Manchester United’s Premier League campaign is all but over as they cannot be relegated, and they cannot push on to finish in any of the European positions.

The Red Devils, who were beaten 4-3 by Brentford on Sunday, are now 15th in the table and only have the Europa League to play for before the end of the season.

It has not been good enough for Ruben Amorim’s side on the domestic front, which could lead to some business in the summer transfer window to improve the squad.

In fact, United have already been linked with potential targets to bolster the team, including one player who currently plays in the Championship.

Man Utd target Championship star for summer move

According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Sunderland central midfielder Jobe Bellingham ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The report claims that both the Red Devils and fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace are both eager to sign the England U21 talent in the summer window.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

It also reveals that Borussia Dortmund are eyeing up the English midfield star and that Sunderland have set a valuation of £20m for the promising youngster.

Manchester United should now push to win the race for his signature in the summer window because he is an exciting prospect who has shades of Paul Pogba.

Jobe Bellingham has shades of Paul Pogba

The 19-year-old starlet is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, having only played in the Championship for the Black Cats so far, but he has already shown plenty of promising signs.

Analyst Ben Mattinson once stated that Jobe “carries the ball with such elegance” and that the teenage gem is a “top athlete” and “box-crasher”. Remind you of anyone?

Ryan Giggs once said that Paul Pogba was physically “immense” and that the France international had “everything” in his locker to succeed, as the midfield maestro offered a physical presence to go along with his technical qualities.

Jobe, who stands at 6 foot 2, has shades of the former United star about him as he mixes physical and technical attributes to offer an all-round presence in the middle of the park.

Jobe Bellingham

24/25 Championship

Appearances

40

xG

3.14

Goals

4

Big chances created

4

Assists

3

Duels won per game

5.9

Duel success rate

52%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the £20m-rated dynamo has provided a threat at the top end of the pitch whilst also winning almost six duels per game, and winning the majority of his physical battles, despite being just 19.

The Sunderland star, who was described as a “freak of nature” by teammate Dan Neil due to his physicality, has already shown that he can compete physically against senior professionals, which suggests that he could deal with the step up in intensity that comes with a move to the Premier League.

Like Pogba, Jobe could offer physicality, goals, assists, and drive in midfield for Manchester United and Amorim, whilst also having plenty of time left to develop and improve as a player at the age of 19.

Related He's more prolific than Cunha & Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks for £60m "monster"

Manchester United are in regular contact over a deal to sign a £60m star who has outscored Mbeumo and Cunha.

Posts ByDan Emery May 5, 2025

Whilst he may not be an instant success at Old Trafford, due to his age and room to grow, the English youth prospect could be a future star in Manchester due to the technical and physical qualities that he possesses.

Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez is very keen for Diego Simeone to bring in one Chelsea star this summer, and has privately urged his club to do so, according to reports this week.

Enzo Maresca attracting criticism at Chelsea

Having led the club to just five wins from their last 16 Premier League games, it’s been a tough time for manager Enzo Maresca as of late, and this run of form has attracted criticism.

Chelsea now prepared to make "hefty" £68m offer for Malo Gusto alternative

The Frenchman has attracted criticism.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025

While Maresca is believed to retain the backing of Chelsea’s board for now (The Mail), sections of supporters are starting to question the Italian’s leadership, with boos ringing around Stamford Bridge after their 2-1 defeat to Polish minnows Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Chelsea are in the Conference League semi-finals regardless, and remain firmly in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but the manner of their recent performances are drawing some concern.

Speaking in a post-match press conference after their loss to Legia on Thursday, Maresca suggested he is fully aware of the dissatisfaction right now.

“No, for sure in terms of setback, for sure it’s a setback tonight for us, no doubt, first of all because we lost the game,” said Maresca.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

“But I said yesterday, I think probably the other clubs, as you said, in this moment they can feel more confidence around them, not only Aston Villa, Newcastle, all the clubs around us, but this is football and can change very quickly, so it depends a lot on us. As I said, Sunday for us is one of the finals, and winning that game can give us a final boost to reach our target.

“So in this moment, you win games, you see yourself and you are very happy. If you don’t win, no-one is thinking that you can finish in the right way, but for me it’s just how we manage the emotion.”

