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Newcastle United have the means to complete the signing of a Premier League superstar this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, and may even be able to whittle his £75m release clause down significantly.

The four positions Newcastle want to strengthen this summer

After a great season that saw the Magpies win the EFL Cup and end their long trophy drought, as well as get back into the Champions League, the summer window promises to be an exciting one at St James’ Park.

Speaking about Newcastle’s potential business in the coming weeks and months, Sky Sports‘ reliable reporter Keith Downie recently provided an update, saying: “Eddie Howe is looking for a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre back, a right-winger and a forward who can play across the front. That’s the wish list if none of the big hitters were to leave. If a Bruno Guimaraes or an Anthony Gordon went, for example, then he’d need them replaced too.”

It remains to be seen who exactly Newcastle will bring in ahead of next season, but Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has consistently been mentioned as a leading option on the right flank, but it appears he isn’t the only one on the agenda as the Cameroon star edges closer to joining Manchester United.

Newcastle "can afford" to sign Kudus

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Newcastle “can afford” £75m-rated West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, seeing him as an alternative to Mbeumo, and they believe they can do a deal for less than his release fee.

“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus. As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position. Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy, and is somebody they feel could come in and strengthen their attacking options.

“He obviously has that release clause of around £75million, but I don’t think many Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that. Due to West Ham’s situation, his suitors feel they can get him for a cheaper fee. They’ll definitely be willing to listen to offers for the Ghana international.”

Kudus stands out as an excellent option for Newcastle if they can’t get Mbeumo, even though the Brentford ace still stands out as the superior choice.

Appearances

38

32

Starts

38

31

Minutes played

3417

2604

Goals

20

5

Assists

7

3

Shots per game

2.2

2.3

Key passes per game

1.8

1.0

Dribbles per game

1.4

2.9

That said, if the Magpies end up signing the West Ham ace instead, he could excel at St James’, having been hailed by former teammate Aaron Cresswell when they first played together: “He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

“I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming. You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”

Newcastle already sold Kudus & Mbeumo hybrid who can 'reach Mane's level'

Newcastle are pursuing Mohammed Kudus and Bryan Mbeumo this summer – but have they already sold an alternative?

ByRobbie Walls Jun 1, 2025

Ultimately, Mbeumo is the dream signing for Newcastle, having enjoyed such an impressive 2024/25 season, and he would be a superb upgrade on Jacob Murphy, possessing more consistency than Kudus over the past 12 months.

Chelsea chiefs have opened club-to-club talks with officials over signing a “fantastic” player, following a transfer decision from Arsenal which will have an impact on the race for his signature.

Chelsea transfer plans amid tight Champions League race

The race for a place in the top five is set to go down to the Premier League final day, making Chelsea’s crunch clash with rivals Nottingham Forest their most important game of the season.

New target: Chelsea now hatch plan to sign "powerful" PSG defender for £0

The Blues are aiming to sign a Paris Saint-Germain player on a free transfer this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 18, 2025

Five teams – namely Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Man City and Forest – are involved in the airtight battle to confirm a place in next season’s Champions League draw, with the result of this intense race also set to have a crucial impact on BlueCo’s transfer plans for next season.

Enzo Maresca recently admitted in a press conference that qualification for Europe’s most prestigious competition will have a knock-on effect when it comes to their recruitment plans, and Chelsea wish to be ambitious in the market yet again.

As per journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea have some “big plans” they’re already working on and wish to bring in a number of new players. The plan within Stamford Bridge is to ideally seal a couple of their most desired signings before the Club World Cup begins, and they’ll have a short window to do so.

A special edition window will be open from June 1 to June 10, allowing Chelsea to register new arrivals before the CWC takes place, leaving little wonder we’re seeing reports of the Blues getting busy early doors.

Chelsea reportedly made Dean Huijsen an offer to join them from Bournemouth, but with the 20-year-old now off to Real Madrid, attention now turns to alternative defensive targets. One of them, according to multiple sources, is Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea open talks with Ajax over signing Jorrel Hato

The Netherlands international has featured at left-back throughout the 2024/2025 campaign for Ajax. However, before Francesco Farioli utilised him in a different position, the highly-rated teenager was predominantly a centre-back.

Todd Boehly is allegedly keen on Chelsea signing versatile players who can cover multiple areas (Simon Phillips), so Hato would fit the bill in that respect, and come in as a significant central defensive upgrade as well as an alternative to Marc Cucurella.

A deal for him would apparently cost somewhere in the region of £46 million, so in terms of cost, the defender could be an astute option.

That is according to CaughtOffside, who also boldly state that Chelsea have opened talks with Ajax officials over signing Hato.

