Turning their attention towards Real Madrid for attacking reinforcements, Newcastle United are now reportedly ready to launch an opening offer to sign a forward who already has a fan in Eddie Howe.
Isak still training alone at Newcastle
As much as there will be some relief that Alexander Isak is still a Newcastle player, the relationship between the Swede and the rest of those at St James’ Park will still need time before it’s as good as new. And Howe wanted to ensure that he was well aware of that after deciding to leave the forward to arrive for training once the rest of his teammates had left the building.
Howe warned that Isak would have to “earn the right” to train with the rest of the squad and has since proved that he’s not bluffing. The Newcastle boss told reporters: “You have to earn the right to train with us.
“We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad – you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here.
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“We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”
Isak, meanwhile, still wants to leave the club and with just under a month remaining until the transfer window slams shut, the Magpies are still reportedly preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Newcastle ready to launch Brahim Diaz offer
According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now ready to launch an opening offer to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid worth €50m (£44m) if Isak departs this summer.
Howe is reportedly a fan of the former Manchester City man and could yet welcome him to Newcastle in an attempt to hand his side the attacking boost that they’ve been searching for all summer long.
A versatile player who can play on both wings and in attacking midfield, Diaz could join Elanga and potentially Nicolas Jackson in a new frontline at St James’ Park this season.
Minutes
1,385
2,501
Goals
4
6
Assists
2
11
Successful Take-ons
24
25
Whilst Diaz struggled to break into the world-class frontline of Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior last season, he still showcased his ability when provided with the opportunity.
Brahim Diaz in action for Real Madrid.
Described as “important” by former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti even as he struggled to nail down a starting place, Diaz would thrive as a consistent starter elsewhere.
With unfinished business in the Premier League years on from leaving Manchester City, the Spaniard could hand Newcastle the attacking addition that they’ve been craving this summer.
Nottingham Forest are now “starting” talks to sign an “incredible” forward, who could be in line to join alongside Bologna’s Dan Ndoye, according to reporter John Percy.
Nottingham Forest closing in on Ndoye's signature
With Anthony Elanga joining Newcastle United, one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s most important tasks this summer was to bring in a new winger, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed a deal is now in place for Ndoye, with the Bologna forward set to travel to England for a medical very soon.
Given that Elanga is well-known for being a “constant direct threat”, it was important for Nuno to bring in a replacement also capable of driving at opposition defences, and the Swiss winger ranks in the 92nd percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year.
Despite the deal for Ndoye recently edging closer to completion, the Tricky Trees remain interested in signing another new winger this summer, and Nuno is now targeting a reunion with one of his former players…
That is according to Percy, who recently reported that Nottingham Forest are now “starting” talks with Fulham over a potential deal for Adama Traore, with the winger emerging as a serious target, given that Nuno is prioritising the additions of new wide men.
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The Fulham forward is regarded as a direct replacement for Elanga, and he could join alongside Ndoye, who is set to sign a five-year deal at the City Ground, having informed Bologna of his desire to leave and play in the Premier League.
"Incredible" Traore could be ideal addition to Nuno's squad
Much like Ndoye, the £65k-a-week Spaniard is a skilled dribbler of the ball, while he also ranks very highly for assists per 90 over the course of the past year, when compared to other wingers and attacking midfielders.
Statistic
Average per 90
Progressive carries
5.08 (86th percentile)
Successful take-ons
2.44 (88th percentile)
Assists
0.36 (89th percentile)
Lauded as “incredible” by journalist Arjun Pradeep, the former Barcelona man is also well-known for his “electric” pace, which could make him an ideal signing for Nuno, given that the manager implemented a counter-attacking style of play last season.
With Forest set to embark on a Europa League campaign in the 2025-25 campaign, it is very important that Nuno has considerable strength in depth, so it would be a smart move to try and get a deal for Traore over the line alongside Ndoye.
