It’s been coming. Liverpool have enjoyed the most incredible of campaigns, FSG hitting the jackpot with their appointment of Arne Slot, but in keeping with the yearly routine, the season has produced a bitter pill for the fanbase to swallow.

Last year, it was a tired Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down after nearly nine illustrious years at the helm. 12 months earlier, Liverpool waved goodbye to Bobby Firmino, with the core of Anfield’s midfield all departing too.

Now, Trent Alexander-Arnold has decided to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract this summer, and while it hasn’t been set in stone, he will sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Why Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool

Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool journey has been synonymous with the club’s ascension under Klopp’s wing. The German gaffer birthed Trent onto the senior stage, handing him his debut across every competition for the Reds.

He’s won it all, but the 26-year-old’s decision to leave Liverpool and the peak of their (and his) powers is something that many fans aren’t going to be able to accept.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool Career by Competition
Competition	Apps	Goals	Assists
Premier League	257	18	67
Champions League	60	2	13
FA Cup	13	1	3
Carabao Cup	10	0	6
Europa League	5	0	2
Club World Cup	2	0	1
CL Qualifying	2	0	1
Community Shield	2	1	0
UEFA Super Cup	1	0	0
Stats via Transfermarkt

FSG did everything in their power to keep him on the books, reportedly offered him a healthy upgrade on his £180k-per-week contract, showcased an ambitious plan led by Slot, whose tactical grasp Trent has been dazzled by.

In the end, he just wanted to leave.

We could pick at it all day but the truth is that Alexander-Arnold feels he has given two decades of his life to his football club and won the lot. He believes that this is the right time for a change, and Real Madrid usually get what they want.

Sky Sports have even suggested that playing in Los Blancos white is something of a lifelong ambition for the England international, whose sights have likely been set on a move for a few years now, in one way or another.

Sporting director Richard Hughes will take his time in working with Slot and deciding on the best route forward at right-back. For now, though, he is looking to sign another defender nice and swiftly.

Liverpool lining up new defender

The Premier League champions are gearing up for a big summer, and the perfect way to put Alexander-Arnold’s decision in the background would be to win the race for Dean Huijsen.

Bournemouth’s star centre-back has been one of the breakthrough stars of the season, thriving on the South Coast. He has a £50m release clause in his contract and is being pursued by all of England’s heaviest hitters.

Certain reports have suggested Chelsea have the edge but according to Fabrizio Romano, the race is very much on, and Liverpool are in need of a new up-and-coming defensive star.

Why Dean Huijsen could be a bigger talent than Trent

Huijsen hasn’t been in the Premier League for long, but he’s already being head-hunted by the best of the best and this is all down to his performances on the pitch.

How Juventus must regret their decision to sell the 20-year-old to Bournemouth in a £15m deal last summer, for he has featured prominently in a Cherries side chasing Europe, with journalist Henry Winter even noting that he “shackled [Alexander] Isak on ground and in the air” back in January.

Sofascore record that Huijsen has won 61% of his aerial battles in the Premier League this season, also averaging 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game, so it’s clear he’s able to produce the goods against the best of the best with consistency. One analyst has already declared that he’s going to be “world-class” in the coming years.

His latest showstopping game, a 2-1 win over Arsenal away from home, highlighted many of the qualities that have piqued the interest of so many clubs, notably scoring the equalising goal.

It was a statement display, not just the architect of the Emirates fall through his headed goal, but an all-round display that negated much of the Gunners’ attacking play.

A big-game player, dynamic as they come, Huijsen is already demonstrating an ability that could see him slot right into Liverpool’s starting line-up, fostering his talents over the coming years to eventually become an even bigger star than Alexander-Arnold.

With some suggesting that he has everything he needs to become “the ultimate modern-day centre back,” Huijsen could actually rise to an even higher level than Alexander-Arnold, should he make the move to Liverpool.

That’s not actually to detract from the Three Lions star’s skill set: Trent is a one-of-a-kind player, with a celestial range of passing that has been so important across a sustained period of success at Anfield.

