Aston Villa are lining up a bid for Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill as Steven Gerrard continues his rebuilding job at the Midlands club ahead of next season.
What’s the word?
That’s according to 90min, who reported that Villa are interested in signing the Clarets ace to bolster their squad.
However, they could face competition from Premier League rivals West Ham, who are seemingly the frontrunners for the midfielder due to a long-standing interest.
It could cost up to £15m to sign the 26-year-old, which could be a bargain for Villa when considering Brownhill’s performances this season.
Brownhill could be a replacement for Sanson
With Football Insider revealing last month that Villa had set their price for Morgan Sanson amid interest from Marseille, Brownhill could be a more than suitable replacement for the Frenchman, who will likely depart the Midlands this summer.
Burnley team-mate Jack Cork dubbed the 26-year-old “brilliant” following their recent victory against Watford, and there seems little doubt that Brownhill would improve and stabilise the Villa midfield.
His tackling average of 2.1 per game would put him third in the Villa squad, while attacking-wise he would be joint third for assists with three so far this season, proving he is competent at both ends of the pitch.
Given the inflated fees being thrown about for players on the continent, Gerrard could grab a bargain with Brownhill, and as a player with prior Premier League experience, he could quickly become a vital cog in the Villa midfield rather than needing time to settle into the division.
With Johan Lange set to back the manager with the necessary funds in order to bring success to Villa Park, there is no excuse for a poor start to next season. Therefore, the club must do all they can to try and lure the Burnley ace to the Midlands, and if it means cutting Sanson loose once and for all, so be it.
AND in other news, Villa eyeing £16k-p/w ace who “gives absolutely everything”, he’s better than Mings
West Ham United are said to be eyeing a potential move for Lyon midfielder Thiago Mendes in the upcoming transfer window.
The Lowdown: Mendes profiled
The 30-year-old first joined the French giants from Lille back in 2019 and has since gone on to make 107 appearances in all competitions for Peter Bosz’s side, providing 11 goal contributions during that time, as per Transfermarkt.
He is a crafty and versatile defensive midfielder, capable of playing the box to box or defensive role and even filling into the heart of defence at times, per Whoscored.
Now, a new update has emerged regarding the 5 foot 8 maestro making a possible transfer to the Premier League, and it’s one that fans of David Moyes’ outfit might just want to hear.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/” title=”West Ham newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
The Latest: Opponent to teammate?
According to Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that the Hammers are ‘interested in signing’ Mendes and ‘intend to make a bid’ for him, after being majorly impressed with his displays when facing Lyon in the Europa League.
The source states that the Irons would have ‘an advantage’ in the race for his signature, as a result of being able to offer him more money alongside granting him the opportunity to play in England.
The Verdict: Potential bargain
The £49k-per-week star currently has one year remaining on his current contract at Lyon, but they obviously won’t want to lose him for free, putting the Irons in a good negotiating position.
The man who was once hailed as a “key” player by Rangers coach Michael Beale has had a huge drop in value in recent times, which started out at £22.5m three years ago, to now being rated just £9m, so GSB could grab a possible bargain.
If the hierarchy could successfully secure his arrival at the London Stadium, it could prove to be an astute piece of business for West Ham, adding depth in multiple positions at little cost.
Leeds United’s atrocious away record in the Premier League this season continued on the road at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
It’s now eight games in a row for Daniel Farke’s deflated Whites where they haven’t even scored in an away fixture, as Fabian Hurzeler’s hosts “outclassed” the visitors from West Yorkshire – as journalist Graham Smyth simply put it – by comfortably winning 3-0.
Of course, for as much as Brighton were at their dazzling best in spells, Leeds really didn’t put in a compelling enough fight to try and steal a result on the South Coast.
Several of Farke’s first team personnel very much let the under-pressure German down, as Leeds now slip nearer to the dreaded relegation zone…
Leeds' worst underperformers vs Brighton
Minus beating bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers on their travels at the tail-end of September, Leeds have been largely abject on the road in the Premier League since sealing promotion.
A 2-0 defeat away at Burnley to end October has now been followed up by this 3-0 disappointment against the rampant Seagulls, as Brenden Aaronson unfortunately receded back into his shell.
The gung-ho number 11 who took to the field against West Ham and grabbed a goal was nowhere to be found at the Amex, with the American failing to fire a single effort at the home side’s net.
