All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United now have time to dust themselves down and reassess with another international break in play.

It has been far from a nightmare start for Daniel Farke’s Whites back in the Premier League, with two league wins already on the board, but that could well have been bumped up to three last time out, if it wasn’t for some fortunate deflections handing Tottenham Hotspur a 2-1 victory at Elland Road.

While there were plenty of positives to cling onto as Noah Okafor grabbed another strike in West Yorkshire, there were also other individuals on the day that let the side down, who will be fearing for their starting spots when Leeds travel to Burnley when the break has finished.

Leeds' biggest underperformers vs Spurs

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one figure who will surely be anxious about his starting position as Leeds’ main marksman after another goalless showing versus Thomas Frank’s side.

So far this season, the former Everton striker has already missed five big chances, with another added to his unwanted resume when squandering a major opportunity against Spurs.

Mathys Tel would show Calvert-Lewin how to finish in style; on the contrary, as the Frenchman only needed 13 touches of the ball to place a fierce effort past Karl Darlow.

Gabriel Gudmundsson also looked uncharacteristically shaky during the Saturday lunchtime kick-off, after a solid start to his Elland Road career otherwise, with the number 3 run ragged by Mohamed Kudus’ pace for Spurs’ second-half winner.

Still, with Calvert-Lewin scoring against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Gudmundsson winning 4.9 total duels per match this season in the Premier League, there is some credit in the bank on both ends.

While both are likely to keep their place once Premier League football returns after the break, the same cannot be said for one of Leeds’ longest-serving players.

Leeds star is now on borrowed time

Time be given to both the Englishman and the Swede, with Calvert-Lewin a proven Premier League goalscorer when he gets going, while his Scandinavian counterpart will require time to get up to speed with what is expected of him week in week out on English soil.

On the other hand, patience could be wearing rather thin with long-standing Leeds servant Pascal Struijk now, especially after both of Spurs’ goals last time out were deflected off the “unfortunate” Dutchman, as he was branded by Leeds journalist Beren Cross.

Still, Struijk standing off the lightning quick number 20 almost invited him to have a pop at Darlow’s goal, with the 26-year-old looking in over his head again when it comes to consistently battling it out in the top-flight.

To date, the former Ajax youth product turned Leeds first-teamer only has a worrying 13 Premier League sheets next to his name from three full seasons at the level, with iconic journalist Phil Hay even noting that “he might not be Premier League quality” way back in 2023.

Games played

92

Goals scored

4

Assists

1

Completed passes

4032 (85%)

Total tackles

198

Total duels won

401

Clean sheets

13

With 92 games at the very top of the English game now under his belt with Leeds, the overarching worry will be whether Struijk will ever improve and not look so shaky in the daunting division, having also been a part of the Whites’ defence that was humbled 5-0 by Arsenal earlier this season.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Jaka Bijol might well fancy his chances of coming in and taking over from the 26-year-old imminently, having been dubbed a “monstrous” presence previously by analyst Ben Mattinson for his assured performances in Serie A.

Bijol, who cost Leeds a significant £15m this summer, would jump at the chance to impress, having picked up eight clean sheets last season in Italy, when also winning 4.8 duels per Serie A clash.

However, the forceful Slovenian is yet to get up and running at Elland Road, with a recurring spot on Farke’s bench all he has been afforded so far in the Premier League.

This could soon change, though, with a concern that Struijk staying put in the heart of defence might culminate in another devastating relegation occurring.

Not just Aaronson: "Superb" star has saved his Leeds United career

This Leeds United star has revived his career at Elland Road and it is not Brenden Aaronson.

ByDan Emery Oct 6, 2025

Arsenal are braced for another Premier League title challenge with Liverpool, and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher suggests an emerging leader in their squad could be crucial.

Arsenal agree William Saliba deal in huge boost for Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta was boosted by the official announcement of a new deal for star defender William Saliba earlier this week.

The Frenchman, who’s been a vital component of Arsenal’s title-chasing side since the beginning of 2022/2023, was attracting serious interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos even approached him in the summer window, but Saliba was clear that he wanted to remain at the Emirates Stadium (HandOfArsenal).

