All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur have entered a new phase in recent months after Thomas Frank took the reins following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Aussie ended his spell in North London on a high after winning the Europa League, but it was their lowly Premier League finish which brought his time at the club to an end.

Such a responsibility now falls to the Dane, with the 51-year-old tasked with building on their recent European success and making the side a force to be reckoned with.

The board handed the new boss over £100m to make the additions he craved during the summer, subsequently strengthening various areas of his first-team squad.

However, one summer signing in the form of Mathys Tel could also be heading for the exit door – after the latest development coming out of the Lilywhites camp.

Mathys Tel’s current situation at Spurs

After spending the second half of last season on loan at Spurs, the hierarchy decided to make Tel’s transfer permanent – costing around £30m from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

At just 20 years of age, the Frenchman was undoubtedly brought in as an immediate and long-term option for Frank in the club’s attempt for future success.

However, it’s unclear how much of a part he will play during the 51-year-old’s tenure after the winger was left out of the club’s 25-man squad for this season’s Champions League.

Upon his move to join the Lilywhites, not many people would’ve anticipated that he would be left out of the squad – especially considering his record of two goals in such a competition for Bayern.

The likes of Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson and new addition Mohammed Kudus were all selected ahead of him – prompting questions to be asked around his long-term future under Frank.

Tel himself spoke to the media in recent days, subsequently downplaying a move away, but there is no doubt he there will be a strong sense of disappointment felt by the youngster in the months ahead.

However, he may not be the only player to leave North London in the near future, with another first-team member also failing to make the desired impact since Frank’s appointment.

The Spurs player who could be finished alongside Tel

During the first three Premier League outings of the Frank reign, it’s clear to see the manager is capable of switching up his system – either able to use a back four or back five when needed.

The Lilywhites have won two of their first three outings, beating Burnley and Manchester City, before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on home soil before the international break.

His appointment has allowed Richarlison to flourish, with the Brazilian netting two goals and an assist in his three starts – resurrecting his career at the club after falling down Postecoglou’s pecking order during the Aussie’s two years at the helm.

The same can’t be said for centre-back Ben Davies, with the Welshman being an unused substitute in all the league games to date, along with the Super Cup final defeat to Champions League winners PSG.

The 32-year-old made 28 appearances across all competitions throughout 2024/25, but it’s clear that minutes will be harder to come by in the near future.

Cristian Romero is already ahead of the former Swansea City star in the pecking order, forming an excellent partnership with Micky van de Ven at the heart of the backline.

The former of the duo was also named as the club’s new captain, further reducing the amount of game time Davies may receive during Frank’s spell at the club.

Games played

17

Minutes played

1330

Pass accuracy

91%

Duels won

5.2

Aerials duels won

3.6

Recoveries

2.8

Dribbled past

0.4

Tackles won

65%

When called upon in recent times, his performances have also left a lot to be desired, leading to John Wenham labelling the centre-back as “terrible” in the defeat against Wolves a couple of years ago.

Given his age, he’s certainly ending the back end of his professional career, handing another reason for the hierarchy to cut loose and allow young talents to stake their claim.

Davies also earns a pretty penny, currently pocketing a steep £80k-per-week in North London – potentially saving a whopping £4.2m a year if he were to depart the Lilywhites.

There’s no denying the Welshman has been a tremendous servant, making over 350 appearances for the club after joining from Swansea back in the summer of 2014.

It may be a harsh decision to move Davies on, but ultimately, if Frank is to make the side into serial winners, brutal decisions will need to be made to enable further progression on the pitch.

His value has fallen by £43m: Levy made big mistake signing Spurs "monster"

Daniel Levy made one of his biggest errors at Tottenham Hotspur by signing this attacker.

2 ByDan Emery Sep 9, 2025

Whilst Spain did manage to return to their European throne last summer and are among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, it’ll take some doing to match the dominance that they enjoyed in the 2000s.

As Barcelona and Real Madrid battled it out for the club throne, it was Spain who benefitted on the international stage. Stars such as Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique put their rivalries aside to put the very best to the sword and leave several countries in their wake. It was the era of the El Clasico at its best from September to May, but collective Spanish dominance from then onwards.