But Huijsen, too, is showing himself to be a unique player. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 7% of defenders in the Premier League this season for goal contributions, the top 16% for progressive passes, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for blocks and clearances per 90.

It’s not difficult to see why Liverpool (and all the rest) have a vested interest in securing his services as he steps toward footballing maturity.

Surpassing Alexander-Arnold’s legacy would take quite an effort from a young Spaniard like Huijsen (born in the Netherlands), but the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have already arrived as foreigners and established themselves as heroes for the ages.

Huijsen could repeat the trick, outstripping Alexander-Arnold in doing so.

Better than Rogers: Liverpool could see £65m bid accepted for 18-goal star

Liverpool are in the market for new forwards this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 5, 2025

While they were less successful on the trophy front than the current Tottenham Hotspur team, it would be fair to say the side Mauricio Pochettino built was the best the club has seen in the modern era.

From front to back, the team was filled with simply sensational players who really should have won at least a couple of major honours during their time in North London.

The likes of Harry Kane and a younger Son Heung-min would give opposition defenders nightmares, while Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld did the same to opposition attackers.

However, arguably, the most talented player in that squad was Mousa Dembélé, and now it looks like Ange Postecoglou might be brewing his own version of the Belgian.

Mousa Dembélé's Spurs career

Dembélé joined Tottenham in the summer of 2012 from fellow Premier League side Fulham for a fee of just £15m, which, in retrospect, has to be looked at as one of the deals of the century.

It didn’t take long at all for the former Cottagers star to settle into life with the Lilywhites, scoring his first goal for the club on his debut – a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich City.

He finished his first campaign in North London with two goals and five assists to his name in 44 appearances, and while he looked the part, he only improved when Pochettino took charge ahead of the following season.

Under the Argentine, the Antwerpen-born titan became the all-action “monster,” as dubbed by Eric Dier, that he’s remembered as today.

It was practically impossible to get the ball off of him, and if he didn’t have it, you could be sure that he’d do everything he could to win it off the opposition – usually to great success.

The 37-year-old icon was the engine of that Spurs side, and to say his teammates appreciated him would be a massive understatement, with Kyle Walker once describing him as “the best player I’ve ever seen play football” and Harry Kane simply calling him “incredible.”

After making 249 appearances for the club, in which he scored ten goals and provided ten assists, the midfield maestro finally left in January 2019 to join the Chinese Super League.

Dembélé’s Spurs career

Appearances

249

Starts

181

Minutes

16115′

Goals

10

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.08

Minutes per Goal Involvement

805.75

All Stats via Transfermarkt

However, some of his teammates would have liked him to stay for the rest of that season, as Kieran Trippier would later claim that Spurs could have won the Champions League with him still in the side.

He might have done what the club’s new Dembélé did for them against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

The Spurs star becoming their new Dembélé

Okay, so the first thing to say here is that we aren’t arguing that anyone in the current Spurs squad is as good a player as Dembélé was, as that would be absurd.

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However, there is one youngster who starred on Wednesday night and has some of the characteristics that could see him develop into the team’s modern version of the Belgian: Pape Matar Sarr.

The Senegalese international joined Tottenham under Nuno Espírito Santo’s reign for around £14.6m, and after spending the 2021/22 season on loan with the French side, made his way to North London, where he has continued to develop since.

Much like the club’s former number 19, the 22-year-old is primarily a central midfielder but has the ability and flexibility to play in defensive midfield and, even on occasion, slightly further up the pitch.

In terms of his style of play, the “sensational” dynamo, as dubbed by Spurs content creator tehTrunk, is constantly on the move, be that darting forward to help out in attacks or covering ground to help out the defence, and while he’s not quite as safe on the ball, you’d have described the former Lilywhites star in a similar way.

We saw all of these characteristics in Bilbao, with Spurs writer Alasdair Gold awarding him a 9/10 match rating at full-time for his ‘constantly running display’ and how well he did ‘to break up United’s play.’