To make matters worse, the energy and application were also lacking, with zero mazey dribbles pulled off, on top of only three of his ten duels being won.
Another strong performer versus the Hammers in Jaka Bijol, also looked out of sorts on the South Coast, as the towering Slovenian won just one of his own three duels, while Sean Longstaff further looked a shadow of his rampaging best, leading to Anton Stach replacing him on the hour mark.
In truth, nobody donning Leeds’ changed strip could come away from the one-sided affair holding their heads high, with journalist Adam Pope right with his assessment at the full-time whistle, when stating that there is a clear “big gulf” between the two sides.
Still, Leeds’ defence throughout was far too lax and charitable, away from waxing lyrical about Brighton’s clear firepower, as one of Farke’s defenders on the day put in arguably his worst-ever shift since joining the West Yorkshire outfit.
Leeds star had his worst game for the club
Unfortunately, many of Leeds’ promotion heroes have struggled at points this season already to acclimatise to the demands of the top-flight.
Joe Rodon hasn’t been one of those – with two goals already picked up in his new, fast-paced environment – but even he fell victim to a flat individual showing against Brighton, alongside Jayden Bogle also having a nightmarish afternoon he will want to quickly forget about.
In the Championship last campaign, Bogle was an undroppable whippet who was constantly full of energy down the right, as the “unbelievable” full-back – as Farke once lauded him – ended the title-winning season with six goals and four assists under his belt, while also collecting a mighty 16 clean sheets.
Watching his showing against Brighton, however, and you would think a different presence had entered the pitch altogether, with Bogle’s tenacious energy completely gone – as seen in him failing to complete one successful dribble – as an error-prone performance, instead, helped the hosts to an emphatic win.
Minutes played
77
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
37
Accurate passes
20/24 (83%)
Accurate crosses
1/3
Successful dribbles
0/1
Possession lost
10x
Tackles won
0
Interceptions
0
Clearances
1
Blocked shots
0
Ball recoveries
1
Total duels won
0/1
Staring at the table above in great detail really does solidify the argument that this was Bogle’s worst-ever display as a Leeds player, with zero tackles being won and zero duels being won by the ex-Sheffield United defender only boosting Brighton’s confidence that they could comprehensively get the better of their weak opponents.
Diego Gomez would go on to have an “absolutely insane” game – as one analyst put it – because of the feeble number two’s off-night, with the 25-year-old then afraid to burst forward with his usual pace, knowing he had an extremely tough job on his hands to cage the two-goal Paraguayan.
However, Gomez’s final goal of the afternoon wouldn’t be the most skilful or high-octane goal. Rather, a scuffed attempt at a pass from Bogle – who lost possession a high ten times throughout – would then lead to ex-Leeds star Georginio Rutter putting it on a plate for the red-hot South American to bury.
The aforementioned Smyth would hand out a lacklustre 4/10 rating to Bogle at the close of the demoralising loss, with Farke now surely prepared to drop his regular for James Justin to get a run-out.
If they conjure up many more of those lifeless displays on the road, Leeds will be staring at an immediate return to the Championship, with Bogle potentially collecting an unwanted third relegation on his CV.
Farke can unleash Stach by dropping Leeds star who's "not good enough"
Leeds United boss could bring Anton Stach back into the starting line-up by dropping this star.
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank and CEO Vinai Venkatesham are in agreement over Spurs’ latest new deal, with another player penning a new contract with the club.
Tottenham sealing contract extensions for key players and prospects
This week, highly-rated young attacking midfielder Luca Williams-Barnett became the latest player to commit his future to Spurs, signing his first professional contract with the club soon after making his senior debut against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.
The teenager has been a standout in Spurs’ youth set up over the last 12 months, specifically for their Under-18s, and even won the Under-18 Premier League Goal of the Season award for an outstanding strike against Leicester City.
Williams-Barnett joins Tynan Thompson, Dante Cassanova, George Abbott, Yusuf Akhamrich and Callum Olusesi on the list of exciting Lilywhites prospects to pen extensions this year, while senior players are also being rewarded.
Indeed, Mikey Moore, Djed Spence and Cristian Romero agreed fresh terms to remain at Spurs in the last few months, with the latter’s deal proving to be a major boost for Frank after he was repeatedly linked to Atletico Madrid in the summer.