Despite an electric start to the campaign, when many viewed Chelsea as potential title contenders, Maresca’s side remain very much a work in progress.

They’ll need their star players to step up and take a leading role during this transition phase, but one of them already is.

Julian Alvarez urges Atlético Madrid to sign Enzo Fernández from Chelsea

Club-record signing Enzo Fernandez is well and truly justifying his price tag right now, becoming an indisputable member of Maresca’s team with some outstanding performances throughout 2024/2025.

Maresca has entrusted the captain’s armband to him this term, with former Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel praising Fernandez and stating he’s “becoming” a true leader at Cobham.

Some members of the media have even called the Argentine’s contribution “underrated”, but his quality isn’t lost on international teammate Alvarez, who is desperate for Atlético to strike a deal for the midfielder this summer.

That is according to reports out of Spain, which state that Alvarez has privately urged Atlético to sign Fernandez from Chelsea, amid claims the west Londoners will demand a minimum of £69 million to let him go.

However, it is believed that even this figure is beyond Atletico’s capabilities right now, so a transfer is unlikely, even if Maresca’s side entertained the notion of parting company.

After a tough start to life in west London, the player has now fully found his feet, with Fernandez even attracting praise from Lionel Messi during his time at Chelsea.

Real Madrid and Barcelona often serve up a treat when they meet, with El Clásico watched around the globe by millions.

The era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may be over, but this fixture always promises drama, history and often a bit of spice.

Whether these two iconic rivals are meeting in a cup final or a crunch league clash, there is no love lost between the pair, who have even met in the Champions League on eight occasions, most recently in 2011 when Messi’s Barcelona emerged victorious.

Thankfully, there is more to this fixture than the two foremost attackers from either club, with plenty of star names getting on the scoresheet since the turn of the century.

Since 2000, nearly 100 different players have had the honour of netting in the Clásico, from legends like Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, to more modern stars like Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

But who has grabbed the most goals this century in this fixture? From goalscoring defenders to lethal strikers, here is the list of El Clásico’s highest goalscorers…

The last 15 players to score on their El Clásico debut

FFC takes a look at the last 15 players to score in their first Clásico. Can anyone follow in Jude Bellingham’s footsteps?

ByMark Marston May 9, 2025 11 Ronaldinho 5 goals

During the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons, Ronaldinho was a thorn in Real Madrid’s side.

In four games for Barcelona against Los Blancos, the silky Brazilian superstar scored five goals, including two in a 3-0 win in November 2005 – a game which is best remembered for being Lionel Messi’s El Clásico debut.

Messi, 18 at the time, got the assist for Samuel Eto’o’s opener on the day.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

20th Nov 2004

La Liga (H)

W 3-0

10th Apr 2005

La Liga (A)

L 2-4

19th Nov 2005

La Liga (A)

W 3-0

1st Apr 2006

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

10 Pedro 5 goals

Many forget just how good Pedro was for Barcelona (and indeed for Chelsea later down the line).

A graduate of the club’s famous La Masia academy, the Spanish winger made 321 appearances for Barca between 2007 and 2016, scoring 99 goals.

Five of those goals came in 21 games against Real Madrid, including during their Champions League semi-final in 2011.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

10th Apr 2010

La Liga (A)

W 2-0

29th Nov 2010

La Liga (H)

W 5-0

3rd May 2011

Champions League (H)

D 1-1

25th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (H)

D 2-2

23rd Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 3-2

9 Xavi 5 goals

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Xavi often stepped up to the mark when Barcelona played Real Madrid.

In 42 matches against Los Merengues, La Computadora, as he was known, scored five goals and registered a further 10 assists.

The most important of those five strikes came way back in April 2004 when Xavi hit a late winner by lobbing Madrid keeper Iker Casillas with a superb acrobatic volley in a 2-1 victory for Barca at the Bernabeu.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

16th Mar 2002

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

25th Apr 2004

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

29th Nov 2010

La Liga (H)

W 5-0

10th Dec 2011

La Liga (A)

W 3-1

23rd Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 3-2

8 Sergio Ramos 5 goals

Despite being a central defender, Sergio Ramos was well known for his ability to score goals for Real Madrid.

To date, the former Los Blancos captain has scored well over 100 career goals, making him one of the highest-scoring defenders the game has ever seen – and Barcelona were one of his most frequent victims.