While Hato is on Liverpool’s list of targets as well, they’re currently prioritising a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, and Arsenal have decided to cool their interest in the player after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s excellent breakthrough campaign.

This call from the Gunners, not to mention Liverpool’s chase for Kerkez, could free up a Chelsea run at signing Hato, with CaughtOffside describing Maresca’s side as the favourites to strike a deal.

Hato is held in very high esteem by those within the beautiful game, with Jordan Henderson lavishing praise on the Dutchman as a tireless worker.

“It’s crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch,” Henderson said.

“He’s a very mature person, works hard, fantastic player, and yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I’m sure. I think he just needs to continue to do what he’s he’s been doing.”

Fulham have submitted a “very important” bid for a 24-year-old goalkeeper ahead of this summer, according to a claim made by the player’s agent.

Doubts over Marco Silva's future as Fulham prepare for summer window

Marco Silva will know the importance of freshening up his squad in the summer transfer window, in order to take them up another level and look to secure a European finish in 2025/26. It isn’t definite that he will still be in charge of the Cottagers when the new campaign arrives, however, amid rumours of him going to Tottenham or the Middle East.

Tony Khan has spoken glowingly about his manager, perhaps hoping to convince the Portuguese to stay put: “Marco is a huge, huge asset to Fulham Football Club. He is such an amazing person and he is so important to the football club. Marco has a great relationship with my father and myself, and we really love Marco and we want him to stay at Fulham Football Club forever.”

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl has been linked with replacing Silva, with the 36-year-old German highly thought of as an exciting young coach, and increasingly likely to leave the Owls in the near future. Southampton also thought to be keen on appointing him, though, following their doomed Premier League campaign.

Fulham make "very important" offer for Paraguayan goalkeeper

Now, a new transfer rumour has emerged, with Fulham tabling a “very important” offer for San Lorenzo goalkeeper Orlando Gill, according to his agent, Mariano Zelaya: “Bologna and Genoa are interested. There’s also a very important offer from the Premier League [Fulham], and there’s also an offer from Brazilian football.”

Gill is a relative unknown to the average football fan, plying his trade in Argentina and still awaiting his first cap for Paraguay at international level. The 24-year-old is a good ‘keeper, though, with Leeds United strongly linked with a move for the 6 foot 5 stopper, as they look to boost their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.

There is no guarantee that Fulham or the Whites will be able to get their man, however, with Zelaya stressing that he may not leave San Lorenzo this summer:

“What I always tell Orlando is to take it slow. He’s at a big club, which gave him the opportunity and visibility. I want him to stay until the end of the year because he’s fighting to be part of the national team. Where a player builds his career is crucial. You have to be very careful where he plays and with which manager. If a player tells me ‘I want to make history with the national team,’ then the responsibility is huge. Today, Orlando has San Lorenzo and his national team on his mind. We’ll work through our options slowly.”

Fulham make move to sign 28 y/o midfielder who could be available for £0

Fulham are looking to beat Premier League opposition to sign a player on a free transfer.

ByBrett Worthington May 8, 2025

If a move to Craven Cottage does materialise, the Paraguayan could prove to be a strong backup option to Bernd Leno, who has started all 36 league games this season.

It will be fascinating to see whether Jadon Sancho will remain at Chelsea beyond this season. The England international is currently on loan at Stamford Bridge from Manchester United, and has a £25m buy obligation in his contract.

However, a recent report from the Mirror suggested the Blues will not activate the option and will instead send Sancho back to Old Trafford this summer. His record in West London is respectable, with four goals and ten assists in 39 games for the club this season. Eight of those goal involvements came in the Premier League.

If Chelsea decide not to keep Sancho beyond this season, they will be in the market for a new winger and could make a move for one former Premier League star.

Chelsea’s search to replace Sancho

One of the most interesting sagas in the summer transfer window will be that of Leroy Sane. The Bayern Munich star, formerly of Manchester City, could well be on the move again this summer, with a return to the English top flight on the cards.

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 a report from Football Insider, Chelsea are thought to be ‘are intensifying their interest in the winger’ and could make a move for him this summer.

With a view to replacing Sancho, the German could be one of their primary targets.

However, they will not be alone in the race for Sane, who is out of contract next month. London rivals Arsenal are also interested in the 29-year-old, with the Gunners and Enzo Maresca’s Blues considered the ‘frontrunners’ this summer.

Why Sane would be a good signing

Should Chelsea sign Sane this summer, there is no doubt about the experience and quality he would bring to Stamford Bridge. The German international has had another impressive season, helping Bayern reclaim the Bundesliga title under his former teammate, Vincent Kompany.

