All posts by z3u9t.icu

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.

Newcastle United have submitted an offer to sign another Manchester United target, amid the two clubs’ pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Newcastle and Man Utd both make Sesko offers

The Magpies haven’t had things all their own way during the summer transfer window, missing out on numerous targets while also facing the possibility of losing star striker Alexander Isak.

Liverpool are keen on signing the Sweden international before the September 1 deadline in a deal that could break transfer records. However, Eddie Howe recently admitted that “nothing has changed” regarding Isak’s future despite him missing pre-season.

“Nothing has changed. It is very much the mindset of business as usual for the players. You don’t get a chance to think of anything other than training or the next game when you come on these tours. The level is so high that we still have to be at our best.

“Naturally, we are going to miss a player of his quality and the group are going to feel that. I cannot sit here and claim that they won’t, but they are a very professional group of players. They are doing brilliantly, as far as I can see, in terms of managing the current situation.”

Newcastle and PIF will need to sign a replacement for Isak before letting him go, and one forward they are battling to sign is Sesko. Both the Magpies and Man Utd have made proposals to the player, who looks set to decide his next move over the coming days.

However, those at St James’ Park and Old Trafford aren’t just battling for Sesko, as per a recent transfer update.

Newcastle have offer for Real Madrid player rejected

According to a report from Spain, both Newcastle and Man Utd are fighting over a move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

In fact, it is claimed that Newcastle moved to sign Lunin ‘on loan with an option to buy, but their initial offer was rejected’.

Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, the possible departure of Altay Bayindir and the need for competition for Andre Onana has seen them eye Lunin, but those at the Bernabeu ‘aren’t considering his departure anytime soon’.

As we know, Newcastle have now got their new goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale in a similar deal to the one they proposed to Madrid for Lunin.

Newcastle enquire for £33m Sesko alternative who made the Ballon d'Or top 30

The Magpies could take full advantage of the situation.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 31, 2025

Signing from Southampton on a season-long loan with the option to buy, Ramsdale will provide competition to Nick Pope after they missed out on bringing James Trafford to St James’ Park.

Whether or not Newcastle still want Lunin remains to be seen, but it looks as if they recently made their move.

Chelsea are through to the last 16 of the Club World Cup and remain in contention to win the tournament, but off the field, BlueCo are making plans to reinforce Enzo Maresca’s squad further ahead of his second season in charge.

Chelsea make approach for £103k-a-week Barcelona legend who Man United want

The Blues face competition from both Manchester clubs.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 24, 2025

New signing Liam Delap scored his first goal for the club during their 3-0 win over ES Tunis this morning, with their opponents failing to register a single shot on target as Tosin Adarabioyo and Tyrique George also rounded off a routine victory for the Blues.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea will now face Portuguese heavyweights Benfica in the first knockout round, and there is every possibility that Maresca’s side can go on to lift the trophy whilst securing a massive £97 million financial windfall for the club.

“The performance, for me, was good,” said Maresca after Chelsea’s win over ES Tunis.

“It was not easy and until we scored the first goal, it was difficult to break their defensive line down. We were quite patient, and when we scored the first goal, the game became a little more open and a little easier for us.

“It’s impossible not to rotate players because playing every three days in these conditions means it’s not possible for them to play every game. The ones that played were good, and we’ve given some rest to Moi, Trev, Levi, Cucu, Cole, Pedro, many players. It’s important to recover the energy and try to win the next game.”

Chelsea have been plying their trade in near unplayable weather conditions, with the American heat causing major issues for Maresca’s side and other teams competing at the CWC.

To help lighten the load, Chelsea could take advantage of a unique player registration period. From June 27 to July 3, Chelsea are allowed to add players to their CWV roster, including new signings, on the condition they haven’t already featured for another team at the tournament.

This would rule out Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, who is reliably believed to be closing in on a move to Chelsea, but Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande could link up with the squad if they advance on a deal for the Ivorian.

Chelsea looking to negotiate cut-price Ousmane Diomande move

TEAMtalk reported in the last few days that Maresca is a “huge fan” of Diomande and has him near the top of Chelsea’s target list for defenders.

The 21-year-old’s contract includes a £68 million release clause too, but according to an update from CaughtOffside, the west Londoners don’t fancy paying this fee.

Indeed, it is believed that Chelsea are “looking to negotiate” a lower fee with Sporting to sign Diomande, and they reiterate how convinced Maresca is by the African defender’s quality.

They’re said to be “very” keen on signing the Primeira Liga starlet, and Sporting are open to considering a bid slightly beneath his clause. However, amid interest from Newcastle United and Real Madrid, Maresca faces stiff competition for one of his top targets.

Leeds United are in the market to make further additions to their first-team squad to bolster their options across the park ahead of their Premier League campaign.