It’s been a summer of much change at Sheffield United.
Firstly, Chris Wilder was axed from his job post at Bramall Lane after failing to clinch promotion to the Premier League, as former Hull City boss Ruben Selles was then unveiled as his surprise successor.
There has also been plenty of change with the on-the-pitch personnel, with Rhian Brewster recently walking away from South Yorkshire for a new challenge at Derby County, on top of Kieffer Moore being tipped to link up with Championship newcomers Wrexham.
Moore’s move to the Blades just didn’t work out for the most part in the end, as the experienced EFL marksman never quite got up to speed with what was expected of him in United red and white.
Kieffer Moore's failed move to United
Wilder would have purchased Moore hoping he could be a key part of the Bramall Lane jigsaw as promotion was triumphantly achieved.
After all, when the imposing 6-foot-5 menace has been at the top of his game, he’s proven himself to be a nuisance in the EFL’s elite division, having bagged a total of 59 strikes in the Championship across his playing days to date.
Games played
30
Goals scored
6
Assists
0
Games missed through injury
17
Unfortunately, Moore’s wretched luck with injuries would derail his short-term stay in South Yorkshire, with only six goals mustered up by the Welshman when he was free of those recurring issues.
Wrexham will be hoping he isn’t a permanent fixture of the Racehorse Ground treatment room this coming season, considering they’ve reportedly forked out £2m for his services, as a deal edges ever closer to being confirmed.
United will just be looking to put the failure of the move quickly behind them, with this free agent now standing out as an ideal replacement for the unlucky 32-year-old.
United could land "unbelievable" Moore replacement
Currently, Selles does have Tom Cannon and Tyrese Campbell still at his disposal in the forward areas, with the pair boasting an impressive 61 goals between them in the second tier.
However, the ex-Tigers manager’s options in attack would really be boosted by the standout return of Oli McBurnie to Bramall Lane, with recent reports by the Sheffield Star indicating that an official offer had been lodged by the Blades to bring the free agent forward back to familiar surroundings.
McBurnie is very much built in the same mould as the towering Moore, with the Scotsman coming in at a lofty 6-foot-2 frame, with a potent edge in front of goal also very much present in his game, especially when plying his trade in the Championship.
The 29-year-old even gave a glowing account of himself last season in La Liga with Las Palmas when registering a reasonable three goals and six assists – which is a heftier tally overall that Moore’s own haul last season in England – with a hunger surely within McBurnie to return to Bramall Lane and be a success again, having already been part of one magical promotion journey in South Yorkshire.
Sheffield United
66
13
4
Swansea City
42
22
4
Barnsley
17
9
0
In total, McBurnie has helped himself to a lethal 44 strikes in the demanding division previously, with his work ethic for Swansea even being heralded as “incredible” by his then-Swans boss Graham Potter.
That amount overall means he is only 14 strikes off matching Moore’s bumper Championship total, with a desire surely on McBurnie’s end to try and eclipse the Welshman’s output if he returns to the Steel City shortly.
The one-time £20m signing will likely be welcomed back with open arms, and if he can get back to his ‘”unbelievable” best – as he was once dubbed by former Blades teammate John Egan – another promotion might be on the cards under Selles.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is famed for identifying a host of transfer targets and working on potential deals for several of them before deciding which one is best to pursue.
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We’ve seen this throughout the summer window thus far, with Berta simultaneously holding talks over both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres at one point (BBC).
The ex-Atletico Madrid chief ultimately decided on Gyokeres, who is believed to be on the verge of a move to Arsenal after an agreement in principle was struck with Sporting earlier this week (The Athletic).
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£140m
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg also reported earlier this summer that Berta was holding “numerous” talks over signing a winger, before the Gunners eventually settled on Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, who was officially announced as a new Arsenal player on Friday.
This is simply the way Berta operates, as explained by journalist Ben Jacobs.