In 44 appearances this season for the German giants, Sane has managed 13 goals and six assists across all competitions. 17 of those goal involvements have come in the Bundesliga, in just 29 appearances.

The former Schalke academy star is a consistent goalscorer, too. He has only ever gone four games this term without a top-flight goal or assist, although he managed just one goal and no assists in 13 Champions League games.

What a player Sane was during his first stint in England, for City. He managed 39 goals and 44 assists in 135 games. According to Statman Dave, the 29-year-old was “phenomenal” at his peak for City.

Well, his Premier League numbers speak for themselves. Not only did he help City to two top-flight titles during his three full seasons at the club, but he managed to score and assist 55 goals in 90 appearances in the competition.

Games

26

32

31

Minutes

1787

2424

1867

Goals

5

10

10

Assists

4

15

11

Mins per G/A

198

96

88

Chelsea will surely be hoping Sane can replicate the impact Cole Palmer has had at Stamford Bridge. Of course, there are parallels between the two, given that they both played for the Citizens, although Palmer’s opportunities were few and far between at the Etihad Stadium.

He played just 41 times for Pep Guardiola’s side, and since his move to West London, has become “the best player in the Premier League”, which Jamie Carragher claimed back in October.

If Sane can somewhat replicate the England international’s 40 goals and 25 assists in 88 appearances in Blue, he will be a successful signing, to say the least.

Palmer has certainly been an excellent addition to the club, and Sane would surely hope to follow in his footsteps in that sense.

For what would be a free transfer, this seems like a deal Chelsea can’t miss out on. They would be signing a proven Premier League player who can still contribute at the highest level.

A better signing than Osimhen: Chelsea in talks to land the "next Haaland"

Chelsea appear to be making moves to land a star who would be better than Victor Osimhen.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

The Wolverhampton Wanderers hierarchy have now held internal talks over signing a “clinical” £15 million player instead of the rumoured move for Jamie Vardy, according to a reliable reporter.

Wolves keen to land a new striker this summer

Thanks to the work that Vitor Pereira has done since arriving at Molineux, Wolves have another season in the Premier League to look forward to. However, despite avoiding relegation, the Midlands side look set to lose star player Matheus Cunha. That is because the Brazilian is reportedly closing in on a move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils now working on a deal that they hope can be wrapped up soon.

Reliable reporter suggests Wolves could sign £30m Chelsea ace this summer

Wolves could have their eyes set on signing a player who looks set to be available for a transfer this summer.

ByBrett Worthington May 1, 2025

That would leave Wolves with Jorgen Strand Larsen, Hee-chan Hwang and Sasa Kalajdzic as their only recognised senior strikers, and it seems Pereira wants to have more options at his disposal. Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one option under consideration, as he is set to become a free agent at the end of the campaign, and he’s yet to agree a new contract with the Toffees.

It’s also been reported by Football Insider that the Midlands side are keeping an eye on Phil Harres, who has been performing well for struggling Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel. However, these links have all come after it was claimed that Wolves are keen on signing Jamie Vardy, as he is also set to become a free agent and thus would be a cheap option to add experience and depth.

Wolves hold internal talks over signing Cameron Archer

But a move for Vardy may not be on the cards for Pereira’s side, as according to reporter Ben Jacobs, via Molineux News, Wolves could look to sign Cameron Archer from Southampton instead of Vardy this summer.

Speaking on The Wolfpack podcast, Jacobs revealed that the Premier League side may not be interested in a deal for Vardy after all and instead have held internal discussions over a move for Archer, who is also liked by Leeds United.

As quoted by Molineux News, Jacobs said: “It’s not a deal that Wolves are looking to do (Jamie Vardy). They’ll buy younger. One of the names I’ve heard out there for Leeds and Wolves – it’s more like an internal conversation than necessarily a player Wolves are actively approaching or working on – but they like the profile of Cameron Archer at Southampton.”

Apps

70

Goals

6

Assists

2

Archer, who has been described as “clinical” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, joined the Saints last summer from Aston Villa in a deal worth £15 million, and it’s been a transfer that hasn’t really gone to plan.

The centre-forward has played 31 games in the Premier League this season but has only started 13 of those games. Meanwhile, he has scored just two goals, and they came early in the season in back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Leicester.

Archer is under contract until 2028, but given Southampton are heading back to the Championship, the striker could be available on the cheap.

Manchester City scored a remarkable winner to overcome Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in a crucial battle for the Premier League’s Champions League spots.

Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 2-1 victors over the West Midlands outfit, who had their share of chances to win the game. City, however, made them pay with the late winner.