Reports suggest that Tottenham are prepared to double Micky van de Ven’s wages in a bid to agree an extension for Romero’s centre-back partner too, amid rumoured interest from Real Madrid and even Chelsea.
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
8.08/10
Tottenham 3-0 Burnley
7.44/10
Man City 0-2 Tottenham
6.76/10
Tottenham 1-1 Wolves
6.72/10
Tottenham 0-1 Bournemouth
6.58/10
via WhoScored
The Dutchman’s deal expires in 2029 as things stand, so there is no great rush there with Spurs still in a very strong position, but the same couldn’t be said for mainstay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.
The former Juventus star has impressed alongside summer signing Joao Palhinha in the middle of the park, and those within the club believe they’ve formed a stellar partnership since Frank’s arrival at N17 (Ben Jacobs).
Bentancur has started four out of Tottenham’s first six Premier League games this season, not to mention every cup game.
As such, Tottenham have been in talks with Bentancur over extending his stay.
Tottenham agree new Rodrigo Bentancur deal
Barcelona were believed to be keen on Bentancur earlier this year, going as far as to hold talks with the South American’s camp (The Boy Hotspur), but Hansi Flick’s side, alongside other suitors, have been dealt a blow.
Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, reported that Bentancur was close to signing a Tottenham contract extension after Frank and CEO Venkatesham reached an agreement with eachother that he should remain in North London.
Now, Spurs have announced the deal is complete, with the Uruguayan signing a “long term” contract and Frank “extremely happy” after his previous deal was due to expire in 2026.
Last season, he played a key role as Tottenham reached the Europa League final and ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy, and Bentancur has been equally useful to Frank this term.
The Dane, speaking to media in September, made his feelings about the former Serie A star crystal clear.
Bentancur also averaged more interceptions per 90 than any other Tottenham player in the Premier League last season (WhoScored), with his tenacity and robustness in the middle set to be pivotal for Frank over the coming years.
Manchester United’s transfer window has been a success to date, with Ruben Amorim already addressing worrying issues in one area of his first-team squad.
The attacking department has been in desperate need of an overhaul this summer, especially after the Red Devils only managed to net 44 Premier League goals throughout 2024/25.
Players such as Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all completed their respective moves to Old Trafford – costing a staggering £200m in the process.
The trio netted 48 league goals between them last campaign at their various clubs, undoubtedly providing the manager with the added threat he’s craved since taking the reins last November.
However, despite the big-money additions in forward areas, the 40-year-old has already signalled his intent to bolster his midfield – subsequently turning his attention to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimapplauds fans after the match
Man Utd’s move to land Carlos Baleba this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, United have made their ambitions of landing the Cameroonian known, even entering talks with the player’s representatives over a move to join the Red Devils.
However, at one stage, it appeared a deal could be completed for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder, leading to reports suggesting the talent was keen on a move to join Amorim’s men.
Despite the talks, any deal would’ve been an expensive one, with the Seagulls demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload Baleba – a deal that would’ve been a club-record for United.
As a result of the interest, Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler was quizzed about the youngster’s future, stating that he was ‘very, very, very confident’ that the former Lille star would remain at the AMEX beyond the end of the summer window.
It’s now been confirmed by The Athletic that Amorim’s side are prepared to walk away from a move and have subsequently prepared a shortlist of alternatives before the September 1st deadline.
Man Utd’s Baleba alternatives this window
Valencia star Javi Guerra has been strongly linked with a move to join United over recent months, even agreeing personal terms to move to the Theatre of Dreams earlier this summer.
Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra.
Like Baleba, a deal for the Spaniard now could be unlikely in the next couple of weeks, after the 22-year-old penned a new deal until 2029 at the LaLiga outfit.
However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, which has seen Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller being touted as another option to bolster the midfield department, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim the Red Devils hierarchy are closely monitoring the German star, who made a total of 47 appearances across all competitions throughout 2024/25.
It also states that a move could be made for the 24-year-old, with a €60m (£50m) price tag previously being mooted for his signature in recent months.
Why United’s £50m target would be the perfect Baleba alternative
There’s no denying that, given his Premier League experience, Baleba would have been many of the United fanbase’s first choice for the midfield department this window.
He is undoubtedly a top-level talent, with bags of potential given his tender age of just 21, but given the funds spent elsewhere – the £100m asking price may be a tad too much this summer.
