim, the £xxk-per-week talent has also garnered something of a reputation for his powerful surges forward, thus sparking creative opportunities for his forward-placed teammates.
FBref back it all up: across Europe’s top five leagues this season, Murillo ranks among the top 3% of positional peers for blocks and clearances, while also ranking among the top 2% for successful take-ons and the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.
You can see why Liverpool are so interested in striking a deal this summer, with Murillo ticking all the boxes.
6 foot even, he’s not the tallest of centre-back but Murillo uses his aerial prowess so well, and must be brought to Anfield this summer to begin the next chapter in his career, one building toward a point in which he succeeds Van Dijk as Liverpool star man at the back.
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