In 49 games against the Blaugrana for Madrid between 2005 and 2021, he scored five goals, including a memorable late winner in a 2-1 win for his side in March 2013.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

10th Mar 2007

La Liga (A)

D 3-3

2nd May 2009

La Liga (H)

L 2-6

2nd Mar 2013

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

3rd Dec 2016

La Liga (A)

D 1-1

24th Oct 2020

La Liga (A)

W 3-1

7 Robert Lewandowski 5 goals

Robert Lewandowski scored a double at the Bernabeu in October 2024 to help make his way onto this list, with his first La Liga goals in El Clásico helping Barcelona to a thumping 4-0 win on their enemy’s patch.

The Pole’s other goals against Real Madrid since signing for Barcelona have been in Spanish Super Cup finals, with his penalty in the 2024/25 clash making it three years in a row of scoring in that competition against Los Blancos.

Now in his mid-thirties, one can only imagine how many he would have racked up had he been playing for Barcelona in his pomp, especially considering his goal record since arriving in 2022.

Lewandowski has been the scourge of Madrid throughout his career, netting in the Champions League against them for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich – even netting four in one game for the former back in 2013.

6 Raul 6 goals

Spanish striker Raul scored 15 goals against Barcelona during his 16-year career at Real Madrid, but just six of those came since the millennium.

Arguably the best of those goals came in May 2002. Facing off against Barca in the second leg of a Champions League semi-final tie, Raul thumped the ball into the top corner from outside the penalty area just before half-time, sending the crowd at the Bernabeu into hysterics.

The final score on the night finished 1-1, but with Madrid having won the first leg 2-0, the draw was enough to see them into the final, where they went on to beat Bayer Leverkusen.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

3rd Mar 2001

La Liga (H)

D 2-2

1st May 2002

Champions League (H)

D 1-1

10th Apr 2005

La Liga (H)

W 4-2

22nd Oct 2006

La Liga (H)

W 2-0

7th May 2008

La Liga (H)

W 4-1

5 Vinicius Junior 7 goals

Barcelona must be sick of the sight of Vinicius Junior. In just 17 games against the Catalans, the Madrid winger has scored seven goals, three of which came in last season’s Spanish Super Cup, a game which Madrid won 4-1.

He’ll have the chance to add to that total this weekend, and given that he’s already hit 8 goals in 14 games this term, don’t be surprised if he does.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

1st Mar 2020

La Liga (H)

W 2-0

12th Jan 2022

Spanish Super Cup (N)

W 3-2

5th Apr 2023

Copa del Rey (A)

W 4-0

14th Jan 2024

Spanish Super Cup (N)

W 4-1

21st Apr 2024

La Liga (H)

W 3-2

4 Luis Suarez 11 goals

Luis Suarez spent six seasons with Barcelona between 2014 and 2020, scoring 195 goals in 283 games.

During his spell in Catalonia, the Uruguayan particularly enjoyed scoring against Real Madrid, finding the net 11 times in just 15 games, averaging a strike every 120 minutes against Los Blancos.

Madrid thought they were done with Suarez after he was let go by Barcelona in August 2020. However, just a month later, he joined their city rivals Atletico, where he would again find the net against them in March 2021 as Diego Simeone’s side stormed to the title.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

22nd Mar 2015

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

21st Nov 2015

La Liga (A)

W 4-0

3rd Dec 2016

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

23rd Dec 2017

La Liga (A)

W 0-3

6th May 2018

La Liga (H)

D 2-2

28th Oct 2018

La Liga (H)

W 5-1

27th Feb 2019

Copa del Rey (A)

W 3-0

3 Karim Benzema 16 goals

2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema scored 16 goals against Barcelona during his 14-season spell in the Spanish capital.

Eight of those goals came in La Liga, four came in the Copa Del Rey, and four in the Spanish Super Cup.