Appearances

5

Minutes played

319

Clean sheets

2

Tackles made

8

Interceptions

3

Ground duels won

24/34

Aerial duels won

12

Clearances

20

via Footy Stats

Saliba’s contract was due to expire in 2027, and sporting director Andrea Berta took a hands-on role in new contract negotiations as he eventually convinced the 24-year-old to agree fresh terms (Charles Watts).

Saliba’s new deal expires in 2030, committing him to Arsenal for another five years, with Berta praising the “incredible” defender after the Gunners confirmed his extension.

Arteta’s side take on Olympiacos in the Champions League tonight, with the Greek Super League champions travelling to North London and could face off against Arsenal’s newly-committed star in Saliba.

The France international is slowly being reintegrated into the starting eleven after recovering from an ankle injury, having started their 1-1 draw with Man City and Carabao Cup win over Port Vale, but was dropped to the bench for Arsenal’s dramatic victory at Newcastle.

Summer signing Cristhian Mosquera has seriously impressed whenever he’s asked to fill in for Saliba, and that is an avenue Arteta may well go down again in Europe tonight as he looks to avoid any more fitness issues with his star man.

Alongside Saliba, another defender has been vital to Arsenal’s success in recent years.

That man is, of course, Gabriel.

According to some reports, Saliba and Gabriel made a pact to remain at Arsenal and challenge for major silverware, with the Brazilian also signing a contract extension earlier this year.

Jamie Carragher admits he was wrong about Arsenal star Gabriel

He’s been just as crucial to Arsenal’s defensive prowess as Saliba, and their partnership is widely viewed as one of Europe’s best.

Largely thanks to the duo, Arteta’s men have conceded the fewest goals of any Premier League side in each of the last two seasons.

Gabriel’s threat from set pieces has also got Arsenal out of jail on numerous occasions, with the 27-year-old — after his winner against Newcastle — bagging more goals than any other defender in the Premier League since he made his debut in 2020 (18).

Speaking to Sky Sports (via The Metro), Carragher has made an admission about Gabriel in praise of the ex-Lille star — claiming he was wrong about Saliba being on another level to his centre-back partner.

The ex-Liverpool defender also praised Gabriel as an emerging leader in Arsenal’s side.

While Carragher has taken more time to hand Gabriel his well-deserved praise, the South American’s quality has never been lost on Arteta, who called the defender’s performances “undeniable” as far back as September last year.

Alexander Isak has achieved greatness at Newcastle United, bestowing upon Tyneside a new form of striker over the past three years and crowning his journey with a triumphant Carabao Cup campaign last year.

He scored in that Wembley final against Liverpool, but it’s the Reds who the Sweden star may well be playing for this time next month, with FSG having seen a £110m offer rejected last week. They are primed to jump back in.

Isak’s goals have helped Newcastle along to Champions League-qualifying campaigns in two of the previous three Premier League terms, and he reached a new level last year, his complete and destructive performances at the front of the pitch leading pundit Jamie Carragher to name him “the best striker in the Premier League.”

Replacing him will be no easy feat, but that is the present task of new technical director Sudarshan Gopaladesikan, who has overseen a first formal offer for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Newcastle pushing for new centre-forward

Though Sesko’s future remains up in the air, Newcastle are engaged in a direct tussle with Manchester United for the Slovenian striker, and both Premier League clubs have placed bids.

There’s a growing sense that the Red Devils are encouraged in their pursuit, which could lead to Eddie Howe being forced into seeking alternative options once again.

It’s been a testing transfer window for the Toon, who have missed out on any number of top targets. Anthony Elanga was signed from Nottingham Forest for £55m, ending an interminable search for a right-sided forward, but more is clearly needed.

Well, according to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Newcastle have engaged in club-to-club talks with Chelsea for striker Nicolas Jackson, who is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge following the latest overload of arrivals there.

Man United are also keen on the Senegalese, but would not move ahead with a deal should they secure Sesko’s signature this month.

Jackson is thought to be valued at £70m by his employers.

