All posts by z3u9t.icu

There’s something fitting about Heung-min Son’s decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, ending this lengthy chapter with a trophy, but it still hurts.

The 33-year-old forward revealed during a pre-season press conference in Seoul, South Korea, that he has “decided to leave the club this summer.”

He joined as a 23-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for a £22m fee, and fought tirelessly and expertly in his forward berth across so many years, crowning his career with victory in the Europa League final, which was Tottenham’s first major honour since lifting the League Cup in 2008.

Son leaves with Tottenham’s blessing, and he leaves as one of the greatest left wingers in Premier League history, having scored 173 goals and supplied 101 assists across 454 games in a Lilywhites shirt.

To enter the Thomas Frank era without him will be a poignant thing, but there’s no denying Son is no longer at his rip-roaring best, and he has earned the chance for a new challenge as he stares at the autumn years of his professional career.

Change is afoot down N17, and this just underlines that point. Frank needs more forwards, and no mistake, but the frontline isn’t the only area in need of a reshuffle.

Spurs planning August shake-up

Tottenham have already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United in a £55m deal this summer, which softens the blow from Son’s departure somewhat.

However, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are both considered expendable, with the latter attracting interest from a range of clubs.

Those first-teamers surely know they should pursue moves away, for Tottenham have agreed a deal with Bayern Munich for Joao Palhinha, who formerly rose to prominence in England with Fulham.

A defend-first holding midfielder, Palhinha reinforces Frank’s project, but the Danish tactician feels that a more dynamic central partner is needed to complete the set.

Spurs plotting bid for new midfielder

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who joined the Spaniards from Chelsea for £33m last summer.

It won’t be easy. Diego Simeone would undoubtedly look to turn a profit on the England international, with a fee in excess of £40m previously mooted.

Tottenham’s “long-term interest” in the 25-year-old is genuine, and it’s uncertain as to whether he would be open to a return to the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United also interested.

What Conor Gallagher would bring to Spurs

Gallagher didn’t start every fixture for Atletico Madrid last season, but he made a positive impression in the Spanish capital all the same.

Lauding the England international’s adaptability, last season Simeone said that his new recruit brings “youth, energy and intensity” to the team.

Across 50 appearances, Gallagher scored four goals and provided six assists, finishing the term ranked among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe for goal involvements, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and the top 17% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

From this, you might conclude that the £150k-per-week talent is something of an offensive maestro. He’s not. Gallagher does offer something going forward, but he’s a robust and rounded midfielder, something his past two Premier League campaigns would attest to.

Matches (starts)

35 (18)

37 (37)

Goals

3

5

Assists

1

7

Pass completion

85%

92%

Big chances created

5

11

Key passes*

0.6

1.4

Dribbles*

0.7 (50%)

1.0 (68%)

Ball recoveries*

5.1

6.3

Tackles*

1.3

2.3

Duels (won)*

3.5 (45%)

5.7 (50%)

As you can see, he’s a balanced midfield force. Gallagher’s former Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo once said that he’s “like a machine”, bringing out the best in his game as a number six.

In this way, Gallagher’s all-encompassing nature would be perfect alongside Palhinha in the Tottenham centre, bringing the perfect blend of physicality, technical quality and security in front of the backline.

Spurs’ defenders got a lot of flak last year, and rightly so, but the engine room was equally culpable of failing to maintain tactical levels, and these midfielders would change that.

Palhinha, after all, recorded the most tackles of any player across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 Premier League terms (148 & 152 respectively), and his focused efforts to protect and recycle possession suggest that Gallagher would be immense alongside him. Caicedo said the same, did he not?

The Bayern midfielder struggled for minutes under Vincent Kompany’s wing last season, but we all know of his tough-tackling quality, having been described as a “defensive monster” by data analyst Marcus Bring for his efforts as a Cottager in London.

The 30-year-old Palhinha, moreover, is experienced and composed. He didn’t make a single error for Fulham across the 2023/24 season, with his confidence in the central areas undoubtedly playing into Bayern’s decision to sign him for a £47m fee.

While Tottenham fans will hope to see Levy push ahead and sign a new forward to temper the blow that Son’s departure, such an iconic figure, will leave, strengthening the midfield pragmatically is the kind of thing that will contribute toward the wider and more stable long-term success of the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Ange Postecoglou planted the seeds of an illustrious era in arable soil, and now, Frank has the chance to grow this vision into something incredible.