The French striker was never able to find the net against Barca in the Champions League, drawing a blank in each of the three games he faced off against them in Europe – all of which came during his time at Lyon.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

17th Aug 2011

Spanish Super Cup (A)

L 2-3

10th Dec 2011

La Liga (H)

L 1-3

25th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (A)

D 2-2

2nd Mar 2013

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

23rd Mar 2014

La Liga (H)

L 3-4

25th Oct 2014

La Liga (H)

W 3-1

2nd Apr 2016

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

16th Aug 2017

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 2-0

10th Apr 2021

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

12th Jan 2022

Spanish Super Cup (N)

W 3-2

16th Oct 2022

La Liga (H)

W 3-1

15th Jan 2023

Spanish Super Cup (N)

L 1-3

5th Apr 2023

Copa del Rey (A)

W 4-0

Ballon d'Or past winners: The best XI of former champions

Probably the only time you’ll ever see Messi and Ronaldo in the same team.

1 ByBarney Lane Oct 23, 2024 2 Cristiano Ronaldo 18 goals

Following his then-record £80 million move to Real Madrid in 2009, it took Cristiano Ronaldo a while to get going in El Clásico.

He was unable to find the net in his first three games against Barcelona, with Madrid coming out on the losing end every time.

However, when the Portuguese star did get going, there wasn’t much anyone could do to stop him. Between April 2011 and August 2017, he scored 18 goals against Barca, four of which were winning goals, including an extra-time strike in the final of the 2011 Copa del Rey.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

16th Apr 2011

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

20th Apr 2011

Copa del Rey (N)

W 1-0

17th Aug 2011

Spanish Super Cup (A)

L 2-3

18th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (H)

L 1-2

25th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (A)

D 2-2

21st Apr 2012

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

23rd Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (A)

L 2-3

29th Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 2-1

7th Oct 2012

La Liga (A)

D 2-2

26th Feb 2013

Copa del Rey (A)

W 3-1

23rd Mar 2014

La Liga (H)

L 3-4

25th Oct 2014

La Liga (H)

W 3-1

22nd Mar 2015

La Liga (A)

L 1-2

2nd Apr 2016

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

13th Aug 2017

Spanish Super Cup (A)

W 3-1

6th May 2018

La Liga (A)

D 2-2

Newcastle United are thought to be preparing to open talks over the signing of an “underrated” Nottingham Forest player, with a summer move to St James’ Park mooted.

Newcastle suffer blow to Champions League hopes

The Magpies have been in impressive form in recent months, not least winning the EFL Cup after a memorable final victory over Liverpool, but they were humbled by Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

Newcastle lost 4-1 at Villa Park, despite equalising through Fabian Schar in the first half, with their Champions League qualification hopes dented in the process.

That’s not to say that Eddie Howe’s side don’t still find themselves in a great position, sitting third in the Premier League table, but they are now only one point ahead of Manchester City, following their 2-0 win at Everton, and two clear of Nottingham Forest and Villa, in fifth and sixth place respectively.

With five games to go in the league this season, it is all to play in the Champions League battle, with Newcastle knowing the importance of finishing in the top five, in terms of top-quality signings coming in this summer.

Newcastle to open talks to sign "underrated" Forest star Aina

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are expected to open talks with Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina’s representatives over a summer move to the club.

The rumoured discussions are likely to take place in the “coming weeks”, with Tottenham also in the same position as the Magpies. The likes of Liverpool and Chelsea are mentioned as possible suitors, too.

Right-back is an area that Newcastle should be focusing on at the end of the season, with Tino Livramento still a young player and Kieran Trippier’s best days now behind him at the age of 34.

As bad as Schar & Burn: Newcastle must drop 4/10 star whose "legs gave up"

Newcastle’s winning run in the Premier League came to an end at Villa Park.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 20, 2025

In Aina, the Magpies could have a great option to come in and be an immediate hit, having stood out as one of Forest’s most consistent players this season, being hailed as “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

The 28-year-old has been part of a solid Reds defence that has helped them get into the Champions League reckoning, starting 30 out of 33 Premier League games and averaging 2.9 clearances per match.

The fact that the £40,000-a-week Aina already has plenty of experience in the Premier League can only bode well for Newcastle, allowing him to be an instant hit, and his entertaining social media presence off the pitch could also make him a popular figure among the fanbase.

Rangers and prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises have been making early moves for a new Ibrox manager in Europe.

Rangers and 49ers release statement on takeover

The rumours over a takeover at Rangers involving the 49ers have gone into overdrive in recent months, with previous claims suggesting that there was confidence of a deal being completed ahead of the 2025/26 season.

