All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

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.

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.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 6, 2025

With the arrival of Florian Wirtz this summer, Liverpool’s lengthy midfield rebuild finally feels complete.

Ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign at Anfield, he saw the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho head to Saudi Arabia, with Thiago Alcantara leaving on a free transfer.

Huge investment was made to bolster the midfield and even if they did miss out on the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia who both headed to Chelsea, Liverpool have been no worse for it.

Indeed, the trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, all bought in the summer of 2023, played a decisive factor in the Reds’ title triumph just a few months ago.

Mac Allister and Gravenberch were particularly strong last term, with the former nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Season gong and the latter nominated for Young Player, an award he fought off the competition to win.

Still, despite the arrival of Wirtz, perhaps Arne Slot and Co are not content just yet.

Liverpool looking at signing another midfielder

It’s unlikely the Merseysiders will welcome too many more players to Anfield this summer with a colossal amount of business already complete or on the verge of being completed.

Wirtz arrived in a mega £116m deal, making him British football’s record transfer, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez has also penned terms. Next on the agenda is Hugo Ekitike, set to sign from Eintracht Frankfurt and possibly also Crystal Palace star, Marc Guehi.

Liverpool’s raid of Palace may not stop there with any of Selhurst Park’s star players taking their fancy.

Indeed, according to reports via The Mirror, they are interested in signing midfielder Adam Wharton.

Transfer Focus

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

However, they are set to have to wait until next year with Wharton deciding to stay in London for another season amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

That said, Liverpool are in fact in pole position to sign the England international in a year’s time. They may, however, have to shell out a fee of £100m to bring him to the north west.

Why Adam Wharton could be Liverpool's very own Martin Zubimendi

A year ago, it looked like for all the world that Martin Zubimendi would be donning the red of Liverpool.

The Spaniard had held talks about moving to the Premier League but ultimately, a deal failed to come to fruition. It was a blow, admittedly, and to see him head to Arsenal this summer will have been a bitter pill to swallow.

Liverpool did a lot of work on signing the Spaniard, but so did the Gunners, who wrapped a deal worth around £60m a few weeks ago.

Zubimendi is one of the finest around, described by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente as “one of the best midfielders in the world” while European football expert, Sid Lowe, has noted that he “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri.”

So, Arsenal have strengthened well by bringing the 26-year-old to the Emirates Stadium, but Wharton is cut from a similar cloth.

A “generational talent” in the words of former Sky Sports employee Matthew Stanger, Wharton has actually already been compared to Zubimendi by analyst Raj Chohan. Writing for Premier League Panel, he suggested that as a “press-resistant passer” he is the type of player who should be playing next to Declan Rice in England’s midfield.

Considering Arsenal have picked a similar profile in the form of Zubimendi to sit next to him in 2025/26 and beyond, there’s a lot of rhyme and reason behind Chohan’s argument here.

Aged just 21, Wharton has the world at his feet and his ability to not just break up the play but dictate the tempo of a game from a deep-lying position doesn’t just evoke memories of Zubimendi but also the aforementioned Rodri.

Indeed, Manchester City reportedly earmarked both players as their ‘perfect’ Rodri replacement when the Spaniard suffered his ACL injury last season.

Pass success %

76%

84%

Key passes

1.78

0.58

Progressive passes

7.33

5.93

Tackles won

0.96

1.12

Interceptions

1.37

1.34

Blocks

0.75

1.28

Progressive carries

0.96

1.16

Ball recoveries

6.99

4.26

Analysing the data, we can see where the similarities lie, notably in the fact that they get through the same degree of defensive work across tackles and interceptions.

While Zubimendi is perhaps crisper with his passing, Wharton is actually better when it comes to recovering the ball and creating opportunities to score for his teammates.

Of course, the Spaniard has been impressing over a longer time span, but by bringing the Eagles sensation to Anfield, whether it be this summer or next, they’d find their own version of Zubimendi, perhaps with a little more creativity and drive in the final third.

He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative

Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

After welcoming Sean Longstaff earlier this week, Leeds United are now reportedly set to sign another midfield star in a deal worth over £17m this summer.

Longstaff: Leeds is the "perfect" move

Becoming the Whites’ fifth signing of the summer, Longstaff will instantly add some much-needed Premier League know-how to Daniel Farke’s side ahead of next season. The former Newcastle midfielder won’t steal the same headlines as the likes of Jaka Bijol, but he could prove to be equally important at Elland Road.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, Longstaff told the official Leeds website: “I spoke to [Karl] Darlow straight away, but I have got to meet everyone. It seems like a really good group. I have heard great things.