With Vincente Del Bosque in charge, the Spaniards defeated the Netherlands in last-gasp fashion to win the World Cup in the 2010 World Cup. They then thrashed Italy two years later to win Euro 2012 in their second-consecutive European Championship win after victory in 2008. And it was in that 2012 game that Xavi particularly starred.

The Barcelona legend was often at the centre of the beauty that was Spain’s side at their peak. He was their controller – the conductor of a side so capable of ending summers with the perfect crescendo – and without him, there may have been no World Cup and there may have been no European Championships. He was that influential.

Yet, even one of the best midfielders of all time had no choice but to admit that another star man is the most talented player in Spain’s history. Simply put, as good as Xavi was, another star stands tall as the best that the country has ever seen.

Xavi: Iniesta is Spain's "most talented" player ever

From Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi to Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, Barcelona enjoyed some incredible combinations during their best years, but perhaps none as perfect as Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The Spanish duo were untouchable when together with Sergio Busquets and all three took that invincibility to the international stage.

As good as all three were, however, Xavi only had one answer when selecting Spain’s “most talented” player in history – claiming that Iniesta is the country’s true standout.

Whether the likes of Lamine Yamal eventually overtake Iniesta’s legacy is a debate for another time. Of course, if he does intend to do so, then he’ll need to find a way to beat the former midfielder’s iconic winning goal against the Netherlands in 2010. Over to you, Lamine.

Newcastle United are now leading the race to sign a “priceless” international midfielder this summer, according to a new transfer update.

Newcastle eyeing sensational attacking signing

The Magpies and PIF are doing all they can to keep hold of Alexander Isak this summer, but even if the Swede stays put, it looks as though they are still eyeing outstanding competition for him.

RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko and Eintract Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike have both been linked with a summer move to Newcastle, with the former being eyed up by some huge clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal. Sesko’s agent has even contacted the Magpies regarding a potential move to St James’ Park.

Talks have also been held between Newcastle and Ekitike ahead of the new Premier League season, and those at St James’ Park have now made a bid for the Frankfurt forward.

While a new attacker appears to be the order of the day for Newcastle, additions are also needed in other areas of the pitch, and a new midfielder who supporters know fairly well has now been mentioned as an option.

Newcastle in pole position to sign Conor Gallagher

According to a fresh update from Caught Offside, Newcastle are providing the “most serious interest” in Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer and are in the lead for his signature.

Eddie Howe is a big admirer, with the report claiming Gallagher is seen as “a key figure in Newcastle’s midfield revamp as they prepare for a return to European competition”, with Atletico potentially accepting offers of up to £43m.

Gallagher has matured as a player since his move to Atletico last year, enjoying an impressive first season and being lauded by manager Diego Simeone.

“When we think of him we think of his youth, energy and intensity in the game. He also strikes the ball very well. It’s never easy for players coming from England to adapt to the Spanish championship, to the language. He has competed very well in different places and in positions where he doesn’t feel more comfortable. He will evolve, he has room for growth. He is very intense in offensive and defensive play, he brings a lot to us.”

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino described Gallagher as “priceless” during their time together at Chelsea, and he has the energy and quality to be a great addition for Newcastle in the middle of the park.

Appearances

32

Starts

19

Minutes played

1637

Goals

3

Assists

3

Tackles per game

1.4

Shots per game

0.7

Interceptions per game

0.6

Pass completion rate

86.6%

Granted, the current go-to trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton will be difficult to break into, but improved squad depth is required and the England international’s versatility allows him to shine in both defensive and attack-minded midfield roles.

Agent of £70m+ striker contacts Newcastle, scored 50+ more goals than Ekitike

The Magpies could face an intriguing proposal.

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 13, 2025

Gallagher’s stock has arguably risen after showing that he can impress abroad, and the fact that Howe likes him so much as a player means Newcastle should be looking to get a deal over the line.

It’s been an unsettling summer for Aston Villa supporters far and wide as they feared their successful Premier League side was in danger of being completely dismantled.

To comply with PSR rules, a whole load of sales might have had to be signed off on, as Emiliano Martinez continues to be linked with a switch to Premier League rivals Manchester United or Chelsea to give Villa a healthy £45m injection of cash.