“The best way of describing it is that Andrea Berta’s approach is different to Edu. If he was going to a party, he would lay out three or four outfits, try them all on and finally decide what to wear,” said Jacobs on talkSPORT.
“Andrea Berta is out in the market, effectively lining up both deals, whereas Edu tended to pick one and be very meticulous, and then discreetly try and get it over the line, often with a series of bids.
“It was either a very smart tactic because Arsenal had confidence that they would get that man, or it dragged on, and we got more summer sagas. We won’t see that with Andrea Berta.”
Berta’s methods appear to be shining through again in Arsenal’s pursuit of a central attacking midfielder, which is their next priority after Gyokeres and Madueke (Ben Jacobs).
Much has been made of their interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in particular.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Arsenal have held positive talks with Eze’s representatives, and there’s an expectation that they’re set to formally approach Palace over signing the star playmaker, who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
Arsenal praised as Berta targets Xavi Simons as Eberechi Eze alternative
However, Berta is starting to spin more plates in the attacking midfield department, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Arsenal hold an interest in RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.
The Dutchman only completed an initial £43 million permanent move to Leipzig from PSG in January, but Romano states he’s prepared to leave the Bundesliga side already and top Premier League sides are aware of this.
Simons can play on both the left and more centrally, having starred for Leipzig in both positions for the last two years. In 2023/2024, he racked up 10 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, adding to that tally with 11 goals and eight assists in 24/25.
The 22-year-old can be devastating on his day, and journalist Buchi Laba believes that Simons would be a better signing for Arsenal than Eze.
“For me, I will take Xavi Simons ahead of Eberechi Eze,” said Laba on X.
“He’s a better player, More flexible and for his age, more experience and fits the Arsenal system more.”
Arsenal and other English suitors are apparently hopeful they can sign Simons for £56m (talkSPORT), which would also make him a cheaper option than Eze, with Palace refusing to budge on his £68 million release clause thus far.
Newcastle United know two things: they are set to continue their wonderful journey with Alexander Isak fronting Eddie Howe’s project; Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike will not join them, and instead is set for Liverpool.
It’s a funny one to dissect. On one hand, United have likely missed out on another top target in the final third; Ekitike is a young striker with vast potential, talent scout Jacek Kulig even claiming he “could definitely reach world-class striker levels.”
However, if Liverpool reach their quarry, they are effectively eliminated from any future chase concerning Isak.
The Sweden striker is world-class, but Newcastle still need to sign a number nine with Callum Wilson having left Tyneside at the end of his contract.
Newcastle want new striker
With Ekitike seemingly off the cards, Newcastle have set their sights on Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who scored 20 goals in 2024/25.
Wissa, 28, is valued at £50m and has been confirmed as Howe’s new top target by The Athletic’s David Ornstein. However, with Bryan Mbeumo set to sign for Manchester United, the Magpies might want to find an alternative.
And they have done so. According to Sport BILD, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez has been lined up by the PIF bosses in a shocking twist. The 25-year-old is expected to leave Jürgen Klopp’s squad this summer, with Saudi Arabian interest being heavy, and the striker is valued in the region of £65m.
Fabrizio Romano has since chimed in to note that Newcastle have not engaged in any talks concerning Nunez, although he didn’t shut the door on a potential move.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
It might not be the most popular track Newcastle could head down, but there’s meaning in the madness. Nunez’s prime years are ostensibly ahead of him, and he’s younger and more malleable than Wissa.
Howe, more to the point, is one of the sharpest tactical minds out there.
Why Newcastle are considering Darwin Nunez
Make no mistake, this would be quite the peculiar finish to a transfer saga with more twists than a high-octane thriller novel. Certainly, few would see this one coming.
However, Nunez is a maverick, one of the most talented strikers in the Premier League, if not one of the most consistent. Noted for his “chaotic” energy by The Athletic’s Christopher Hamill, the Uruguayan has spent three years on English shores, and he’s been something of a mixed bag.