The Whites made their first signing of the off-season earlier this month when they completed a free transfer for Germany international Lukas Nmecha, who will officially join when his contract with Wolfsburg expires at the end of this month.

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the 26-year-old centre-forward has scored five goals in 24 appearances for Wolfsburg in all competitions, including three goals in 19 Bundesliga games this season.

The new Whites striker could be competing with Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, and Mateo Joseph for a place in the starting XI, along with any other number nines the club opt to bring in.

Nmecha is not going to be the only player signed by the Championship champions before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

Leeds have been linked with plenty of different attacking players, from the domestic market and abroad, and Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker Facundo Buonanotte is one name that has been mentioned as a target.

Why Leeds may want to sign Buonanotte

It was reported earlier this month that Leeds were confident of closing a £30m deal to sign the attacking midfielder, but there has not been an update on that situation since the initial report.

Buonanotte spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Leicester City in the Premier League and caught the eye with some promising performances, despite their relegation back down to the Championship.

Appearances

31

36

Starts

14

28

xG

3.93

3.86

Goals

5

1

Big chances created

7

5

Assists

2

3

As you can see in the table above, he was more impressive than Brenden Aaronson was in his season in the Premier League with Leeds, which suggests that he could provide an upgrade on what Daniel Farke currently has in the number ten position.

That came after the left-footed magician scored three goals and provided one assist in 27 appearances in the division in the previous season, which shows that he improved during his time at the King Power Stadium.

Leeds may, therefore, want to sign the 20-year-old starlet because he has already showcased his qualities, as both a scorer and a creator in the Premier League, and could improve Farke’s options in the middle of the park.

However, the Whites are now reportedly eyeing up another couple of attacking midfield options, and one of them, in particular, could be even better than Buonanotte.

Leeds weighing up moves for attacking midfielders

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are keen on signing one of Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia in the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey said: “What we’re seeing in the no.10 role is that Leeds are able to be picky. There’s no need to jump in with both feet on a Hamer or a Buendia.

Transfer Focus

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

“They are weighing up options but I firmly believe Leeds will sign a no.10 and I also believe the front-runners are those two. It will be one of those and we know Farke likes both of them.”

The Whites are weighing up whether to go for Buendia or Hamer to bolster their options in the attacking midfield position, and CaughtOffside recently reported that the former is valued at £20m by Aston Villa.

With all of this information in mind, Farke should push for the West Yorkshire outfit to snap up the Villans outcast because he would be an even better option than Buonanotte.

Why Leeds should sign Emiliano Buendia

Buendia is a proven Premier League performer who is experienced but also has plenty of years left ahead of him to give the Whites many years of quality performances.

The 28-year-old playmaker has produced ten goals and 15 assists, and created 25 ‘big chances’, in 121 appearances in the English top-flight for Norwich City and Aston Villa combined, which shows that he knows how to provide goals and assists at that level.

He has also played 121 times for Farke during their time together at Norwich, playing every game for the Canaries with him in charge, and delivered 24 goals and 41 assists.

His best season in a Yellows shirt came in the 2020/21 Championship campaign under the German head coach, as he racked up 15 goals and 16 assists, along with 18 ‘big chances’ created in the second tier.

The Argentina international, who was once lauded as “magical” by analyst Liam Henshaw, knows how to play in Farke’s system, with his style of play, and has shown that he can be incredibly effective at the top end of the pitch.

Non-penalty goals

0.38

Top 7%

Assists

0.41

Top 2%

xAG

0.36

Top 1%

npxG + xAG

0.65

Top 1%

Shot-creating actions

6.46

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.82

Top 1%

Passes into the final third

5.81

Top 1%

Passes into the penalty area

2.17

Top 1%

As you can see in the table above, Buendia was hugely influential in possession in virtually every way possible, in scoring goals, creating chances, assisting goals, progressing play with passes, getting the ball into the final third, and getting the ball into the penalty area.

This suggests that he could be a far more effective option for Leeds in the final third than Buonanotte, who has failed to deliver more than six goals or three assists in a single season in his career to date.

Buendia, who scored two goals and created two ‘big chances’ in 11 Bundesliga appearances on loan at Bayer Leverkusen this season, could hit the ground running as an attacking midfielder who knows the Premier League and Farke.

Whereas, Buonanotte has not worked with the Leeds head coach in the past and could need time to adapt to the system and way of working, which is why the Villa attacker could be a much better option for the Whites as they look to start strong in their bid to avoid relegation.

A better signing than Muniz: Leeds prepare move for "clinical" £17m star

Leeds United appear to making moves for other strikers other than Rodrigo Muniz.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 20, 2025

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.

3 ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

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.

