Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a dream signing in Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry this summer, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Conte pushing for move…
The sensational Bundesliga forward, out of contract in 2023, has been at the centre of exit reports recently as his club still fail to agree terms over an extension.
Bayern, as a result, are currently under some pressure and face the possibility of having to sell him for a profit in the next transfer window while they still can.
Gnabry has no shortage of Premier League suitors, including Spurs, with manager Antonio Conte personally holding a serious interest in the former Arsenal ace.
According to a report by The Daily Star, Conte is ‘pushing’ transfer chief Fabio Paratici and the north Londoners to ‘table a cut-price deal’ for Bayern’s star given his contract status.
The Star believe that Tottenham, as a result, are ‘plotting an ambitious swoop’ to appease the Italian with an update now emerging from Spain.
The Latest: Gnabry ‘most dreamed of’ at Spurs…
Indeed, according to Spanish sources, Gnabry is now the ‘most dreamed of’ signing for Spurs this summer amid reports Conte seriously wants it done.
However, despite his contractual situation, it is believed the Lilywhites ‘would still have to pay a large amount’ for the 26-year-old.
As Paratici and co eye a number of reinforcements in other key areas, this report claims a formal bid is fairly unlikely despite Conte’s affection for the player.
The Verdict: Perfect but uphill battle…
The serious competition for Gnabry’s signature could certainly drive up his price tag with interest also coming from European heavyweights Real Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus.
Regardless of the £63 million-rated Germany ace entering the final year of his deal, it may still be an uphill battle to seal and agreement at Spurs.
If Conte does get his alleged wish, though, and Spurs do attempt a cut-price move, there is little arguing he would be a serious upgrade.
Former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson has recently urged the Lilywhites to get a deal done, calling Gnabry a ‘world class’ player, and the fact he has hit double figures for goals in every single one of his Bundesliga seasons is real evidence of this (Transfermarkt).
While unlikely, it is little wonder the former West Brom winger is seen as a dream signing.
In other news: Fabrizio Romano says ‘monster’ Spurs player is now ‘expected to leave’ this summer! Find out more here.
Rangers winger Ryan Kent ‘flatters to deceive’, according to BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer Tom English.
The lowdown
The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes as the Gers drew 1-1 with their Glasgow arch-rivals in Sunday’s Old Firm derby, missing what may be their final opportunity to breathe fresh life into the Premiership title race.
Early in the match, with the score still 0-0, Kent beat Anthony Ralston to James Tavernier’s cross but could only steer his volley wide from around eight yards out.
Midway through the second half, though, he teed up Fashion Sakala for the Gers’ equaliser.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, English said that Kent simply had to convert what was a “tremendous” chance for the visitors early in the match, slamming the former Liverpool winger’s lowly goal return of just three in 42 appearances 2021/22.
The journalist chimed: “I thought Rangers started very well but Ryan Kent has got to score with that tremendous chance. It’s one of my problems with Kent, he flatters to deceive, he’s got three goals this season – it’s nowhere near good enough.”
The verdict
Kent’s assist for Sakala was his 18th of the season in all competitions – a mightily impressive tally. He has set up more goals than anybody in the Rangers squad, with James Tavernier his nearest challenger on 16.
However, it’s still fair to demand more from the club’s most valuable asset, particularly in games of this magnitude. After all, Kent’s 6.2/10 SofaScore rating was the lowest among Rangers’ outfielders on Sunday.
In addition to missing a ‘big chance’, the £18,000-per-week winger lost eight of the 13 ground duels that he contested and also committed two fouls.
Rangers fans will hope that he truly rises to the occasion at Ibrox on Thursday when they take on RB Leipzig in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final.
In other news, Alex McLeish has dropped a transfer claim concerning this Rangers youngster
Paddy Kenny has now been lamenting some Glasgow Rangers injury news on Aaron Ramsey ahead of tonight’s epic clash in the UEFA Europa League.