Missed chances have been a common theme, with 55 such chances squandered in spite of his modest 25-goal return, as per Sofascore, in the Premier League, but he’s also posted a decent return of 66 goal contributions across 143 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, including just 76 starting roles.
Say what you want, but 40 goals and 26 assists marks not a decent haul across 76 starts. The ingredients for success are there.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
It’s worth noting that Nunez’s finishing improved somewhat last season too. He missed eight big chances in the Premier League last term, converting five strikes.
This, at the very least, illustrates a slight upturn in his shooting, something Howe would be sure to work on with him.
And, of course, St. James’ Park has suffered the bitter taste of how effective Nunez can be when on his A-game.
Howe might provide the helping hand Nunez needs to escape from a sorry situation at Anfield, with Newcastle offering the perfect recourse to lift him back up and into the sphere which he has demonstrated is within his grasp.
Nunez’s pace, power and dynamism certainly suggest that he could be United’s own version of Ekitike, and one who might come back to sting the Reds at that. Howe’s flowing, transitional system could offer the conditions Nunez needs to thrive.
Last season was one of individual strife for the striker, but he showed much promise in 2023/24, under Jurgen Klopp’s wing. Across 54 matches, he scored 18 goals and supplied 15 assists for his teammates.
Goals scored
0.53
0.48
Assists
0.28
0.35
Shots taken
4.00
4.70
Shot-creating actions
3.55
3.47
Touches (att pen)
6.88
8.44
Progressive passes
1.86
2.37
Progressive carries
3.27
2.55
Successful take-ons
1.83
0.66
Ball recoveries
3.06
3.32
Tackles + interceptions
0.81
1.10
As you can see, Nunez could more than hold his own in terms of output and performance, if you were to collate the data from the respective campaigns.
But it’s difficult to delineate the specifics, for the circumstances differ. However, Ekitike has not yet plied his trade in the Premier League, and Nunez could offer Newcastle something dynamic and similar to complement Isak, who is surely set to stay now.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
And Ekitike, in any case, is hardly the finished product himself. The 23-year-old scored 12 goals and laid on 12 assists last season, but his finishing and accuracy leave something to be desired even so.
Drawing on FBref’s data again, the Frenchman totalled 0.66 per 90’s worth of xG (expected goals) across all competitions last season, though he scored at a rate of 0.51.
This highlights the improvements needed. His finishing requires sharpening, and the intensity and roughness of the English game may yet foil him in his endeavours.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
It’s a left-field one, for sure, but the Magpies could do worse, and Nunez has shown the makings of a special striker in England before.
He would also arrive to serve as Isak’s understudy, to challenge him and complement him. The Liverpool star, in this sense, wouldn’t have to worry about the weight of succeeding the Swede from the off, but rather, to learn from him and help him.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Whether Howe opts for the more clinical and secure name in Wissa remains to be seen, but signing Liverpool’s wantaway striker could complete a sense of circularity about this gripping transfer saga, and one which may just see Howe come up trumps.
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West Ham United are now in talks over a deal for a “spectacular” midfielder, and they are leading their Premier League rivals in the race for his signature, according to a report.
West Ham set sights on midfielder amid Paqueta uncertainty
Lucas Paqueta has been one of West Ham’s key players over the past three seasons, picking up 18 goals and 14 assists during his time at the London Stadium, but it now appears as though the attacking midfielder could seek pastures new this summer.
Indeed, Paqueta now wants to leave the Hammers, amid interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Brazil, and the board are willing to cash-in, should they receive an offer in the region of £30m.
As such, Graham Potter’s side have now set their sights on a new attacking midfielder to replace the 27-year-old, with targets being identified from the Belgian Pro League and within the Premier League.
Target
Current club
League goal contributions in 24/25
Harvey Elliott
Liverpool
3
Mario Stroeykens
Anderlecht
10
Not only are the Irons keen on an attacking option, but they have also made progress in their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach defensive midfielder Rocco Reitz, according to a report from TEAMtalk.