Celtic are building up ahead of steam with the summer window around the corner but could now be set to lose a young talent to a divisional rival, per a report.

Celtic begin to accelerate summer window plans

The Bhoys are on course to claim a domestic treble and only have to beat Aberdeen later this month in the Scottish Cup final for Brendan Rodgers to cap a fine season.

With the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup already wrapped up, coupled with a strong showing in the Champions League, Celtic are on a strong footing as they bid to keep striving forward under the Irishman’s stewardship.

Making some early inroads as the opening of the transfer window nears, the Hoops could make a surprise move for Ross Doohan once his Aberdeen contract comes to an end.

Seeking homegrown additions to meet European squad registration requirements, the Lennoxtown graduate could be joined by Lennon Miller at Celtic should they manage to prize the Scotland Under-21 international away from Motherwell.

Youngsters appear to be at the top of the agenda, given that Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic may also end up at Parkhead in the near future.

Celtic could sign £11m star who'd be their best striker since Edouard

Celtic could land their best striker signing since Odsonne Edouard by signing this star.

ByDan Emery May 8, 2025

Realistically, the focus on incomings will lead to inevitable departures over the coming months. Celtic are in a great position, but not everyone is deemed good enough to make the grade in a ruthless environment.

Rodgers and his backroom staff have to make tough decisions, especially when it boils down to who to retain in the long run at Parkhead.

Now, one youngster that is set to leave Parkhead could make a move to one of their Scottish Premiership rivals if reports are to be believed.

Falkirk evaluate Celtic youngster Alasdair Davidson

According to Scott Burns of the Daily Record, Falkirk have taken a look at Celtic youngster Alasdair Davidson, who is set to leave Parkhead at the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has been joined by Daniel Cummings, Lewis Dobbie and Joe Morrison in departing the club, with the former passing up the opportunity of a new contract and the latter two not being offered extensions.

Alasdair Davidson in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

10

Goals

N/A

Assists

N/A

Predominantly a central defender, Davidson looks set to join a long line of Hoops academy products destined to continue their journey elsewhere, though Falkirk have recently been promoted to the top-flight and could be a stable environment to develop.

From a Celtic standpoint, their focus will now be on bringing first-team recruits into the fold to prepare for next term, where they face the prospect of entering the Champions League at the final playoff hurdle.

Unlike the last couple of summers, swift additions will be needed to ensure Rodgers’ men can handle the strain of qualifiers, with a place in Europe’s premier competition on the line alongside a sweet financial bounty.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 30, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Imagine him & Van Dijk: Liverpool lead race for 'world's most in demand CB'

Liverpool are looking to sign one of football’s biggest talents this summer to partner Virgil van Dijk

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 17, 2025

Aston Villa are now racing to sign an “impressively complete” defender, who could be available for £39m, but there is set to be fierce competition for his signature, according to a report.

Villa's summer transfer plans taking shape

Although Villa’s European exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain was a bitter pill to swallow, they still have an opportunity to make this season a success, with Champions League qualification and a potential FA Cup triumph on the line.

Should the Villans qualify for Europe’s elite competition once more, they should be in a strong position to compete for some top players this summer, and their summer transfer plans are now beginning to take shape.

Having lost Jhon Duran during the January transfer window, Unai Emery is eager to bring in a new striker this summer, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha is among the targets, with a £75m offer on the cards.

Top 1% for dribbling: Aston Villa could win race for "incredible" £100m star

The Villans are keen on signing a forward, whose club may now be willing to sanction a departure this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 16, 2025

Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan is of interest in central midfield, while Lens defender Facundo Medina may also be targeted to strengthen Emery’s options at centre-back, but there will be competition from Bayer Leverkusen.

According to a report from Just Arsenal, another centre-back Aston Villa have set their sights on is Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, having put in some impressive performances this season, but there could be fierce competition from some top clubs.

Premier League rivals Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Chelsea are also in the race for Ordonez, while AC Milan headline the interest from abroad, and a deal could be relatively expensive.

Brugge are looking to hold out for €40m to €45m (£34m – £39m), highlighting the 20-year-old defender’s importance to the Belgian side.

"Impressively complete" Ordonez likened to Rudiger

Despite still being very young, the Ecuadorian has been a key player for Brugge this season, making 41 appearances in all competitions, including 12 in the Champions League, before his side were dumped out by Aston Villa in the round of 16.

In light of his performances this season, the Brugge star has also been lauded by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Kulig has likened the youngster to Real Madrid star Antonio Rüdiger in the past, given his pace, tackling and heading ability, which indicates he could be capable of going right to the very top.

Ordonez is yet to prove himself in a major European league, but his performances for Brugge this season indicate he could now be capable of making the step-up, so it is promising news that Villa are in the race for his signature.