The Lowdown: Ruled out
Speaking in his pre-game press conference before they played Motherwell away from home in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed that Ramsey would be ruled out until the home leg of their semi-final tie against RB Leipzig, meaning that he will miss tonight’s match.
He joins both Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe on the sidelines, in an injury list that is starting to grow for the Ibrox faithful.
The Latest: Kenny reacts
Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United and Sheffield United goalkeeper Kenny has now given his reaction to the news of Ramsey’s injury, as the 43-year-old claimed it is another ‘monumental blow’ after the issues with Morelos and Roofe:
“Wow, I mean, that is a big blow.
“Roofe, yes he’s been in good form but Rangers do have other attackers who can contribute.
“Ramsey, you can’t replicate what he has in terms of experience. He has played at the very top level and he is someone who the less experienced players will look towards.
“I think losing Ramsey in that midfield is a monumental blow to that teamit just got harder for them.
“They can still get something but they have to hope Ramsey comes back for the second leg.”
The Verdict: Huge loss
Ramsey will no doubt be a huge loss to the Gers, given his experience of playing European football with Arsenal and Juventus and on the big international stage with Wales.
He has ranked highly among his teammates in terms of average shots and key passes per game in the competition so far, and has already demonstrated his credentials with two goals in the league during his loan spell (WhoScored).
Nonetheless, with Morelos and Roofe out, they could have done with Ramsey’s knack for goals from midfield, but van Bronckhorst will now have to find a way to get a result without some of his key players.
In other news, find out what big behind-the-scenes twist has now emerged at RFC here!
It would be easy to say that this is becoming a season to forget for Liverpool, but Arne Slot’s Reds have in actual fact sunk so low that this wretched campaign will be seared into the fanbase’s memory for years to come.
The Premier League champions have lost nine of their past 12 matches in all competitions, including twice at Anfield in a space of just five days. This is beyond concerning: this is a calamity.
For all the mitigating circumstances at the Merseyside club, there is simply no excuse for the lack of fight and intensity that fans have watched all too often since the summer, Liverpool having established themselves as title winners and broken the summer spending record.
Alexander Isak is the most expensive player in British history, joining Liverpool from Newcastle United for £125m on deadline day.
His only goal since joining came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. The Sweden striker has not integrated well, though it’s not exactly easy to dovetail into this current Liverpool side.
He needs more support, and that’s why sporting director Richard Hughes is surveying the market for a new wide forward to replace Mohamed Salah.
Why Liverpool want to replace Mohamed Salah
Salah’s struggles this season must be viewed through a wide and balanced lens. The 33-year-old has been wildly out of sorts, but he’s ageing, grieving the passing of his teammate Diogo Jota and playing a tweaked role now that Liverpool have signed big-money strikers.
Taking all this into consideration, he’s still struggling to perform to the expected level. This is perhaps why Liverpool are gearing up for winter bid for Bournemouth’s versatile forward Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause.
But should Liverpool be aiming higher? After all, they need to land an elite winger who will succeed in rekindling Isak’s world-class quality.
Well, they may have found their man in Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, with Spanish sources suggesting that Liverpool are prepared to fight for the 23-year-old’s signature next summer.
Olise joined Bayern from Crystal Palace in 2024 and has since staked his claim as one of the most exciting forwards in the business. Vincent Kompany’s side know this and will demand a staggering €140m (equating to £122m) sum for his sale.
Arsenal and Manchester United are also keen, so Hughes had better roll up his sleeves.
Why Liverpool should sign Michael Olise
It might have been an unhappy return to English shores for Olise this week as his Bayern team were beaten 3-1 at the Emirates, but the right winger still caught the eye, completing three dribbles and winning eight duels.
A fully-fledged member of Didier Deschamps’ France set-up, Olise has proven himself across a range of different levels, and now he is ready to take the baton from Salah and become a superstar at Anfield.
Should Salah find a purple patch within him once again, the fact remains that his £400k-per-week contract expires at the end of next season, and Liverpool are somewhat short of options on that flank.