In recent days, Rangers and the consortium have issued a joint statement, saying to Sky Sports: “Rangers and its existing controlling shareholders are in productive conversations with the two lead members of the Consortium, Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group, about the potential for the Consortium to acquire control of the club and to inject additional capital. These discussions reflect a shared recognition of the importance of Rangers FC’s long-term direction, ambitions and management.”

Rangers have hit gold on "impressive" gem who is worth more than Mulligan

Rangers signed a player under Clement who is worth more than Josh Mulligan.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2025

One of their first tasks in Glasgow will be to appoint a new permanent manager, with the Gers currently having Barry Ferguson in interim charge until the end of the campaign after parting ways with Philippe Clement.

Ferguson is keen on the Rangers job on a full-time basis and vowed to make the club “better” if he is given the opportunity.

“In terms of in the future, managing elsewhere, no. I enjoyed my role at Rangers before, and if that’s not going to be managing, then hopefully I’ll just go back to that and enjoy what I was doing. If I get the job, I will make my club a better club. If I don’t get the job I will still support the club.”

Philippe Clement

2023-2025

Michael Beale

2022-2023

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

2021-2022

Steven Gerrard

2018-2021

Pedro Caixinha

2017

However, it looks as if the 49ers have other plans in mind when it comes to a new Rangers boss, going off an update from The Athletic.

Rangers and 49ers hold manager talks in Europe

According to The Athletic, relayed by Give Me Sport, Rangers and the 49ers have been holding talks with managers in Europe ahead of a potential summer move.

No specific names are mentioned, however, 49ers technical director Gretar Steinsson has held Rangers discussions with managerial candidates across Europe.

There have been a few managers in Europe who have been linked with the Ibrox role, including Jose Mourinho who is currently in charge of Fenerbahce. As we know, Ferguson and Rangers got the better of Mourinho and Fenerbahce in the Europa League earlier this year.

Marco Rose, who has links with Red Bull and by extension the 49ers due to the connection at Leeds United, is another who has been mooted as a potential target after he left RB Leipzig in March.

It will be interesting to see what route the 49ers go down in regards to bringing in a new manager, but they aren’t wasting time with Steinsson working behind the scenes.

Everton signed off at Goodison Park with a rip-roaring victory over relegated Southampton, marking a historic and unforgettable day for Blues across Merseyside and beyond.

With no hyperbole, the emotion was palpable as the Premier League match entered the dying embers.

It was an emotional farewell, one which was always going to end with three points for the hosts. It was Southampton, but it could have been anyone unfortunate enough to be swallowed into the noisy sea of Everton support.

Everton say goodbye to Goodison Park

The Toffees have weathered some storms in recent years, and no mistake, but with David Moyes back at the helm, there’s something cyclical about this change of scenery.

It’s a new beginning, but one which shouldn’t see the club lose their sense of place, nor their deep-rooted ‘Evertonism’ as they finally close the door at Goodison Park for the final time.

And what a send-off. The fans were out in force, and so too were some club legends and former icons. Tim Cahill, Peter Reid and Graeme Sharp were all there as special guests, as was Wayne Rooney.

Rooney might not have played the prime years of his career out on Merseyside, but he was reared in the city and raised to the professional level by Moyes before signing for Manchester United in a £30m deal, aged 18.

One of the Premier League’s superstars, Everton may well have found their new version of the Three Lions legend, and he took centre-stage on Sunday.

Everton's new Wayne Rooney

Moyes elevated numerous players when he replaced Sean Dyche at the helm in January, and while this could be said for Iliman Ndiaye, the Senegal international had proved the bright spark for the Merseysiders across the first half of the season.

Signed from Marseille for £15m last summer, Ndiaye has been a pillar of strength for Everton throughout the campaign, and while he’s the top scorer with nine goals from just 28 starting appearances, his slickness and thrilling movements suggest he could become a talisman in the mould of Rooney, one who could actually devote some of their finest years to the club.

Rooney’s capacity to excite, especially in his earlier iterations, was something that differentiated him from other talented up-and-comers.

Though Ndiaye is 25, he bears a likeness to the English great in this regard, as evidenced by his underlying data this term. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 20% of positional peers in the Premier League for goals, the top 17% for pass completion, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 1% for ball recoveries per 90.