However, a new breaking development seems to indicate that Villa will be able to get around these stringent PSR rules after all by selling their women’s team, with such a loophole allowing for any PSR anxiety to be forgotten about.

With this dire situation now presumably fixed at the final hour, Unai Emery’s men could push on in the transfer market to land a couple of statement deals, as a few faces here and there begin to be steadily linked with a switch to Villa Park.

Aston Villa's transfer situation

Understandably, most of the conversation involving Villa this off-season has involved the likes of Ollie Watkins being lined up for major moves away, with all the worry surrounding PSR getting to the Villans.

Now, however, the mood will be more relaxed, with Villa ready to explore several new targets. Already, they have been unsuccessful in landing Jesus Rodriguez from Real Betis though, as a deal heartbreakingly collapsed.

Still, that won’t have completely knocked them, with Lucas Chevalier one name reportedly on their shopping list if Martinez does still exit the West Midlands outfit.

On top of that, a fresh name in the form of Gabriel Sara has now begun to be linked with a move to England, with a report from Turkish outlet Hurriyet, via Sport Witness, indicating that a £17m bid has been put forward to Galatasaray by Villa for their creative Brazilian.

This has since been knocked back with Galatasaray wanting at least £34m for their midfield star, who is also a wanted man by Manchester City, Manchester United, and Leeds United.

Villa will hope they come out on top to land his coveted signature, with the ex-Norwich City ace already a hit in England when on the books of the Canaries, meaning he might well be Villa’s next Youri Tielemans if he were to join the building soon.

How Sara could be Villa's next Tielemans

After all, Tielemans used to be on the books of Leicester City before advancing his game even more when donning Villa claret and blue.

By the end of the entertaining 2024/25 campaign for Villa, Tielemans was arguably the club’s player of the season having tallied up 15 goals and assists in all competitions, with five of those goal contributions coming about on the grandest stage of them all in the Champions League.

The 77-time Belgium international would also amass a hefty 54 goal contributions during his entire Foxes stay, with Villa now feeling smug with themselves that they won Tieleman’s services on a free transfer basis in the summer of 2023.

Whilst Sara would cost a lavish £34m to obtain, he might well come in and become as instrumental to Villa’s midfield as Tielemans now is, having picked up ten assists and two goals last season for his current Turkish employers, away from already being well-versed in the high demands of the English game when situated in Norfolk.

Games played

96

Goals scored

21

Assists

17

Norwich POTS

1x

Championship POTM

1x

Championship TOTY

1x

Whilst the Brazilian would never guide Norwich up to the Premier League during his celebrated stay, he certainly still left an impression on the Carrow Road masses with classy display after classy display, as seen in his bumper total of 54 combined goals and assists from 96 contests, which is eerily the exact same amount Tielemans tallied up at the King Power Stadium.

He has since tasted success in a top division in Turkey too, with U23 scout Antonio Mango even going out of his way to herald the midfield ace as “incredible.”

With nine Europa League games under his belt last season too, he could be a worthwhile buy for Villa for this alone as they enter into the competition next campaign, with a hope in the air also that he’s their next favourite from the middle of the park like Tielemans.

Aston Villa tell agents they're ready to sell Emery favourite in next 2 days

They’ve informed intermediaries of their intentions.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025

The promotion-winning campaign for Leeds United will live long in the memory of all supporters, taking them back to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

Daniel Farke was the man to lead the Whites back to the top division of English football, finishing top of the table and subsequently claiming the title on goal difference ahead of Burnley.

Such a feat was made all the more impressive after the sales of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, who all departed after the play-off final defeat the year prior.

However, such departures allowed the likes of Ao Tanaka to move to Elland Road, securing his place at the heart of the side and subsequently being named in the division’s Team of the Season.

The Japanese international could be about to be partnered by another star at the base of the side, as the hierarchy looks to strengthen the side ahead of their top-flight return.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last couple of days, Leeds have ramped up their efforts in the market as they look to provide Farke with the tools to survive next campaign.

His side have had an offer for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol rejected, but it appears as though they are set to return with an improved offer to force the Italian side into selling the 26-year-old.