However, a move for Stiller instead of Baleba could prove to be a blessing in disguise, with the German a player who can make a greater impact on the current first-team squad.
When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian from 2024/25, he managed to massively outperform him in multiple key areas – offering Amorim a key presence at both ends of the pitch.
Stiller, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in FBref’s 97th percentile for progressive passes made (9.5), along with the 95th percentile for passes into the final third (8.9).
Games played
32
34
Goals & assists
9
4
Progressive passes made
9.5
3.9
Pass accuracy
88%
87%
Passes into final third
8.9
3.6
Interceptions made
1.8
1.5
Clearances made
1.6
1.4
Take-on success
67%
57%
Both figures were nearly three times higher than those of Baleba, subsequently highlighting his talent on the ball, which could provide the new attacking trio ahead of him with countless chances in front of goal.
Whilst the German is primarily a ball-player, he’s also highlighted his ability without the ball, which could make him a viable option in the Red Devils’ hunt for a new number eight.
VfB Stuttgart'sAngeloStillercelebrates scoring their first goal
The Stuttgart talent posted tallies of 1.8 interceptions and 1.6 clearances made per 90 – both figures which once again were higher than those produced by the £100m target.
Such numbers have contributed to his mammoth rise back in his homeland, helping him make four senior appearances for his national team during the most recent season.
However, a move to Old Trafford could be the perfect platform for the 24-year-old to continue his excellent rise to stardom, arguably being the missing piece in Amorim’s midfield.
At half the price of Baleba, he would be a sensational pick-up by the hierarchy, completing another crucial department in the club’s hunt to return to Premier League glory.
He's perfect for Bruno: Man Utd to make bid for "complete" £42m sensation
Manchester United’s summer of transfer activity looks set to continue once more before deadline day.
Still in the market for an attacking reinforcement even after signing Jack Grealish, Everton have now reportedly been handed a major boost in pursuit of a top target.
Moyes "looking forward" to "best version" of Grealish
It wasn’t so long ago that Grealish was breaking records by becoming the most expensive British player of all time, and everyone involved at Everton will be desperate to see a player worthy of that £100m price tag arrive and not the version that Manchester City have witnessed in the last couple of years.
There’s plenty of debate over whether the former Aston Villa man ever truly lived up to his price at The Etihad, but it’s hard to forget the impact that he made during their infamous treble-winning campaign – even if that was not reflected through goals.
That’s the calibre of player that Everton have welcomed to The Hill Dickinson and David Moyes is keen to see the “best version” of that player.
Whether Grealish will be ready to make his Everton debut as soon as Monday’s Premier League opener against Leeds United remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that he’ll play a key role in the Toffees season with minutes under his belt.
Everton and TFG submit huge £37m bid to sign "powerful" new star for Moyes
The striker in question is wanted by multiple clubs.
ByCallum Kemp Aug 14, 2025
His arrival was a statement of intent by The Friedkin Group and they’re not done there on the transfer front. In fact, reports are now suggesting that they’ve received a major boost in pursuit of a La Liga star.
Kubo now wants to leave Sociedad amid Everton interest
According to reports in Spain, Takefusa Kubo has now asked to leave Real Sociedad following news that Everton submitted an opening offer to secure his signature earlier this summer.
Initial offers from those in Merseyside as well as from West Ham United and Bournemouth were believed to be around the €40m-mark (£35m) and, therefore, short of the winger’s €60m (£52m) release clause. As such, it would be easy to assume that all parties are still fairly far apart in negotiations, but Kubo’s request to leave could yet soften Sociedad’s stance in a major boost for Everton and others.
Since earning the praise of scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed his start to the 2023/24 campaign as “fantastic”, Kubo has only kicked on and deservedly earned interest from the Premier League.
Leeds United fans will be praying Daniel Farke can be the manager in the Elland Road dug-out to consolidate the Whites as a Premier League regular again, but they won’t be holding their breath.
After all, there was even talk this off-season that the German could reportedly be relieved of his duties, with his worrying track record in the top division – as seen in his one relegation with former side Norwich City – meaning he could be in too deep on his return again.
The Whites hierarchy have admirably stuck by the promotion-winning expert, though, with a barrage of transfers now needed to give the ex-Canaries boss his best chance at remaining put in the Premier League with his current employers.
Leeds now targeting £10m-rated ace
Whilst the West Yorkshire titans would storm to the Championship title with a club-record 100 points, improvements need to be made all over the pitch to make the gulf in quality feel less stark.