The report states that talks over a deal for Reitz are now underway, with the Monchengladbach ace expected to leave in this window, given that the £17m release clause in his contract is set to become active next summer.
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The German side don’t want to lose the midfielder for such a low fee, and a transfer battle, which may drive up the price, could be on the cards this summer, with the likes of Brighton, Fulham and Inter Milan also keen.
A number of bids are now expected imminently, and the Hammers should be well-placed to win the race for the 23-year-old’s signature, given that they are thought to be ahead of their Premier League rivals.
Reitz could be "spectacular" signing for West Ham
England were ultimately triumphant in the U21 European Championships, defeating Germany 3-2 in the final, but the Monchengladbach gem impressed throughout the tournament, picking up two assists in five matches.
Not only that, but the German has flourished defensively over the past year, placing very highly across a number of key metrics, when compared to his positional peers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Interceptions
2.61 (99th percentile)
Blocks
1.92 (95th percentile)
Clearances
2.90 (96th percentile)
U23 scout Antonio Mango has also been left impressed by the maestro in the past, singling him out for praise after his Germany U21s debut.
As such, Reitz could be a fantastic signing for West Ham this summer, and it is promising news they are leading the race for his signature.
Arsenal have earmarked the potential signing of a highly-rated forward as an absolute “dream” scenario for Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners extremely keen to secure his signature after hearing bad news about a key target.
Andrea Berta's promising start as Arsenal sporting director
Andrea Berta has made a promising start to life at N5 already, with the Italian sporting director sealing Martin Zubimendi’s signing from Real Sociedad for around £55 million in total (Fabrizio Romano).
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The 53-year-old has also finalised Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5 million arrival from Chelsea, with the Spaniard swapping Stamford Bridge for north London in what is a very astute move by Berta to secure a capable David Raya alternative.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
This has now been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, too, with all documents “sealed” for Kepa who becomes Arsenal’s second unofficial signing after Zubimendi.
Arteta’s engine room and goalkeeping options have been bolstered with proven quality, but according to Romano again, £205,000-per-week Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is another man high on Berta’s agenda.
The Brazil international commands a price tag of around £77 million, as well as high wages, so he could be a pricey deal to pull off, but Romano is adamant that Arsenal have placed him at the top of their shortlist of wide targets.
Arsenal "dream" of signing Rodrygo for Mikel Arteta
Speaking on his personal YouTube channel, the respected journalist says that Arsenal “dream” of signing Rodrygo, especially that Nico Williams appears far more likely to join Barcelona.
Williams was a key target for Arsenal, and Berta even held talks with the Spaniard’s representatives in one of his “first acts” as sporting director, as per The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, but his move to London is now deemed “impossible”.
“Arsenal love Rodrygo. When I say Arsenal, it’s about the management, it’s about the coach, it’s about Mikel Arteta,” said Romano.
“They consider Rodrygo as a fantastic player, a dream target as a winger, also because they feel Nico Williams is impossible to reach this summer. Rodrygo, he remains a strong name, for sure, on the list at Arsenal.”
The 24-year-old has racked up 14 goals and 11 assists for Real in all competitions throughout 2024/2025, including the Club World Cup, with Rodrygo’s elite-level experience coming as a major positive, despite barely hitting his prime yet.
The challenges behind any move for Rodrygo are both the finances involved and convincing him to leave world football’s most appealing destination so he can start completely fresh in the Premier League, but Arsenal’s serious interest is crystal clear.
Sunderland are looking to bolster their squad with new signings during the summer transfer window in an attempt to avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League.
Regis Le Bris’ side won promotion via the play-offs from the Championship in the 2024/25 campaign, and go up to the top-flight knowing that they need to add more quality to the squad.