The two could cohabit on Liverpool’s attacking flank next season, and Olise has the athleticism and output to ensure Isak reminds everyone that he is “the best striker in the Premier League”, as he was hailed by Jamie Carragher for his form with Newcastle during the 2024/25 campaign.
Olise ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists and shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, data via FBref.
Harry Kane is a very different type of number nine to Isak, but the Sweden international’s more energetic and mobile playing style might actually give rise to Olise’s finest creative qualities.
Indeed, Isak is fast and furious, skilful on the ball. His ability to split lines open with cleverly-timed runs would play into Olise’s playmaking.
Hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world” by podcaster Henry Swain, Olise would be taking Salah’s place on the right, whereas Isak is tussling for a starting berth with Hugo Ekitike, who also joined Liverpool this summer.
Should the Reds succeed in adding Olise to their ranks, he has the potential to become their star forward. This is quite a claim, Isak, Ekitike and Florian Wirtz are among the attacking options at Slot’s disposal, after all.
But it’s the truth. Here is a player whose proven ability across so many different areas underscores his quality. He is artful on the ball and combative and physical when he needs to be. Isak might have proven himself in front of goal in the Premier League, but his start to life on Merseyside shows that he has weaknesses within his game.
25/26
5 (4)
0 + 1
24/25
34 (34)
23 + 6
23/24
30 (27)
21 + 2
22/23
22 (17)
10 + 2
Olise, after all, has recorded 62 goal contributions from only 74 matches for the German giants, and that after enjoying a talismanic role at Selhurst Park with Palace.
Toward the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Carragher spoke on Sky Sports of Eberechi Eze and Olise’s brilliance for Oliver Glasner’s Palace. He said those Eagles would fly high at top clubs in the Champions League.
The pundit was right. Olise is a superstar, and given his Premier League and European experience, his flair and gusto, he would be the perfect right-sided forward to take Salah’s place and combine with a striker like Isak to fire Liverpool back into the ascendancy – and keep them there.
But given his potential to succeed Salah, and unenviable task if ever there was one, Olise might even prove a better deal than Isak, whose success perhaps runs counter to Ekitike’s own long-term ambitions at the front of the Anfield ship.
As bad as Konate & Van Dijk: £85m Liverpool duo cannot start together again
Liverpool plummeted to new depths after losing 4-1 to PSV at Anfield in the Champions League.
In what could see them finally get one over on Real Madrid, Liverpool could yet hijack the Spanish giants’ move to sign an England international when 2026 arrives.
Slot slams "stupid" Ekitike red card
Away from potential incomings, it was one of Liverpool’s summer signings who stole the headlines for the wrong reasons against Southampton. After emerging from the bench, Hugo Ekitike was perfectly placed to score another late winner for Liverpool as they edged past the Saints in the Carabao Cup.
For a brief moment, the Frenchman was the hero of the hour. And then he continued his celebration by replicating Lionel Messi’s famous shirt celebration to receive his second yellow card and subsequent red card in the 86th minute. It’s a moment that he won’t be forgetting anytime soon and one that Arne Slot slammed in his post-match reaction.
The Dutchman told reporters: “I told him if you score in a Champions League final in the 87th minute after outplaying three players and hitting it into the top corner I can maybe understand that you are like ‘this is all about me’.
“I’m old-fashioned, I’m 47 and old and I haven’t played at this level but I did score a few goals and if I had scored a goal like this I would have turned around and walked up to Federico Chiesa and said this goal is all about you, not about me. “So needless, not smart, you call it stupid, I call it stupid as well.”
"Really difficult" – £150k-p/w Liverpool star admits he wasn't at "level" Slot wanted
The player is feeling much better now.
ByCharlie Smith Sep 24, 2025
It’s fair to say that the manager didn’t hold back when sharing his true feelings, but that’s the type of mistake that cannot happen at Europe’s top clubs. It’s the type of mentality that attracts players in the first place and the type that is now reportedly tempting a Real Madrid target.