It was almost the perfect start from the Villans, with Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford brilliantly striking the post just moments into the game.

However, City got the early goal through Bernardo Silva, crashing the box to meet a loose ball in the box and firing past Emiliano Martínez, who should have kept the chance out.

Rashford does tend to score against the Citizens, and he managed to get Villa back on level terms from the penalty spot, after Jacob Ramsey was fouled in the box by Ruben Dias for a coming together. The Villa number nine coolly slotted home to equalise.

When the game seemed to be fizzling out late on in the second half, it was City who came up trumps in the dying moments. Matheus Nunes got on the end of a cross from substitute Jeremy Doku who made a mockery of Axel Disasi. It was a vital moment, one that secured a huge three points.

There were certainly some standout players on the night for the East Mancunian outfit.

Man City's best players vs. Villa

Yet again, one of the best players for City against Unai Emery’s Villa side was young Nico O’Reilly. Defending against former City academy man Morgan Rogers, he did a good job of keeping the England international quiet.

Not only that, but O’Reilly looked potent going forward whenever the chance arose. As the stats state, via Sofascore, the 20-year-old attempted four crosses and created one chance against the Villans on Tuesday night.

In fact, the academy graduate wasn’t the only City player who stood out against Villa at the Etihad Stadium. It was another impressive performance from Omar Marmoush, who has eight goal involvements in 16 games for his new club.

Although he went without a goal or assist against Villa, it was his ball that deflected into Silva’s pass for the goal. Goal journalist Richie Mills was complimentary of his performance, giving him a 7/10 and explaining he gave Matty Cash “nightmares” all night long.

So, it was impressive stuff from O’Reilly and Marmoush in a crucial game for City in the race for the top five. However, some players struggled, including one man who has a fight on his hands for a starting spot.

Chalkboard

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

The Man City player who struggled vs. Villa

It was a tough night at the office for young James McAtee. The City number 87 had a golden chance to win the game in the second half after O’Reilly put a deadly ball into the box, but failed to capitalise despite two bites at the apple, notably airkicking the chance as it went begging.

Aside from that, he struggled to get into the game and actually had fewer touches than Stefan Ortega on the night, with 28 compared to 33.

His stats were largely uninspiring outside of that, failing to create a chance and winning just two from five duels.

Touches

28

Pass accuracy

88%

Passes completed

14/16

Number of times ball lost

6

Duels won

2/5

Tackles won

0/2

Chances created

0

Indeed, GOAL’s Mills seemed to think McAtee struggled against the Villans. He gave the Salfordian a 5/10 for his performance, stating that he can “be a bit too lightweight” at times, and explained he must “offer more in attack” in the future.

It will be interesting to see how McAtee breaks into the side in the long term. With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave, there might be a more permanent role for him, but he has struggled to become a regular this term. The 22-year-old has featured for just 885 minutes, or nine full 90-minute games, this season.

If reports as recent as last week are to be believed, City are targeting Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen, with Christian Falk reporting the race is “wide open” for the German. With that in mind, you certainly have to question how McAtee’s long-term future looks.

After a performance like the one against Villa, where he struggled to make a real impact in the right half space, it does seem like signing Wirtz would be a good idea for City. It is certainly a big few months ahead for McAtee, but on this evidence, he should be axed for the German when he arrives.

Instead of signing Wirtz & Gibbs-White: Man City must unleash teenage star

Manchester City have been linked with moves for Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 9, 2025

The Premier League title race may now be all but over, but the season is not lost for Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta’s side preparing for a mammoth tussle with holders Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.

Preparations for that mouthwatering meeting have been hampered by the loss of Gabriel to injury, however, with the Brazilian’s absence just the latest in a long line of setbacks for the north London side.

The top end of the pitch, in particular, has been ravaged in recent months, resulting in the bold move to deploy Mikel Merino in a centre-forward berth for the first time in his career – a decision that has since yielded five goals for the experienced Spaniard.

The Euro 2024 winner only served to enhance his growing ‘cult status’ after dropping back into his preferred midfield berth against Everton on Saturday afternoon, however, having won 14 duels and suffered a blow to the head amid a full-blooded display.

While the 28-year-old has provided a much-needed short-term solution as a makeshift centre-forward, that latest outing showcased that his future must lie in the midfield.

The question is, will there be room for him in the starting lineup moving forward?

How Arsenal's midfield could look next season

There may be a headache for Arteta as to who to select as part of his midfield trio for the long-term – we’ll come on to that – but what is set in stone is that Declan Rice will be at the heart of it.