Already, Farke and Co. have been linked with moves for Emiliano Buendia, Tammy Abraham and Kalvin Phillips to significantly bolster their squad, but it’s in the goalkeeper department where the Whites are crying out for their most pressing upgrade.
It has now been widely reported that Illan Meslier will be ditched as Leeds’ first-choice stopper in the big time after one too many error-strewn performances in the second-tier, with the Daily Mail Online following this up with a report that Newcastle United ‘keeper Nick Pope is now on their agenda as they hunt down a new number one.
With a move for Caoimhin Kelleher also falling by the wayside, Pope could be the next best thing for Farke’s men, with the Magpies perhaps now ready to offload their £10m-rated figure amidst interest in Burnley’s James Trafford.
Why signing Pope is a must for Leeds
With Phillips available for around the same £10m price tag, it could end up being a toss-up between Pope and the former fan favourite.
Well, when assessing which transfer is most needed, it’s a no-brainer that Leeds must prioritise picking up the 6-foot-6 ‘keeper over a sentimental Elland Road return for the midfielder.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Leeds could well look a little light on their feet centrally when making the step-up, with Joe Rothwell returning back to parent side AFC Bournemouth this summer, but the Whites are in dire need of a solid pair of hands in between the sticks over urgently requiring any midfield additions.
After all, away from Meslier nearly costing his team dear last campaign with three errors directly leading to goals, the ex-Lorient stopper has struggled in the intense environment of the Premier League previously.
Games played
107
221
Saves made
377
687
Goals conceded
198
252
Clean sheets
21
73
Wins
32
86
Losses
50
71
The table above highlights the 25-year-old’s struggles in the big time compared to the more comfortable Pope, with Meslier only keeping a meagre 21 clean sheets from 107 top-flight outings next to the Magpies’ number 22 collecting a sturdier 73.
Away from just their clean sheet numbers, Pope has also shown he can cut it at the level over a prolonged time, even as Eddie Howe and Co’s aspirations have changed from being a middle of the road outfit to a Champions League challenger, with a bumper 86 wins sticking out from his 221 Premier League clashes and counting.
Therefore, the “phenomenal” Pope – as he’s been previously praised by ex-Toon goalkeeping great Shay Given – would easily displace Meslier on his arrival to West Yorkshire.
Whereas, it’s not a given that Phillips would be able to shake up things centrally, with faces such as Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev likely getting the immediate nod over the Manchester City flop.
Having already suffered a relegation with the Whites too, it just feels like Leeds would be sleepwalking into another disaster if Meslier were kept in between the sticks.
Whereas, with the 33-year-old coming in as the new number one instead, the confidence levels would be increased that Farke and Co. could put up a stern fight to beat the drop.
A bigger coup than Buendia: Leeds looking to sign "exceptional" £10m star
Leeds United would pull off a bigger coup than landing Emiliano Buendia by signing this exceptional midfielder.
In what would be quite the move, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly expressed interest in hijacking a move to sign 19-year-old talent who has already held talks with Arsenal.
Wolves searching for Cunha replacement
Top of Wolves’ wishlist remains signing a replacement for Matheus Cunha this summer. The Brazilian is reportedly set to join Manchester United, who will trigger his £63m release clause, even after they lost the Europa League final and failed to qualify for the Champions League as a result. Left with money to burn, those at Molineux will have quite the task on their hands in the coming months.
With Premier League safety long confirmed, Wolves have at least had the luxury of turning their attention towards the summer transfer window before the season has even reached a conclusion.
As a result, names such as Yuri Alberto have been back in the headlines as of late. According to recent reports, Vitor Pereira has now requested a reunion with the Corinthians star in the coming months and he could yet arrive to become Wolves’ Cunha replacement.
It would be a fitting reward for Pereira, who has transformed Wolves ever since arriving to replace Gary O’Neil to earn a nomination for the Premier League Manager of the Season award in the process.
He will undoubtedly be one to watch next season in his first full year in charge in the Midlands. Whether the summer transfer window only boosts expectations remains to be seen, but even if it’s not Alberto, a Cunha replacement seems top of Wolves’ list of priorities.