Why Newcastle could sign Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea signed Jackson from Villarreal in 2023, and he has since made steady progress on English shores. Sure, he’s ebbed and he’s flowed, but the mobile striker has proven himself in the Premier League across two campaigns, capable of sustaining runs of prolific form.

However, there’s no denying that the 24-year-old needs to be more consistent. Although you wonder whether he would find more stable soil underneath his feet at St. James’ Park, for he would be entrusted with the leading role in Howe’s frontline, flanked by Elanga and the ever-dangeous Anthony Gordon, who may well be promoted to talismanic status if Isak leaves.

Sesko, 22, is a talented number nine, but he’s hardly proven on the grandest stage, and his return of 27 goals and seven assists across 64 Bundesliga matches aligns quite similarly to Jackson’s haul in the Premier League.

24/25 – Chelsea

30 (28)

10

5

23/24 – Chelsea

35 (31)

14

5

22/23 – Villarreal

26 (16)

12

4

21/22 – Villarreal

9 (0)

1

0

Sesko, indeed, scored 13 goals across 33 matches in the Bundesliga last year, and on the basis of the evidence, is there really a concrete chance that he would bring a surpassing level of central striking threat to Howe’s project?

Moreover, Jackson developed his goalscoring potential as a foreigner in La Liga, as was the case with Isak at Real Sociedad. This linearity of progress emphasises Newcastle’s interest, and indeed why they could do a lot worse than sign the Chelsea striker.

Praised for his “special” skills by journalist Rahman Osman, Jackson is also more dynamic across the board, technically and physically. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 18% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion, the top 17% for progressive carries, the top 21% for assists and the top 22% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Clearly, he’s got the wide-ranging qualities to make a real difference at Newcastle, should Isak leave. The Sweden striker is, after all, his most statistically comparable player, according to the data-driven website.

Thus, he could become the Tyneside outfit’s ready-made replacement, combining with the squad’s existing wide forwards to maintain a sense of fluency and oneness that Howe has so carefully woven together since replacing Steve Bruce at the helm.

For example, Gordon should stay, but it’s actually Elanga who could combine with Jackson over the coming years to become Howe’s latest Isak-Gordon duo.

Gordon is a high-speed winger, and Elanga considers himself to be “one of the fastest players in the league.” Across two campaigns with Forest, he has posted 11 goals and 21 assists across all competitions, instrumental in securing European football last season.

Though Jacob Murphy has plied such fine work on the right wing, this injection of depth will only be a good thing for a Toon team on the up.

The likes of Elanga and Gordon playing either side of Jackson might just prove to restore a sense of fluency that will seem to many to be lost if Isak does leave for Anfield.

Yes, Jackson could be cooler, more composed in the final third at times, but his overall play and athleticism and energy make a firm comment on his place at the Premier League’s round table of star strikers.

Is Howe not one of the finest managers and tacticians in the game? He will surely fashion a new partnership for the ages in Elanga and Jackson.

Another Elanga: Newcastle to reignite interest in "exceptional" £50m titan

The experienced international could boost morale at Newcastle.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 5, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have now made an approach to sign a “world-class” midfielder, who could be in line to join alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a report.

Spurs' Gibbs-White pursuit takes twist

It appeared as though Tottenham were very close to getting a deal for Gibbs-White over the line, having triggered the £60m release clause in his contract, but the saga has recently taken a twist.

Nottingham Forest have now reported Spurs to the Premier League, with the Tricky Trees threatening legal action, as they believe an illegal approach was made for the midfielder, which means the deal has stalled.

However, Fabrizio Romano has since provided a positive update on the situation, with the transfer expert saying: “Tottenham maintain their position. They are convinced about their behaviour. They want to proceed with the deal, they want to sign the player. Nottingham Forest are prepared to fight. So, let’s see what’s going to happen there.

“But, for sure, the Gibbs-White deal now has an issue to be solved between the two clubs. That’s going to be one to watch in the coming days and hours, with Tottenham still hopeful and confident to get the player.”

Not only are the Lilywhites vying to sign a new attacking midfielder, but they are also keen on a more defensive option, and a report from GiveMeSport has revealed Spurs have also made an approach to sign Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.