Be it as a number six or as a number eight, the £105m man has become an invaluable presence for the Gunners since his arrival back in 2023, having notably contributed 13 goals and assists in all competitions this season.

That tally included his stunning curling effort in the 1-1 draw away at Old Trafford, with the Englishman developing a knack for making an impact in the final third – as evidenced by his surging run and assist while on international duty for the Three Lions.

With the 26-year-old a nailed-on starter, the role of Martin Odegaard – who started on the bench at Goodison – may be in doubt, albeit with it not too long ago that the Arsenal skipper was being described as “out of this world” by Rice himself.

The Norwegian playmaker, at his best, remains one of the most creative players in the division – as his tally of 18 goals and assists in the league showcased in 2023/24 – with it certainly not the time to write him off just yet.

With that in mind, the final midfield role could come down to either Merino or potential summer arrival, Martin Zubimendi – amid continued doubts over Thomas Partey’s future at the Emirates – albeit with there now another name to throw into the mix who could look to emulate Rice.

Why Arsenal may be brewing their next Declan Rice

The former West Ham United man has caught the eye over the last 18 months amid his burgeoning set-piece prowess, having produced another whipped, in-swinging corner in the early knockings against Everton, although it is his powerful runs from deep that remain the midfielder’s key strength.

Non-penalty goals

0.12

Top 27%

Assists

0.23

Top 6%

Shot-creating actions

3.31

Top 18%

Pass completion

84.7%

Top 45%

Progressive passes

5.92

Top 25%

Progressive carries

2.68

Top 5%

Touches in attacking box

2.59

Top 12%

Tackles

1.90

Bottom 38%

Interceptions

0.81

Bottom 35%

Indeed, that is epitomised by the fact that Rice ranks in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, indicating his ability to drag the Gunners up the pitch with the ball at his feet.

That is a trait that, as Saturday showcased, looks to be shared by young Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the 18-year-old producing a magnificent carry from just outside his own box, before winning a free-kick on the edge of the opposition penalty area.

The manner in which the teenager powered his way through a sea of bodies was certainly reminiscent of his colleague and compatriot, with Rice himself having previously likened the Hale End graduate to Tottenham Hotspur icon, Mousa Dembele, due to his mix of strength and ball-carrying prowess.

Of course, Lewis-Skelly made the headlines on Merseyside for all the wrong reasons after giving away a penalty just after the break, albeit with it fair to say that the rising star was harshly penalised for his ‘foul’ on Jack Harrison. As Arteta stated post-match, it was “never a penalty”.

The fact remains that the “insane” talent – as described by analyst Ben Mattinson – had allowed Harrison to get the wrong side of him in the first place, a moment that perhaps served as a reminder that he isn’t actually a left-back by trade.

Lewis-Skelly has fended off the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Riccardo Calafiori to make that spot his own, following his debut against Manchester City back in September, although it was actually in central midfield that he largely operated during his time in the youth ranks.

As Mattinson has stated, while Lewis-Skelly represents an ideal solution as an inverted full-back, in the “long-term” he will most likely slot in as a defensive midfielder or in a left eight role, having shown at academy level that he is an “aggressive dueller, ball-winner [and an] exceptional ball-carrier”.

It could be the case then that a midfield trio of Odegaard, Rice and Lewis-Skelly emerges as the leading option next season, with Saturday’s Merseyside moment having shown a mere glimpse of what the teenager can offer in midfield with his Rice-like quality.

Saka's return could spell trouble for Arsenal star who's "not at the level"

The talented international has been poor for Arsenal this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 4, 2025

Celtic returned to action in the Scottish Premiership last weekend with an emphatic 3-0 win over Hearts to retain their 13-point lead at the top of the table.

The Hoops secured all three points against the Jam Tarts thanks to a brace from Daizen Maeda, either side of a close-range finish from Jota, as they bounced back from their 3-2 defeat to Rangers before the international break.

Brendan Rodgers is closing in on his second Premiership title in as many seasons since his return to Parkhead in the summer of 2023, having already won the League Cup earlier this term.

The Northern Irish head coach has a domestic treble in his sights between now and the end of the campaign, with a healthy lead at the top of the league and a semi-final against St. Johnstone in the SFA Cup booked in.

Rodgers may, however, have one eye on the upcoming summer transfer window and how he can make moves to improve his squad to perform even better next term, with the Champions League in mind.

The former Leicester City and Liverpool head coach already knows that he has a situation to deal with at left-back, after revealing that Greg Taylor is likely to move on from Parkhead.

The latest on Greg Taylor's Celtic future

Speaking after the win over Hearts, Rodgers claimed that it is more likely that the Scotland international will leave when his contract expires this summer, rather than signing a new deal to remain in Glasgow.