Their best CF since Kane: Spurs enter talks for "extremely dangerous" star

Tottenham Hotspur are starting to make a move for a forward who could follow in Harry Kane’s footsteps.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 2, 2025

Sheffield Wednesday have now suffered “another blow” regarding the future of a current player, according to an update from reliable journalist Joe Crann.

Grim summer for Sheffield Wednesday continues

This is a dark period in Owls history, with the club’s finances in dire straits and supporters desperately hoping to see Dejphon Chansiri sell the club.

Both Wednesday players and other club employees have seen long delays in their wages being paid in recent months, while Danny Rohl’s future as manager is very much up in the air.

Meanwhile, key players have now departed, including attacking heroes Josh Windass and Michael Smith – their contracts were both terminated – with nothing but negatives on show heading into the new Championship season.

Big changes have to happen at Wednesday as soon as possible, in terms of the ownership and finances, or it is difficult to see anything other than an extremely difficult 2025/26 season ahead of them.

"Great" Sheffield Wednesday player set to leave

Now, according to The Star‘s Crann on X, Sheffield Wednesday defender Akin Famewo is set to be the next player to leave the club this summer, with a move to Hull City edging closer:

“Akin Famewo is in talks with Hull City, and could be their player in the next couple of days. Another blow, although not an unexpected one, for SWFC this summer.”

These setbacks must be so hard to take for Owls fans, and while Famewo may not be an indispensable figure, he has still been a good servant at the back, being lauded by Crann in the past.

Famewo was a part of Wednesday’s squad that reached the Championship back in 2022/23, following a memorable run in the League One playoffs, – he started 15 league matches – and the 26-year-old’s defensive ability will be a miss.

The fact that Hull want to sign him shows that he is valued by other second-tier clubs, and he could prove to be a shrewd signing for them for a number of years. The question at the moment now seems to be, which Owls player will leave next?

While it wasn’t a disaster, it’s hard to deny that last season was a disappointment for Arsenal.

Instead of finally getting over the line and winning the Premier League at the third time of asking, Mikel Arteta’s side had to make do with another second-place finish.

However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom, as the North Londoners made it to the Champions League semi-finals for just the third time in their history, and when fit, Bukayo Saka was once again one of the best players in the country.

Appearances

37

Starts

30

Minutes

2619′

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73

Even though he missed almost four months of action, the Hale Ender managed to amass a sensational tally of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.

Yet, to reach yet another level next year, the 23-year-old may need some more assistance, which is why fans should be excited about reports linking Arsenal to a world-class winger who’d be a dream teammate for Saka.

Arsenal's winger search

With the need for attacking reinforcements undeniable, it’s not been much of a surprise to see that, alongside the strikers, Arsenal have been linked with a host of dangerous wingers this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

One of the names that has been heavily linked with the Gunners has been Chelsea ace Noni Madueke.

The Englishman was good enough for the Blues last season, racking up a tally of 16 goal involvements in 41 games, but with a price tag of up to £50m, it’s easy to understand why some fans would be hesitant.

Moreover, it’s hard to see the former PSV Eindhoven ace being a dream winger addition for Saka, which isn’t the case when it comes to Rodrygo.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal remain very interested in the Real Madrid star.

The report has revealed that even though fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea are also keen on the Brazilian international, the Gunners are in ‘a favourable position’ to secure his services, and have expressed a willingness to meet the financial demands of Los Blancos to make it happen.

According to stories from earlier this summer, the fee needed to bring the winger to North London is likely to be around £78m.

That’s certainly a lot of money to spend on one player, but Rodrygo would be worth it, and Saka’s dream winger signing.

Why Rodrygo would be a dream signing for Saka

As things stand, Saka is the only world-class attacker at Arsenal, and the fact that he was the club’s most productive player despite missing over three months of action last season only reinforces this point.

So, the first reason Rodrygo would be the Hale Ender’s dream winger signing is that the Brazilian’s output would help alleviate some of the immense pressure on him.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 32 goals and provided 20 assists in 106 appearances, totalling 7229 minutes.

That works out to a goal involvement every 2.03 games, or every 139.01 minutes, which is impressive enough in isolation, but is made all the more so when you take into account the fact he was played out of his preferred left-wing position for most of that period.