Tottenham have made initial contact over a deal for Palhinha, who joined the German club from Fulham in a deal worth around £47m last summer, and Daniel Levy is prepared to launch a bid if it becomes apparent the Portuguese midfielder is available.

It may take a sizeable bid to tempt Bayern into a sale, however, and the 30-year-old’s wage demands are likely to be high, considering he rakes in £200k-a-week at the Allianz Arena when bonuses are triggered.

"World-class" Palhinha could be ideal Spurs signing

Tottenham struggled defensively for large parts of the 2024-25 campaign, shipping 65 goals in the Premier League, and the Portugal international could provide some stability in midfield, given that he is exceptional at winning back possession.

Chief flies to London for transfer talks with £100k-per-week Tottenham star

He could leave Spurs this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 13, 2025

During the 2023-24 Premier League season, no player won more tackles than the former Fulham man, and he has continued to catch the eye at times for Bayern over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

3.19 (93rd percentile)

Aerials won

2.34 (96th percentile)

Blocks

1.49 (79th percentile)

Pass completion %

92.4% (97th percentile)

Having already proven himself in the Premier League, during which time he was lauded as “world-class” by journalist Dom Smith, Palhinha could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham this summer, but it may be a slight concern that he is now in his thirties.

This summer feels like it’s going to be a massive one for Tottenham Hotspur.

Thomas Frank has stepped into the spotlight following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking, and on top of having a good go in the Champions League, he’ll be tasked with overseeing a dramatic improvement in the team’s Premier League form.

The good news is that Daniel Levy and Co appear intent on properly backing the Danish coach, and have already made the impressive signing of Mohammed Kudus.

Moreover, the club seem determined to bring in Morgan Gibbs-White, although they’re also linked with another Premier League ace who’d have an even greater impact on the team.

Tottenham target Premier League goalscorer

It would be fair to say that when news first broke of Spurs’ pursuit to sign Gibbs-White, it was something of a surprise.

Transfer Focus

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

After all, they had just signed Kudus, and fans aren’t used to the club going so big in the market.

However, despite supposedly activating his £60m release clause, the deal is currently at a standstill, with the Tricky Trees alleging foul play.

It does feel more like a matter of when and not if the Englishman joins the Lilywhites, but they’re also linked with another Premier League ace who could have an even bigger impact next season: Yoane Wissa.

Yes, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, Spurs are still very much interested in the Brentford star.

It could be a challenging deal to get done, though, as O’Rourke claims that should Bryan Mbuemo move to Manchester United, the Bees will look to block any bids for the prolific striker.

However, prior reports suggest that an offer of around £50m could tempt the West Londoners into selling, and with the player supposedly keen on a move to N17, that could be the magic number.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get done, but Wissa who is one “the best strikers in the Premier League” in the words of Sky Sports Lyall Thomas, would be well worth pursuing.

Why Wissa would have a bigger impact at Spurs than Gibbs-White

Now, the first thing to say is that both players would be incredible additions to this Spurs team.

However, we believe Wissa will have a bigger impact than Gibbs-White, at least next season, primarily due to the competition for places and their respective output.

As things stand, Frank already has two seriously talented attacking midfielders to choose from in his squad.

Dejan Kulusevski racked up ten goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances last season, and James Maddison was even more effective, racking up 12 goals and 11 assists in 45 games.

So, even though Gibbs-White would be making the team stronger, he might struggle to get ahead of the Englishman and Swede, especially as 17 goal involvements in 38 games isn’t quite as good a return.

In contrast, the only player likely to compete with the “unbelievable” Brentford star, as dubbed by former manager Thomas Frank, on a regular basis next season is Dominic Solanke, and when we compare their output, it’s the Congolese ace who emerges victorious.

For example, he racked up a tally of 20 goals and five assists in 39 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.56 games.

Appearances

39

45

Minutes

3079′

3393′

Goals

20

16

Assists

5

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.64

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

123.16′

141.37′

Solanke, on the other hand, scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 45 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.87 games.

Ultimately, thanks to his significantly better level of output and the clearer path to regular game time, Wissa could well end up having a bigger impact at Spurs than Gibbs-White next season.