Ultimately, while we would never say Sarr is on the same level as Dembélé, we do think there are parts of his game that are quite similar, and with another few years of development, he could get close.

Related Spurs' 18-year-old "monster" is going to be better than Romero & Van de Ven

The tremendously exciting youngster could be special for Spurs.

Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 23, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers managed to enjoy a comfortable end to the campaign and have now made an approach to bring a talented youngster to Molineux this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Wolves transfer rumours with Cunha set to join Man Utd

The Old Gold spent a portion of the campaign flirting with relegation from the Premier League. However, Vitor Pereira made sure that no such thoughts managed to enter their psyche in the West Midlands and secured safety with plenty of time to spare.

Thanking supporters for their crucial role in backing the team, the Portuguese boss has promised to add to his Wolves squad this summer to ensure a repeat scenario doesn’t unfold next term.

He stated: “Our supporters, they are fantastic. I’m very proud of them, very proud of my team, proud of our work, proud of our club, all the staff, all the efforts that everybody did to finish the league in the situation that we know we can build on in the future.”

Matheus Cunha may be on his way to Manchester United, though Pereira has already profiled Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss as an ideal Wolves replacement for the Brazil international.

A bid of around £22 million should be enough to entice him away from the King Power Stadium, and he is far from the only star lined up at Molineux now the window is around the corner.

Offer made: Wolves submit bid for £42m star who "never puts a foot wrong"

The Old Gold have now made a move for a defender.

ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

Lazio defender Mario Gila could also pitch up at Wolves if they can see off competition from Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion for his signature.

Plenty of movement is underway as the Old Gold build for next season, and they have now reportedly made an approach for a highly-rated talent.

Romano: Wolves make approach for Liverpool's Kieran Morrison

Taking to social media platform X, renowned transfer specialist Romano has reported that Wolves have made an approach for “highly rated” Liverpool winger Kieran Morrison.

Said to be on their shortlist, there is also competition from around Europe for his signature as the summer window kicks off in earnest.

Capable of operating out wide or in a central role, the Northern Ireland Under-19 international has registered five goals and six assists in 27 appearances for Liverpool’s youth development squad this season.

It feels unlikely that Morrison would immediately become a first-team figure at Molineux, though his versatility and scope to develop would be an attracting commodity looking towards the future.

Under contract at Anfield until 2027, it remains to be seen what type of fee he could command if he were to leave the Merseyside giants. However, it may be worth noting that a sale would likely count as pure profit for Liverpool, indicating that a move could go through before the PSR deadline.

Rangers are now eyeing a move for a “tactically astute” manager who plays “really good football” as a replacement for interim boss Barry Ferguson, according to a report.

Gers' manager search continues

Initially, there were some suggestions that Ferguson could be handed the manager’s job on a permanent basis, but it is now looking increasingly likely the new boss will be an outside here, with a number of potential options on the shortlist.

A major update has suggested that Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti could now be rising up the shortlist, with the Gers submitting an offer for the Italian, who is the son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Steven Gerrard also remains a contender for the job, alongside Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl, while Rafa Benitez and Marco Rose have previously been named as potential targets, so there is no shortage of options on the shortlist.

Rangers have sent scouts to watch 19 y/o attacker with tiny release clause

He could be seen as one for the future for the Gers.

By
Henry Jackson

May 11, 2025

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers are also eyeing a move for former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil alongside Ancelotti, with the board looking to bring in a progressive coach, capable of implementing a modern, attacking style of play.

The 49ers are looking to get a new era underway at Ibrox, which means a move for Gerrard may not be likely, although the former Liverpool man is still under consideration, alongside O’Neil, given the tactical work on show during his time with Wolves.

The 41-year-old is seen as an innovative coach, who would fit the bill for the Gers, given that he would be capable of implementing a clear style of play at Ibrox, and while he would prefer to remain in England, the opportunity to manage a big club in Europe could be tempting.