Moreover, the former Santos gem has shown himself to be capable of scoring massive goals in season-defining games – think back to the game against Manchester City – and so he’d be able to help the Gunners’ number seven realise his ambitions of winning major honours.

However, it’s not all down to what he can do on the pitch alongside the Ealing-born monster.

The second reason he’d be a dream addition for the 23-year-old is that, thanks to his versatility, he’d be able to fill in on the right when needed and, in turn, allow the Englishman to rest when needed.

This could help the talismanic international avoid fatigue-related injuries and prolong his career at the highest level.

Ultimately, from his output and big game experience to the ability to play off the right when needed, Rodrygo would be the dream winger signing for Saka.

Therefore, while it won’t be cheap, Arsenal should do everything possible to bring him to the Emirates this summer.

Eze & Gyokeres will love him: Arsenal explore signing £65m "mini Salah"

Just imagine this player alongside Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 8, 2025

Chelsea are just one win away from claiming the Club World Cup and the $125m prize money that goes with it.

This would give Enzo Maresca a significant boost heading into the next few weeks, especially as it looks like he still has unfinished business in the transfer market.

So far this summer, Chelsea have signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Mamadou Sarr. Brazilian prodigy Estevao is set to join the Blues before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

His squad is very top-heavy, but the Italian will be looking to move certain players on to balance the books.

Noni Madueke looks set to join Arsenal in a deal worth £52m. Elsewhere, the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix could be set for moves away from Stamford Bridge.

These sales will ensure Maresca doesn’t breach any profit or sustainability regulations while allowing the club to have a significantly stronger squad at the end of the window compared to how they started it.

Delap and Pedro have already proven their worth at the Club World Cup, but it could be Gittens who turns out to be one of the club’s most exciting signings this summer.

Why Jamie Gittens could be Chelsea’s best signing

Throughout his spell at Borussia Dortmund, Gittens demonstrated why he was one of the finest young talents on the continent.

Last season, he registered 17 goal involvements – 12 goals and five assists – across 42 games for the German side, despite falling out of favour slightly during the second half of the season under new coach Niko Kovač.

Despite struggling during the second half of the campaign, Gittens still ranked highly across several metrics when compared to his peers.

Indeed, not only did the youngster rank in the top 1% for successful take-ons (3.57) per 90 across Europe’s top five leagues, but he also ranked in the top 9% for progressive carries (5.53) and in the top 15% for non-penalty goals (0.41) per 90.

On this basis, Gittens is certainly one of the most promising wingers on the continent and should he hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, Maresca will have pulled off an excellent coup.

Goals

8

Assists

3

Key passes per game

0.7

Total duels won per game

4.9

Goal conversion percentage

15%

Big chances missed

4

The 20-year-old is capable of playing across either flank, while he has even played in a more central role. Maresca will likely use him on the left, as that is the position where he is at his best.

Given his skills and statistics over the previous 12 months, landing a talent like Gittens could make Chelsea challengers for both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

As mentioned earlier, however, the Italian isn’t going to stop there in terms of improving his squad. Could he be targeting another swoop on the Bundesliga giants in the coming days?

Chelsea learn fee for Borussia Dortmund talent

Recently, the Blues have been linked with moves for Emiliano Martinez, Giorgio Scalvini and Antonio Silva in a bid to bolster their defensive options.

Transfer Focus

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

With plenty of attacking options joining the club, Maresca still needs to add another defender or two to his squad ahead of next season.

Despite this, there are still links appearing for attacking players, and the latest one sees the club being touted with a move for Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi, according to reports from German outlet Bild (via Sport Witness).

Indeed, they are battling it out with Newcastle United for his signature, while Juventus were preparing a bid of €40-45m (£35m – £39m) for the player, but this figure won’t be high enough to convince Dortmund to sell the forward.

As per the report, the German side have placed a price tag of between €65-70m (£56m – £60m) for their prized asset, with Dortmund’s management only willing to engage in negotiations if an offer of at least £56m is submitted.

With the likelihood that the Blues could see a bid accepted if an offer is made in that region, Maresca could be getting a major Gittens upgrade.

Why Chelsea must sign Karim Adeyemi

While Gittens registered 17 goal contributions last season, Adeyemi went and scored 12 goals while also registering 11 assists in all competitions for the club.