Gibbs-White will love him: Spurs huge admirers of £80m Premier League star

Tottenham Hotspur’s huge transfer window has shown no signs of slowing down in recent days.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 14, 2025

Leeds United have made an enquiry to sign “one of the most versatile players in world football”, according to a new transfer update.

Leeds targeting physical players with Bijol and Bornauw

The Whites, Daniel Farke and the 49ers so far have a clear plan when it comes to the transfer window and bringing in new players. Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw are the three new additions ahead of the club’s Premier League return, and all three players are over 6 feet tall.

Leeds vs Everton

August 18

Arsenal vs Leeds

August 23

Leeds vs Newcastle

August 30

Fulham vs Leeds

September 13

Wolves vs Leeds

September 20

Leeds are looking to make their side more physical to deal with defending and attacking set pieces in the top flight and are targeting midfielder Anton Stach from Hoffenheim.

The ball-winning central midfielder fits the profile of being 26 and over 6’0″ and could arrive to challenge the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka in midfield.

Better signing than Diarra: Leeds lead race to sign "outstanding" £18m star

Leeds United could soon purchase this outstanding £18m star in a deal that might be better than securing Habib Diarra.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 4, 2025

It is shaping up to be a busy few months ahead of the opening game of the season against Everton at Elland Road, and a new name that has emerged as a potential target would offer plenty of versatility to Farke’s side.

Leeds make approach to sign £12m Weah

According to reports from Italy, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have made an enquiry to sign Timothy Weah from Juventus. Also wanted by Everton and Marseille, Weah is thought to be worth around £12m but actually holds a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of €17m.

Standing at 6ft, he may pass the test for Leeds, and he can play anywhere on the right-hand side, so may rival Jayden Bogle at right-back, a player he has been compared to by Football Transfers, or Dan James on the wing.

The USA international, known for ‘immense speed’, can also turn out as a centre-forward or as a left-winger and contributed to 11 goals for Juventus last season.

After coming through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain as a teenager, Weah had a loan spell in Scotland with Celtic before joining Lille on a permanent deal in 2019. Four years later he signed for Juventus, and he is under contract with the Italian giants until 2028.

Following recent links to Nottingham Forest earlier in the window, Sky Sports reporter Dougie Critchley called Weah “one of the most versatile players in world football”.

“Timothy Weah is one of the most versatile players in world football. Last season alone he played in all 3 positions on both flanks and was even used as a centre forward.”

It looks as if a move to Yorkshire could be one to keep an eye on, albeit Leeds have allegedly only made an approach for Weah’s services so far.

A £140,000 a-week Liverpool player is now excited about leaving the Premier League champions after his agent met with a top European club, according to a new report.

Liverpool announce Kerkez and close in on Marc Guehi transfer

Liverpool announced their third major signing of the summer on Thursday, as Milos Kerkez joined the Reds in a deal worth £40 million from AFC Bournemouth. His arrival now takes Liverpool’s spending to £170 million so far this summer, but the Reds and Arne Slot are not finished there.

Liverpool set to send nearly £10m to Chelsea as they close in on centre-back deal

Liverpool are closing in on another signing following Kerkez’s arrival.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

According to Daveockop, Liverpool are now close to signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The England international is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, and the Reds are hoping that can work in their favour as they try to bring Guehi to Anfield in a deal between £40-45 million.

It’s been reported that the Premier League champions are close to agreeing personal terms with the defender, and that could see this deal progress as they now switch their attentions to their next transfer target.

But these big arrivals mean Liverpool are going to be looking to move some fringe players on, and they have now received a boost in their bid to see one player leave this summer.

£140,000-per-week Liverpool ace excited to leave

According to Corriere dello Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez is now keen on joining Napoli after a meeting between the Serie A club and his agent on Wednesday.

The report states that Nunez is “fired up” by the idea of playing under Antonio Conte and sees a move to Naples as a chance to rediscover his best form. While his agent and the Italian side have held numerous rounds of talks, there is still a long way to go for the two clubs to agree a transfer fee.

It is claimed that Liverpool are now looking to sell Nunez for around €58.6 million, which is roughly £50 million. This is still considered high for Napoli, and they are trying to reduce this transfer fee through intermediaries.