There’s certainly a spring in his step. Ndiaye has been hailed for his ability to produce “magic” moments by Sky Sports commentator Seb Hutchinson, and if Moyes and the owners can get it right in the transfer market this summer, there’s every chance he could hit the next level in his development and truly establish himself as one of the country’s heaviest hitters.

Man United

559

253

141

Everton

117

28

8

D.C. United

52

25

14

Derby County

35

7

3

Were Everton to end up selling their silky star, he would also fetch a large transfer fee, like Rooney. Whichever angle you look at it from, Moyes has hit the absolute jackpot with this one, and must ensure he retains his services for the upcoming campaign at the least.

Most exciting deal since Richarlison: Everton could sign “world-class” star

David Moyes will look to bring in one or two exciting names to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

ByAngus Sinclair May 18, 2025

Liverpool are making some shrewd moves in the market as they look to build on winning the Premier League title and could now strike for a world-renowned star with talks having already taken place, per a report.

Jeremie Frimpong set for Liverpool medical

Arne Slot and his squad are still basking in the glory of becoming top-flight champions, but there has already been significant movement on the transfer front at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, which has pivoted focus to who could potentially replace the academy graduate’s phenomenal attacking output at right-back.

Reports suggest Jeremie Frimpong is the answer and is set to undergo a Liverpool medical on Monday before he completes his £29.5 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Commenting on the Reds’ transfer plans this summer, Slot stated: “So, there’s always an ongoing process and we have to make sure that we are prepared if we can strengthen the squad.

“But it’s difficult to strengthen this squad. There’s a reason why we won the league – because we have so many great players.”

Related Liverpool now completing detailed work to sign "elite" Huijsen alternative

The Reds have officially missed out on Huijsen.

Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham May 18, 2025

The Dutchman may have a point. However, it would be naive not to expect Liverpool not to try and capitalise on their status as Premier League champions.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has become a known target at Anfield, giving an inkling towards the type of smart recruitment that is expected to occur at Anfield this summer.

Typically, Liverpool have a distinctive style of adding to their squad that is more in line with squad synchronisation as opposed to star appeal.

However, there can be room for both if the Reds’ latest pursuit under is anything to go by.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Florian Wirtz hold discussions

According to The Mirror, Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has held talks with Liverpool boss Slot to discuss his summer transfer plans as interest begins to mount in the Germany international.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also touched base to find out more about where he envisages landing and the Citizens are said to be plotting a double swoop for the 22-year-old and Tijjani Reijnders before the Club World Cup.

Florian Wirtz’ Bayer Leverkusen campaign – Bundesliga

Chances created

57

Shots on target

39

Completed dribbles

82

Touches in opposition box

162

Successful crosses

14

Accurate long balls

34

Labelled “world-class” by Gerhard Struber, Wirtz has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions this season, which may go some way to explaining why his valuation sits at a figure in excess of £100 million.

Becoming one of the most talked about stars in Europe, he has excelled as the foil for the main attacker and could now emerge as a source of creative inspiration for the likes of Mohamed Salah should he move to Anfield.

Having said that, Manchester City’s hunt to replace Kevin De Bruyne could be a roadblock as he deliberates before deciding on his next desitination.

Sunderland might well have closed out their regular campaign in the Championship with a worrying five league defeats on the spin, but heading into the second leg of their playoff affair with Coventry City later on, Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats are firmly in the driver’s seat.

Indeed, the promotion hopefuls lead Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues 2-1 on aggregate after a confident display on their travels last time out, with a potentially bouncing Stadium of Light atmosphere tonight seeing them over the line.

Le Bris will further hope he’s the boss that can consolidate Sunderland as a Premier League regular again if promotion is reached, with the Wearside outfit enjoying many a top-flight season previously when Jermain Defoe was heroically leading the line.

Jermain Defoe's heroics at Sunderland

It’s been a long time coming for Sunderland to be on the cusp of a Premier League return, with the Black Cats competing outside the luxuries of the top-flight since 2016.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star would attempt to keep his forlorn side up during the 2015/16 season against all the odds, but not even his regular heroics would be enough to keep the Wearside giants from sinking down despondently to the EFL.