“I think there is something to be said for a team that wants you and a club that really wants you. I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I sort of got a feeling that they really wanted me.

“It just fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.

49ers have now "rejected" formal bid for "excellent" 21 y/o Leeds talent

The Whites are holding out for a higher number…

1 ByHenry Jackson Jul 19, 2025

“It was going to take a lot for us to leave Newcastle to be honest and I wasn’t just going to leave to go anywhere so it had to be the right place for me and my family and I think this is a perfect place. I got to watch pretty much all the games and see a team that was really exciting to watch, athletic, really good on the ball.

As pleased as they’ll be to have signed Longstaff, however, the 49ers aren’t stopping there. Reports are now indicating that they’ve instantly agreed another deal to sign their sixth fresh face of the summer and another midfield star.

Leeds agree deal to sign Anton Stach

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are now set to sign Anton Stach after agreeing a deal worth more than €20m (£17m) with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. The 6’4 midfielder is set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract, as those at Elland Road prepare to welcome another signing.

With plenty of Bundesliga experience to his name and even appearances in the Europa League last season, Stach represents another solid signing by all involved at Leeds.

It’s no surprise that the towering midfielder has earned impressive praise during his time in Germany, either. Former coach Florian Kohfeldt recalled Stach’s days as a youth player at Werder Bremen, claiming that he was already a talented player at a young age: “He didn’t have such an easy time here at Werder when he was at boarding school.

“He was a bit behind his peers physically when he was young, but in my opinion he already had a very strategic disposition in his game and was incredibly goal-oriented and ambitious.”

The Athletic’s Beren Cross has also heaped praise on Stach in reaction to the deal, sharing on X on Saturday: “Another giant, another 26-year-old, Leeds are finalising a transfer (in excess of £17.3m) for Anton Stach. A sixth new face and a real unit that played as a defensive midfielder and centre-back with Hoffenheim.”

After making their Marcus Rashford decision, Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive winger who had 15 goals to his name last season.

Aston Villa make Marcus Rashford decision

With the PSR deadline passed, sales made and UEFA’s decision to hand them a £9.5m fine confirmed, Aston Villa should finally know where they stand this summer. Whether that’s in good standing or a position of panic is the big question. So far, Unai Emery has avoided the sale of top stars after Villa sold Philippe Coutinho and their women’s team but as interest arrives in key man Ollie Watkins, that could yet change.

Meanwhile, when it comes to incomings of their own, those at Villa Park have also reached a decision regarding Rashford. The Manchester United man has been stripped of his number at Old Trafford and has now asked to leave the club, but it doesn’t look as though his next destination will be the Midlands.

Despite enjoying a fairly successful loan spell at the club last season, Aston Villa have decided against securing a permanent deal to sign Rashford, which would cost around £40m.

Aston Villa looking to sell £100k-a-week star and sign quality replacement

NSWE need to offload players.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 5, 2025

Opening the door to alternative targets, it will now be interesting to see which direction Aston Villa head towards. Emery could certainly do with at least one attacking reinforcement after loan deals expired for both Rashford and Marco Asensio. Just who arrives as a result remains to be seen, however.

Names such as Semih Kilicsoy have already threatened to steal the headlines, but another name has now reportedly entered Villa’s radar in what would be a big-money deal.

Aston Villa battling to sign £50m+ Lookman

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are now battling to sign Ademola Lookman alongside Atletico Madrid and Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest. The talented winger would cost any NSWE as much as €60m (£52m) this summer, but it could be a price well worth paying if last season’s numbers are anything to go by.

Minutes

2,247

1,422

Goals

15

6

Assists

5

3

Expected Goals

10.3

4.8

With 15 of his 20 goals coming in Serie A last season, Lookman was the star of the show at Atalanta and would be an instant upgrade on Rashford. What’s most impressive about those numbers is how the Nigerian outperformed his XG by almost five goals, highlighting just how clinical he can be in front of goal.

Described as “dymamic” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Aston Villa should go all out to sign Lookman, who could finally become the Premier League star that many believed he was destined to be during spells at Fulham, Everton and Leicester City.

At 27 years old, the winger is at the peak of his powers and ready to return to England with a bang.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2025

A £160,000 a-week Liverpool star has now said ‘yes’ to joining a new team this summer, and there is only the fee left to be agreed between the clubs, according to a recent report.