He told BBC Sport: “I’ve been in this position so many times and I can read situations. It’s probably more likely now that Greg will move on than stay, which is a big shame for me because I love him as a person – and I love his game because it’s suited to how we work.”

The Celtic head coach added: “It’s not financial, but I respect his position because he wants to feel he’ll play every week. Whoever is in next year with Kieran will still play a lot of games, but my feeling is that Greg may well move on.”

The former Kilmarnock man has been an unused substitute in five of the last six matches in all competitions, and was withdrawn at half-time against Hibernian in the only start during that run.

24/25

22

19

23/24

35

35

22/23

31

28

21/22

24

22

20/21

26

23

19/20

13

12

As you can see in the table above, Taylor has been a regular starter, when available, throughout the majority of his time in the Premiership at Parkhead, since his move to Glasgow in the summer of 2019.

But his lack of minutes in recent weeks, as aforementioned, may be a driving factor in his likeliness to leave on a free transfer this summer, at the same time that Kieran Tierney is due to return to Celtic.

Why Kieran Tierney is a gamble for Celtic

It has already been confirmed that the Scotland international will be a part of the squad next season after his contract with Arsenal expires at the end of the current campaign.

As you can see in the table above, the former Celtic star enjoyed a terrific first spell at Parkhead after coming up through the academy system, as he won five titles and made 170 first-team appearances.

His terrific form for the Scottish giants over the years earned him a £25m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019, which remains one of the biggest sales in the club’s history.

Despite all of this, signing Tierney this summer is set to be a gamble by the Hoops because of his worrying injury record that could cause Rodgers problems moving forward.

The 2022/23 campaign is the only season that the left-back has not missed 17 or more matches through injury since the summer of 2018, whilst he has been absent for 39 games through injury since the start of last term.

Celtic are, therefore, gambling on his fitness as he will not be too much use on the pitch if consistent injury problems keep him away from it, which is why it is important for the club to have another capable left-back in line to play.

So, rather than viewing Tierney as the replacement for Taylor, is it Ghana international Jeffrey Schlupp who should be signed permanently as a replacement for the Scottish full-back.

Chalkboard

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

Why Celtic should sign Jeffrey Schlupp permanently

The experienced defender joined the Hoops on loan from Crystal Palace in the January transfer window and has hit the ground running at Parkhead in the second half of this season.

Schlupp, who Rodgers claimed has “incredible pace and power”, is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of June, which suggests that Celtic have the chance to snap him up on a free transfer this summer.

That could make him the dream replacement for Taylor, who is also due to depart for nothing, as the Hoops would not have to spend a penny on transfer fees, whilst they would also be bringing in a player who has already proven that he can perform in the current team.

Schlupp has also not missed a single game through injury since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, which suggests that he would also come in as a reliable figure who could cover when Tierney is unavailable.

Appearances

7

Goals

1

Assists

1

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.8

Duels won per game

4.6

Ground duel success rate

52%

Aerial duel success rate

60%

As you can see in the table above, the Palace loanee has provided defensive strength in his short time at Parkhead to date, winning the majority of his duels on the deck and in the air.

His performance against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League play-off, winning eight of his ten duels and making a staggering 11 tackles and interceptions combined, also showed that he has the quality to step up in big games against huge European teams.

This suggests that Schlupp could be a great signing for Celtic with their European hopes in mind, because the 32-year-old ace has proven that he can perform on the biggest stage.

Therefore, signing the loanee on a permanent deal could result in the Hoops having their dream replacement for Taylor, as he is not as injury-prone as Tierney and the defender has already proven his quality on the pitch for Rodgers in recent months.

It is now down to the manager and the recruitment staff to complete a free transfer for the full-back, should he not sign a new deal at Palace, to bolster the squad in the summer transfer window.

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Monday could be the day. Leeds United can secure their promotion to the Premier League if results go their way in the Championship on Easter Monday.

The Whites host Stoke City at Elland Road and know that if they pick up all three points against the Potters, then they have the chance to officially claim their place in the top-flight.

However, they will need Burnley to do them a favour in their clash with Sheffield United. Anything other than a Blades win will mean that Leeds are promoted by beating Stoke.

Daniel Farke must ensure that there is no complacency in his squad ahead of this game, with all the talk about a possible promotion being secured, and the performance against Oxford United last time out suggests that will not be a problem, as they battled hard to secure that victory.

Despite the players and the coaching staff being laser-focused on getting results in the here and now, the board are reportedly already looking at potential signings ahead of the summer transfer window.