Apps

143

Goals

40

Assists

26

Nunez, who currently earns £140,000 a week at Anfield, joined the Reds back in August 2022 from Benfica. The forward came with a promising reputation after scoring 26 goals in 28 Liga Portugal games in his final season with Benfica. However, while Nunez has scored goals, he has struggled to replicate the form he showed in Portugal.

Last season, Nunez scored just five times in 30 Premier League games, which was a considerable drop-off from the 11 he scored in the previous campaign. The Uruguay international is still under contract until 2028, but his departure for around £50 million would allow Liverpool to balance the books in what has been a summer of heavy investment.

Thomas Frank’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur has started a new era at the football club, looking to build on the progress made by Ange Postecoglou.

The Aussie won the Europa League in his final game in charge, securing their place in the Champions League and handing the supporters a memorable night at the end of a dismal season.

Such a decision to sack him may have appeared harsh, but it now hands the former Brentford boss the opportunity to create new history for the club in North London.

With the summer transfer window once again open for sides to make new additions, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting moves to hand him with the tools he desires.

Numerous areas of the pitch are in need of investment to help provide quality and depth in key areas, especially if they are to be competitive in the Premier League and Europe.

The latest in Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

After Frank’s arrival, winger Bryan Mbeumo has been largely touted with a move to follow his former manager across the capital to join Spurs this window.

However, if they are to land the 25-year-old’s signature, they will have to fend off interest from Manchester United, with the Red Devils seemingly in pole position at present.

Another name has entered the frame within the attacking department in recent days, with Rennes star Arnaud Kalimuendo firmly on their radar, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been in talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a deal for the 23-year-old, who’s scored 18 times across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that he’s valued at around the €25m (£21.3m) mark, but will face competition for his signature, with sides in Spain and Germany also wanting a move for the 23-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s next Wissa

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo was a key part of Frank’s success at Brentford, but striker Yoane Wissa also thrived under his guidance and reached levels never seen in his career before.

The DR Congo forward made 35 appearances in the league last time around, registering a total of 19 goals and four assists, forming an excellent partnership with the Cameroonian.

Like his current teammate, he’s been linked with a move to join Spurs this window, potentially following the manager in moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

However, they’re not alone in their hunt, with Nottingham Forest once again emerging in the race after having an offer rejected for him back in January.

If Frank is unable to land a reunion with Wissa, he should pursue a move for Kalimuendo, with the Frenchman having all the tools to be a threat in the Premier League.

The Rennes ace, who’s been labelled “one of the most prolific” stars by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, backing up the claim made about him.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher take-on success rate – handing Frank the all-round option he’ll need in North London.

Arnaud Kalimuendo

Stade Rennais

33

17

Hugo Ekitiké

Eintracht Frankfurt

33

15

Emanuel Emegha

Strasbourg

27

14

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

33

13

Mika Biereth

Monaco

16

13

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

37

12

Thierno Barry

Villarreal

35

11

Joao Pedro

Brighton

27

10

Kalimuendo’s dominance doesn’t stop there, also registering more carries into the final third and more passes into the opposition area per 90, handing the attackers around him the chance to thrive too.

Whilst Wissa may appear to be a solid option given his time under the manager at the GTEC, a move for the Frenchman could allow the boss to land his next attacking star.

If he can transfer his skillset across to England, it would be a superb signing, having the potential to explode into an elite level talent given his tender age.

He's more exciting than Tel: Spurs now confident of signing £70m "monster"

The outrageously talented attacker will be incredible for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 17, 2025

Celtic find themselves in the hunt for more forward options this summer and have received a shot in the arm regarding their pursuit of a 25-goal striker, according to a report.

Celtic looking to sign a striker this summer

Kyogo Furuhashi departed Celtic in January and there was plenty of contention surrounding the club’s decision not to replace the Japanese marksman despite a last-gasp bid to land Danny Ings from West Ham United.

In the end, Daizen Maeda moved into a central position and Adam Idah earned more seniority through the middle, leaving inexperienced forward Johnny Kenny to plug the gaps on the odd occasion.