"Tactically astute" O'Neil could be solid appointment

While the Englishman was ultimately dismissed by Wolves earlier this season, there were some promising signs during his stint at Molineux, having received high praise from Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, who described him as “tactically astute.”

The ex-Wolves boss was also lauded for the style of play he implemented by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who said: “The way he has come in and galvanised the club with Shaun Derry and everything behind the scenes, it’s been great with what they have done and they’re playing some really good football.”

The London-born manager, who prefers to utilise a 3-4-2-1 formation, led Wolves to safety in his first season in charge, while also securing survival for AFC Bournemouth in the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

O’Neil’s experience in the English top flight could serve him well in the Rangers dugout, but he is yet to manage a top club competing in the upper echelons of the table, so there may be some reservations about his appointment.

Form Virgil van Dijk to Alan Hansen, Liverpool have had some of the greatest centre-backs of all time, but striker Chris Wood once revealed the toughest defender he’s ever faced is not one of their decorated legends.

The role of the enforcer in football has changed as the game has changed, with referees nowadays taking a much sterner view on two-footed tackles and late challenges.

‘Let them know you’re there’ was once a common phrase used in football dressing rooms up and down Britain, whether it be Sunday league or the Premier League, as dominant centre-backs and tough-tackling midfielders used intimidation as a tactic.

Premier League's toughest players in pictures

For Liverpool, those tackles were often performed by the likes of Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano, with former Manchester United winger Nani once revealing why a tackle by Carragher left him in tears: “When I saw my leg for the first time, I thought my season was finished. That is why I was crying.

“Afterwards, the doctor saw my leg and said I had been lucky because it just needed stitches and I would be out for two or three weeks. He is surprised that I could recover even quicker.”

The Sky Sports pundit only received a yellow card for the tackle on Nani, which in today’s game would have been met with a straight red and a hefty ban.

10. Diego Costa

9. Jaap Stam

8. Vinnie Jones

7. David Batty

6. Stuart Pearce

5. Patrick Vieira

4. Nemanja Vidic

3. Roy Keane

2. Julian Dicks

1. Duncan Ferguson

Towards the end of Carragher’s Liverpool career the Reds signed several centre-backs with a view of becoming his successor, and perhaps one of the most beloved by fans was a 23 year-old from Slovakia called Martin Skrtel.

Chris Wood: Skrtel the toughest defender I've ever faced

Manager Rafael Benitez was thrilled when Liverpool signed Skrtel in January 2008 for a transfer fee of £6.5m, telling fans their new defender was “aggressive” and “very competitive”.

Wood, who played against Skrtel when he was a young striker at Leicester, went one further in an interview on the Premier League’s YouTube channel in 2021. He said that for all of the legendary centre-backs to grace Anfield and the Premier League as a whole, it wasn’t greats like Van Dijk who gave him his toughest test.

Skrtel left Liverpool in 2016 to sign for Fenerbahçe, and despite not winning many trophies during his time on Merseyside, is remembered fondly by Liverpool fans.

20 Best Centre-Backs in Premier League History Ranked

Where does Virgil van Dijk rank?

ByCharlie Smith May 9, 2025

The former Slovakia international played 320 times for Liverpool, scoring 18 goals and winning the League Cup in the 2011-12 season. Interesingly, despite being yellow carded 51 times, he only ever received one red card in England, as he was sent off in a 4-0 defeat at Tottenham in September 2011.

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.

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal have held initial talks over signing an exciting forward over Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with sporting director Andrea Berta eyeing more than one winger for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal targeting left-winger and right-winger this summer

The north Londoners, as per recent reports, are considering the possibility of signing a left-winger and an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side (GiveMeSport).

Arsenal make £10m-per-year offer to "top" Barcelona and Real Madrid target

The Gunners want to get in ahead of La Liga’s top two sides.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 21, 2025

Leandro Trossard is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates, while it is believed by some sectors that Arsenal could sell Gabriel Martinelli if they receive a suitable offer for the Brazilian.