However, he may not be the only summer arrival from Serie A, with Leeds also having keen interest in a deal to sign Juventus star Douglas Luiz, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the Brazilian international has been offered to the Whites this summer, with the hierarchy set to schedule talks over a potential deal with the Old Lady.

It also states that he could be sold for just £30m this summer, only 12 months on from his move from Aston Villa, after making just 26 appearances across all competitions throughout 2024/25.

Why Luiz could be Farke’s very own Phillips

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips was a crucial part of the Leeds squad back in their previous stint in the Premier League, operating at the heart of the side after emerging through the club’s academy.

The 29-year-old spent 12 years with the Whites in Yorkshire, amassing a total of 234 appearances in the first team, being a mainstay in the side and enjoying a huge rise to stardom under Marcelo Bielsa.

Such form led to the midfielder being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships back in 2020, as they fell at the final hurdle and lost in the final to Italy.

However, he would depart his boyhood side in a £45m deal to join Manchester City – a move that would subsequently ruin his career, only featuring 31 times in the last three years, with multiple loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town.

From a business perspective, it was great business for the club, with such funds allowing Farke to potentially have his own version of the Englishman in the form of Luiz.

When comparing their respective stats from Phillips’ final season at Elland Road, the former Villa star massively outperformed him, showcasing why he would be the manager’s own version of the fan favourite.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, registered more goals and assists, having the attacking threat to contribute to the Whites’ ambitions within the final third.

Games played

34

20

Goals & assists

5

1

Pass accuracy

83%

80%

Key passes

1.2

0.5

Through balls completed

0.3

0.06

Tackles won

1.5

1.4

Fouls won

1.4

1.1

Aerials success rate

45%

37%

He also managed to complete more passes and more key passes, subsequently aiding attackers ahead of him, as demonstrated by his assist tally back in 2021/22.

Luiz’s dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more tackles per 90 and coming out on top in more aerial battles, having the tools to star out of possession for the Whites.

£30m for a player of his quality in today’s market is an absolute bargain, with the 27-year-old having the experience to thrive in such a division should he return to England.

It remains unclear whether he would be open to a switch to Elland Road, but Farke and the hierarchy must work tirelessly to convince the international star to move to Yorkshire this summer.

He'd be Farke's own Jansson: Leeds preparing bid for "monstrous" talent

Leeds United are set to make a move for a star who could become a fan favourite at Elland Road.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025

West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign a “phenomenon” for Graham Potter in a £25m transfer, according to one journalist.

West Ham transfer rumours after big 2024/25 spending spree

It is fair to say that the Hammers didn’t live up to expectations in the 2024/25 Premier League season, finishing 14th with 43 points from 38 games.

That came after a big spending spree in the summer under the guidance of ex-technical director Tim Steiden and former boss Julen Lopetegui. They also brought in Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton in the January transfer window after parting ways with Lopetegui and bringing in Potter.

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Mohamadou Kante

Paris FC

Undisclosed

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

Carlos Soler

PSG

Loan transfer

Evan Ferguson

Brighton

Loan transfer

This summer, the Irons may have to look at sales alongside signings, with teenage striker Daniel Cummings already agreeing to join the club from Celtic on July 1.

Mohammed Kudus is the West Ham star who is being linked with a move away from the London Stadium, being offered to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

In discussions between the Hammers and their London rivals, West Ham asked about the availability of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, a player Potter knows well from his time at Brighton.

West Ham now racing to sign 24 G/A midfielder who's "out of this world"

The Hammers are now in a straight shoot-out with a rival Premier League club for the signature of a goal-scoring midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025

A new shot-stopper to replace the departing Lukasz Fabianski and rival Alphonse Areola is therefore on the to-do list, and an update has emerged on West Ham’s pursuit of Aaron Ramsdale.

West Ham “favourites to sign” £25m Ramsdale

Talking to TBR Football, journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update on Ramsdale’s future with a move expected following Southampton’s relegation.

As well as stating the goalkeeper’s £25m release clause, Bailey said that West Ham like the keeper “a lot” and named the Irons as “favourites to sign” Ramsdale ahead of Leeds United and Newcastle United.