The campaign prior, however, Defoe’s 15-goal haul in the tricky division would be enough for Sunderland to just about avoid relegation in 17th spot, but that same goal tally the season after would unfortunately go to waste.

In total, the firm Stadium of Light fan’s favourite would notch up a century of Sunderland appearances across three seasons, with 37 goals tallied up, definitely making him a standout purchase.

Well, it’s safe to say that as the Mackems potentially approach another campaign in the top-flight, they’ve found their best signing since the iconic Defoe.

Sunderland's best purchase since Defoe

Le Bris has managed to tempt some top-quality personnel to Sunderland since taking charge of the EFL giants, with Wilson Isidor up to 15 goals now from 50 games this season after netting in the first leg away at Coventry.

Chalkboard

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

While Isidor has certainly shone bright, it’s the remarkable coup of Enzo Le Fee who stands proud as Sunderland’s best signing in recent years.

As it happens, he had a huge role to play in his French compatriot finishing past Ben Wilson with confidence last Friday, with his defence-splitting pass giving Isidor plenty of time to compose himself before firing home.

This sublime moment of quality on such a pressurised stage backs up how much of an outrageous coup it was that Sunderland managed to obtain Le Fee’s services on loan in January, with Defoe also seen as a statement purchase back in 2014, considering his devastating prowess in front of goal in the Premier League was clear for all to see before relocating to the Black Cats.

Le Fee has also displayed his midfield elegance in some grand settings before Sunderland came calling, with the stylish Frenchman once on the desired shopping list of Liverpool off the back of picking up 15 assists on the books of Le Bris’ ex-employers Lorient.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

1

Touches

43

Accurate passes

17/19 (89%)

Key passes

4

Big chances created

1

The classy 25-year-old would never manage to pull on the famed red strip of Arne Slot’s men, but he certainly looks comfortable donning the red and white of Sunderland at the moment, with the midfielder registering four key passes in total during the first leg win.

Therefore, much like Defoe managed in the Premier League when securing safety for Sunderland, the “really talented” midfielder – as he’s been labelled by his manager – could be as key to Le Bris’ men now as they attempt to leap back up to the big time.

After all, his sensational ability to produce a moment of spellbinding quality in an instant is a hugely effective weapon, particularly if a playoff final to come at Wembley is tense and in need of a game-changing spark.

Delegation travels to Sunderland amid imminent talks to sign 19 y/o

This is a worrying time for Black Cats supporters.

ByHenry Jackson May 9, 2025

This summer is a huge one for Mikel Arteta if he is to be successful at Arsenal, needing to secure key additions to his first-team squad to help take them to the next level.

The Spaniard has been in the role since December 2020, conducting an overhaul of the squad and helping them rise back up the Premier League table over recent years.

However, in the last two years, the Gunners have only been able to finish in second place, unable to make the leap and go one step further and end their two-decade wait for a title triumph.

During his tenure, the 43-year-old has only won one major trophy, claiming the FA Cup back in 2019/20 – with more success needed if he is to maintain his position at the helm.

If he is to do that, he will need to be backed by the board in the transfer market, needing to land various key targets in multiple areas to provide the strength and depth he greatly desires.

An update on Arsenal’s hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last few weeks, a striker has been top of Andrea Berta’s shopping list as Arsenal’s sporting director, with Viktor Gyokeres being his number one option this summer.

The Swede is of huge interest from multiple clubs across Europe after netting 52 goals in his 48 games across all competitions in 2024/25 for Sporting CP.

However, he’s not the only player on their shortlist, with Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz the latest name to emerge on their summer shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Serie A side could entertain offers in the region of €90m (£76m) for the 20-year-old Turkish international in the coming months.

The Gunners are said to be wanting to improve Arteta’s options within the final third, with Yildiz high in their estimations given his versatility and that they could offer the youngster an exciting opportunity in North London.

Why Arsenal’s £76m target could replace Odegaard at Arsenal

Martin Odegaard has been Arsenal’s go-to star in terms of creativity over the last couple of seasons, handing Arteta the platform to succeed in the Premier League.

The Norwegian has been a regular starter in the attacking midfield role for the Gunners since his £30m move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.

However, he’s been unable to produce his best performance levels in recent months, with injuries hampering his progress and undoubtedly having an impact on his showings.