Jarrad Branthwaite tempted by Liverpool move
As reported by Caught Offside, Jarrad Branthwaite is now tempted by a move to Liverpool and Manchester United, which could yet see him reject the chance to join Real Madrid in 2026. The Spanish club have admired the England defender from afar, but could see any potential move hijacked by Premier League opposition.
Speaking about Branthwaite’s desire to join a big club, Caught Offside’s Mark Brus wrote: “Everton have sometimes had to sell their star names to bigger clubs, though they’ll obviously hope to be able to keep Branthwaite for as long as possible. As per my sources, though, it’s well established that the talented young Englishman has the desire to play for a top club.”
Brus also claimed that Man United are expected to submit an offer worth as much as £60m to sign Branthwaite in 2026. Whether Everton deem that worthy of selling their star man or Liverpool decide to match that price is the big question.
It would certainly steal the headlines if one of the Toffees’ most important players jumped ship to Anfield.
Chelsea, once again, appear to be collecting all the wide-attackers they can get their hands on.
On deadline day, in a deal that had been in the pipeline for months, the Blues confirmed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United for a reported fee of £40m.
This summer alone, the Blues had also already added Estêvão Willian, Jamie Gittens, João Pedro and Kendry Páez to their ranks, all players who like to be deployed just behind a centre-forward, either out-wide or centrally.
However, is this continued mass summer spending actually blocking the pathways for Cobham’s most talented youngsters, one in particular who is still at the club, despite very nearly leaving?
Will Alejandro Garnacho improve Chelsea?
Despite the fact this transfer had been on the cards since May, it remains unclear where Garnacho will fit in at Chelsea.
As already alluded to, they have an abundance of attacking options, particularly in Garnacho’s favoured left-wing position, with Gittens starting there on the opening day of the Premier League season against Crystal Palace, while Pedro Neto has got the nod for the two subsequent matches.
So, when extrapolating Garnacho’s Premier League statistics from last season and comparing them to Chelsea’s players, how does the Argentine international compare? Let’s find out.
Goals
6
5th
Assists
2
8th
Shots
84
2nd
Shots on target
29
4th
Shots on target %
34.5%
10th
Goals – xG
-1.3
20th
Shot-creating actions
83
5th
Goal-creating actions
6
8th
Progressive carries
141
2nd
As the table outlines, among Chelsea players last season, only the now departed Noni Madueke registered more progressive carries than Garnacho, but the 21-year-old isn’t much of a clinical finisher, as underlined by his goals – xG figure, certainly more of a high volume shooter, but without much accuracy.
Manchester United's AlejandroGarnachoduring training
Thus, it remains to be seen whether or not Garnacho will actually improve Chelsea, so should Enzo Maresca prioritise giving minutes to a home-grown academy graduate?
Chelsea's next Cobham superstar
On deadline day, it appeared as though Tyrique George would become the latest Chelsea academy graduate sacrificed to help the club comply with the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules.
Fulham had agreed a £22m fee to sign the teenager, with George even completing a medical ahead of a move to Craven Cottage, only for them to pull the plug on the deal at the eleventh hour, signing Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk and Samuel Chukwueze on loan from AC Milan instead.
Thus, George has returned to Chelsea, and this could turn out to be an absolute blessing.
Football analyst Ben Mattinson is certainly a fan, comparing him to a “young Callum Hudson-Odoi”, praising his “excellent ball manipulation” and outstanding “ball-striking” ability, asserting that he is “one of the very best in the world” in his age group.
It is easy to forget just how good Hudson-Odoi was when he first burst onto the scene, with the Blues famously rejecting a £70m bid from Bayern Munich for his services back in 2020, eventually selling him to Nottingham Forest for £3m three years later.
Well, George could be even better, after enjoying a breakout season last time round, accumulating 1,154 senior minutes, scoring his first-ever Premier League goal against Fulham on Easter Sunday, also netting against Legia Warszawa in the Conference League and during the 3-0 demolition of Espérance Sportive de Tunis at the Club World Cup.