Wolves interested in hijacking Carrizo deal
If it’s not Alberto then it could be a surprise candidate who replaces Cunha this summer. According to Velez Sarsfield journalist Martin Etcheverry, Wolves are now interested in hijacking a deal to sign Maher Carrizo, who has already held talks with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Wolves battle Borussia Dortmund for 18 y/o starlet with £10m release clause
Wolves are among the teams chasing a young star, who is out of contract in December.
ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025
Still just 19 years old, Carrizo has a promising future ahead of him and one which could, ultimately, lie away from Argentine club Velez. With a release clause worth just £14m, a deal would certainly be feasible for Wolves, who wouldn’t be outspent by those in the Premier League’s top six on this occasion.
A “superb prospect” according to scout/analyst Jacek Kulig, Wolves would be welcoming a player who could step into Cunha’s role for years to come if they have the right patience. The Midlands club will have money to spend this summer and Carrizo should be among the players they attempt to splash out on this summer.
Arne Slot has done a sensational job in charge at Liverpool during his first campaign at the helm, producing a seamless transition after taking over from Jürgen Klopp last summer.
Their latest win over Tottenham Hotspur secured their second Premier League title with four games to spare, highlighting the impressive work conducted by the Dutchman.
The success endured has been made even more impressive given the fact that only one addition was made last summer in the form of Federico Chiesa, who’s only featured for 33 league minutes in 2024/25.
Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool
However, if they are to build on their achievements in Slot’s second season, additions are needed to bolster the squad and inject further quality in key areas of the pitch.
With the title secured, undoubtedly attention will now shift onto the transfer window, with numerous names already thrown into the mix over a switch to Anfield.
An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers
In recent days, it’s emerged that Liverpool are one of a number of Premier League clubs in the race for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman during the summer window.
The Nigerian, who has scored 18 goals this campaign, also has admirers from Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Serie A side demanding a £50m fee for his signature.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
However, despite the interest in his services, the Reds have also made a move for Monaco’s 20-year-old forward Eliesse Ben Seghir, making an approach for him, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
The report also states that Slot’s side have been keeping a close eye on his progress in Ligue 1, with Manchester City also in the race to land the Moroccan international.
It also goes on to state that he’s frustrated at his current outfit, potentially being open to a move to England should the side give the attacker first-team assurances.
Why Liverpool’s target would be an upgrade on Luis Diaz
After joining in January 2022, many expectations were placed on winger Luis Diaz to succeed, especially after Sadio Mané departed Merseyside just a few months after his arrival.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz
Whilst he’s managed to net 40 goals in his 145 appearances to date, frustrations have been growing around the Colombian in recent months, leading to rumours around his future at the club.
Barcelona have recently been credited with an interest in signing the 28-year-old, whose current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027 – but could yet extend his stay on Merseyside.
Such a situation could lead to a move for Ben Seghir in the months ahead, offering Slot an upgrade on the former Porto ace, adding a new dimension to his already impressive front line.
The Moroccan, who’s been labelled a future “£100m” star by The Athletic’s Euro Expert, may have registered fewer goals and assists, but has managed more progressive carries and carries into the final third per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.
Games played
30
33
Goals & assists
9
17
Progressive passes
6.5
4.1
Progressive carries
4.5
4.1
Carries into final third
4.5
2.1
Take-ons attempted
4.9
4.4
Fouls won
2.9
1.2
Aerials won
37%
26%
Ben Seghir has also managed to achieve a higher tally of take-ons, whilst also winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, offering Slot an excellent all-round option within the final third.
His talents don’t stop there, winning more fouls per 90, along with more progressive passes completed, demonstrating his relentless athleticism, which has seen countless defenders struggle to contain him.
At just 20, he has the current ability and potential to transform into an elite-level talent, having all the tools to back up the Euro Expert’s predictions around his future at the top level of the professional game.
Whilst it’s unclear what the situation is with Diaz heading into the summer, a move for the Monaco gem would allow the club to cash in should no contract be agreed – also landing a star who could improve tenfold and secure his place in the side for many years to come.
Worth as much as Huijsen: Liverpool struck gold on "special" £4m signing
Liverpool could sell this young star for a significant profit this summer.
Barring an unanticipated change of heart, Liverpool will cash in on their club-record signing, Darwin Nunez, this summer.