Sunderland managerRegisLeBrisapplauds fans after the match
It was recently reported that the Black Cats are in talks with Dynamo Kyiv to secure a deal for Ukraine international centre-forward Vladyslav Vanat to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.
The 23-year-old striker scored 17 goals in 28 league games for Dynamo Kyiv this season, along with one goal in the Europa League, and could be an exciting addition in the final third.
However, Sunderland will also have to look at ways to improve the team at the other end of the pitch, as they will be in a relegation battle that will see their defence constantly tested by high-quality sides.
With this in mind, the club should be looking to secure an upgrade on current first-choice Anthony Patterson, who may not be ready for the Premier League.
Why Anthony Patterson may not be Premier League ready
The 25-year-old stopper has been Sunderland’s first-choice since he broke through as the number one in the 2021/22 campaign, and started 45 games in the Championship this term.
However, Patterson’s performances in the second tier for Le Bris do not suggest that he is likely to make the step up to the Premier League to be a reliable figure between the sticks.
The Black Cats academy graduate let too many errors, like the one in the clip above, creep into his game, and he will be punished even more at a higher level, given the step up in the quality of attackers.
Appearances
42
Save percentage
69%
Goals prevented
-1.75
Error led to shot
2
Error led to goal
1
Percentage of crosses claimed
4.2%
As you can see in the table above, Patterson conceded 1.75 more goals than expected based on the xG of the shots that he faced, which meant that he underperformed as a shot-stopper overall as he let in more than the average goalkeeper would have been expected to.
He also ranked within the bottom 35% of goalkeepers in the Championship by only claiming 4.2% of the crosses into his box, as well as ranking in the bottom 11% for defensive actions outside of his box per 90 (0.64).
These statistics suggest that Patterson is unlikely to be a key player for the Black Cats in the Premier League, as he underperformed as a shot-stopper, a cross-claimer, and a sweeper-keeper at a lower level in the second tier.
Sunderland in talks to sign Ligue 1 star
Supporters should, therefore, be pleased to read that the club are reportedly eyeing up a deal to sign an upgrade on the English goalkeeper this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have made an approach to sign OGC Nice shot-stopper Marcin Bulka to bolster their ranks between the sticks.
The reporter claims that the Black Cats are now in talks with the Ligue 1 side to secure his signature as part of their “ambitious” approach to the market.
OGC Nice's MarcinBulkaand Youssouf Ndayishimiye celebrate after the match
Romano adds that multiple other teams have approached Nice with an interest in the Poland international, which suggests that there will be plenty of competition for his services throughout the summer transfer window.
There is no mention, however, of how much money the French side are set to demand for the former Chelsea goalkeeper, or how much Sunderland are prepared to pay for him.
Why Marcin Bulka is an upgrade for Sunderland
The Black Cats could improve their team by winning the race for Bulka’s signature before the end of the summer transfer window, based on his performances for Nice in Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 campaign.
He started 34 games in the French top-flight and caught the eye with his impressive shot-stopping skills, saving 75% of the shots on his goal and preventing 2.74 goals.
That came after the former PSG goalkeeper, who was hailed as “sensational” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, prevented 2.00 goals in 34 Ligue 1 games for Nice during the previous campaign, which shows that he has consistently outperformed as a shot-stopper over the past two seasons.
Bulka, as you can see in the clips above, is capable of producing some stunning saves to keep the ball out of the net, and has proven himself in one of Europe’s major leagues over multiple seasons.
His performances as an all-round goalkeeper in the 2024/25 campaign suggest that he would arrive at the Stadium of Light as a significant upgrade on what Le Bris currently has between the sticks.
Save percentage
75.8%
70.3%
Saves made per 90
3.53
2.14
Penalty save percentage
33.3%
20%
Crosses stopped per 90
1.15
0.55
Percentage of crosses claimed
8.3%
4.2%
Defensive actions outside the box per 90
0.97
0.64
As you can see in the table above, Bulka outperformed Patterson as a shot-stopper, a cross-claimer, and as a sweeper-keeper this season, whilst playing at a higher level in the top tier in France, compared to the Championship.