His positional flexibility will also be a huge plus point for Maresca. Not only did Adeyemi play on either flank last term, but the German also featured through the middle as a centre-forward, giving the Blues several options on how to utilise his talents.

In the Bundesliga last season, he also created nine big chances, averaged 1.1 key passes and registered 1.8 shots per game.

Comparatively, Gittens managed six big chances created, averaged just 0.7 key passes and 1.6 shots per game in the top flight.

Delving even deeper, Adeyemi also registered more goal-creating actions (0.69 vs 0.51) per 90 than Gittens, while also registering more shot-creating actions (3.61 vs 3.57) per 90 and more shots on target (1.23 vs 1.06) per 90 across the Bundesliga and Champions League last season.

Back in 2020, football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Adeyemi as a “world-class” talent, while also stating that the youngster had “electric pace” and was “intelligent & unselfish” when profiling the player.

Since then, the Dortmund star has exuded all of these qualities and more as he has gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in the German top flight.

Maresca wouldn’t just be improving his attacking department by signing Adeyemi; he would also be landing an immediate upgrade on Gittens.

Although the Englishman comes with plenty of hype, it remains to be seen whether he has the maturity to succeed in the Premier League.

Adeyemi has plenty more experience; thus, he could turn out to be a better signing, especially if he starts well. For £56m, Maresca could be sealing yet another impressive signing that will bolster his frontline this summer.

If he manages to sell the likes of Madueke, Nkunku and Felix over the coming weeks, there is no doubt Adeyemi will fit right in.

Dream squad Chelsea could build: £275m spent & "the next Mbappe" signs

This summer could be a game-changing one for Chelsa.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 12, 2025

Despite winning the Europa League, Spurs’ first trophy in 17 years, Tottenham Hotspur will head into the 2025/26 season under a new manager in Thomas Frank.

Daniel Levy made the call to sack Ange Postecoglou and bring in Frank, who he may well back in the transfer market with Champions League football on offer once again.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

Spurs have already signed Mathys Tel on a permanent transfer worth £30m, and AI thinks a further £180m could be spent on three more players ahead of the Premier League opener against Burnley.

Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted who will be in Frank’s Spurs’ starting line-up for the 25/26 season in a 4-3-3 formation.

AI predicts Tottenham’s 2025/26 starting line-up 1 GK: Guglielmo Vicario

Starting in goal, Guglielmo Vicario has been backed to get the nod ahead of Antonin Kinsky under Frank.

Games

74

Clean sheets

16

Goals conceded

105

Described as a ‘reliable shot-stopper and a leader in the dressing room’, AI says ‘Vicario’s place is secure unless a major upgrade becomes available’.

2 RB: Pedro Porro

Despite rumours of a move away, Pedro Porro is expected to ‘continue as the first-choice right-back under Frank, who values dynamic full-backs’.

The Spainard’s ‘attacking flair and crossing ability make him a key asset’, and he’s now made more appearances for Spurs than any of his previous clubs.

3 CB: Marc Guehi

Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away from north London, which has resulted in AI predicting Marc Guehi to replace the Argentine at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs tried and failed with a bid for Guehi in January, but they have been backed to sign the Crystal Palace star at a cost of £60m, who will offer ‘composure, leadership, and Premier League experience’.

4 CB: Micky van de Ven

AI says ‘Guehi and Micky van de Ven could form a rapid, modern center-back partnership’, with the speedy Dutch defender hopefully back to full fitness in 25/26.

Micky van de Ven

37.1km/h

Matheus Nunes

36.7km/h

Bryan Mbeumo

36.6km/h

Yankuba Minteh

36.4km/h

Anthony Elanga

36.2km/h

Van de Ven only made 13 Premier League appearances last season, but if he is available, he should be a regular under Frank, whose ‘high line system suits his recovery speed’.

5 LB: Destiny Udogie

Another defender who missed large parts of the 24/25 season through injury was left-back Destiny Udogie.

The Italian is labelled by AI as ‘one of Europe’s most promising full-backs’ due to his power and versatility, and if he can remain fit, should start under Frank.

6 DM: Morten Hjulmand

With ‘Frank expected to prioritize a deep-lying playmaker’, fellow Dane Morten Hjulmand has been backed to join Spurs in a £50m transfer.

Currently at Sporting CP, Hjulmand ‘fits the bill with his passing range and defensive nous’, and he ‘would anchor the midfield, allowing others to push forward’.