The ankle issue he suffered back in September saw him miss six weeks of action, only registering nine combined goals and assists in the league since, highlighting his lack of form at the Emirates.

The summer will give the 26-year-old more time to regain full fitness, but he may not be able to thrive in his regular role in 2025/26 should the hierarchy pull off a deal for Yildiz.

The youngster, who’s primarily a winger, is also capable of operating in a number 10 role, which could end the Norwegian’s time as a regular starter in Arteta’s plans.

When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Turkish star has managed to outperform Odegaard in various key areas – highlighting what a superb addition he would be in North London.

How Yildiz compares to Odegaard in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Yildiz	Odegaard
Games played	33	27
Goals & assists	8	9
Progressive carries	4.1	3.4
Shot on target accuracy	36%	30%
Take-ons completed	2.3	0.9
Take-on success	56%	51%
Tackles won	1.2	0.4
Stats via FBref

The Juve star, who’s been labelled “spectacular” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed more progressive carries per 90, along with more take-ons completed – showcasing the threat he poses with the ball at his feet in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to achieve a higher shot-on-target rate and more tackles won, having the ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch within Arteta’s system.

Whilst it would be a hefty addition given the price tag that has been mooted, Yildiz has showcased his quality consistently at the top-level despite his tender age.

He has the potential to take his career to the next level in the Premier League, arguably being the club’s shining light in their ambitions of returning to the top of the division in the near future.

Arteta must axe £27m Arsenal dud who was worse than Odegaard v Bournemouth

Arsenal dropped yet more points, this time at home as they hosted Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

By
Matt Dawson

May 4, 2025

The summer transfer window officially opens for business next month, and Leeds United are likely to be busy as they prepare for a season in the Premier League.

One player who is on the club’s radar is Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Elland Road, and the forward is reportedly open to talks over a permanent switch to West Yorkshire.

The 25-year-old attacker ended the season with ten goals and 12 assists in the Championship, and Leeds are now eyeing a new target who could be amazing for Solomon in the Premier League.

Leeds eyeing Premier League defender

According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon (25/05/2025), Leeds United are eyeing a new target in the form of West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The reporter claims that Daniel Farke is lining up a move to snap up the experienced defender on a free transfer when his contract with the Hammers expires at the end of next month.

Nixon adds, however, that there is also interest from celebrity-owned Championship side Wrexham, who have just been promoted from League One, which means that there is competition for the 35-year-old star’s signature.

The journalist also reveals that Leeds would view the veteran full-back as a squad player, rather than a guaranteed starter, but that does not mean that he would not be an incredibly valuable addition, particularly for Solomon.

Why Leeds should sign Aaron Cresswell

Junior Firpo’s contract is set to expire this summer, and it still remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension, which means that there is a vacant spot at left-back to be filled as it stands.

Cresswell, as Nixon’s report suggests, may not come in to start all 38 games in the Premier League next term, but he is a vastly-experienced top-flight performer who could be relied upon to deliver quality displays when called upon.

Capped three times by England, he played 312 Premier League matches for the Hammers, and 369 games in total, during his time at the London Stadium, which means that Farke would have a defender who has been there and done it at that level.

24/25 Premier League

Aaron Cresswell

Appearances

18

Starts

10

Pass accuracy

87%

Dribbled past

0.1x

Ground duel success rate

67%

Aerial duel success rate

50%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Cresswell, who played as a left-back or as a wide centre-back in a three, started ten Premier League games this season and delivered solid defensive displays.

The veteran full-back, whose ball-striking was described as “lovely” by teammate Ryan Fredericks when lauding his left foot, has shown that he still has the physicality and quality to dominate opposition defenders in duels, whilst rarely being dribbled past.

This suggests that he could be amazing for Solomon, who is a direct winger who wants to constantly attack to score and assist goals, because he is not a defensively weak left-back who needs constant support and doubling up from his forward ahead of him.

This means that the Israel international, should he sign permanently at Elland Road this summer, could love to have Cresswell behind him because his defensively solidity could allow him more freedom to stay higher up the pitch to influence games in the final third.

Related Leeds could land their best winger since Raphinha by signing £25m "machine"

Leeds United could land their best winger since Raphinha by swooping for this star.

Posts 2 ByDan Emery May 26, 2025