These statistics suggest that the Polish colossus, who has been Nice’s number one for the past two campaigns, has the quality to arrive on Wearside as an immediate upgrade on the current Sunderland number one.
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
He has proven his quality in a top European league and could, therefore, hit the ground running as a reliable and quality goalkeeper who can stop shots and crosses with impressive regularity, particularly compared to Patterson.
This is why the Black Cats must do their best to win the race for Bulka’s signature, now that they are in official talks with Nice to agree a deal for the 25-year-old star, who would improve their chances of avoiding the drop from the Premier League next term.
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Liverpool have found out their fate for their title defence in 2025/26. The Premier League fixtures were confirmed on Tuesday morning, with Arne Slot hoping to lead his team to the title for the second year in a row.
With Florian Wirtz set to join soon, and the experience of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in the squad, they have an exciting side. Indeed, those players and their teammates will begin the title defence on Friday, 15th August, at home to Bournemouth. Their first away trip will see them travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United.
It has already been a busy summer at Anfield, and things will now only ramp up with the announcement of the fixtures.
Liverpool's latest transfer target
Liverpool’s 2025 summer window has started quickly. They already have Jeremie Frimpong in the door, and seem set to add Wirtz and Milos Kerkez from the Cherries, sooner rather than later. Then, the attention can turn to their next reported target.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The highly reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has recently confirmed on YouTube, via Caught Offside, that the Reds hold “concrete interest” in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. Romano explained that Reds ‘are involved in the story’ for the Frenchman this summer.
However, the deal can’t progress yet, because Liverpool ‘are waiting to find a solution for Darwin Nunez’, who will leave the club this summer.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Once that transfer has gone through, a move for Ekitike might speed up. The Mirror recently quoted his price at £60m, so it is safe to assume the Merseysiders will need to pay somewhere in that region.
Why Ekitike could help Salah break more records
At just 22 years of age, Frankfurt superstar Ekitike has garnered himself a fantastic reputation, having shone in the 2025/25 campaign. Football scout Antonio Mango once called him a “gem” of a footballer while journalist Graeme Bailey has outlined how some think he could be “the next Mbappe”. It is easy to see why.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
The Frenchman, who came through the Reims academy, where he was born, managed to score 22 goals and grab 12 assists across all competitions last season.
He played 48 games and was a really important part of a Frankfurt side that finished third and qualified for the Champions League.
Indeed, Ekitike comes with a great pedigree in Europe, too. Of his 34 goals and assists last term, seven came in the Europa League, which included a goal away to eventual winners, and Liverpool’s Premier League rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
If the Reds are able to get this deal over the line, Ekitike could become the perfect player alongside Salah. The Liverpool legend was sensational yet again last season, winning the Golden Boot with his 29 goals and picking up 18 assists, too.
With 87 assists to his name in the Premier League and no signs of slowing down, there is a realistic chance that the man lovingly dubbed the “Egyptian King” by the Anfield faithful could climb higher up the list of all-time most assists in the English top flight.
Ryan Giggs currently tops it with 162 assists, so Salah has some way to go, but matching his assist total from 2024/25 next season will see him climb to fourth and go far ahead of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
Ekitike could be the perfect player to help get him there. His underlying stats on FBref from last season are those of a true goalscorer, with 0.53 goals per 90 minutes ranking him in the top 19% of Bundesliga forwards.
The Frenchman is a complete centre-forward, and wouldn’t just help boost Salah’s assist numbers. He is a chance creator too, averaging 1.55 key passes each game, which places him in the top 12% of Bundesliga forwards. With Salah’s eye for goal, they could form a deadly duo.