Leeds are looking ahead to how their squad could look for a Premier League campaign, and one player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road is Angus Gunn.

Why Leeds should not sign Angus Gunn

Football Insider recently reported that the West Yorkshire outfit are ‘readying’ a move to sign the Scotland international to bolster their goalkeeping ranks.

The outlet claimed that Gunn has not been offered a new contract by Norwich City and is set to become a free agent, which has seemingly alerted Leeds.

It stated that the Whites are set to be in the market to find a replacement for Illan Meslier, who has recently been dropped in favour of Karl Darlow, and that the Canaries shot-stopper is one target that they have identified.

Leeds, however, should avoid a move for Gunn if they are looking to find a new number one for a Premier League campaign, because his form has tailed off at Championship level.

The Norwich-born stopper prevented 4.55 goals (xG) in 40 appearances in the second tier in the 2023/24 campaign, showing that he significantly outperformed as a shot-stopper, but that has shot down to a staggeringly low -6.40 goals prevented this season under Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Angus Gunn

Norwich City

-6.40

Ethan Horvath

Cardiff City

-6.21

Bradley Collins

Coventry City

-5.99

Seny Dieng

Middlesbrough

-4.49

James Beadle

Sheffield Wednesday

-3.94

George Long

Norwich City

-3.71

Thomas Kaminski

Luton Town

-3.51

Freddie Woodman

Preston North End

-3.48

George Evans

Millwall

-2.77

Illan Meslier

Leeds

-2.73

As you can see in the table above, no goalkeeper has underperformed as a shot-stopper as badly as Gunn has, with Meslier also sneaking into the top ten worst players in the division in that particular statistic.

This is why Leeds should avoid the Norwich dud, whose form has not been good enough in the second tier, and they are now reportedly eyeing another goalkeeper who would be an even better signing.

Leeds plot bid for Premier League stopper

According to The Sun on Sunday’s print edition (20 April, page 57), as relayed by MOT Leeds News, the Whites are ‘plotting’ a bid to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers outcast Sam Johnstone.

The report claims that Leeds are eyeing up a £10m bid to sign the England international in the upcoming summer transfer window, as they continue to eye possible replacements for Meslier between the sticks.

Transfer Focus

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

Johnstone has only played seven times in the Premier League for the Old Gold so far this season, but it remains to be seen whether or not Wolves would be willing to cash in on him for a fee of £10m.

He is currently behind Portuguese colossus Jose Sa in the pecking order under Vitor Pereira and Leeds could take advantage of that to bring him to Elland Road ahead of next season.

The Whites must, now, push to get a deal over the line for the English stopper because he could come in as a much better signing than Gunn would be this summer.

Why Leeds should sign Sam Johnstone

Getting in players with Premier League experience could be vital for Leeds because they are players who know the division, know what it takes to win matches, and will not be surprised by anything that comes their way throughout the season.

Johnstone has played 73 times in the top-flight for West Brom, Crystal Palace, and Wolves, whilst he was also on the books at Manchester United at the start of his career. Whereas, Gunn has only made 31 appearances in the Premier League for Southampton and Norwich combined.

The English titan has earned himself moves to three different Premier League sides, joining the Baggies, Palace, and Wolves, whilst Meslier has failed to earn a transfer back to the Premier League, and Gunn has been at Norwich since their relegation in the summer of 2022.

This suggests that top-flight teams value Johnstone’s quality and experience at that level. His statistics back up his status in comparison to Gunn and Meslier, as he has performed far more impressively in the division.

Appearances

107

31

73

Goals conceded

198

65

128

Goals conceded per game

1.85

2.09

1.75

Clean sheets

21

6

15

Post-shot xG minus goals conceded

-32.0

-18.1

-11.8

As you can see in the table above, Johnstone has not underperformed as badly as Gunn or Meslier in the Premier League as a shot-stopper, and has conceded fewer goals per game on average than both of them.

The England international, who was once hailed for an “unbelievable” save by Gary Lineker, also made his top-flight debut for Palace against Leeds and showcased his quality in that game, as shown in the highlights below.

Johnstone is an experienced and proven performer in the top division and could be a shrewd addition to the Leeds squad for a fee of £10m this summer, if they are promoted to the Premier League.

Gunn, on the other hand, has performed significantly worse in the top-flight during his career and is currently the worst-performing goalkeeper, as a shot-stopper, in the Championship.

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It is now down to the club to ensure that they can convince Wolves to part ways with the English colossus this summer in order to bolster their goalkeeping ranks.

Liverpool’s issues run far and wide this season, and Arne Slot’s second season is falling from a concern to a calamity. Nottingham Forest pitched up at Anfield on Saturday and won 3-0. That’s six defeats from seven Premier League matches for the champions.