Saka, meanwhile, is Arteta’s superstar player and has been for years, but the England international won’t always be fit and available, as highlighted by his few months spent out with injury midway through the 2024/2025 campaign.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0

His absence was a sore blow for Arsenal, who struggled to cope without his output in the final third, and Arteta will be keen to avoid a similar scenario next season.

This has prompted Berta to weigh up his options for the wide area, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting this week that they’ve suddenly become contenders to sign Rodrygo from Real.

According to Plettenberg, Arsenal are seriously discussing the possibility of signing the 24-year-old Brazilian behind-closed-doors, and a potential deal is described as “on”.

While the South American would undoubtedly add quality to Arteta’s ranks, having racked up 13 goals and a further 10 assists in all competitions, Rodrygo would also be a very pricey option.

His price tag is rumoured to be north of £100 million, so it is definitely wise for Berta to consider alternatives.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams

A name very familiar to Arsenal supporters by now, and one who’s been taking Europe by storm these last two seasons, is that of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams.

Edu was repeatedly linked with a swoop for the 22-year-old last summer, and reports suggest that new Arsenal transfer chief Berta remains in pursuit of Williams. The Italian held talks with his representatives in one of his “first acts” as director (Ed Aarons), with Romano now sharing an update on their hunt for the Spain international.

The reliable journalist claims Arsenal have made contact with Bilbao over signing Williams, opening some initial talks to gauge the overall cost of a potential deal, with salary, commission fees and other outlays to consider on top of his £49 million release clause.

“Chelsea and Arsenal love Nico Williams and have made contacts to understand how much the whole package will be,” said Romano.

“In recent years, it has been very expensive. €58m clause, taxes, salary and commissions.”

While the Spain international currently takes home around £170,000-per-week, some are suggesting that he wants north of £400,000-per-week at his potential new club, which would make him Arsenal’s highest earner.

Williams played a key role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024 last year, bagging 19 assists in all competitions for Bilbao at club level, and he’s rediscovered some of that electric over the second half of 2024/2025.

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

Sunderland are now “increasingly likely” to complete the signing of a defender in the summer transfer window, according to a promising transfer update.

Le Bris bullish about Sunderland's summer

The Black Cats are still basking in the glory of being promoted back to the Premier League from the Championship amid joyous scenes at Wembley last month. Regis Le Bris made it clear that he is already focusing on new signings, however, saying how he expects the summer to pan out at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland have been linked with a move for young Liverpool striker Jayden Danns, with talks even reportedly held over a move to the club. The Englishman joined the Black Cats on loan in January, but a back injury put paid to his chances of even playing a single minute.

Elsewhere, former defender Wes Brown has also talked up Sunderland’s chances of bringing Jordan Henderson back to his old club: “Going back to Sunderland would make sense. He’d understand that he might not play every week, but when needed, definitely show the heart.”

Sunderland "increasingly likely" to sign defender

According to Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Sunderland are now “increasingly likely” to have a chance of signing Reims defender Cedric Kipre, as he expects to leave his current club this summer. Le Bris is thought to consider the 28-year-old a “serious option” for his side, no doubt knowing that he needs to bolster his defence ahead of the return to the Premier League.

Kipre is a player who already has a wealth of experience in British football, having racked up a total of 206 appearances in the Championship and Scottish Premiership combined after leaving PSG’s academy, during spells with the likes of Wigan Athletic, West Brom, Cardiff City and Motherwell.

He won the Baggies Supporters’ Player of the Season award in 2023/24, starting all 46 matches in the Championship and averaging 3.6 clearances and 2.3 aerial duel wins per game in the competition that year.

This all highlights what a strong option Kipre could be for Sunderland, even though he hasn’t yet played in the Premier League, with his experience of Ligue 1 no doubt helping him.

Sunderland to hold talks over move for "brilliant" Premier League forward

The Black Cats are making moves ahead of their top-flight return.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 1, 2025

The Ivorian could provide great competition for minutes to the likes of Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien, potentially even being a starter from the off, and the fact that his exit from Reims looks likely could only be a good thing for the Black Cats.