7 CM: Rodrigo Bentancur

Ahead of Hjulmand is Rodrigo Bentancur following his strong finish to the 24/25 season, and he could be the ideal option in a box-to-box role.

The Uruguayan’s ‘versatility and work rate suit Frank’s high-pressing system’, according to AI, however, he is only under contract until 2026.

8 CM: Eberechi Eze

Completing the midfield is Eberechi Eze, who is backed to join Guehi in leaving Crystal Palace for Tottenham.

Eze has a £70m price tag and his ‘creativity, dribbling, and goal threat would replace James Maddison in the attacking midfield role’. AI has doubts over Maddison due to his injury issues and inconsistent form, which could open the door for Spurs to finally land the Eagles star.

9 RW: Dejan Kulusevski

With target Bryan Mbeumo on course to move to Man Utd, Spurs are predicted to have Dejan Kulusevski on the right hand side under Frank.

The Sweden international is still under contract in north London until 2028 and has been an important player for Tottenham when fully fit, contributing to 55 goals in 146 games.

10 LW: Mathys Tel

Confirmed as a permanent Tottenham player for £30m from Bayern Munich, Mathys Tel’s ‘versatility and potential make him a likely starter’ in attack.

The Frenchman made 17 appearances on the left-wing last season, contributing to five goals, so Tel has been backed to get the nod there under Frank.

Even after Chelsea sealed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for around £30 million, Enzo Maresca and co are still in the market for another centre-forward.

Arsenal plan £51m Chelsea hijack as key target now eyes Barcelona move

Andrea Berta has shifted focus.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

Delap made his debut for the Blues against Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup, assisting Nicolas Jackson for Chelsea’s second goal of the game in a 2-0 win, with Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo heaping praise on the exciting striker signing after their match in Atlanta.

“I’ve known Liam for a long time now, and I’ve played against him loads of times. Growing up, you know what sort of players are going to make it and he was always one of those,” said Colwill, via the BBC.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

“To have him in our team, to train against him, to see him score goals – which I know he will – I’m very excited.”

Tosin also drew attention to Delap’s aggression and intensity, with plenty of expectation now on the former Man City starlet’s shoulders after he took the number 9 shirt.

“He’s settled in very well. He’s a good young lad, and we know what qualities he brings,” said Tosin.

“He’s aggressive [when] pressing and an aggressive striker, making sure he’s always there, setting the intensity. Hopefully he scores many goals for us.”

While some doubts surround Delap’s readiness to lead the line, considering he’s still raw and very young, Chelsea are believed to be targeting a second frontman after the 22-year-old’s arrival.

Chelsea have held talks over Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, and tried to secure the Frenchman’s signature in time for the Club World Cup, only for talks to collapse.

However, he remains “one to watch” for the coming weeks and talks are apparently ongoing.

As well as Ekitike, Chelsea are being linked with Brighton star Joao Pedro.

Newcastle United fear Chelsea will hijack Joao Pedro deal

The Brazil international is a wanted man following his impressive stint down south, with Chelsea identifying Pedro as one of their next striker targets before deadline day on September 1.

Now, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has shared an update on the situation.

Crook states that Newcastle are fearful that Chelsea will hijack their deal for Pedro, who Brighton are demanding £70 million for, as they look to reinforce Eddie Howe’s squad for a campaign back in the Champions League next season.

Given the Magpies’ internal concerns, this could be an indicator that Chelsea are still seriously in for Pedro, and the South American certainly falls in line with BlueCo’s recent transfer policy of signing world football’s most exciting talents.

Pedro can also play up front or across any of the attacking midfield positions, but given the already-young average age of Chelsea’s squad and their arguably dire need for more experienced squad members, Stamford Bridge chiefs will certainly be keen to whittle down the 23-year-old’s hefty asking price.

Tottenham Hotspur have now made a late approach to sign a Manchester United target, who has already agreed personal terms for a move to Old Trafford, according to a report.

Tottenham pursuing new signings as Frank deal advances

It is looking increasingly likely that Thomas Frank will be the man to replace Ange Postecoglou at N17, with reporter Ben Jacobs recently revealing the terms of the deal have now been agreed.

As such, Spurs’ transfer plans may be subject to change, in order to make sure they bring in players suited to Frank’s system, although the Dane is known to be more flexible than Ange, having used several different formations during his time with the Bees.