Most of his minutes came in the Conference League, a key figure across the Blues’ 15 matches in the competition, with Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelling him one of England’s “most interesting” young talents, forecasting that he has a “big future ahead”.
Thus, especially given that they were prepared to sell him to Fulham, one has to be concerned about where George’s minutes will come from, but Maresca should prioritise giving him opportunities, given that he has a higher ceiling than Garnacho in particular.
Boehly ditched Chelsea's own Alexander Isak in "unbelievable" talent
The talented international could have an excellent season away from Chelsea.
The ‘FSG out’ brigade appear to have run out of steam. Liverpool’s American owners have long been divisive within the Reds community, with some segments of the fanbase criticising their so-called frugal approach in the transfer market.
There are grains of truth to these claims: after Jurgen Klopp won the Premier League in 2019/20, he was rewarded with only Diogo Jota, Thiago and Kostas Tsimikas. Admittedly, FSG had jam-packed the squad with high-level quality over the past several seasons, rarely missing the mark.
Liverpool summer transfer window in 2020
But this time around, the Anfield side aren’t resting on their laurels and are instead strengthening across the park to ensure Arne Slot can defend his newly-won league title and forge a dynasty of his own on Merseyside.
It’s a formidable show of financial strength and merciless ambition. The £100m signing of 22-year-old Florian Wirtz (which could rise to a British-record £116m) hands Slot one of the prized playmakers of the modern game, and another new defender may yet be inbound.
Liverpool's new-look defence
Although Liverpool have extended captain Virgil van Dijk’s contract for the next two years, a £30m deal plus add-ons has been agreed for the transfer of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate’s future remains unclear after a recent contract proposal was rejected by the Frenchman’s camp.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Change may well be afoot. Well, more change, in any case. Trent Alexander-Arnold is already two competitive matches into his Real Madrid career, and Jeremie Frimpong has been signed on as his successor after the Leverkusen right-sider’s £29.5m release clause was met.
On the left side of the rearguard, Andy Robertson, 31, continues to mull over the chance to see out his autumn years in Spain, Atletico Madrid having registered their interest in the left-back.
Robertson is a stalwart and a two-time Premier League champion besides. But he’s waning, and anyway, Liverpool are on the brink of signing Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as his successor.
And still, another defender could arrive before too long.
Liverpool nearing agreement with Premier League star
As per Football Insider, Liverpool are close to reaching an ‘agreement’ for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
In January, Tottenham Hotspur saw a £70m offer rejected, but now Palace chairman Steve Parish knows free agency could become a real situation for the Three Lions star, and Liverpool are thought to be confident that a £50m fee can be agreed.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
Football Insider’s Mick Brown even believes Guehi will turn down interest from Arsenal to sign for the Anfield because he is concerned his match action would be limited in Mikel Arteta’s team.
How Guehi could follow in Salah's footsteps
Liverpool’s transfer ethos over the past decade or so has often seen players plucked from clubs lower down the ladder; rarely have Liverpool raided one of their ‘big six’ rivals for a top talent.
Guehi could be the latest in that regard, and having been regarded as a player of high potential right from his maiden days when he was at Chelsea’s Cobham academy, it’s clear he’s got the natural potential to reach even higher levels than have been witnessed over the past several years.
Quansah’s departure opens up space at Liverpool to be sure, but Guehi’s presence could weave into the heart of Slot’s backline for many years to come, with his two-footedness lending itself to the left side of the central defence, an area that Van Dijk will have to vacate at some stage.
Apps
132
Goals
6
Assists
4
Clean sheets
33
Wins
41
Draws
46
Losses
45
Tackle success
55%
Duel success
62%
Cards (Y/R)
21/1
Three years ago, Palace signed Guehi from Chelsea in a deal worth £18m. He has since completed 155 appearances in all competitions, historically winning the FA Cup last month.