Ending the campaign on a respectable tally of 20 goals, Celtic striker Idah is confident he can handle the scoring burden associated with being the leading number nine at Parkhead.

He stated on international duty: “The pressure is a lot and you are expected to deliver. I think with my experience now, you have to put that behind you. You know what you are good at.

“If you don’t score for a couple of games, it is not helpful to listen to an ex-player. I am not really concerned with what he thinks – I am there to do my bit.”

Celtic table bid to sign a star who'd unlock Yang's "world-class" potential

Celtic are reportedly interested in a move to sign a star who could be a dream for Hyun-jun Yang.

ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025

Without question, Celtic will sign a striker this summer. They face more fixture congestion than most clubs around Europe due to their regular juggling act between domestic and European football.

Now, they may have received a boost regarding their pursuit of a reported target to help fill the Furuhashi-shaped void under Brendan Rodgers if recent developments are to be taken into account.

Celtic target Youssef El-Kachati rejects Hannover 96 move

According to Kicker, Celtic target Youssef El Kachati has rejected a move to Hannover 96 as his contract at Telstar moves closer to expiring, with a decision on his next club expected very soon.

The Moroccan striker was previously thought to have found a verbal agreement over a move to Germany with their sporting director Marcus Mann, but he is now said to prefer a switch to a side that will feature in European competition next season.

Youssef El Kachati in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

45

Goals

25

Assists

9

Austria Wien have also been mentioned in the race for his signature. Celtic have been watching El Kachati over several months and will have been aware of his exploits that saw Telstar promoted to the Eredivisie for the first time in almost half a century.

It is anticipated that a decision on his future could come sooner rather than later. At this point, top-flight football with the prospect of testing himself on the continent is a better career option than the German second-tier.

Celtic need to bolster their frontline to handle the strain of another jam-packed campaign of action and El Kachati could be a financially advantageous signing that would provide competition centrally and out wide.

A “spectacular” player has now “said yes” to a move to Brighton & Hove Albion, with an approach set to be made in the next few days, according to reporter Santi Aouna.

Brighton could still play in Europe amid Crystal Palace issues

There are doubts over whether Crystal Palace will be allowed to play in the Europa League next season, amid issues surrounding multi-club ownership, and bitter rivals Brighton could be the beneficiaries.

Indeed, courtesy of their eighth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, the Seagulls could replace Palace in the competition, should they be removed by UEFA, although football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes the Eagles have a 95% chance of taking part.

As such, the chances of Fabian Hurzeler’s side embarking on a European adventure are slim, but the manager is clearly keen to inject some quality into his squad this summer regardless, having now made inroads towards signing a new midfielder.

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1 ByStephan Georgiou Jul 17, 2025

That is according to an update from Foot Mercato’s Aouna on X, who has revealed that Marseille midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has “already said yes” to a move to the American Express Stadium this summer, with a verbal agreement in place on a four-year deal.

Having spoken directly to the Brighton board, Ounahi was convinced by the project on offer, and the Seagulls are set to approach Marseille in the coming days, in order to strike a deal.

It is unclear what sort of fee the French side would be looking to receive for the midfielder, but they signed the former Angers man for a fee of €8m (£7m) back in January 2023, which could be a good reference point.

"Spectacular" Ounahi could get career back on track at Brighton

The Moroccan may have been expected to kick on after the 2022 World Cup, having played a key role in his side becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-final stage, impressing Luis Enrique with some of his performances.

The Paris Saint-Germain manager described the maestro as “spectacular” after the round of 16, and he has since gone on to catch the eye on loan at Greek side Panathinaikos, performing extremely well across some key statistics for midfielders over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.16 (87th percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.27 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.09 (99th percentile)

Progressive passes

8.77 (97th percentile)

Of course, performing well in Greece does not necessarily mean the Morocco international will be a sure-fire success in the Premier League, but he is certainly exhibiting promising signs, and he could get his career back on track at the American Express Stadium.

Having displayed a keen eye for picking up assists, while also being lauded for his “defensive reliability” by scout Jacek Kulig in the past, Ounahi is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, and it is promising news that he has now agreed terms on a move to Brighton.