Regardless of who Daniel Levy ends up bringing in as the new manager, it is clear that a new goalscorer would be useful, given that Brennan Johnson’s tally of 11 goals in all competitions was the highest of any player last season.

Frank may also be keen to bring in a forward that he knows very well, and a report from Caught Offside has now revealed Tottenham have held talks over a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, recently making contact with the Bees.

Tottenham pushing to sign £34m Inter Milan star with exit "increasingly close"

A Spurs player could even go the other way.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 6, 2025

Mbeumo has already agreed personal terms to join Man United this summer, and Old Trafford remains his favoured destination, but Spurs could throw a spanner in the works by getting involved in the transfer battle.

Brentford have already knocked back one offer from the Red Devils, but they could come back in with a new bid worth a total of £60m, so the north Londoners may need to move swiftly if they are going to hijack the deal.

"Deadly" Mbeumo could be exactly what Tottenham need

Despite making a success out of the season by winning the Europa League, the 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for Tottenham, finishing 17th in the Premier League, and the lack of a consistent goalscorer was a real problem.

As such, the £45k-a-week Brentford star could be exactly what Spurs need, having scored 20 goals in 38 Premier League games last term, while also providing eight assists.

Scout Ben Mattinson singled out the 25-year-old for praise, describing him as “deadly”, while prospective new Tottenham boss Frank was also left impressed, hailing the Cameroonian as “unplayable” last December.

It appears as though Mbeumo still has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford, but Spurs will be hoping that Frank can convince the forward to make the move to N17 instead.

Liverpool have been extremely busy in the transfer market even before the window has officially opened, and there is also a chance they could convince a £49m forward to become their fourth signing of the summer.

Liverpool to put icing on title cake with three new signings

Reds supporters have been treated to a dream week, as the Premier League trophy was hoisted by a Reds captain in front of a fully packed Anfield for the first time, having celebrated their previous top flight title behind closed doors.

The fun didn’t stop on Sunday either, as thousands of supporters took to the streets of Liverpool to celebrate their heroes at Monday’s parade.

Away from the action on the pitch, FSG, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have already been hard at work to ensure they capitalise on their domestic dominance, with three signings close to completion.

Florian Wirtz is expected to join from Bayer Leverkusen, with a first bid of over £80m submitted and the player keen to join, while his teammate, wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, is all but signed, sealed and delivered having already completed his Merseyside medical.

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is expected to become their third capture of a busy summer period – he has agreed personal terms and the clubs remain locked in talks over a possible £45m move.

Approach made: Liverpool make contact to sign "ridiculous" £51m PSG target

The Reds have now made a move to sign a forward, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.

ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

But with Darwin Nunez expected to move on this summer as well as doubts over the futures of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, there could also be movement on a fourth new face in the shape of a £49m forward.

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are now Real Madrid’s biggest rival in the race for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and there is a feeling he is tempted to ignore the interest from Spain and move to Anfield.

Williams is willing to listen to offers from English clubs, and being part of a Reds frontline which may soon include Wirtz is seen as exciting by the speedy Euro 2024 winner.

Bilbao are desperate to keep hold of the winger, but they could be powerless to prevent a departure if the £49m release clause is paid in full, although there is a feeling those at Anfield would have to dish out hefty wages to win the race for his signature.

"Electric" Williams could be perfect Luis Diaz heir

Diaz is yet to sign a new contract, with the Colombian now approaching the penultimate year of his deal, and interest from Barcelona could pose a problem for the Reds, with Hansi Flick reportedly a huge fan of the tricky winger.

Williams however has been a key player in Bilbao for quite some time despite only being 22 years of age, making 166 appearances for his boyhood club and picking up 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.

Much like Diaz, the Spain international also likes to drive at opposition defences, ranking in the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, making it no surprise La Liga’s official media channel called him “electric”.

Statistic

Average per 90

Successful take-ons

3.32 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

5.70 (92nd percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.24 (89th percentile)

Slot may be hoping that Diaz is tempted to extend his stay at Anfield, having scored 13 Premier League goals this season, but Williams is clearly a solid long-term replacement, with similar pace and directness and potential to even better the Colombian’s end product as he approaches his prime.

Despite losing sporting director Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United are pushing on with their summer transfer plans and could now sign one of their top targets for £65m when the window swings open.