A composed, intelligent and technically sound centre-back with steely defensive roots, Guehi could be an incredible fit for a Liverpool side looking to solidify their position at the top of English football.
Everton's Tim Iroegbunam in action with Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
It wouldn’t be the first time the Reds have signed a former Chelsea reject either, with Mohamed Salah joining Liverpool from AS Roma back in 2017 after previously falling by the wayside as a younger prospect in west London, scoring just two times across 19 matches.
Salah has, of course, grown into one of the most legendary forwards in Premier League history, with his 186-goal tally in the division placing him fifth on the all-time rankings, only 27 strikes behind Harry Kane in second place.
After finding his feet and playing in European competition in Italy, the Egyptian King has since risen to the fore, winning so many team and individual accolades across his Anfield career.
Almost single-handedly driving Slot’s side to the Premier League title in 2024/25, FSG certainly know the benefit in pursuing a player who had once been held by a divisional rival, even if they failed to bring it all together on enemy territory.
Guehi might not be a player of a similar style of positional value, but he does have the potential to become one of the best in his position just as Salah has, with Palace reporter Bobby Manzi even declaring him to be a “monster in defence” after one stunning performance for the Three Lions.
Moreover, the 24-year-old has led his team to trophy-winning success and, while he hasn’t played on the European scene yet, knows that his efforts last term sealed Palace’s place in next year’s Europa League proper, a fine feat indeed.
Guehi has rebounded from the heartbreak of failing to make the final grade at Stamford Bridge, but given that Chelsea have since been interested in re-signing their one-time graduate, it’s Liverpool who may have the last laugh once again. Just as they did with Salah.
Slot's answer to Mane: Liverpool chasing "monster" £70m Premier League star
Liverpool have set their sights on another attacking star this summer.
Liverpool’s pre-season schedule commences on Sunday July 13, at the Deepdale Stadium. It’ll be a feeling-out process, but one which Arne Slot will hope to use his new recruits.
And the head coach might have a range of new options to pick from. Indeed, Jeremie Frimpong is already signed and sealed as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s successor on the right flank, left-back Milos Kerkez is the subject of advancing talks with Bournemouth and the outcome of Darwin Nunez’s future move (he’s “planning to leave”, reports Fabrizio Romano) will see a new striker brought in.
But, of course, the name on everyone’s lips is that of Florian Wirtz, with the playmaker’s Bayer Leverkusen employers locked in talks with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes to agree to a British-record transfer.
The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool
Wirtz is quite the player. While biased in his opinion, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has described him as “the best midfielder in the world”, which is high praise indeed and justifiable, if subjective.
Florian Wirtz scores for Germany
Liverpool have done so well to beat off competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich to come to the closing stages of a deal for Wirtz, which isn’t there yet.
Until the negotiations are brought to an agreeable close, fans will continue to bite their nails, with Liverpool seeing a £110m bid rejected. The Werkself are holding out for a British-record £120m fee.
Florian Wirtz
While it would be a travesty if the bid unravelled now, it wouldn’t be unprecedented. Remember Nabil Fekir, anyone?
Liverpool would be wise to have a back-up plan. And they do.
Liverpool eyeing Wirtz alternative
As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have joined a host of clubs in the race for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, who has also attracted Chelsea’s attention following Manchester City’s earlier declaration of interest.
City might have the lead, but Liverpool may yet make their move for the £70m-rated playmaker, with Forest said to be bracing themselves for official bids.
Gibbs-White, 25, may have been monitored by the Anfield side for a while, but they will need to up their game in the coming weeks if they are to beat off the divisional competition.
Why Liverpool want Morgan Gibbs-White
One of the principal architects of Nottingham Forest’s extraordinary campaign, qualifying for Europe, Gibbs-White is now proving the Tricky Trees have received bang for their buck after forking out £42.5m for his services back in August 2022.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match
This season, the part-time Tricky Trees skipper scored seven goals and supplied ten more across 34 Premier League matches, creating ten big chances, averaging 4.5 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.