Goals
0.53
81st
Goals and assists
0.81
88th
Expected goals
0.76xG
95th
Key passes
1.55
88th
Shot-creating actions
3.55
84th
There is no doubt that Liverpool’s investment this summer has been huge, but in many ways, it has to be in order to compete for the Premier League title again. Perhaps, for just £60m, Ekitike could be the missing piece in their side.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
It will be fascinating to see how this move develops, but one thing is for sure: the Frenchman could form a superb partnership with an all-time legend of the Premier League.
He'd be elite alongside Wirtz: £130m star is now Liverpool's no.1 target
Liverpool may not be done with their big spending yet
West Bromwich Albion’s drawn-out search for a new manager has ended with Ryan Mason now officially in the Baggies’ hot seat.
There is plenty of intrigue surrounding this appointment as the Championship side ditch the tried and tested approach of Tony Mowbray for something left-field and fresher, with the 33-year-old taking on his first ever head coach role having only once been a stand-in option at ex-employers Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham's Ryan Mason
He will want to get down to business soon in the transfer market to begin to leave a lasting mark on his new side, with plenty of signings rumoured to be entering the building alongside the fresh-faced manager.
West Brom locked into talks with new striker
Mason could utilise those Spurs connections when adding to his Baggies squad, with North London prodigy Mikey Moore already being tipped to make a loan move to the EFL to expand his horizons, away from previous links suggesting Jamie Donley could call the West Midlands home shortly.
Further, it looks as if West Brom could win themselves a new deadly marksman in the form of Hearts’ goal machine Lawrence Shankland.
Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.
Journalist Mark Hendry has now revealed that West Brom are locked in talks about bringing the prolific 29-year-old to the Hawthorns, as the Hearts captain increasingly looks more and more likely to walk away from the Edinburgh giants on a free transfer.
But, the Championship promotion hopefuls aren’t alone in their interest, with Hendry surprisingly adding that both Al-Ettifaq and Al-Wedha are sniffing around from Saudi Arabia.
How Shankland could be West Brom's best striker since Maja
If West Brom were to pip these outfits to the coveted signature of the Scotsman, they could be about to seal their best striker signing since Josh Maja’s addition, with the equally lethal attacker going on to be a golden purchase up top himself, considering he joined the ranks in 2023 on a free transfer as well.
Maja has endured difficult periods at the Hawthorns, however, with a mammoth 44 games missed through injury over the last two seasons.
But, when he’s fit, there’s a real lack of strikers in the Championship that possess the same clinical edge the Nigerian has in abundance, with the devastatingly effective number nine picking up 12 goals last campaign, despite only being fit enough to line up for 26 league clashes.
Shankland has also displayed a “ruthless” cutting edge – in the words of pundit Chris Sutton – throughout his celebrated spell on the books of Hearts, with this last-gasp goal against arch rivals Hibernian just one of many crucial strikes the Glasgow-born attacker has powered home for Derek McInnes’ men.
Having played up and down the various Scottish leagues across his goal-laden career to date, it does feel like the time is right for Shankland to test himself in a new and challenging environment, with the 6 foot 1 menace hopeful he can take to the pressures of the Hawthorns in his stride, much like Maja did when taking the plunge two years ago.
24/25
43
9
11
23/24
47
31
8
22/23
47
28
4
After all, before his return to England, the ex-Sunderland forward had begun to garner his own reputation for being a reliable source of goals when leading the line for Bordeaux, with 29 goals tallied up from 93 appearances.
Therefore, when assessing Shankland’s monstrous total of 68 strikes from 137 contests for Hearts, he should find his shooting boots are an equally uncomplicated find in the EFL’s elite league.
Lawrence Shankland
Mason would love to welcome in Shankland then as one of his first signings, with the 33-year-old no doubt crying out for a potent forward line to help his new side instantly gun for promotion.
Mason can sign West Brom's next Fellows in young star who's like "Neymar"
Ryan Mason would love to welcome this stunning star to this brand-new West Bromwich Albion squad.