Paul Mitchell to depart Newcastle

After just one season at the club, Mitchell has made the decision to leave St James’ Park and hand Newcastle the job of finding a new sporting director this summer. In truth, Mitchell never truly made his mark in Tyneside and always had a tough job on his hands after replacing Dan Ashworth, only to enter a club desperately looking to comply with PSR regulations.

The sporting director released a statement after his departure was confirmed, saying: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.

“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon. The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building. I’d like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.”

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Newcastle are prepared to make a series of exciting signings in the transfer market.

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Off the pitch, the Magpies will suddenly be an intriguing side to watch this summer as they look towards the market not just for fresh arrivals for Eddie Howe’s squad, but also a new name behind the scenes.

With Champions League qualification only boosting their spending power ahead of the window too, whoever comes in to replace Mitchell could have quite the job on their hands. Their first move, no matter the new name, may even be to sign a Premier League rival for a hefty price.

Newcastle could now sign Kudus for £65m

According to Football Insider, Newcastle could now sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for £65m this summer, with the London club ready to sell one the Magpies’ top targets for a hefty fee in the coming months. However, it is a fee that his £20m less than the attacker’s release clause, which should come as a boost to PIF.

It’s a deal that PIF have already explored and one that certainly seems feasible following the Hammers’ disastrous season. As Kudus eyes bigger and better things, those at St James’ Park could spend big to come swooping in.

Despite enduring a frustrating season in a poor West Ham side, Kudus has still found himself at the centre of Graham Potter’s praise. The 50-year-old manager told reporters at the end of March: “I think Mo has had probably a season that, from his perspective, would be a little bit disappointing, not because of his lack of effort or anything like that, but sometimes these things happen.

“Speaking personally, he’s been great with us in terms of how he’s worked every day, fantastic. He has built his fitness up, built his condition up to the point where he can sustain things a lot better now.”

Having reportedly explored a deal to sign the winger, whether Newcastle decide that Kudus’ £65m valuation is worth pursuing will be the big question when the transfer window opens.

As he looks to make his mark on his side at long last, Ruben Amorim is now reportedly personally driving Manchester United’s move to sign a Premier League rival who has been compared to Michael Carrick.

Amorim admits Man Utd embarrassment

To say that Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United reign hasn’t gone to plan would be a major understatement. The former Sporting Club boss arrived at a club in chaos. Six months on, however, that same club are lower than they have ever been in the Premier League.

From concerns over their position in the race for European football, the Red Devils have been forced to keep one eye on the dropzone at some stages of the current campaign. And that, more than anything, sums up how far they’ve fallen since Amorim’s arrival in November.

The Manchester United boss hasn’t shied away from criticism, however, admitting his embarrassment over his side’s league position following another defeat at Old Trafford – this time against West Ham United.

Amorim told reporters: “For me the biggest concern is that feeling that ‘it’s OK’, and ‘we cannot change our position so much so it’s OK’. That is the biggest problem in our club in this moment because we are losing the feeling of we are a massive club and it’s the end of the world to lose a game at home. I think that is the biggest concern in our club.

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“How a manager of Manchester United is supposed to feel in that position – embarrassed, and it’s hard to accept. I think everybody has to think seriously about a lot of things here. Everybody is thinking about the final. The final is not an issue in this moment in our club.”

Amorim personally driving Man Utd's Wharton move

Arguably more aware than anyone else about just what the club need this summer, the Portuguese manager has reportedly set his sights on one specific target. According to Caught Offside, Amorim is now personally driving Manchester United’s move to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils are reportedly in the strongest position to sign the England international alongside Newcastle United, but any deal will not come cheap amid rumours that Palace will demand in excess of £80m to sell their star man this summer.

Minutes

1,318

1,764

Progressive Passes

107

60

Interceptions

20

27

Ball Recoveries

102

122

Despite playing over 300 minutes less than Manuel Ugarte courtesy of his injury problems this season, Wharton has completely outperformed the Manchester United midfielder in possession, whilst almost matching his numbers off the ball.

It should come as no surprise that the Crystal Palace star has earned praise from the likes of Rio Ferdinand, who said on his YouTube channel: “Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton – I’d go and get him. The reason why I’d take him is he’s one that can take the ball and transfer it through the middle of the pitch.

“He’s got a great range of passing. I think he’d be a great addition to the squad, a young English talent as well. He’s like Carrick sometimes, the way he slaps the ball about.”