Gibbs-White clearly boasts the kind of profile Liverpool desire for their midfield, especially since BBC analyst Raj Chohan has also humourously hailed him as “the Aldi Jude Bellingham.”
Real Madrid superstar Bellingham has opened up about his “hero” being the iconic Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, no doubt having fashioned elements of his game on Gerrard in his pomp.
Liverpool wanted Bellingham in 2023, but pulled out of the race for the Borussia Dortmund prodigy when it became clear he was leaning toward the Spanish capital, funds instead put toward making sweeping midfield changes.
The point is, though, that the Reds wanted Bellingham’s athletic, dynamic approach, and Gibbs-White could be the perfect man to bring such an identity to the Anfield heart, providing Slot with the perfect Wirtz alternative.
Ah yes, it’s probably worth noting Liverpool would only make their move for Gibbs-White if a deal for Wirtz falls through, which would strike a sense of profound numbness across Merseyside if it came to be.
But the Forest man has the skills to succeed under Slot’s wing. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 12% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers last term for goal-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 9% for through balls, the top 12% for interceptions and the top 15% for aerial battles won per 90.
One scout has even remarked that the all-action midfielder has a “Steven Gerrard mentality”, so influential and willing to take control of a match, to spearhead the pursuit of victory.
Once called a “real character and leader” for his club by Tottenham Hotspur historian John Wenham, Gibbs-White might not be in the same talent bracket as Gerrard once was, but that’s not to his discredit.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard
Gerrard was in a different sphere to the lion’s share, in fairness, retiring as one of the standout midfielders of his generation and perhaps the greatest player in Liverpool’s history, devoting his entire European career to Anfield and its denizens.
A supreme leader and fiercely rounded midfielder, Gerrard’s blueprint has been replicated by new blood, but he’s never been overtaken.
However, Gibbs-White could perform the role to an emphatic effect, breaking lines, inspiring his teammates and providing a combative sheen too, the complete player.
1.
Ian Callaghan
852
2.
Jamie Carragher
737
3.
Steven Gerrard
710
4.
Emelyn Hughes
664
5.
Ray Clemence
663
Maybe he wouldn’t succeed in becoming quite so legendary a Liverpudlian as Gerrard, who featured 710 times for the Merseysiders, his boyhood club, but he could play an instrumental part in winning the Premier League, breaking clear of Manchester United and becoming the most successful
It would be nice to bring Wirtz in, for he is matchless in his position right now. However, Gibbs-White would do a job in Slot’s system.
He’s still an immense midfielder with a vibrant personality and a persistent attitude besides. If Liverpool wish to continue to make gains over the coming years, this is exactly the kind of profile they should be going for.
If the move for Wirtz doesn’t come to fruition, of course.
Liverpool exploring move for £30m "iron barrel" who's just like Van Dijk
Liverpool are interested in signing a new centre-back this summer.
Part and parcel of being a club in the lower leagues in England, as Sunderland had been for far too long, is that you are constantly at risk of clubs higher up the food chain snatching your best talent.
The Black Cats finished 16th in the Championship at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, falling well short of the play-offs, and it was time for Jack Clarke to make his way up the pyramid without the club.
Ipswich Town swooped to sign the winger in a deal that could rise to £20m, following their promotion to the Premier League, and that meant that Sunderland hit the jackpot with the forward.
How Sunderland struck gold with Jack Clarke
The Black Cats signed the English wizard from Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent deal in 2022, after an initial loan spell on Wearside, and Transfermarkt valued him at £2.9m at the time of the move.
Market Movers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
Clarke went on to rack up 24 goals and 16 assists in two seasons in the Championship with Sunderland as an exciting wing wizard, which convinced Ipswich to splash a fee of up to £20m on his services.
This shows that his value soared by just over £17m during his spell at the club, thanks to his performances in the second tier, which shows that the Black Cats struck gold with the winger by providing him with a platform to showcase his talent on a regular basis.