The fact that Liverpool produced a confident and front-footed performance for the first half-hour, before Murillo pounced after a corner, is immaterial. Even the residue of the fluent and coherent and tenacious spine has deserted Slot’s side.

Things can change quickly in football, but on the basis of the current evidence, Liverpool will struggle to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, let alone challenge high-flying Arsenal for the title.

Change is needed, a strange thing to say given the Reds’ record-breaking summer of spending. But with such glaring tactical problems, it feels likely that FSG will authorise a signing or two this winter.

Liverpool search for winter signings

With Ibrahima Konate so horribly out of sorts and free to talk to overseas suitors in January, out of contract at the end of the season, there is an understandable anxiety about Liverpool’s defensive depth, let alone the stability of the backline.

This club’s reputation as masterful strategists has disintegrated over the past few months. The squeals of delight from rival fans are loud, and it goes without saying that it’s crucial that sporting director Richard Hughes gets it right if dipping back into the market come January.

Liverpool need a centre-back, sure, but that’s not the extent of their issues, with Slot actually hinting in the past week that his club’s transfer arm may extend in a different direction.

Well, according to Spanish sources, Liverpool are preparing to launch a statement bid for Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, who has been earmarked as an alternative to Antoine Semenyo, admired by FSG and with a £65m release clause that becomes active in January.

Liverpool might have broken the British transfer record on Alexander Isak this summer, but they are now looking to smash that once again with a deal for the French winger, who is valued at €200m (about £177m).

Change is needed at Anfield, and with Olise added to the fold, the intensity and sparkle that have been so sorely lacking may be rekindled.

What Olise would bring to Liverpool

Liverpool have been lacking something out wide this season, and a large part of that has been the failure to effectively replace Luis Diaz.

Diaz, sold to Bayern Munich this summer, was so dynamic and dangerous, and in his new teammate Olise, Liverpool could restore that style of wide forward to their set-up.

Olise has been described as “easily a top-five right winger in the world” by analyst Ben Mattinson, and with the need for a Mohamed Salah replacement intensifying, this could be the perfect move to go for, the Les Bleus star only continuing to go from strength to strength.

Whether Liverpool opt for the cheaper route in signing Semenyo remains to be seen, but this would be a statement, and Olise has proven his capacity to succeed in different systems and different areas.

Of course, there is a big difference between playing for Bournemouth and starring for Bayern Munich. The Cherries are an attractive and impressive outfit, but they lack the offensive freedom of Die Roten at the peak of the Bundesliga.

Goals scored

0.63

0.55

Assists

0.63

0.27

Shots taken

4.62

1.91

Shot-creating actions

6.82

3.28

Touches (att pen)

7.55

3.64

Pass completion (%)

81.6

69.4

Progressive passes

6.40

3.55

Progressive carries

5.45

3.19

Successful take-ons

2.31

1.91

Ball recoveries

4.72

5.28

Tackles + interceptions

1.36

1.82

Olise would be able to transfer his elite-level experience back over to the Premier League, where he has played so spectacularly before, and provide Slot’s side with creative and physical upgrades, echoing Semenyo’s skills in that regard.

But he would also give Liverpool the Diaz-like presence they have missed since the summer. The Colombian’s energy and core strength made him a fearsome Premier League winger, and with 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions last term, he was instrumental in propping up Slot’s reputation.

Podcast host Ryan Dilks said five years ago that Olise was a “superstar in waiting”, destined for the top, and now that has been put into practice, with the 23-year-old in his second season at Bayern and currently boasting nine goals and ten assists across 18 matches in all competitions this season.

It cannot be understated how much of a detrimental effect Diaz’s sale has had on Liverpool’s form and fluency this season. Olise would fix that. As per Sofascore, he has won 4.4 duels per game in the Bundesliga this season. His final season in the Premier League with Palace? Olise averaged 5.7 duels per match.

Liverpool are crying out for this kind of winger, and while Semenyo would add qualities that the club need, Olise is equally tenacious and physical, and he’s far superior from a technical standpoint and proven as one of the game’s most prolific wide forwards around.

Liverpool have slipped and slid into a morass of their own making. There are many circumstances surrounding this current crisis, but Slot is making many questionable tactical decisions and the players themselves have lost every shred of confidence and work-rate, two fixed points of the Dutch coach’s successful first season in charge.

It’s clear that there isn’t enough width and energy down the flanks, and so Olise could be the perfect Semenyo alternative to replace Salah by handing back to Merseyside a bit of Diaz-esque flair.

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