It’s all change at Tottenham Hotspur at the moment.

Despite leading the club to their third European title in the Europa League last month and ending their almost two-decade trophy drought, Ange Postecoglou was officially given the boot on Friday afternoon.

While this is undoubtedly a divisive decision among the fanbase, it’s not hard to see why it was made, as the Australian oversaw just 11 wins out of a possible 38 in the Premier League this term.

Interestingly, while no announcement has been made just yet, it is looking increasingly likely that the man to replace Ange will be Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and that could be very good news indeed for a certain youngster in the squad.

Spurs' winners and losers under Frank

Before getting to the player in question, let’s take a look at some of the potential winners and losers at Spurs under a possible Frank tenure, starting with those who might not be so lucky, like Brennan Johnson.

Now, it might sound mad to suggest that the club’s top scorer this season could be in trouble next year, but if Frank is able to convince the board to sign Bryan Mbeumo, as reports suggest he’s trying to, then there is every chance the Welshman’s game time would dramatically decrease.

Likewise, it could be the end of the road for Yves Bissouma, becuase as well as he played in the club’s Europa League run, he’s shown himself to be a liability in the league time and time again.

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You only need to look at games like Fulham away, when he was hooked at halftime and given a 3/10 match rating by Alasdair Gold, or at home against Chelsea when he lost his head and gave away a needless penalty.

However, it’s most certainly not all doom and gloom, as there are more than a few players we think could flourish under the Danish manager, such as Lucas Bergvall.

The 19-year-old was incredible for much of this season and even won the club’s Player of the Year award.

So, when he recovers from his injury, it’s not inconceivable to imagine him taking yet more steps forward under Frank.

Likewise, while Dominic Solanke wasn’t exactly prolific, he’s been one of the club’s hardest-working attackers this season and an integral part of the frontline.

Therefore, under a manager who helped turn Brentford into a lean, mean goalscoring machine, we could see him turn the former Bournemouth man into a seriously dangerous striker.

There is another Spurs ace who could become something really quite special under the incoming boss, someone he wanted to sign in West London.

The Spurs gem Frank could transform

If you were following Tottenham’s transfer dealings last summer, then you’ll have probably worked out that the player in question is none other than Archie Gray.

Before making his way to North London, the former Leeds United gem looked destined to join Brentford, with reports in late June claiming that the player had agreed personal terms with the Bees and was set to have a medical.

However, the Lilywhites swooped in and picked up the incredibly talented youngster for around £30m just a few days later.

While he missed out on him last summer, we can only imagine that Frank is just as excited, if not more, about the teenager’s potential now and the chance to finally work with him.

There are a few reasons why we think the Dane could help turn the 19-year-old ace into the “future £100m” superstar that data analyst Ben Mattinson claimed he could be.

The first is that after spending this season being moved around here, there, and everywhere, there is a real chance for the Durham-born midfielder to actually play in, well, midfield.

Moreover, while he didn’t spend a whole lot of time there in 24/25, he was still able to produce some fairly impressive underlying numbers for someone so young.

Shots on Target %

100.0%

Top 1%

Shots Blocked

0.73

Top 4%

Clearances

2.81

Top 5%

Passes Completed (Medium)

28.09

Top 7%

Pass Completion % (Medium)

92.8%

Top 10%

Progressive Passing Distance

285.69

Top 13%

Dead-ball Passes

4.86

Top 13%

Carries

45.28

Top 13%

For example, according to FBref, he sits in the 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for percentage of shots on target, the top 4% for shots blocked, the top 5% for clearances, the top 7% for medium passes completed, the top 13% for progressive passing distance, carries and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it’ll take some time for the “sensational” prospect, as dubbed by one analyst, to reach his full potential, we have no doubt that Frank will be a brilliant manager for Gray to do it under.

He's another Bergvall: Spurs enter race to sign "extraordinary" wonderkid

The promising youngster could be a star at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 7, 2025