On £120,000-a-week at St Mary’s, Ramsdale, called a “phenomenon” by Ian Wright during his time at Arsenal, would bring plenty of top-flight experience to the London Stadium.

However, the Englishman has been relegated from the Premier League on three separate occasions. In 2020, Ramsdale went down with Bournemouth and a year later, suffered the same fate with Sheffield United.

Should West Ham secure his services, they’ll be hoping it’s not four relegations come the summer of 2026.

After their looming Conference League final, Enzo Maresca can turn his full attention to the summer transfer window, with Chelsea sealing their spot in the Champions League for next season and their 2024/2025 Premier League campaign drawing to a close in excellent fashion.

Chelsea seal top five Premier League finish as summer work begins

In the build up to their crucial 1-0 win away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, much was made about the importance of sealing all three points and confirming their place in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Talks held: Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign £67m striker before Arsenal get to him

The Blues are giving Mikel Arteta serious competition.

ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025

Not only does it represent a significant milestone when it comes to Maresca’s debut season in the dugout, but the riches that come with competing in the Champions League in terms of revenue and overall player-pull also cannot be understated.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

Maresca suggested back in April that Chelsea’s European status would impact their recruitment strategy this summer, but the Italian and Stamford Bridge officials can now rest easy in the knowledge that they go into the next transfer window in a very strong position to attract their desired targets.

The signing of a prolific striker is perhaps their most important potential deal of the summer, with many high-profile names already linked ahead of the first mini-window, which opens from June 1 to June 10 and allows Chelsea to register new players before their Club World Cup campaign.

According to journalist Simon Phillips this week, Chelsea have held talks over signing RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, with Arsenal and Maresca’s side both pushing hard for his signature. However, the Slovenian is by no means their only option.

Links to Napoli outcast and Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen have re-emerged recently, following the club’s well-documented attempts to sign the Nigerian last summer (Fabrizio Romano), which ultimately fell through.

Osimhen remains keen on a move to Chelsea nearly a year later, with Phillips sharing another update on their striker hunt involving the 26-year-old.

Victor Osimhen waiting to see if Chelsea contact him about a summer move

According to the journalist, Osimhen is currently waiting to see if Chelsea contact him about a summer move again, as he looks to discover if the west Londoners are in fact interested in a deal for the £172,000-per-week striker.

“Victor Osimhen to Chelsea is far from over,” wrote Phillips on Sunday.

“The player is awaiting to see whether Chelsea get UCL football and whether getting it means they will be back in touch with him about a move this summer, and Chelsea are still weighing up pushing for him again.”

With Champions League football now secured, the ball is firmly in Chelsea’s court, and there is every reason to believe the ex-Lille star would be an exceptional signing for Maresca.

Osimhen has torn the Süper Lig to shreds during his temporary stint in Turkey, bagging 36 goals and eight assists in all competitions, with ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel also desperate for BlueCo to bring him in.

“Victor has been on fire, unplayable sometimes. Unplayable. Scoring goals, creating chances, everything he does this season has been absolutely fantastic,” said the pundit on his Obi-One podcast last week.

“So for me, like I’ve said, and I’ve always said: this is a player that wins you trophies. This is a player that puts you in the top 4. This is a player that is reliable. He will get you goals. I don’t want to see him at PSG, I don’t want to see him at Manchester United, I don’t want to see him at Arsenal. He’s tailor-made for us [Chelsea].”

Osimhen’s release clause will be around £63 million from July, so he remain a very interesting option.

Getting one over on their rivals and putting their Champions League place to good use, Newcastle United could now reportedly beat Aston Villa to one Ligue 1 defender this summer.

UCL qualification key for Newcastle this summer

From easing their PSR concerns to helping to keep hold of key players and attracting just as important upgrades, to say that Champions League qualification will prove to be vital for Newcastle this summer would be an understatement. The Magpies didn’t do it the easy way, but their place among Europe’s elite was secured on the final day of the Premier League season nonetheless.

Liverpool (C)

84

45

Arsenal

74

35

Man City

71

28

Chelsea

69

21

Newcastle

66

21

Aston Villa

66

7

Nottingham Forest

65

12

Edging past Aston Villa on goal difference despite losing to Everton on the final day, the feeling around St James’ Park at full-time last weekend would have been major relief combined with the job of what awaits next season.