Latest on Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez transfers to Liverpool

This week is expected to be an important time for the Premier League champions, as they are closing in on the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The Germany international is set to join Liverpool in a deal worth roughly £116m inclusive of add-ons, with a medical taking place this week.

Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

Wirtz is expected to complete the first part of his medical on Thursday, with the plan being he completes the rest on Friday, with a view to then announcing the transfer over the weekend. The attacking midfielder is set to sign a contract until 2030, which will place as him as one of the club’s highest earners.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also continuing to find an agreement to sign Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth. Journalist Ben Jacobs revealed earlier this week that the Reds are set to finalise the agreement for Kerkez next week in a deal worth £40 million. There are only small details to work on to complete this transfer, and his arrival at Anfield could potentially have a knock-on effect.

Robertson says 'yes' to Atletico Madrid

That is because, according to Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson has given the go-ahead to join Atletico Madrid this summer.

The report states that the Spanish giants are keen on signing the Scotland international, and Robertson sees the move to Spain as an excellent option to continue playing at the top level. Robertson wants to continue playing regular football and winning titles, which he may not be able to do at Liverpool given Kerkez’s arrival, so he believes Atlético are offering him everything that he wants at this stage of his career.

All that remains is that Atlético need to find an agreement with Liverpool over a transfer, which could be a relatively small fee, given Robertson has only one year remaining on his contract.

Apps

342

Goals

11

Assists

67

Robertson, who earns £160,000 a week at Anfield, played 33 times in the Premier League last season, 10 more than he played in the previous campaign. But Kerkez’s arrival pushes him down the pecking order, and a move to Atlético would see him become their regular left-back, as the Spanish side only have Javi Galan as their recognised player for that position, and he spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad.

His move to Atlético would see him join the likes of Kieran Trippier and Conor Gallagher in moving to the Spanish club in recent years from the Premier League.

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Arsenal and their plans to sign a new striker, amid their widely reported talks for RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal hold talks over signing Benjamin Sesko

Near the end of May, it became evident through reliable media sources that Sesko had emerged as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta’s prime striker target.

David Ornstein: Arsenal consider deal for player as "done and signed"

Gunners chiefs are extremely confident.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Arsenal entered “concrete” negotiations with Leipzig over a deal for the Slovenia international, who’s fresh off the back of a productive campaign where he scored 21 goals and six assists in all competitions.

Since then, talks have been ongoing and advancing cautiously (Fabrizio Romano), with reliable journalist Ben Jacobs sharing that the major sticking point in this potential transfer is Leipzig’s financial demands.

According to his information, Arsenal want to strike a deal for Sesko at around £60 million, whereas Leipzig want to sell for nearer £70 million.

“They have discussed whether or not there is flexibility beneath the variable release clause, set at the moment around €80 million,” said Jacobs on The Football Terrace last week.

“That’s why that one’s taking time, because Arsenal want to do Sesko for €70 million, or within that ballpark.”

Sesko is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, even if his priority is to stay in Europe (The Telegraph), but so far, no middle ground appears to have been found on the final price, despite some reports that the 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms.

If they cannot reach an agreement with Leipzig over Sesko, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres apparently remains on their radar as an alternative.

Viktor Gyokeres on Arsenal list if Benjamin Sesko talks fail

That is according to Romano, who reports in his GiveMeSport newsletter that Gyokeres is on Arsenal’s target list in case talks for Sesko fall through.

“It’s an open race for Gyokeres,” said Romano.

“He remains on Arsenal list in case Sesko deal doesn’t happen, Man United have called his agents again over the weekend.”

The “underrated” and “exciting” 26-year-old bagged an incredible 54 goals and 13 assists last season, spearheading Sporting to their first domestic double win in 20 years, but it is worth noting that he might not be much cheaper than Sesko.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas poured cold water over reports that Gyokeres and the club have an agreement that he can leave for £59 million this summer, telling the Portuguese press that he will indeed cost more.

“I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that,” Varandas said.

“To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres – neither today nor last season.”

While this comes as a statement which Arsenal need to be aware of, Varandas does guarantee that Gyokeres will leave for less than his £84 million release clause.

“One of the agent’s biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause,” said Varandas.

“He wanted to guarantee certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now. For one reason: he was going to be 27 years old, and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100m euros or 90m euros.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.