There is now a player in the current squad who is on his way to becoming Jack Clarke 2.0, as Sunderland have already hit the jackpot with Eliezer Mayenda.
How high Eliezer Mayenda's value has soared
The man who got Sunderland back into the game at Wembley with a terrific strike in the play-off final has been a terrific signing for the club.
Mayenda arrived from Sochaux in the summer of 2023, valued at just £252k by Transfermarkt at the time, and he failed to score in eight Championship appearances during the 2023/24 campaign.
Regis Le Bris came through the door last summer, though, and transformed the young starlet, who went on to provide ten goals and five assists in 40 outings in the second tier.
July 2023
£252k
October 2023
£419k
December 2023
£587k
September 2024
£838k
March 2025
£3.5m
May 2025
£10m
As you can see in the table above, the 20-year-old star’s market value has soared by a staggering 3,868% since his initial move to the Stadium of Light, to the point that he is now valued at a whopping £10m.
Mayenda, who was described as a “threat” by Kevin Phillips, has followed in Clarke’s footsteps as a young player who has soared in value as a result of performing brilliantly in the Championship, thanks to the opportunities given to him by Le Bris.
Sunderland could sign "incredible" star who's as exciting as Enzo Le Fee
Sunderland could now go full steam ahead to try and sign this exciting star after sealing promotion.
ByKelan Sarson May 26, 2025
This shows that Sunderland have hit the jackpot with the Spain U21 international, because they snapped him up when his value was low and have turned him into an incredibly valuable player and asset ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Rangers are now considering a move for an “ultra-positive” manager as a replacement for interim boss Barry Ferguson this summer, according to a report from Sky Sports.
Gers' manager search heating up
There are just two Scottish Premiership fixtures remaining this season, and with the Gers sitting 17 points behind Celtic, it is evident their new manager will have a huge job on their hands trying to bridge the gap to their bitter rivals.
As such, it could be wise to bring in a manager with top-level experience, and an offer has now been submitted for Real Madrid coach Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo, who has been a part of 12 trophy wins across spells with the Spanish side and Bayern Munich.
That said, it could be a risk to appoint the Italian, given that he has been an assistant throughout his career to date, and there are a number of other options on the shortlist, including former Southampton boss Russell Martin and Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl.
Their new Morelos: Rangers eyeing "top striker" who'd cost just £8,000
Rangers have their eyes on a talented young striker
ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025
Sky Sports have now dropped a new update on Rangers’ manager search, revealing the Scottish side are now considering a move for former Luton Town boss Rob Edwards, who has been out of work since leaving the Hatters by mutual consent in January.
CEO Patrick Stewart is eager to appoint a new manager as quickly as possible, with the squad set to return to pre-season training in June, and Edwards has now emerged as a target, but there are plenty of other options on the shortlist.
Luton Town managerRobEdwards
Steven Gerrard, who won the Scottish Premiership title during his previous stint at Ibrox, is also under consideration, alongside former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil.
"Ultra-positive" Edwards could be interesting appointment
The 42-year-old’s spell with Luton didn’t end the way he would’ve liked, leaving the club in January before their relegation from the Championship, but there are some signs he could be a good appointment for the Gers.
The young manager, who most often utilises a 3-4-2-1 formation, led Luton to a surprise promotion to the Premier League in the 2022-23 campaign, and he received high praise from ESPN football writer Mark Ogden during his time in the top flight.
Ogden described the manager as “ultra-positive”, while also adding: “It’s not just about tactics being a manager, it’s about managing relationships and also being a motivator. He’s been absolutely brilliant this season.”
Jamie Redknapp also praised the ex-Luton boss for the job he did in the Premier League, despite having a weak squad at his disposal.
Having been described as a “great man manager” by Derry City midfielder Sadou Diallo, Edwards deserves another chance in management, despite his struggles with Luton last season, but it would be a risk for Rangers to appoint him, given his recent failures.