Eddie Howe had his say on the impact that Champions League qualification is likely to make on Newcastle’s summer transfer window, telling reporters: “Difficult to say on numbers, but I do think it’s a window that we have to be active in and I’m sure we will be.

“We haven’t recruited strongly in three windows and I think eventually, that can catch up with you in the end if you continue not to change because change is an important part of the squad dynamic.

“I think we feel that and I think we potentially felt that last summer as well, so I think that’s why the players have done so well to carry the success through. Yes, it is going to be a big transfer window.”

When Newcastle’s recruitment will get underway with that said remains to be seen, but reports have already been coming thick and fast as to who could arrive this summer.

Newcastle could hijack Aston Villa's Murillo move

According to El Marcador’s José Miguel Domínguez, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle could now hijack Aston Villa’s attempts to sign Amir Murillo from Marseille with an offer of their own, using their Champions League qualification as a major advantage, a competition Murillo wants to play in next season.

The Villans have already reportedly seen offers rejected for the right-back, which could allow the Magpies to come swooping in and match Marseille’s reported €25m (£21m) valuation.

The journalist said that the defender is keen to remain at Marseille due to Champions League football being on offer, but that is something that Newcastle can also provide and are expected to make a bid.

“The player’s desire, as of today, is to continue at Marseille because he plays in the Champions League. However, a siren call and a formal offer from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, who were very close to playing in the Champions League and will be playing in the Europa League. Another team, Newcastle, is expected to submit a formal offer for him in the coming days. Be careful, because they do play in the Champions League.”

He'd be incredible with Isak: Newcastle prepare bid for "deadly" £60m star

Newcastle are looking to make some impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 30, 2025

It is a valuation that Marseille are in a strong position to demand too, after Murillo put pen to paper on a new which could keep him at the club until 2028 back in March. It was then that manager Roberto De Zerbi was full of praise for his defender, telling reporters whilst also acknowledging Murillo’s injury: “Yes, first of all, I am very happy about the extension of his contract, because he has earned it.

“You have to recognise the work of people who do good things. At the moment, he is having a very good season, and we are all really happy for him. But yes, it is a problem, because Murillo has unique characteristics.”

Leeds United’s forward line has led them to huge success in the Championship throughout the 2024/25 campaign, helping Daniel Farke’s side claim the league title.

The Whites registered a staggering tally of 95 goals in their 46 league outings, an average of 2.1 per game – by far and away the highest tally in the division.

Striker Joel Piroe claimed the Golden Boot last time around, netting 19 times in his 46 appearances, finishing one goal ahead of Norwich City talisman Borja Sainz.

However, if Farke’s side are to have any chance of securing Premier League survival next campaign, they will need to invest in the playing squad to bridge the gap between the two divisions.

The centre-forward position in particular has already seen numerous players linked, including multiple players who are already plying their trade in England’s top flight.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of a new striker

Richarlison has been one name thrown into the mix to join Leeds this summer, after struggling to nail down a regular starting role at Tottenham Hotspur in recent years.

The Brazilian has started just four league games this campaign, notching four goals for Ange Postecoglou’s men, in what has been a disappointing campaign for Spurs.

Jamie Vardy is another player linked with a switch to Elland Road this summer, after announcing he would be departing Leicester City when his current contract at the King Power expires.

The 38-year-old has spent the last 13 years of his career with the Foxes, registering 199 goals – potentially offering Farke’s side an experienced and Premier League-proven option in attacking areas.

However, despite the links to the aforementioned talents in recent weeks, another player in England’s top-flight has also been touted with a move, but the club would be better off looking elsewhere, given their respective stats.

Why one Leeds target would be a better signing than Beto

Everton striker Beto is one of the latest names on the list of targets for Leeds over the last couple of weeks, as the manager looks to bolster the options at his disposal.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Toffees for £30m in the summer of 2023, has been inconsistent at Goodison Park, often being in and out of the side and sharing the role with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

However, he’s still managed to register eight league goals throughout 2024/25, potentially being a reasonable option for the Whites, should they land him at a competitive price.

Despite the interest in the former Udinese star, Farke should be pursuing a move for fellow target Troy Parrott, with the Irishman undoubtedly a better option.