The ruefulness attached to Nunez’s three-year stay on Merseyside is a palpable thing. He arrived with such a weight of expectation. Such potential.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
Jurgen Klopp watched the Uruguayan put two past Liverpool during the 2021/22 Champions League knockout stage and evidently liked what he saw, leading the chase to claim this dynamic attacking force for a figure which could rise to £85m.
Tall order, that, but one that Klopp and Julian Ward (Liverpool’s former sporting director) and the rest of them were convinced marked good business for one of Europe’s most explosive young strikers, who had marked 64 goal involvements across 85 appearances.
We need not dig too deep into Nunez’s Liverpool career, but the litany of missed chances, ineffective performances and frustrating moments stretches far and wide. Arne Slot is not impressed and is expected to line up with a new number nine this summer.
Liverpool chasing new centre-forward
With Nunez set to be sold, Liverpool will need to invest in a new striker to spearhead Slot’s second season and challenge for the biggest trophies once again.
Alexander Isak is the dream.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
Top sources such as The Athletic have confirmed FSG are desperate to sign Newcastle United’s star man. And while a deal would be anything but easy, there would be few statements of intent to send more shockwaves through the division and beyond.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, to whom Isak is “the best striker in the Premier League,” has expressed doubts that he will wind up at Anfield due to the costs involved in agreeing a deal, but there’s no doubting he’s the gold standard and if the Magpies stumble in their race to qualify for the Champions League, Liverpool will be there to be sure.
Mohamed Salah is (of course) the one player in the Premier League to have outscored the Sweden international this term. ‘Only Salah has more’ is quite the familiar phrase at this point.
1.
Mohamed Salah
32
27
2.
Erling Haaland
28
21
2=
Alexander Isak
29
21
4.
Chris Wood
30
18
5.
Bryan Mbeumo
32
16
Success in renewing Salah’s contract will go a long way toward streamlining the summer plans. To put it another way, FSG need not worry themselves with finding a suitable replacement to play off the right flank just yet.
However, that’s not to say they wouldn’t pounce on a talented star if the right opportunity arrived. Bagging a focal goalscorer like Isak will be the priority from an attacking standpoint and rightly so, but one of Europe’s most gifted up-and-comers may be available for an eye-catching fee.
Liverpool leading race for top talent
According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are alongside Manchester United at the front of the race for Rayan Cherki, who recently exited the Europa League against the Red Devils but did so with a stunning performance.
Lyon’s talented playmaker has been a revelation this season and is also attracting attention from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, all intrigued by the 21-year-old’s £25m price tag.
Rayan Cherki
Though questions have been raised about Cherki’s attitude, his sky-high potential cannot be questioned. Given that Liverpool have retained Salah’s services, this could be the perfect signing to add depth and quality to Slot’s attacking ranks.
What Rayan Cherki would bring to Liverpool
Cherki performs with the affectation of a man who wants to impress. The thing is, he does it very well. Hailed as a “genius” by journalist Julien Laurens, the Lyon star is one of the most awe-inspiring playmakers around right now.
Olympique Lyonnais' RayanCherkiapplauds fans
Principally playing off the right flank, Cherki is often found in a more central berth too, maximising his fierce attacking gamut as he carves defences open, sparks joy for his forwards.
Across all competitions this year, he’s scored 12 goals and supplied 18 assists for his Ligue 1 club, with his blend of skills even leading The Athletic’s Alex Barker to claim he could be a “future Ballon d’Or winner.”
Rayan Cherki in action for Lyon
The Frenchman truly is one of the most effective around. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.
Balletic when gliding forward and incisive when making that perfect pass, Cherki would be a dream for a forward such as Isak. Though in this dreamy hypothetical, Salah’s matchless numbers would work a treat for Isak at number nine, Cherki is more relentless, more focused in his creative duties.
Isak might be a first-class goalscorer but he’s so much more than just that. Not only does he cover every blade of grass across the final third, but the 25-year-old also ranks among the top 9% of positional peers in the Premier League for successful take-ons made per 90.
He likes to run, and he does it with the surety of a world-class force. The Premier League requires a superstar to be made of many parts to succeed, after all.
Two uber-dynamic incomings such as these would go a long way toward apportioning Liverpool’s quality next season and allowing them to challenge across multiple fronts, something that lack of such strength in depth precluded this year.
But no matter. Liverpool are set to win the Premier League. Bringing Cherki and Isak into the fold would simply serve to consolidate this position of power under Slot’s wing and slingshot Anfield into a commanding lead once again next year.
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