The 23-year-old, who currently plies his trade for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, has emerged as a target in recent weeks, but he may not come cheap consider some reports suggest the Dutch outfit won’t accept offers below at least £21m.

He’s registered a staggering 20 goals in his 45 appearances across all competitions this campaign, excelling in his first season at his current employers.

However, his impressive figures don’t stop there, massively outperforming Beto with his underlying stats, highlighting why he would be a better option this summer.

Games played

28

28

Goals & assists

16

8

Progressive carries

1.3

0.7

Goals per shot-on-target

0.4

0.3

Pass accuracy

70%

56%

Shot-creating actions

2.7

1.3

Passes into the final third

0.9

0.4

Parrott, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former boss Ryan Lowe, has also notched a higher goal per shot-on-target rate than the Everton ace – further highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also completed more passes this season, whilst making more passes into the final third, handing the other attackers at Elland Road the opportunity to bolster their own tallies.

Their interest in his signature has been reiterated in recent weeks, but so far, it’s unclear how much a deal for the Spurs academy graduate would set them back this summer.

However, there’s no denying that the hierarchy should be pursuing a move for his signature over Beto’s, with the 21-year-old having bags of time to continue his development and be a potential star in Yorkshire.

He'd be Farke's next Buendia: Leeds make enquiry to sign special £35m star

Leeds United have already wasted no time in making a move to land one Premier League star this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2025

Manchester United chiefs are now weighing up whether to sign a £42 million striker instead of Viktor Gyokeres, according to a new report.

Ruben Amorim wants to strengthen the spine of his Man Utd team

It wouldn’t be a surprise to many Man United supporters if the club had a major clear-out this summer and moved several players on, given the poor campaign in domestic competition. Selling players would allow United to enter the transfer market and bring in replacements who fit the criteria of what Ruben Amorim wants at Old Trafford.

Man Utd set to open contract talks with 18 y/o gem who has impressed Amorim

United now want to tie down a young player to a new contract after impressing in recent weeks.

ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025

Signing a new goalkeeper may not have been a real priority a few months ago, but given the inconsistent performances of Andre Onana, a new number one appears high on United’s list heading into the summer.

Onana is being linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, and as a replacement, United have already made contact with Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic over a return to Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old was in United’s academy a few years ago but failed to make a first-team appearance; now Amorim has set his sights on bringing him back.

As well as looking for a new goalkeeper, the Red Devils also want to strengthen their options at centre-back, and it’s been reported that the Premier League side have held talks over signing Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen. The Germany international is set to become a free agent, and United are now the latest team to show interest in signing him.

Man Utd consider cheaper move for Moise Kean

But the most important position the Red Devils need to address this summer is the forward line, and according to Footmercato, Man Utd are now considering signing Fiorentina striker Moise Kean this summer.

The report states that United chiefs have now added Kean to their transfer shortlist for a new striker, with Victor Osimhen, Liam Delap and Gyokeres already on the list. It claims that Kean is seen as a more ‘profitable profile’ and a ‘major asset’. That is because the former Everton striker has a release clause worth €50 million (£42 million) which becomes active in the first two weeks of July, and could likely be sold for more than that down the line if he performs well.

Kean, who is under contract at Fiorentina until 2029, is thus seen as a cheaper option by the Red Devils, as Gyokeres would likely cost in the region of £60 million plus, as that is reportedly what Chelsea have already bid for the Sweden international.

For United, signing Gyokeres may be even more difficult to do should they not win the Europa League and therefore not qualify for the Champions League, as the player wants to continue playing at the highest level.

Kean

Gyokeres

Apps

49

64

Goals

17

67

Assists

3

16

United are keeping their options open and have now added Kean to their shortlist, who has had an impressive campaign in Italy, scoring 17 goals in 30 Serie A appearances, as well as a further three in the UEFA Conference League.

However, this would be a risky signing by United, as the last time Kean was in the Premier League, he scored just two goals in 32 league appearances. This is not a return United need or want, so given how many goals Gyokeres has scored in Portugal over a number of seasons, signing Kean would be a huge gamble for the Red Devils despite whatever financial advantage it gains.